The first curate of the church was the Reverend Henry Francis Lyte who, on September 4th 1847 while suffering from tuberculosis, preached to the congregation for what turned out to be the last time. The next day he was to leave for France en route to Italy for a winter break. He hoped the climate would prove beneficial for his health.

That evening he walked alone along the seashore. Returning to his study he sat down and wrote the first draft of the hymn 'Abide With Me'.

Setting off on his journey he only succeeded in reaching Nice before his health finally failed and he died. But, every day, the bells of the church still ring out the tune of his hymn.