Extract from The Cusop Parish Magazine September 1913

On Tuesday September 9th, the new Choir stalls given by Mrs [Addeline] Rouse in memory of her father and mother, the Rev. J. Kearsey Thomas and Mrs Thomas were dedicated by the Rev Canon Bannister, M.A. Canon of Hereford Cathedral, who also gave a very instructive address.  Fortunately, Mrs Rouse and other members of her family were able to be present at the service.  The new stalls which were supplied by Messrs Jones & Willis of London are a very valuable addition to our Church.

[Editors Note: In 1853 Reverend Thomas Kearsey Thomas was appointed as curate by the absentee rector Rev. D. Rodney Murray. On arrival from Suffolk, Rev. Kearsey Thomas found “ the sacred building almost entirely devoid of ecclesiastical character presenting externally an exceedingly wide barnlike appearance is an acknowledged fact, whilst internally the flooring was damp, even to absolute wetness thus rendering the whole church so unwholesome and unfit for the use of parishioners…. and without any free sittings for the use of the poor, a few clumsy forms or benches not excepted.”  Between 1853 and 1858 Rev. Kearsey Thomas mobilised the community, donations were promised and money granted from the Church Building Society on condition that “sixty sittings shall be free and unappropriated for ever.” Rates of one shilling in the pound were levied to cover costs that amounted to £570. Mr St. Aubin was appointed architect and work began, the floor was raised, flagstones were laid, old pews removed, there was work on the windows and the old belfry from above the porch removed and a new porch built. A vestry was constructed on the north side of the church. However, this work did remove much of the original character of the church.]

This photo from the Hereford archives is dated as 1930.