THE history of a Stapehill church demolished by a lorry this week has been revealed in parish magazines dating back to 1931.

David Peverelle, 82, remembers the attention his father the Rev Francis Peverelle, of the Hampreston Rectory, paid to founding the church and raising the £400 needed to build it. Its abrupt ending on Monday brought a sense of sadness.

He was just eight when All Saints Church was erected and is now the proud owner of rare magazines dating back to its conception.

David Peverelle told the Daily Echo: "My old man would have been a bit upset that it has been knocked down like that."

On January 23, 1931 the Rev Peverelle wrote to his parishioners: "One of the great needs of the parish is the provision of a building at Stapehill where devotional services can be held."

Fundraising events were organised, Dorset Church Extension Committee gave a grant of £150 and there were continuous calls for locals to dig deep.

By August that year the plans were prepared for what was initially called Stapehill Church Hall, planning permission was passed a month later and on Monday, February 8 1932, the new church was officially opened by the Lord Bishop of Salisbury.

David added: "As far as I know this book and these magazines are the only record of the church's history."

First published: August 10