To Dersingham Trustee (Stuart Grant): usual for the Bishop to decide on dedication. Must admit to being puzzled by the large vote for Sts Peter and Paul.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Thanking Adrian Head for the time and trouble spent in puzzling out the options for All Saints. Its a shame that legal obstacles thwart the gift of the church to the catholic community.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Sensitive to the generosity of the Diocesan Pastoral Committee and the Rector and people of Burnham. The project died quietly and the material burden of the lease made it almost inevitable that a halt would be called to the project. Thetford is going well - a larger community helps!
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Reference to the Church Commissioners' letter to Rev Isaacson. Have to withdraw from the leasing project. The terms of the lease, as his advisers say, would place too great a financial burden on a small parish. Thanks the Bishop for his sensitivity during this time and is encouraged by the close bond of friendship and understanding between the two communities at Burnham Market.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Apoligise for the delay in replying - have been in Rome, etc. Need to consult with turstees - normally disinclined unless a property is freehold. Can imaging the disappointment of the Anglican community.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Writing to Catholic Group in Dersingham. General position remains it being impossible to envisage a priest appointed to Dersingham. A retired priest is a retired priest. Very keen to help the Catholics at Gaywood who have a heavy debt for their new church. Regret that Miss Insley did not see the growth of Lynn as in need of her generosity.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Massive incoming post causes delay. Can debate the central point of the letter: the inadequacy of the New Order Mass compared to the Tridentine Mass. Vatican II debated extensively and profoundly and from there was promulgated the "Constitution of the Sacred Piturgy" in 1963 from which came the April 1969 Apostolic letter of Pope Paul. Fr Baker has known of the1970 Hierarchy directive and has deliberately put his Bishop in an impossible position but is following Canon Law; he could have acted summarily.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Responding to a correspondent about situation at Downham Market. "I share your anxiety about Downham Market, and for some time now I have been endeavouring to find a viable solution to this unhappy problem." People with cars can drive to Oxburgh or Swaffham - but this is far from a happy solution.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)manuscript annotation: "26-I-88 Our letters crossed - but are, I think, substantially the same".
Off to Peru soon. Outlines the parameters in the design of a church with associated priest's bungalow. Dersingham is in the Hunstanton parish and therefore its monies will be subsumed into that account. Whilst Fr Flynn's personal expenses will be quite small, need to consult Fr Nesden about the expenses for running the church from parish funds.
Fr Nesden is your parish priest; happy for Dersingham to be in the care of Fr Flynn. No problems in saying Mass. Don't go too fast about "Proposed new Church Building" - some prior discussion is necessary.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Property transfer to Diocese of east Anglia trustee soon. Fr Nesden has a convert Anglican clergyman looking after house, church and grounds (Andrew Kingcomb). Do not wish to install a priest at Dersingham so for now I need to halt your initiative. Fr Charles Howarth says Sunday mass at Dersingham.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Form letter from Bishop Clark - anticipating celebration of Christmas; 6 months "on the road"; 1977 bringing changes; St John's, a massive burden and cost, needs £250,000; need for more priests.
manuscript annotation: "I admire your pastoral zeal and energy at Lynn - and thank you greatly for what you do. It must be somewhat frustrating not to get any go-ahead for planned developments, etc. However, I sense that all flourishes under your guidance. All blessings, Yours devotedly +Alan".
Leave you to guide future developments. There is all the difference between a shared church building and a "shared church".
manuscript annotation: "Delighted to be with you today at Walsingham"
Will need to discuss this with Fr Wilson but hopes that Fr Hammond will be able to see it through.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)How are things going at Burnham Market? Bishop receives reports which are not accepted on face value. Are you happy in your charge? Are yo staying for longer than expected? It would be useful to know your plans as Bishop is doing his annual review of personnel. You have in mind considerable repair and decoration at St Henry's - tell the Finance Board of your proposals (costs, etc.).
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Not keen on paying for the church, or even renting it. The original proposition was affordable if taken steadily. If the Church Commissioner's remain steadfast then we may think of an extension to St Henry's.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Await the Church commissioners. Hope there will not be a mountain of legal fees. Fr Richmond spoke well that the best use for the church is the purpose for which it was built.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Good news. Proper legal transfer is necessary. Will ask Peter Wilson to set up the negotiations.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Having a church would be a great blessing, but need to be cautious with ancient buildings. Will need to examine the quinquennial reports of the Anglican Diocesan surveyors.
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)Issues about the church: suitable for today's liturgy, etc,; whether a financial transaction is involved; enough money for necessary restoration. No diocesan funds at the moment - the bishop has his own roof problem!
Clark, Alan Charles Rev DD (1919-2002)