CROYDON CHRONICLES: A search to find the history of an altar frontal used at Croydon Minster reveals a tale from Shanghai, an ARP warden in World War II, freemasonry, a men’s outfitters shop on Croydon High Street and a nurseryman tending his greenhouse plants. All will be made clear by DAVID MORGAN
Many thousands of people have seen the striking altar frontal in the St Nicholas Chapel of what was Croydon Parish Church, and what today we know as Croydon Minster.
Dedication: Kate Munns is remembered with an ornate frontal at Croydon Minster
An altar frontal, or antependium, from the Latin meaning “to hang before”, is a decorative covering placed on the front of the altar.
This one features an ornately embroidered sailing ship and two croziers with anchors either side. Unbeknown to most visitors and worshippers, under the flap of cloth of this frontal there is a dedication, in smart, mid-century script, giving the name to whom the frontal is dedicated.
“In memory of Kate Emma Munns died 4th May 1942”
But who was Kate Munns, and what did she do to persuade those who knew her to make such a tribute? Continue reading
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