South Yorkshire Times, October 23rd 1943
Rev. A. C. E. Bennett
The Rev. A.C. E. Bennett, Vicar of St. Hilda’s, Thurnscoe, has been offered and has accepted the living of Thorpe Hesley, rendered vacant by the death of the Rev. S. E. Tuffs. Mr. Bennett is a man of Sussex and was educated in the South of. England before studying for Holy Orders at St. Aidan’s Theological College. Birkenhead, he was for several years Lay Diocesan Secretary to Church Societies, and has had a varied career in many branches of the Church’s work. He was, during the Great War, on special work in a large aerodrome, where learner, fighter, and bomber planes were in service. Mr. Bennett has had experience of crusade work, and had the privilege ‘of working with the late Studdert Kennedy (“Woodbine Willie”) on crusades in the Midlands and in the North of England.
He was ordained by the Bishop of Worcester, and went to the busy parish of Cradley in that diocese. He was, in 1833, invited by the late Bishop of Sheffield to take charge of Dunscroft, with its 6,000 people There he was President of the Unemployment Committee, which was much to the front in those days and did good work. He was also Chaplain of the British Legion. During his stay both churches there were beautified with carpets, brass vases for the altar, and a pulpit One was a Coronation gift, the others in memory of members of the congregations. Two British Legion Standards were dedicated in St. Edwin’s Church there before he left. Mr. Bennett became Vicar of St Hilda’s, Thurnscoe. in 1937 He has found many willing helpers to help him in his work. During his ministry a beautiful Mothers Union banner has been worked for and dedicated. a British Legion Standard was also dedicated in the church, with Scouts’ and Girl Guides’ flags.
Interest In Legion
Mr. Bennett was for some time Chairman of the Benevolent Section of the British Legion, and he has always: been interested in this work. He is also connected with the Sailors, Soldiers’, and Airmen’s Help Society. The parish of St Hilda’s has improved its finances during his stay. He has for years had a Young People’s Fellowship in the Church before the morning service. A badminton club was formed, and its members taught to play, and the club is now flourishing and young and adult members have their and matches. This year a football club has been formed for choir and Sunday School boys.
St. Hilda’s is a very happy parish. with its regular services, those of special character, Sunday school. Bible Class, Concert Party, MU services and socials. There is an excellent choir. Mr. Bennett is Chaplain of the local A. C. Corps. and a Surrogate for the granting marriage licences in the diocese. During his stay the he has had boundary fences erected. and the surrounds of the Church have been sown with grass seed.
At present the Vicar. his wife, Churchwardens, and members of congregation and friends, are hard at work for the Gift Day on Sunday, Nov. 21st, when the Arch deacon of Doncaster is coming to preach. and for the sale of homemade toys and articles, with a concert in the evening of Saturday. Nov. 27th. These efforts are for a peal of small bells (a Victory gift), incorporating the memory, work, and sacrifice of all in the parish. Mrs. Bennett has ably assisted her husband in many of the activities of the parish, and is the enrolling member for the Mothers’ Union They have one daughter. who is in the WRNS., as a telephone operator. There is much regret at their departure, as they have endeared themselves to the people and other work and difficulties. The Vicar told a representative of the “Times”: “We could not have done many of the happy things here if it had not been for the loyalty. keenness. and good help of the members and women of St Hilda’s. Thanks go out to them in bearing with us the labours and the joys of this busy parish.”