Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 11 September 1931

Vicar Going West

Our vicar is “going west,” happily not  in the sense implied by the well-known army expression. Five years ago we wondered if his progress would be continued. He had then completed the third move east, and each time it was adjoining parishes which lost and gained.

In January, 1927, we had our gain, in November of this year our “loss” turn comes round. I use the word “loss” advisedly, because during the four and three quarter years the Rev. Harry Lee has been with us he has won golden opinions from all sections of the community; he is a man for whom “everybody has a good word.” He is as popular among those who never go to church as he is among his own flock. By his tact be has greatly increased the church membership and the congregations also. He has the happy knack of doing and saying the right thing. He is tolerant and broad-minded, traits which the man in the street appreciates.

Conisboro’ will be very much the poorer when he leaves.

During his vicariate the activities of the church have greatly increased: so much so that the Church Hall has been found inadequate. By a stroke of good fortune commodious premises adjoining came into the market, and Israeli through the generosity of the lady who was then vicar’s warden (the late Mrs. G. T. Nicholson). Church House came into being, to house those sections which had outgrown the Church Hall. Alterations are still going on there to make the building more suitable. Church House stands as a monument to the activities of the Rev. Harry Lee. He was also conductor and producer for the St. Peter’s Operatic Society, which has three consecutive annual successes to its credit, and has just started on a fourth.

It was a shock to the large congregation on Sunday when the Vicar announced his impending departure. During the evening radio gramophone records from “The Messiah” had been played, and though many of the congregation much appreciated the innovation, there was about an equal number who would rather have listened to a sermon from the vicar. Here is adequate testimony d the power of his preaching.

The Rev. H. Lee preached his first sermon exactly twenty-one years ago, when he went to Mexborough as curate at the Parish Church. After four years there he went to St. George’s Church, Mexborough, as curate-in-charge, and in 1919 he was given the living of Denaby. There he enhanced his reputation and it was no surprise when the incumbency of Conisborough became vacant that he was offered it. His acceptance gave great satisfaction. Now further preferment has come his way, and while Conisborough regrets his departure it bids him godspeed with all good wishes for his success at St. Timothy’s Church, Crookes, Sheffield.