"Our Churches and Chapels: Their Parsons, Priests, & Congregations" by Atticus is a critical and historical account of places of worship in Preston, England. Here's a breakdown of the book's key features:
- Focus: The book concentrates on churches and chapels within Preston, aiming to provide a comprehensive picture of the religious landscape in the town.
- Content: Atticus offers detailed descriptions of each place of worship, likely including:
- History: The book likely explores the founding, construction, and any significant historical events associated with each church or chapel.
- Architecture: Descriptions of the architectural styles and features of the buildings might be included.
- Religious Affiliation: The book clarifies whether the place of worship is Anglican, Catholic, Dissenting (Protestant denominations outside the Church of England), or another denomination.
- Clergy: Atticus might provide information about the priests, parsons, or other clergy who lead the congregations.
- Congregations: Details about the people who attend each place of worship, including their possible social backgrounds or denominations, might be included.
- Writing Style: Atticus employs a "lively spirit" and incorporates humor, aiming to make the information engaging for a wider audience. However, the book also maintains factual accuracy and offers serious historical analysis.
- Origin and Availability: The book was originally published in the Preston Chronicle newspaper and was later republished due to its popularity. It is now available online through Project Gutenberg [Our Churches and Chapels - Project Gutenberg].
- Author's Stance: Atticus strives to be impartial in his descriptions, acknowledging the limitations of achieving complete objectivity in such a potentially sensitive topic.
Overall, "Our Churches and Chapels" serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the religious history of Preston, offering a detailed and engaging look at the town's various places of worship and the communities they serve.