Father Thomas William Barker MA, 1891 - 1980

Priest of St. James 1930 - 1943

Father Barker was inducted on the 17th May 1930. He was a native of Barrowby, near Grantham. He was educated at Selwyn College, Cambridge and Ely Theological College, ordained Deacon by the Bishop of Chichester in 1914, and Priested in 1915. His first curacy was St. Matthias, Preston, Brighton, then St. Saviour's, Walthamstow, in 1917 he went to St. John the Baptist, Chester and was a Chaplain to the Forces during 1918 - 1919. He came to Congleton from Worleston, Nantwich, with his wife and two sons, Hugh and Stephen aged 11 and 10.
Father Barker was a staunch Anglo-Catholic, during his time at St. James' he introduced the Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament. He did not have an easy time at first - being termed 'High Church', but stuck firm in his faith and beliefs. However, after his struggle life went on much happier. Vestments were introduced and a set were made by ladies of the Church, from silk spun at the Forge Mills and dyed at Silverspring, Timbersbrook.

During his ministry in 1933, the bell in the turret was taken down, recast and rehung. The action of the Organ was renewed and Electrical Apparatus was introduced for blowing the Organ. The Console was moved, as was the pulpit so that the front panel of the Pulpit faced the Nave and the steps leading to it lead into the North aisle, as it is seen today.

In 1939, electric lighting was installed. In 1942 Father Barker deplored the decline in communicants and in 1943 the parish said goodbye to Father Barker. Subsequently, he became the vicar of Brize Norton, Oxfordshire and remained there for 18 years before retiring to Alton, Hants. He died on April 1st 1980 at the age of 89 and had been ordained Priest for 65 years.