"Just below the tramway terminus is River Church, in a pretty
churchyard; but it is a very plain structure, having been rebuilt in
1831. Before the rebuilding it was described by Ireland as: 'A
small structure containing a nave and a chancel, there being no
steeple or anything deserving of notice.' The rebuilding, which
was on the early 19th century utilitarian lines, seems to have left it
plainer still, comprised mainly of four square walls, very
substantial, but utterly devoid of ornament. It was restored in
1876 at a cost of about £700, when an aspidal chancel was added, and
the high-backed pews and a west gallery, which were a disfigurement,
were removed. The musical service of this church was, in the
beginning of the 19th century, assisted by the voices of the
paper-makers and a pitch pipe. Later, when Mr. Plater was vicar,
a barrel organ was introduced, which was noted for the monotony of its
ten tunes and the unreliability of its action. During the time
of the next vicar, the Rev. E. G. Boys, it gave place to a harmonium;
and that, in the time of the Rev. C. Morice, was superseded by an
organ. This church, as well as the paper mill and mill pond
adjoining, are in the borough of Dover."
(J.B.J.
1907)
At least one generation of my family were baptised here.
