Collection AR92 - Croydon Industrial Chaplaincy Records

The Croydon Industrial Chaplaincy was formed in 1950, on the initiative of Bishop Cuthbert Bardsley, to work for the 'advancement of the Christian Religion in industry'. It was originally known as the Bishop of Croydon's Industrial Chaplaincy; but from the late 1960s was more usually called simply Croydon Industrial Chaplaincy. Although established under the auspices of the Church of England, it was not attached to a particular parish, and was intended to be non-denominational in character (in 1978 it acquired a United Reformed Church chaplain). The Chaplaincy was initially supported entirely by subscriptions and donations from businesses and individuals (an arrangement apparently unique among industrial chaplaincies); but from 1964 it became increasingly dependent on Church of England funding.

There was one full-time chaplain 1950-1967; two 1967-1979; and one again for the last few months in 1979. From 1960, a number of other local clergy also assisted on a part-time basis. The number of companies belonging to the scheme varied, but there were normally around 25. The chaplains undertook a programme of regular visits to the factories and shops of member companies; some pastoral work (visits to the sick etc); and events such as the Industrial Harvest Festival, held regularly from 1952 onwards. The work of the Chaplaincy was overseen by a small Committee, with the Bishop of Croydon as President. In 1969 an advisory Council was also established, to which all member companies could send delegates, but this seems to have ceased to meet after 1971. The Chaplaincy was wound up as a semi-autonomous body in March 1979, mainly for financial reasons. Its work, funds, and remaining chaplain (Charles Price) were taken over by the Archdeaconry of Croydon Training and Service (ACTS) Centre.

Full-time Chaplains: Rev Rex Bavington 1950-1954

Rev EC Wearne 1954-1958

Rev A Kenneth Sims 1958-1960

Rev T Roy Parsons 1960-1962

Rev Denis L Claringbull 1962-1971

Rev David Curwen 1967-1977

Rev Michael H Atkinson 1971-1979

Rev Charles EL Price 1978-1979

All the chaplains were Church of England priests, except Charles Price, who was a minister of the United Reformed Church.

Chairmen of Committee: Basil Monk 1950-1959

WG Thomas 1959-1961

Alec R Grant 1961-1964

Jack R Swift 1964-1970

Frank D Mann 1970-1973

Alec R Grant 1973-1977

Anthony Newell 1977-1979