The Rise of British Tourism and Early Church Services

During the 19th century, Château-d'Oex became more and more popular with British tourists who would come as a family, often with maids and nursemaids, and stay for the season. The two local hotels, l'Ours and l'Hotel de Ville, were too small to cope with these visitors, and in 1819 the Hotel Berthod was built, which catered to their needs. The Pension Rosat was opened in 1845 and rapidly also became a hotel.

At the bottom of the photo is the Hotel Berthod, later called Hotel du Parc, extended in 1880 and destroyed by fire in 1946. Above is the new Hotel Berthod, later called the Grand Hoteland built in 1904 when the M.O.B. arrived in Château-d'Oex. To its left can be seen the forest of Arolla pines that was planted, and reindeer were introduced but died as supposedly they didn't support the climate.

The First Anglican Chaplains

These tourists also wished to have a church service, communion, and Sunday school for the children. The first chaplain was appointed in June 1866: John James Coxhead MA, curate of Fulham, and was rapidly succeeded by other curates who usually stayed a month or perhaps two at the Hotel Berthod. The Berthod family gave them the use of the lounge for the services, which took place on Sunday mornings and afternoons with a communion service occasionally at 8 a.m., but not every Sunday.

In 1882, one of the visitors asked for communion at 8 a.m. "The only reason which she gave was her belief that it was the Church's rule to take the sacrament fasting. I was obliged, after pointing out to her the mistake and for her own sake, to decline." — Chaplain Rev H.E. Fox of Christ Church Westminster.

Early Church Property and Seasonal Challenges

The holiday season was short: June, July, August, September, and apparently no winter season at the start, as the joys of sledging and skating were discovered later. Below is a photo of the skating rink where we have the football pitch at the present time, and note the Anglican church in the background.

Here is a list of church property donated in the early years and which belonged to the Colonial and Continental Church Society at Château-d'Oex, later known as the Intercontinental Church Society:

• Communion plate, cup and patens
• Reading desk stool and platform – 1870
• Rep cover for communion table and reading desk – 1879
• Communion rails – 1881
• Alms plates and collection bag – 1884
• Kneeling boards – 1881

These objects were left in the care of the Swiss Pastor at the end of each season.

Attendance Variations and Multiple Venues

Attendances varied greatly, from being as many as 176 to 22, and largely depending on the weather. If there was a lot of rain, the visitors left early. Of course, the women's long dresses and elaborate hats were not suitable for bad weather or for winter sports, and a path was cut through the cemetery grass to avoid visitors getting their shoes wet.

In 1882, the chaplain regretted that the Society only appointed one person to the chaplaincy "as every hotel keeper is willing to make the same concession as M. Berthod, and the larger Pensions are by no means to be denied." Services were also held in the Hotel Pension Rosatlounge and were well attended.

Debates Over Service Locations

But in July 1883, the new chaplain Rev. Doyle "humbly advised all future chaplains not to hold services in Salons where there is a church provided for that purpose. It is unseemly and causes jealousy in a place like this, giving, as it does, a decided preference to the Pension where it is held."

However, later chaplains did not always follow his advice, as the Swiss church often had very long services and was difficult to access. The English services were held at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and finished quickly in the evening as Hotel Berthod served their evening meal at 6 p.m. Some Wednesdays there was also a short service at 4 o'clock in the Pension Morier, which was much appreciated by those unable to get up to the Temple. The Pension Morier was frequently used for services as it was more accessible than the Swiss church.

Health Crises and Community Challenges

Of course, there were often difficulties due to bad weather and illness. In 1882, there was an outbreak of diphtheria, evidently exaggerated as there were only two people of the same family who fell ill, but there were no more than half a dozen families who came to Château-d'Oex for the season and no man to act as churchwarden!

In July 1889, there was an epidemic of scarlet fever which was "the worst season known in Château-d'Oex" (Rev. Cameron Wilson of Paignton), and there was a renewed outbreak in September which caused the sad death of Guyon Robinson aged 14 of La Frasse. Over a hundred English and Americans left for home, and the maximum in church was exceptionally 29 people, but by August 1890, the congregation was building up again. In 1894, there was a case of scarlatina at Pension Morier, and the visitors were requested not to attend the church.

Expansion to Rossinière

In 1891, the Col. and Con. Church Society decided not to bear the cost of bringing visitors from Rossinière to Château-d'Oex. It was decided that when the number of visitors increased at Rossinière, a chaplain would be appointed there. The Grand Chalet at Rossinière became a hotel in 1852 and rapidly became very fashionable, with large families and their servants staying there for the season.

The Scott Family and Church Building Project

The arrival of Mrs Claudine Scott and her daughters to Château-d'Oex and Chalet Bellevue in the late 1890s changed everything for the Anglican community. Here was a family tireless in their efforts to finance the building of a church and who organised countless concerts, bazaars, card sales, and other activities.

Fundraising Success

They began to collect in January 1897, and by the end of 1897 had raised 2,729.40 frs. In 1898, they raised 2,737.47 frs., the equivalent of around £100. By the end of 1 February 1900, the church debt had been reduced to 11,501.75 frs., equivalent to £460, and by 1st May 1901, the debt was again reduced to £250. In September of the same year, a bazaar was organised "with some beautiful specimens of chocolate given by Messrs Suchard, Cailler and Peter which sold very rapidly," and the debt was reduced to £200.

Church Construction Begins

The need for a church had been felt for a long time, and the kind donation of a piece of land on the main road close to a horse trough by the Berthod brothers made it possible. A loan was taken out with the Colonial and Continental Church Society. Plans were drawn up, an architect chosen—M. Jean Guppa at Bulle, who was just finishing the Catholic church at Montbovon and which bears some similarities in the style of construction—and the contract was signed on 17 June 1899. It stipulated that the church must be finished for the end of August!

Foundation Stone and Consecration

On Wednesday, 28 June, the foundation stone was laid by Bishop Wilkinson, Anglican bishop of north and central Europe, and the ceremony was attended by many other church dignitaries. Bishop Wilkinson stayed over at Mrs Scott's Chalet Bellevue and took the service on the following Sunday. A lead box containing various documents was placed in the Foundation Stone, which can be seen at the front of the nave by the door to the vestry.

Bishop Wilkinson was presented with a silver trowel by Mrs Archibald Scott. The final hymn chosen was "The Church's One Foundation," and the collection amounted to 504 fr. 55 cents. Mrs Scott gave a large reception inviting members of the congregation and many Swiss friends, and the weather was glorious.

Rapid Construction and Opening

Incredibly, the church building was completed in just over two months, including a lightning conductor thanks to the Scott family's insistence, and opened for services on 10 September. Unfortunately, the Bishop was travelling in Norway and could not dedicate the church at that time, but Mrs Scott was not letting him escape so easily.

After an exchange of letters in which he proposed that a "touring bishop would have been better as he cannot as a rule undertake to consecrate the many little mountain churches that are springing up in increasing numbers throughout Europe, due to the cost and time involved," he accepted Mrs Scott's proposal to "pick him up with a carriage at Aigle Station, Monday May 26th, that would bring him in the cool of the day to Château-d'Oex and return him the next day after the consecration." Meanwhile, a temporary consecration was conducted using the "Office for the Dedication of a Mission Church or Chapel" to allow for Holy Communion in the church building.

Contemporary Criticism and Praise

A comment from the Morning Post of September 1899 was very disparaging about the new church building, saying it "looks like a nicely stuccoed and whitewashed barn with no Christian symbol inside or out" and comparing it very unfavourably with a new church at Bad-Nauheim in Germany. However, he excused the lack of tasteful design by explaining that "it might be ready for the recent lawn tennis tournament at the Hotel Berthod in the grounds of which the church is situated."

On the contrary, Bishop Wilkinson commented that "the work seems to have been well done and the building very pretty and suitable to the place." The furnishings were donated by members of the congregation, including embroidered hangings by Miss Mabel Scott, kneelers by Lady Walchmann, bibles, prayer books and the brasses (cross and six vases), a hymn board, and numbers.

Winter Services and Technological Advances

The winter season appears to have started properly in 1894, and in 1895 the winter was the most severe on record. The Temple could not be used because of thick snow. In 1903, the chaplain was snowed up on the Simplon pass as it was too dangerous to advance, and the Swiss postal service abandoned delivering letters, but Rev. Rutherford, who was here on holiday and often stepped in when there were emergencies, took the services. Mrs. Rutherford held a Bible class for children on Sunday afternoons, which was well attended.

In December 1900-1901, on New Year's Eve, the church was lit with acetylene gas for New Year's Eve, offered by Miss Scott, so a service was held from 11:30 to midnight.

Historical Context: The Boer War

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the world, the Second Boer War was taking place. On 4 March 1900, a thanksgiving service was held for the relief of Ladysmith, and on 20 May, a thanksgiving service was held for the relief of Mafeking.

The last time "God Save the Queen" was sung was before the death of Queen Victoria on 23 January 1901, and on 28 January, a letter of thanks arrived from the new King "for the kind expressions of loyalty and sympathy." On Saturday, 2 February, a memorial service was held with upwards of 100 people attending, including Swiss, Germans, and Russians.

Financial Struggles and Modern Conveniences

In 1901, a criticism was made of the very small offertories: "88 coins, half of which were nickel and the residue only half francs, and this from well-to-do people," who were chastised from the pulpit, lack of money being a constant problem with church finances.

On 16 November 1902, electric light was used in the church for the first time! In 1904, the electric lighting from 1 July to 30 September cost 10.90 CHF.

In 1902, "thanks to Mrs Scott and her daughters, the Church debt has been paid off," and shortly after, Mrs Scott gave up Chalet Bellevue and moved to the Isle of Wight, which had become very fashionable due to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and the building of Osborne House between 1845 and 1851 as a summer residence. "She is regretted by all for her generosity."

Church Life After the Scott Family

Church life continued after the departure of the Scott family, and the church register records some of the day-to-day happenings. On 6 April 1904, two collecting boxes at the door were broken into, which would have been very unusual in Switzerland at the time. On 4 December 1904, Colonel Clutterbuck read the lessons while Sir F Cardew and Colonel Marshall collected the offertory!

In 1905, there was a collection of funds for ventilating the church, which amounted to 187 francs. As the church was heated by stoves protected by iron screens, this was then probably very necessary and was repeated regularly.

The Growing Resident Population

In 1905, with the opening of the MOB, a considerable resident population of English and Scots folks, mainly Anglo-Indians (people who had retired from the army or the administration in India), established themselves here. A sanatorium, founded by Dr. Constantin Delachaux, was originally called Hotel Alexandria, then La Soldanelle, and was being built for the treatment of nervous disorders "for which this place is considered suitable." There were several cases of illness among the residents.

The Lampen Era and Church Expansion

In winter 1907 – spring 1908, the Rev. Ernest Dudley Lampen became the first permanent chaplain. He was an exceptional person who loved the area and wrote a book on Château-d'Oex and the Pays d'Enhaut, first published in 1910: Life and Sport in an Alpine Valley, which can still be found on internet and perfectly describes life at that period.

The church was so full that it was necessary to hire a hall for the services, and both were crowded out. An assistant chaplain was appointed, Rev. Parry Evans, an army chaplain, from 20 December to 21 January. Discussions then began in 1908 to increase the size of the church, and a committee was formed to discuss possible solutions as not everybody could attend the services.

Expansion Plans and Challenges

Plans were drawn up for enlarging the church westward and replacing the altar table and putting the main church entrance on the east side. On 6 April 1910, the committee appealed to the Society to give financial facilities for the enlargement "as 5 years had passed since the matter was first brought to their notice and nothing had been done to the church."

Difficulties arose with the Berthod Bros. Hotel Company concerning the extension of the church, and eventually, after a lot of discussion, the Berthod brothers told the committee that the whole of their land was mortgaged and any building on the mortgaged land was a great risk.

Revised Expansion Plans

The committee then changed all the plans and decided to do the best they could with the present site, building a new vestry with cellars beneath for the heating and a new south aisle which would take up all the land to the boundary on the main road. A wooden vestibule was to be built on the west side so 260 people could be comfortably accommodated. The side aisle and the vestry were to be built on mortgaged land, and the Notaire Favrod-Coune was informed. Copies of the document were sent to the Colonial and Continental Church Society in London and to the Berthod brothers.

Fundraising for Expansion

An account was opened at the local branch of the Banque de Montreux, and initially 938.30 frs. were deposited. The total amount of subscriptions and promises amounted to 2,038.30 frs. By January 1909, the bank deposit had increased to 9,635 frs. and 1,170 frs. in subscriptions by means of cards left in the pews. By 6 April 1910, the bank account had a deposit of 15,745.9 frs. and 2,963.50 frs. still to come from promises. The balance after expenses were paid amounted to 18,493.41 frs., or nearly £740. The Colonial and Continental Church Society gave a loan of £400 and a gift of £25.

This work was carried out in the summer of 1911 from June to November, and on 15 November, the church was re-opened. On 21 December, it was dedicated by the Bishop of Northern and Central Europe, Herbert Bury, who held a reception party with 150 guests at Hotel de L'Ours despite an "Alpine storm of wind and rain."

Service Improvements

It was also decided to increase the chaplain's stipend to £250 per annum and to change the hymn books to Ancient and Modern, as a large part of the congregation knew both words and tunes.

On 22 June 1911, King George V's coronation was held with a service in the Swiss church because of the repairs being undertaken, followed by a garden party at Hotel Berthod to meet the new Bishop. The collection was in aid of the proposed new Infirmary: 3,182 frs. 90.

Weather Challenges and Daily Life

Otherwise, church life continued peacefully with the congregation variable depending on the weather, which seemed very often wet and snowy. In January 1910, Hotel Berthod had the cellars flooded—5 metres in the cellar and 2 ft. in the dining room! Weather plays an important part in the life of the church and is carefully noted in the Chaplain's Book almost every month.

From 1913 onwards, the chaplain, Rev. Dudley Lampen, seemed to be dogged by ill health and several times came back as chaplain then had to stop again. He was replaced by visiting vicars and the chaplain in Berne, Rev. Harcourt. Rev. Lampen returned to England for some time, then came back again and finally took the Easter service in April 1916.

The Great War Period (1914-1919)

But during these few years, dramatic events were taking place:

In July 1914, "Fear of a Grand European War has caused many visitors to leave for England. On August 2nd, Official declaration of War between Germany and Russia and Germany and France. Many visitors escaped on Saturday evening."

On 4 August, England declared war against Germany. "The whole of Europe except Italy and Spain is in a conflagration of war. Italy is determined to remain neutral." On 12 August, a united service was held between English and Swiss with prayers in French and hymns in English and French, attended by a large congregation of 170 people. 3 January 1915 was a day appointed by the King for special prayers, and church attendances were still quite reasonable with between 30–50 people.

British Prisoners of War Arrival

On Tuesday, 30 May 1916, "216 British Prisoners of War Interned arrived with 30 Officers. A Grand Reception at the Station. Tremendous enthusiasm."

On Wednesday, 31 May, 140 soldiers arrived with a Grand Reception in the Grande Salle.

About 120 soldiers attended the church service besides some at the Scotch Presbyterian service and others at the R.C. elsewhere.

On 13 June, a memorial service was held for Lord Kitchener, and the church was full to overflowing with soldiers and civilians and most of the officers. But on the 24th and 25th, the men were confined to barracks for the Chief Doctor's visit, Dr Hauser of Zurich, so none were at church.

Chaplaincy for Prisoners of War

On 14 June 1916, Rev. Dudley Lampen received through Berne a document giving him an appointment to take charge of the spiritual welfare of the Church of England prisoners of war, approved and sanctioned by the political department of the Swiss Government.

On 13 August, a new contingent of 150 soldiers arrived with a Reception held at the station.

Unfortunately, in November 1916, difficulties cropped up between Anglicans and Protestants as "Rev. Sutherland the Scotch minister has now sent two carriages to Rougemont to fetch away the men from our service, every Sunday that Rev. Harrison preaches there." Obviously, there was a lot of ill feeling, and to resolve this, in January 1917, the army sent out an army chaplain, Rev. A.H. Sewell, to take over the work among the soldiers. "It is best now that the Military should be served by Military Chaplains." They were given the use of the church for their services on Sundays at 9:45, and the British congregation was reduced to the civilians, which however still numbered about 40 people.

The Memorial Organ Installation

On Monday, 12 February 1917, the Goll brothers Karl and Paul from Lucerne arrived to install an organ, following a letter sent to The Times by the chaplain asking for donations and explaining that they had no organ for all the hundreds of internees who used the church and the sense of thankfulness they felt to have escaped the prison camps, and "that they sang with all their hearts, but the harmonium was not sufficiently powerful."

On 8 March 1917 was the Dedication of the Memorial Organ. The Rural Dean dedicated the organ, and the organist from Vevey gave an excellent recital lasting one hour. Colonel S.C.T. Jackson opened the organ first and handed the keys to Lance Corporal Lester, the organist, and afterwards a reception was held at Hotel Rosat, attended by a numerous company. This Goll organ is a rare example of its period and is still operated by the original pneumatic action.

War's End and Final Challenges

In August 1917, a United Service of Commemoration was held on the Third Anniversary of the War, attended by 240 people. On Good Friday 1918, the military chaplain took a 3-hour service which was well attended.

In June 1918, the military chaplain preached a farewell sermon. He left for England, accompanied by a large number of the interned, on Tuesday, 11 June. He was very much appreciated and did great work among the soldiers.

Unfortunately, at this time there was a severe epidemic of influenza followed by pneumonia. Three soldiers were buried on 4 July, two on 6 July, and one on 8 July. There were also many deaths among the Swiss civilians and soldiers, and towards the end of the year, the churches were closed. In December, the interned left for England, and owing to cold and scarcity of fuel and coke with no heating power, it was impossible to heat the church, which appeared to be closed until Easter 1919. The Swiss authorities delayed in giving the chaplain a passport, so he could not recommence services until 1 June.

The War continued until 11 November 1918, when Germany signed the Armistice at Compiègne. 18 January 1919, a peace conference began at Paris, and the Treaty of Versailles was signed.

"SATURDAY JUNE 28th 1919 PEACE WAS SIGNED BY GERMANY at 3 p.m. in Paris. LAUS DEO"

I would like to end my brief domestic history of these interesting years in the life of the Anglican church community by printing a poem written by Corporal Charles Skeels, 2nd Cheshire Regiment, who was interned here at Chalet le Reposoir. On the reverse side of this poem, written in pencil, are three prayers that he wrote.