A copy of the Bible
was placed on this lectern
to make it easier to read
during church services.

Robert MacMinn was a member
of the Presbyterian congregation
at St George's Church.

He gave this lectern to the Church
in 1869.

This extract is read by an actor.

"I was walking along
the Church Street Croydon one afternoon
and saw a group of young fellows
stood at the corner.

As they caught sight of me
they shouted the chorus
of one of the hymns
familiar by use in the open air.

To their surprise
I joined with them and sang away.
They soon stopped singing
and I instantly raised my hand
and began to pray most earnestly.

How they ran in all directions."

In the 19th century
Croydon grew quickly into a large town.
Many 'non-conformist'
protestant religions
such as Baptist, Wesleyan,
Presbyterian and Quaker
grew in popularity.

Despite some opposition
from local people,
non-conformist churches
soon became part of the local scene.

They co-existed
with the established church,
each with its own way
of worshipping God.

To find out more about churches
in Croydon you can visit
the Research Room.

The Research Room is on the
lower ground floor of the Clocktower,
It is open Tuesday-Saturday
10:30am-5pm.