DALE CHURCH : ITS STRUCTURAL PECULIARITIES. 189 



(7) The alterations of later times consist, firstly, of those of 

 Reformation date, to render the basement suitable for congrega- 

 tional worship, as the removal of the panels of the side screen, 

 the introduction of the stout oak benches, and the substitution of 

 a table for the altar ; secondly, the Puritan disposition of the 

 chancel, effected, perhaps, in 1632, the date of the pulpit; and 

 thirdly, the " beautifyings " of more recent times, in the shape of 

 deal pews, ugly props, and the mutilation of the upper chamber. 



Conclusion. — The thorough structural restoration of tliis 

 interesting fabric cannot be much longer staved off, nor is it 

 desirable that it should be. But it is to be hoped that the drastic 

 measures which " improved away" the old Church House will not 

 be adopted. The great aim must be to restore the fabric to its 

 Reformation condition. The roof should be re-opened — the south 

 wall of the upper chamber re-constructed to match the north one — 

 the bell restored to its original position, the paint removed that 

 now hides the rich tones of old oak — the decayed timbers replaced 

 by new — the modern pews and props that cumber the interior 

 swept away. In order that a better view of pulpit and chancel 

 may be obtained from the upper floor, the south bay should be 

 open to the eastern end of the aisle, as the north bay is to the 

 chancel, and similarly protected by a parapet. This would admit 

 of the pulpit occupying a more orthodox position. An appro- 

 priate means of access to this floor will be a difficulty. Had the 

 old Church House been acquired by the parish, it might, with 

 suitable internal modifications, have been made a valuable 

 auxiliary to the Church. With the aisle door and the one 

 into the upper chamber re-opened, and an intervening staircase 

 within the house, the question would have been settled, to say 

 nothing of a commodious vestry on the ground floor, and class- 

 rooms above. 



