Diocese of Chichester

The original rededication, held on All Saints Sunday in 1875, honoured Bishop Samuel Wilberforce, the village’s former Lord of the Manor and a noted Victorian cleric. The historic service was attended by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Archibald Campbell Tait, as well as four bishops, dozens of clergy, and the choirs of St Giles and Chichester Cathedral. To accommodate the large gathering, a special train was chartered from London Victoria to the now-closed Selham station.

This year’s celebration took place in brilliant autumn sunshine, contrasting with the heavy rain that fell during the Victorian event 150 years ago. The commemorative service began with a procession from Graffham CofE Infant School to the ancient west door of St Giles Church. Those leading the service included two bishops: Bishop Martin Warner, carrying Bishop Wilberforce’s crozier, and Bishop Humphrey Southern, Principal of Ripon College Cuddesdon. The service also featured the Archdeacon of Chichester, Tom Carpenter, and the chaplain of Seaford College, and the parish’s priest-in-charge, Revd Vivien  Turner - all joined by churchwardens, choir members, and the crucifer.

Notably, direct descendants of Bishop Wilberforce were present among the congregation, which numbered approximately 150. The church interior showcased freshly replastered and repainted walls, impressive floral arrangements, and a new stitched lectern frontal made by parish volunteers. Musical highlights included renditions of “The Church’s One Foundation” and the Sussex hymn “Jerusalem,” as well as a four-part harmony performance of Howard Goodall’s “The Lord is My Shepherd,” familiar to many as the theme from The Vicar of Dibley. Alumni of Seaford College also contributed music.

During the service, St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was read, and reference was made to the original 1875 collection of £61, valued today at nearly £9,000. After the service, parishioners attended a reception at the school hall, featuring celebratory drinks, canapés, historical displays—including a life-size reproduction of a 1597 estate map—and anniversary artwork by local children. Commemorative recipe books and tea towels were on sale. 

The church’s legacy is closely linked to Bishop Wilberforce, who became Lord of the Manor through marriage to Emily Sargent, daughter of a former rector, and was succeeded by Henry Manning, later Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster. Bishop Wilberforce, son of anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, died in 1873. His memorial included a significant fundraising effort, resulting in the renovation and expansion of St Giles designed by architect G E Street, best known for the Royal Courts of Justice. The restoration preserved much of the medieval architecture, retained historical features, and introduced stained glass windows by Clayton and Bell.

Further information about the history of St Giles Church, the Wilberforce family, and the original rededication service can be found via Graffham Parish News at bit.ly/stgiles-history.