Church of St John the Baptist, Old Hutton, near Kendal

HUTTON, NEAR KENDAL - The works are in progress for a new church at Hutton, near Kendal, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the old church being entirely removed as dangerous and beyond repair. Originally, the church was one of the most ancient in the diocese, but rebuilt about 100 years since, when all vestiges of the old structure disappeared. The new church will consist of a nave, 54  feet by 26  feet, without side aisles, an apsidal chancel, porch, vestry, and organ- chamber, and a belfry-spire at the southwest corner, 55  feet high. The style is the thirteenth century. Materials—the dark blue stone of the locality, and white freestone dressings, open-timbered stained roofs throughout, seats and church furniture of pitch-pine and oak; sittings for about 200. The architects are Messrs. Brade & Smales, of Kendal; Mr. John Fawcett, of Hutton, is the contractor. [Builder 10 August 1872 page 632]

The church was built at the cost of £l,250. Apart from two contributions of £25 given by Carlisle Diocese and Trinity College, Cambridge, the money was raised by local landowners and the parishioners. The foundation stone was laid on 19 June 1872 by Mary Rauthmell. Within a cavity of the stonework, a glass bottle was placed containing copies of local papers and details of the stone laying. The church was opened on 7 June 7th, 1873. [Church archives].

Reference           Builder 10 August 1872 page 632