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William Hassall joined Saint Faith`s on 31 January
1948 from
St. Stephen`s, Wolverhampton, having been for four years Director of
Youth
Work in the Diocese of Lichfield. He began the tradition of referring
to
the incumbent as Father rather than Mr. Fr. Hassall was an energetic
priest
who instituted many changes including replacement of worn out vestments
The Golden Jubilee of the church (in 1950) was celebrated in style with
many services, a jubilee luncheon, and the presentation of a 37 ft
flagpole.
Saint Faith`s has no burial ground attached to the church but in 1957 a
Garden of Memory, on the north side, was laid out and hallowed. In 1959
Fr. Hassall suffered a slight stroke and was absent from services for a
number of weeks. He returned but over the next few years further
deterioration
in his health took place. In the autumn of 1965 he announced his
intention
to resign the living. Fr. Hassall`s period at Saint Faith`s saw many
changes,
including construction of a new vicarage on land attached to the
church.
He achieved much, including redesigning of the Lady Chapel, new
vestments
and banners, oil heating in the church, hot water in the vestry and
redecorating
of the reredos.
The subsequent restration of the organ was done in his name, as a
plaque in the choirstalls records.
 Hear the
voice of William Hassall |