The Church of St John the Evangelist, Kingsdown


The church of St John the Evangelist at Kingsdown was founded by William Curling in xxxx

There are several memorials to the Curling family both inside, and outside, the church.
 

 
The plaque on the left, above the porch door, reads:

BENEFACTION.

The sum of L150, invested in
the 3 per Cent. Consolidated
Bank Annuities, was bequeathed
by the late
WILLIAM CURLING ESQR
the founder of this Church.
The Interest arising therefrom
to be distributed among the Poor
of the District of St John the
Evangelist Kingsdown every
Christmas, by the Widow of the
Testator during her life and
after her decease by the Incum-
-bent and Churchwardens, for
the time being in such manner
as she or they shall think proper.

 


The plaque on the right, above the porch door, reads:

BENEFACTION.

The sum of L150, invested in
the 3 per Cent. Consolidated
Bank Annuities, was bequeathed
by
MRS CURLING, Widow
of the late
WILLIAM CURLING ESQR
the founder of this Church.
The Interest arising therefrom to be
distributed among the Poor of the
District of St John the Evangelist
Kingsdown every Christmas, by
the Incumbent and Churchwar-
-dens  for the time being, in
such manner as they
shall think proper.

 

This fine memorial to William Curling and Elizabeth, his wife, can be seen on the north side of the chancel, near to the east end of the church.

The text is shown below.


IN THE VAULT BENEATH THE CHANCEL
ARE DEPOSITED IN HOPE OF A JOYFUL RESURRECTION
THE MORTAL REMAINS OF
 WILLIAM CURLING, ESQRE.
OF THIS PARISH, WHO DIED MAY 4TH 1855
IN THE 80TH YEAR OF HIS AGE.

ERECTED AND ENDOWED AT HIS SOLE EXPENSE, THIS CHURCH
WITH THE SCHOOLROOM, AND PARSONAGE OF THIS VILLAGE,
WILL EVER FORM HIS NOBLEST MONUMENT, AND BE A
TESTIMONY TO FUTURE GENERATIONS OF HIS DESIRE FOR
THE SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF THOSE AMONG WHOM H DWELT,
AND TO WHOM HE EVER PROVED
A FATHER AND A FRIEND.

"THOU SHALT COME TO THY GRAVE IN A FULL AGE,
LIKE AS A SHOCK OF CORN COMETH IN, IN HIS SEASON." Job X XX

TO PERPETUATE HIS MEMORY,
TO POINT TO HIS EXAMPLE, AND TO OFFER THE LAST
TRIBUTE OF WELL MERITED ESTEEM, AND DEVOTED AFFECTION,
THIS TABLET IS ERECTED BY HIS WIDOW.

ALSO ELIZABETH CURLING WIDOW OF THE ABOVE NAMED
WILLIAM CURLING, ESQRE.
SHE DIED 28TH DECEMBER xxxx,
IN THE XXTH. YEAR OF HER AGE.

 

This memorial to William Curling is on the outside of the south wall of the church

IN MEMORY OF
EDWARD SPENCER CURLING
KNIGHT OF THE NETHERLANDS ORDER OF THE LION
AND UPWARDS OF 36 YEARS CONSUL
OF THAT KINGDOM FOR THE DISTRICT OF DEAL
HE DIED AT HIS RESIDENCE IN DEAL
ON THE 26TH OF MARCH 1850
IN THE 79TH YEAR OF HIS AGE
GREATLY LAMENTED BY HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS
IN WHOSE AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE
HIS NAME WILL LONG BE CHERISHED
HIS REMAINS ARE DEPOSITED IN THE
FAMILY VAULT UNDER THIS CHURCH

 

 

View of the altar and the East window
   

The north side of the chancel

   

The south side of the chancel