Worthing Herald 9th April 1927
“Archdeacon at St Matthew’s
Dedication of Enlarged Sanctuary”
An enlarged sanctuary, new communion rails and panelling and a stained-glass window, all of which add materially to the beauty of St Matthew’s Church, Worthing, were dedicated on Sunday morning before a large congregation which included Boy Scouts, Wolf Cubs and Girl Guides from the troops attached to the church. The dedication was performed by the Ven. The Archdeacon of Chichester, and the lessons were read by the Vicar the Rev. Canon C J Hollis, while the morning service was conducted by Rev G Sparrow, curate in charge.
Following the singing of two verses of the hymn “Holy Offerings, Rich and Rare” the Archdeacon dedicated the window, which is directly behind the font with the words “In the Faith of Jesus Christ our Lord, we dedicate this window to the glory of God and in memory of Elizabeth Agar, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. “
In his sermon, the Archdeacon said that they had been taking part that morning in some simple but deeply impressive ceremonies which were full of beauty and full of significance. They had first of all dedicated that beautiful window at the west end of the church, and overlooking the font. It was placed there to commemorate the life of a loyal and faithful servant of God who had now gone to her rest. A parish could have no more precious legacy than a life of faithful service to God.
(Excerpt from the Service)