Midland Churches: A History of the Congregations on - General ...
Midland Churches: A History of the Congregations on - General ...
Midland Churches: A History of the Congregations on - General ...
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BAXTER'S PULPIT<br />
MEETING, KIDDERMINSTER, p. 147.<br />
CHURCHES :<br />
A HISTORY OF THE CONGREGATIONS<br />
ON THE ROLL OF THE<br />
MIDLAND CHRISTIAN UNION ;<br />
ATTEMPTED BY<br />
GEOKGE EYRE EVANS,<br />
SO~~ETIME MINISTER AT WHITCHURCH, SALOP.<br />
AUTHOR OF<br />
A <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Refzshnw Street Chapel, Liverpool, 1887; Happy Hours <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Work and Worship, 1889;<br />
Whitchurch OJ@ L<strong>on</strong>g Ago, 1893 ; Record <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Provi~cial Assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lnncashire<br />
and Cheshire, 1896 ; Yestips <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestafzt Dissent, 1897 ; Colyi<strong>on</strong>ia,<br />
a Chnjter igz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dev<strong>on</strong>, 1898; A <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Newbury Presbyteriagz Chapel, 1900.<br />
DUDLEY :<br />
HERALD " PRINTING WORKS, 2 10, WOLVERHAMPTON STREET.
This is a signed copy, with c<strong>on</strong>zpCete set <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> j2att.s.<br />
1)UI)I.EY :<br />
'I I1RRAI.D" PRINTING M'ORKS.<br />
EDWARD MYERS.<br />
TVnrrior <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God. . . .<br />
He past ; a sozcl' <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nobler t<strong>on</strong>e :<br />
My spirit loved afrb loves n i yct. ~ ~
READER.<br />
,<br />
IT WAS THE AFTERNOON OF A BRILLIANT AUTUMN DAY. 1 WAS SITTING<br />
ON THE SUMMIT OF A MIGHTY HEADLAND, OVERLOOKING AN EVER-CHANGING<br />
SEASCAPE OF ATLANTIC llrATERS. THERE OFTEN FOR ME :-<br />
. . . . THE LONELY BREEZES BLOW<br />
ABOVE THE LONELY SOD ;<br />
WHERE MOUNTAIN HEADS ARE HID IN MIST,<br />
MY HEART IS HID WITH GOD.<br />
1 HAD THOUGHT ON MANY THINGS, AND REMEMBERED THAT MORE THAN A<br />
DECADE HAD RUN ITS COURSE SINCE FIRST MY NAME APPEARED ON A TITLE<br />
PAGE ; AND THERE CAME THIS QUESTION :--TO WHOSE ENCOURAGEMENT DO<br />
1 OWE IT THAT MANY OF THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE HAVE BEEN GIVEN<br />
TO SOME LITTLE EXPLORATION OF THE PATHS OF HISTORICAL RESEARCH IN<br />
MATTERS PERTAINING TO OLD NONCONFORMING SOCIETIES ?<br />
A TREASURED LETTER GIVES THE REPLY. MANY MOONS HAVE WAXED<br />
AND WANED SINCE IT WAS RECEIVED BY A LITTLE COMPANY OF UNKNOWN<br />
YOUNG MEN, THEN INTERESTED IN AN EXHI-BITION OF THEIR DIVERS HOBBIES<br />
AND COLLECTIONS. ONE HAD LENT SOME VOLUMES, DEALING WITH THE<br />
STORIES OF RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES AKIN TO THOSE IN THIS BOOK, ANOTHER<br />
HAD JUST TRIED HIS 'PRENTICE HAND ON A FEW CHAPTERS OF LOCAL HISTORY,<br />
HENCE THE WRITER'S ALLUSION :-<br />
IT AUGURS WELL FOR THE INTELLIGENT GRASP OF THE PROBLEMS OF THE FUTURE<br />
WHEN PEOPLE, AND ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE, TAKE A WARM INTEREST IN THE<br />
HISTORY OF THE PAST.
Rev. EDGAR SOLLY ANTHONY, M. A.,<br />
B.D., St. And.,<br />
Rev. THO~IAS AUDEN, M.A., Cafztab.,<br />
F. S. A.<br />
S..<br />
Vlll<br />
Minister, Old Itfeeti~zg, Poole<br />
Vicar, Chzrnh SS. Mary and Andreal,<br />
C<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>er, Sal<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Rev. KENTISH BACHE Vicar, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St. iklichael and All Angels,<br />
MaIfoord-I- Wye<br />
Rev. SAMUEL SIDAWAY BRETTELL, M. A., fiister, Uemzitage S'treet Chajel,<br />
Ox<strong>on</strong>. C~vwkerne<br />
Rev. WILLIAM JOSHUA CLARKE Minister to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> %c-; Bo7ilestic Jlissi<strong>on</strong>,<br />
Nu rst Street, Birmingha m<br />
Rev. PETER DEAN Minister, Staford Street ChaYeZ, WalsaZZ<br />
Rev. JOHN ELLIS Milzister, U@ert/lor$e Chapel, Shefield<br />
One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> h<strong>on</strong>orar-1 secretaries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>" The Nati<strong>on</strong>al Co?gere~zce," founded A. D. 1882.<br />
Rev. GEORGE FOX. CheadZe Hul~ne. Minister, Park Lane Chapel, Nr. wan,<br />
I 864- I 89 I<br />
Rev. FRANK KERRY FREESTON n/firziste?~, Essex Church, Kensi~zgto?~, W<br />
Oyze <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> h<strong>on</strong>orary secretaries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> " The Body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Mi9zisters,<br />
i?z and aboz~t <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> and West;rltinster,"<br />
fozlnded A. D. I 69 I .<br />
Rev. GEORGE HEAVISIDE, B.A., L<strong>on</strong>d.,<br />
F.R.G.S., F.R.Hist.S.,<br />
Minister, Great Heetin.-house,<br />
Coventry<br />
Rev. HENRY HILL Minister, Christ Church, Banbury<br />
Rev. JOHN ALEXANDER KELLY Mnister, fist Presbyterian, Dunmf~rry ,-<br />
and horzomry treaszcrer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cc Associati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Irish N<strong>on</strong>-Sz~bscribing<br />
Presbyterians," fou?zded A. D. I 835<br />
Rev. DAVID MATTS Minister, Charles Street Presbyterian, Baldym<strong>on</strong>ey,<br />
Co. Antrim<br />
Rev. HENRY GORDON PALMER, B. A.,<br />
Dz~blin<br />
Rector, Chzcrch St. John <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Divzize,<br />
Kilfzahue, Co. Wexford.<br />
Rev. GEORGE ANDREW PAYNE Minister, Allosfock, and Brook Street Chapels,<br />
I
Rev. DOUGLAS WALMSLEY, B.A., L<strong>on</strong>d. Jfifiister, I;ii.st Presbyterian, Belfast;<br />
and Dean <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Resz'dence, Queen's College, Bevast<br />
Messrs. ASHER & CO.<br />
L<br />
PzrbZishers, Berlin<br />
Mrs. CATHERINE HUTTON BEALE (late) Birf~zinghanz ;<br />
A uthoress, ' Menzorials Old Meeting, Bir?ningha?tt "<br />
Mr. EDWARD CADDICK<br />
Mrs. EMILY HUTTON CLARKE<br />
Mr. JOHN CLARKE<br />
Mr. GEORGE EDWARD COCKAYNE, M.A., F.S.A.<br />
Messrs. CORNISH BROS.<br />
Gravelly Ha, BBirnzingham<br />
z g e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ar~zs, E. C. ;<br />
Clarenceaux, King <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arnts<br />
Publishers, Birmingham ;<br />
Mrs. CROOK WbZverha?~~pt<strong>on</strong> ;<br />
Widow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Leojold Geo. Harris Crook, last ltzinister<br />
Stzow Hill Chapel, I 892- I 895<br />
Mr. GEORGE DODD<br />
Mr. WILLIAM DOWNING<br />
Miss CATHERINE POWELL EVANS<br />
Whitc/zurch, Salop ;<br />
Warden and Trz~stec, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour<br />
Tentple Row, Birtnifzgham ;<br />
The Chaucer's Head, Library<br />
Llanyby<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, S. Wales<br />
Mr. CHARLES ' FENTON Barrkter-at-Law, India Ofice, Whitehall, S. W: ;<br />
Actifzg h<strong>on</strong>orary secretary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> " The Nati<strong>on</strong>al Co?zference," founded A.D. I 882<br />
Golds?niths' Estate, East Act<strong>on</strong>, W; ;<br />
Ge~zealogical Record O@ce<br />
Mr. GEORGF GROOM (and s<strong>on</strong>, Arthur) Whitchurch, Salop ;<br />
Tmstee and Holzorary Secretary, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour<br />
Mr. JAMES GROVES<br />
The Ashes, Glossop;<br />
hlr. FREDK. \VTVI. HACKWOOD, J. P., F. R. Hist.S. Pzrty BOY ;<br />
Aul/,or <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sedglcy Resenrc/zes," " Oldm L~I~ednesb~~~y," &C., &MC.<br />
Mr. GEO. JAS. JOHNSON, J.P.<br />
Mrs. E. E. JONES<br />
Nagley Koad, Birft~inghant ;<br />
3our Roads, Port St. Mary, Isle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Man ;<br />
Mr. EDWARD HENRY LEE, B.A., L<strong>on</strong>d. Newhall Street, Bir?zinghanz ;<br />
Mr. GEO. W. MARSHALL, LL.D., F.S.A. Heralds' College, E. C. ;<br />
Rouge Croix, .Pursuivant <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arttzs<br />
Mr. DAVID MARTINEAU, J. P. CZaphanc Pn~k, S. K ;<br />
Mr. JAMES MOTT ICing 'S Heath, Bir f~zinghanz ;<br />
Mrs. MYERS Shrewsbury ;<br />
MTidow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Edwd liye~s,<br />
RG.S., Minister, Hz&?z St. Chzrrch, 1873-1897<br />
Mr. OSWALD NETTLEFOLD<br />
Mr. FRANCIS NICHOLSON, F. 2. S.<br />
GENERAL ARTHUR PHELPS<br />
Messrs. W. N. PITCHER & CO.<br />
"Miss POWELL<br />
Dev<strong>on</strong>shke Terrace, Wyde Park, fit/:<br />
Major Street, Manchester ;<br />
Edgbast<strong>on</strong>, Bir~tzingha?ti ;<br />
BooKsellers, Manchester ;<br />
Tan-y-bryn, Aberystw9lth ;<br />
Mr. ARTHUR A. ROLLASON Menzber <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Parish Register Society, Dudley ;<br />
Editor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old N<strong>on</strong>-Parochial Registers, DudZey "<br />
Mr. HERBERT SOUTHAM, F.R.fi'sf.S. Shrewsbziry ;<br />
Mr. JOHN HIBBERT SWANN Free Reference Library, ~TYanchester ;<br />
Editar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> " BibIiog~aphy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lancashire and Cheshire A~ztiquities and Biography '"<br />
Miss TAPLIN<br />
Mr. FRANK TAYLOR, J.P.<br />
Mr. THOMAS THORP<br />
S~tzaZl Bath, Birftzinghatti ;<br />
Ash Lawn, Boltota ;<br />
Bookseller, Reading ;
Mr. EDW. VINCENT WAREING<br />
Mr. RICHARD WATSON<br />
Mr. Jka;~s WILSON<br />
Mr. HUMPHRY WOOD, F. S. A.<br />
xii<br />
LIBRARIES.<br />
Birmingham-THE BIRMINGHAM (OLD) LIBRARY, per Mr. Charles Edward<br />
Scarse, Librariafz. -<br />
Birmingham-THE BIRMINGHAM CORPORATION CENTRAL REFERENCE LIBRARY.<br />
L~lldoll-GUILDHALL LIBRARY, E. C., per Mr. Charles Welch, F. S. A..<br />
Librarian.<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>--B~1~1SH AND FOREIGN UNITARIAN ASSOCIATION LIBRARY, Essex<br />
Hall, Strand, W.C., per Rev. W. Copeland Bowie, M. L.S.B., Secretary.<br />
Manchester-THE MANCHESTER CORPORATION FREE REFERENCE LIBRARY,<br />
Ring Street, per Mr. Cl~arles William Sutt<strong>on</strong>, Libm?.iatz.<br />
Manchester--CROSS STREET CHAPEL LIBRARY, per Mr, W. Bart<strong>on</strong> Worth-<br />
in g t o n , Treasrr rer.<br />
AUTHOR'S NOTE.<br />
ONE morning l<strong>on</strong>g ago, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> my Whitchurch ministry, 1<br />
was hunting in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vestry press <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting-house for a missing<br />
book, when a copy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ' Proceedings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Centenary Celebrati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting, 1882,' revealed itself. This was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first time for<br />
me to see this pamphlet, and in glancing over its pages my eyes were<br />
caught by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se words in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ' Historical Sketch ' by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. David<br />
Maginnis, F. R. Hist. S. :-<br />
It should be menti<strong>on</strong>ed am<strong>on</strong>g unaccomplished intenti<strong>on</strong>s that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting<br />
purposed to prepare a <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rise and Growth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> Counties, with M<strong>on</strong>ographs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> several c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
included in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting. It was agreed to commit <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preparati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
general history to Mr. Gord<strong>on</strong>, who was to edit <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>ographs c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
tributed by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir respective <str<strong>on</strong>g>Churches</str<strong>on</strong>g>. Mr. Gord<strong>on</strong> under-<br />
took <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> task colt nuzo~-e, but death overtook him before he had been .able<br />
to make any progress with it. May <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hope be cherished that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> work<br />
will yet be uildertakeii and performed, as such a work, well d<strong>on</strong>e, is a<br />
great desideratum for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> benefit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> young people and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> less informed<br />
Members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s c<strong>on</strong>nected with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting.<br />
This expressi<strong>on</strong> from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mo?zthdy Meeti?zg that such a work should<br />
some day be undertaken fixed itself so firmly in my mind, that I forthwith<br />
began collecting materials for it, and when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Seedsozc~er started <strong>on</strong> its<br />
still active and vigorous career it was my privilege to be able to c<strong>on</strong>tribute<br />
to its columt~s twenty-two m<strong>on</strong>thly sketches <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> various c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Uni<strong>on</strong>. Here it seemed likely at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time that<br />
my efforts would have ended, had it not been o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rwise decreed.<br />
The articles brought me two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> happiest friendships <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> my life :<br />
those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mrs. Ca<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rine Hutt<strong>on</strong> Beale, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham, and Mr. Edward<br />
Cobb, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lewes, but formerly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Banbury.<br />
By a strange coincidence Mrs. Beale had given <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> world her richly<br />
illustrated and splendid ' Memorials <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, Birmingham,'<br />
in that very year, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeti~zg bewailed its
xiv<br />
" unaccoinplished intenti<strong>on</strong>s." Shortly after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> appearance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> my first<br />
article in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Seedsower, Mrs. Beale wrote to me expressing her interest<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> attempt as being exact& what is ze!a7zted, and urging me not to rest<br />
until my researches should take permanent form in a book, to which she<br />
desired to become its first subscriber. Drawings by her own hand, plans,<br />
notes, and photographs were freely forthcoming from her study at High-<br />
field ; no trouble seemed too great to her, if by any means in her power<br />
she could fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> work in which we had a comm<strong>on</strong> interest.<br />
Mr. Cobb, tile11 a hale octogenarian, also wrote to <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer any help,<br />
reminding me that so far back as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1839 he, as chairman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Bloxham and Milt<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s, had c<strong>on</strong>veyed to r,,, fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r that hearty<br />
invitati<strong>on</strong> which resulted in his becoming <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir minister, in successi<strong>on</strong> to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> aged Rev. Joseph Jevans, who had ministered to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m from 1779 until<br />
his death in July, 1839. The corresp<strong>on</strong>dence thus begun by Mr. Cobb<br />
was regularly c<strong>on</strong>tinued until a few m<strong>on</strong>ths befcre his death, in April,<br />
1899, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> patriarchal age <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 92 years. In his l<strong>on</strong>g and vividly-written<br />
letters he gave me a rich store <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> pers<strong>on</strong>al reminiscences, some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which<br />
are included in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se pages.<br />
Since <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se Seedsozcvr articles many things have Iiappened ; Mrs. Beale<br />
preceded Mr. Cobb by a few years in passing bey<strong>on</strong>d <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> veil <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> things<br />
visible ; o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r literary work has claimed attenti<strong>on</strong> at my hands ; ivhilst<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> duties <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an active ministry have, for a seas<strong>on</strong>, given place to days<br />
somewhat more leisured, which have been steadily devoted to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
genial preparati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this book. How imperfectly <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> task has been d<strong>on</strong>e<br />
no <strong>on</strong>e knows better than myself ; I <strong>on</strong>ly hope I have been able to do<br />
something towar,:s paving <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> way for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> footsteps <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> historian,<br />
who may eventually come al<strong>on</strong>g with that "work, well d<strong>on</strong>e," which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Jf<strong>on</strong>thl'y AReeti~zg rightly desires to see ziccomplisltled.<br />
As my labours prcgressed, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fkct was very sooil made evident to<br />
me that, wherever possible, original manuscripts and records must be<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sulted. Thanks to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> learned president <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> our Ex Libris Society,<br />
Sir Arthur Vicars, F.S.A., Ulster King <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arms, it was not l<strong>on</strong>g before<br />
I was granted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> privilege by Sir Brydges P. Henniker, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Registrar-<br />
<strong>General</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Great Britain, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> free access for historical purposes to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
three thousand or more n<strong>on</strong>-parochial registers, so carefully and order!y<br />
preserved in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dry vaults <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Somerset House. Here I have spent many<br />
weeks looking over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> registers alluded to in this book. Some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se<br />
registers, like <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coseley and earliest Oldbury and Whitchurch <strong>on</strong>es,<br />
I have entirely transcribed, and from all I have gleaned original matter,<br />
here printed for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first time.<br />
No <strong>on</strong>e who attempts to deal with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> early N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity<br />
can now afford to overlook <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> facts so fortunately preserved in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se<br />
n<strong>on</strong>-parochial registers ; and no <strong>on</strong>e who has not systematically explored<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se treasure houses can tell <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> many gems stored <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rein.<br />
Our early ministerial brethren so <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten made <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir registers <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> re-<br />
ceptacle for all manner <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> entirely unstudied remarks, thus rendering <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir<br />
vo!umes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> greatest interest, apart from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir value as mere registers<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> births or deaths. Take, for example, such an entry as this by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Rev. David Beni<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Whitchurch Presbyterian<br />
Chapel :-<br />
1715. Sep. 3,John, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> S. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>Johlz Lee, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> WilixnlZ, baptized<br />
at R~~o.and Oak, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chnjjel at TVhitchz~~ch bei7zg de?noZis/led by<br />
ye n~ob(,,J~/ly 15th, 6th, 18th~ and 19th before;<br />
or this from that prince <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> n<strong>on</strong>-parochials, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Colehill society, Tarnworth, which records <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fact <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> existence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
an earlier meeting-house than its present <strong>on</strong>e :-<br />
Sarah, daz~ghter to fiV?lliam Latha~tz, bei~zg bror/ght to our<br />
pub:ick nzeetz'~zg-$/crce, Lo?.dis Uaj~, ye 23 July, 1704, alas bqtized<br />
by nre, fleelzry Roz~ghZey ;<br />
or <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> touching and evident piety in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se entries, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Rev. Sainuel Angier, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dukinfield Chapel :-<br />
The Reverelzd alzd - flo& mal~ oJ Go4 Afr. John Alzgier, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Deiz [ toii 1, pasior <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tile co~zgreg.cti<strong>on</strong> above 45 y enrs, departed<br />
this lz;fe ye fist <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sqteuzber, about elevelz o'cloch before no<strong>on</strong>,<br />
nlzd was bztrz'cd ye 3rd <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ye molztil, 167;.<br />
MY. Isaac I.Vort/li7zg-t07z wns ?liarried ifz Yorhshire ns I nm<br />
infor?ned God bless 3.e Coujle, and 7~zake <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>vz blessi~zgs to<br />
<strong>on</strong>e ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, and to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> CITIurCI. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God, Ai~izen. fine, 1698.
xvi<br />
Again, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Thomas Thomps<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, Stockt<strong>on</strong>-<strong>on</strong>-<br />
Tees, records in his lea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r-jacketed register, that :-<br />
My dear (and <strong>on</strong>& own) Bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, John Th<strong>on</strong>zps<strong>on</strong>, 7e1as, z~~it/t<br />
ye whole ss/l@'s com$any except <strong>on</strong>e ma?z, cast away 072 ye coast<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lincol~zshire, about ye 26 <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> febrzrary, I~o;, ye Lord nzake<br />
me ready also ;<br />
whilst <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his successors, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Andrew Blackie, is careful to enter<br />
that :-<br />
Az~g 2, r 778, 1 baptized /oh~, S. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Johfz McfGzy, sailor, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Chrisiian, his wge. A?B. He was press'd, n~zd cnrried <strong>on</strong><br />
Board a Tender that same day.<br />
Or take <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Henry's Chapel, &ester, wherein its<br />
minister, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. John Gardner, records that <strong>on</strong> 25 October, 1715, he<br />
baptized :-<br />
Mackbryan (Mary), d. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Duncan Machbrya?~. Dzrnca~z was<br />
Killed at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Battle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prest<strong>on</strong> ikfoor, Novenz. I 2, I 7 I 5 -'<br />
and an unsigned entry tells to all who read that :-<br />
MY. Gardner was Interred in 277-inity Ch~~rch next to A~Y.<br />
Henry.<br />
If <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> work undertaken by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Parish Register Society in printing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
registers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> our parish churches be, as it undoubtedly is, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
greatest historical value and interest, so too would be that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a N<strong>on</strong>-<br />
Parochial Register Socie@.which dealt especially with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se registers. An<br />
excellent example has recently been set in this directi<strong>on</strong> by Mr. Arthur A.<br />
Rollas<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley, who has carefully edited all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> n<strong>on</strong>-parochial registers<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his parish, beginning with those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Friends, in 1656, and including<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian, Independent, Baptist. Wesleyan, and hlethodist New<br />
C<strong>on</strong>nexi<strong>on</strong> registers.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following pages it has been my c<strong>on</strong>stant aim to give, with<br />
correctness and brevity, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> main facts and data <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> every society. Of <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
34 buildings now standing and described, 31 have been pers<strong>on</strong>ally visited<br />
by me ; whilst <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those rased, altered, or used for o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r purposes, I<br />
remember, in Birmingham, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> passage entrance in Deritend, between<br />
Nos. 224 and 226, ' Meeting House Yard,' which led to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lower Meeting-<br />
house ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting and its burial ground ; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Saviour. It was my privilege to have <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Philip<br />
Henry's buildings at Broad Oak pointed out and described to me by that<br />
true antiquary, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Rev. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Henry Lee, M.A., rector <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hanmer,<br />
and editor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his ancestor's ' Diaries and Letters '; as it was also my<br />
privilege to <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer prayer and deliver a short address in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old Presbyterian<br />
Chapel, Whitchurch, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n and still used as a schoolroom, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a united town's temperance meeting <strong>on</strong>e Sunday evening ; whilst at<br />
Bloxham I was taken by an aged man, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last local survivor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> my<br />
fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, to see <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building in which worship<br />
was held.<br />
Of <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> men whose names are recorded as ministers to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>grega-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong>s 93 have been known or seen by me.<br />
The silver cups in l<strong>on</strong>gest, unbroken use at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> administrati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Lord's Supper are <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society worshipping in High<br />
Street Church, Shrewsbury-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gift, in 1735, from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> residue <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
goods <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. John Bryan, M.A., <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its two first ministers. The<br />
four silver chalices used in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah are those bought<br />
<strong>on</strong> 18 November, 1782, during Dr. Priestley's ministry to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>grega-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong>. The oldest silver plate in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> province is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> three cups<br />
owned by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting, Kidderminster, which is marked with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
letter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> assay <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1721-22, and inscribed it being in all<br />
probability, an article <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> domestic use in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pearsall family for half a<br />
century before <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opening <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting in 1782. The best and largest<br />
piece <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> pewter plate is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> alms dish at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour,<br />
Whitchurch, and formerly used in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> adjacent Presbyterian Chapel in<br />
Dodingt<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church furniture and relics, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ' Baxter' pulpit, owned by<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting, Kidderminster, claims <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first place. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> suggesti<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> more than <strong>on</strong>e friend I have given, as a fr<strong>on</strong>tispiece, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> drawing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it,<br />
which originally appeared in Vestiges <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protesta?zt Dissent. The ' dove '<br />
inkstand and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two oaken chairs in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting Church, Birming-<br />
ham, are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest ; also <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ' Bishop Hall' and 'Job Ort<strong>on</strong>' chairs at<br />
Kidderminster, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chair, with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> well carved back panel, owned by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong> society, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> brass candelabrum, with dove and olive<br />
branch, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vestry furniture in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting-house at Alcester, are all
xviii<br />
excellent specimens <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> work. At Bewdley <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was, in 1892, in <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pews, a perfect wooden pitch pipe.<br />
'There are no memorial brasses older than <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 23 at Whitchurch,<br />
which commemorate 41 pers<strong>on</strong>s, and cover <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> period from 1672, when<br />
Thomas Yate was born, to 1836, when hlrs. Beny<strong>on</strong> died at Bright<strong>on</strong>.<br />
The oldest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> st<strong>on</strong>e mural tablets is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ' Porter' <strong>on</strong>e at Alcester,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Latin inscripti<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> which was "recently rendered into English, for<br />
this work, by Dr. Martineau.<br />
It cannot fall to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lot <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many writers to be privileged to receive,<br />
for four successive works, signal help at Dr. Martineau's hands ; but<br />
so it is in my case, for, beginning with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Re <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> P~oz~i~ecial<br />
Assettrb4 in 1896, c<strong>on</strong>tinued to Vestiges in 1897, Codyto~zin in 1898, and,<br />
again, given for ArlidZand Chu~ches, all have been enriched by some c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
tributi<strong>on</strong> from him ; to whom my readers, no less than myself, owe thanks<br />
for such help. This book ~vould indeed be <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poorer did it not c<strong>on</strong>tain<br />
his translati<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> page 11.<br />
Not many men are now living vrho can speak with pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> four generati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a miilisterial family ; but my fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, born in 1813,<br />
hale, vigorous, and with unclouded memory, in 1899, has c<strong>on</strong>tributed to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se pages various matters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest c<strong>on</strong>cerning <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. David Davis,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Castellhywel, whom he knew in his boyhood, and at whose funeral in<br />
Llanv~enog Churchyard he was present in 1827 ; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his s<strong>on</strong>s, Tl~omas<br />
and Timothy, both ministers at Evesham, where he visited <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> latter, in<br />
1839, and was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nce driven by him to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> scene <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his coming ministry<br />
at Bloxham. For some particulars too <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his pers<strong>on</strong>al remembrances <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> eccentric Rev. Charles Lloyd, LLD., my readers and I are also his<br />
debtors.<br />
My own debt <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> gratitude and thanks to many corresp<strong>on</strong>dents and<br />
helpers is a heavy <strong>on</strong>e.<br />
From time to time several Welshmen, alumni <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian<br />
College, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, have ministered in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g>s ; for dates and<br />
details respecting some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m I am under obligati<strong>on</strong>s to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Rees<br />
Jenkin J<strong>on</strong>es, M.A., and, not for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first time, to my friend, Mr. Walter<br />
J. Evans, M.A., <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present Principal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> College.<br />
Most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> my old bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r ministers in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> MortthQ Meetii'zg have, at<br />
some time or ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last ten years, given me <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir stores.<br />
One and all I thank, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ler <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m in this book some help, whenever<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y may have occasi<strong>on</strong> to seek it, respecting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> histories <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
gregati<strong>on</strong>s to which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y minister.<br />
Brethren in o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r fields <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> labour have not refused <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir aid. Two<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly need be named-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Prebendary Egert<strong>on</strong>, M.A., now and for<br />
more than half a century past, rector <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Whitchurch, Salop, whose pers<strong>on</strong>al<br />
extracts from his parish registers and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r kind <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fices are gratefully<br />
acknowledged ; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Henry Gord<strong>on</strong> Palmer, B.A., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hollyfort<br />
Rectory, Gorey, for so much that now appears in print for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first time,<br />
respecting his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. John. Palmer, B.A., a former minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, Dudley.<br />
For matters genealogical and legal I hardly know how to thank<br />
sufficiently my friend, Mr. Arthur A. Rollas<strong>on</strong>. Verily is he a tower <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
strength for all who attempt <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> history in general, and that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Dudley and district in particular.<br />
To Mr. Noel A. Humphreys, Chief Clerk ; Mr. James Lewis, Superin-<br />
tendent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Records ; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir willing staff at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>General</strong> Register Office,<br />
I owe and t&der thanks for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir c<strong>on</strong>tinued and successful efforts to produce<br />
from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vaults <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> numerous registers I need to c<strong>on</strong>sult and examine.<br />
For perm;.-si<strong>on</strong> to freely use <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> extensive and growing library-both<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> general and reference books-in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> University College <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wales, I atn<br />
indebted to Principal Thomas F. Roberts, M.A., my near neighbour and<br />
friend ; whilst for extracts from books not in this library I have g<strong>on</strong>e,<br />
never without success, to Mr. John Hibbert Swann, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Free Reference<br />
Library, Manchester.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> matter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> verifying inscripti<strong>on</strong>s, and furnishing ground plans,<br />
and sketches whenever wanted, I have availed myself <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> skilful hand<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. E. Vincent Wareing, Birmingham, who, as he says, " has spent<br />
many happy afterno<strong>on</strong>s and evenings in visiting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> homes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> old dissent<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g>s."<br />
One expressi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> deep-felt gratitude is left to this last. Only those<br />
knowing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> circumstances can at all realise how, during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> years this
ook has been in progress, <strong>on</strong>e friend-tried, trusty, true-has given it<br />
good measure, pressed down, and shaken toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r. Would that I might<br />
name him ! but, as in previous prefaces, so in this, his wish is sacredly<br />
respected. Oft times we have toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r talked<br />
Of men and minds, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dust <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> change,<br />
The days that grow to :omething strange ;<br />
In walking, as <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> old we walk'd<br />
Beside <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> river's wooded reach, a<br />
The fortress, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> mountain ridge,<br />
The cataract flashing from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> bridge,<br />
The breaker breaking <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beach.<br />
/<br />
GEORGE EYRE EVANS.<br />
LIST OF CONTRACTIONS.<br />
B. Baptized. lic. Licensed.<br />
b. Born. m. Married.<br />
bur. Buried.<br />
min. Minister at.<br />
- rf. C<strong>on</strong>fer, for reference. ord. Ordained.<br />
d. Died, s.p. Sine prole, for without issue.<br />
ed. Educated.<br />
MSS.<br />
SEEN AND CONSULTED.<br />
*In Author's Library.<br />
ALCESTER, Presbyterian Chapel.-Vestry Register, 17 July, 1864-1 3 March,<br />
I 870.<br />
B~w~~Eu.-Deeds and Papers pertaining to High Street Chapel, in custody<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messrs. Talbot and S<strong>on</strong>, Solicitors, Kidderminster.<br />
BIRMINGHAM.-*" Sketch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham Free Christian<br />
Society, 1858-1888," by Arthur Bache Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ws, 1892, 8v0. 68 pp.,<br />
pefle~ G.E.E.<br />
BLOXHAM & MILTON.-*Letters, 1893-1898, by Mr. Edward Cobb, Lewes ;<br />
pef2e.S G. E. E.<br />
CRADLEY.-(' <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley Presbyterian Church," by Rev. James<br />
Scott, 1800 ; large folio, lea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r bound ; penes minister, for time<br />
being.<br />
D~~~~u.-Double<br />
Lecture, Minute Book, 1777-1866 ; penes Rev. E. D.<br />
Priestley Evans, Kidderminster, h<strong>on</strong>, secretary, M<strong>on</strong>th& Meeti~zg.
EVESHAM.--*" Notes <strong>on</strong> Oat Street Meeting-house," by Herbert New, 1893 ;<br />
pe?2e~ G.E.E.<br />
KIDDERMINSTER.-C~U~C~ Book, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> safe, New Meeting-house, in custody<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wardens.<br />
LONDON.-P~OC~~~~~~S<br />
<strong>General</strong> Baptist Assembly, 1689-1851, four vols., in<br />
muniment room <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bethnal Green Road Chapel ; Rev. W. Harvey<br />
Smith, custodian. .<br />
LONDON.--Minutes, United Brethren <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> City and County <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Exdn. and<br />
County <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dev<strong>on</strong>, 1691-1717 ; ?mall quarto, since 1855, in Dr.<br />
Williams's Library, Gord<strong>on</strong> Square, W.C. ; Rev. Francis Hy.<br />
J<strong>on</strong>es, B. A., custodian. /<br />
LONDON.-Dr. John Evans' " Lists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian, Independent and<br />
Baptist <str<strong>on</strong>g>C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s</str<strong>on</strong>g> in England, 1714-1729 "; Dr. Williams's<br />
Library, Gord<strong>on</strong> Square, W.C. ; Rev. Francis Hy. J<strong>on</strong>es, B.A.,<br />
custodian.<br />
LONDON.-Walter Wils<strong>on</strong>'s MSS., various vols. ; Dr. Williams's Library,<br />
Gord<strong>on</strong> Square, W.C. ; Rev. Francis Hy. J<strong>on</strong>es, B.A., custodian.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Uni<strong>on</strong> Minutes, 1865- in progress ; in 1893, penes<br />
Rev. J. B. Lloyd, Dudley, h<strong>on</strong>. secretary.<br />
M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting Minutes, 1782- in progress ; penes Rev. E. D. Priestley<br />
Evans, Kidderminster, h<strong>on</strong>. secretary ; *Abstract <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Minutes, 1782-<br />
185 j, made by and penes G. E.E.<br />
NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYNE.-M~~U~~S Old Meeting-house, 1819- ; penes Mr.<br />
Charles Jefferies, Newcastle, resident trustee.<br />
~~~su~u.-DoubIe Lecture, Minute Book, 1776-1865 ; penes Rev. E. D.<br />
Priestley Evans, Kidderminster, h<strong>on</strong>. secretary, M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting.<br />
SHREWSBURY.--H~~~ Street Church Records ; in 1896, penes Rev. Edward<br />
Myers, F. G. S.<br />
STOURBRIDGE.-" Records <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Church, Stourbridge "; Mr.<br />
William Scott ; 3 vols., circa 1800, lea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r bound ; penes minister,<br />
for time being.<br />
xxiii<br />
WHITCHURCH.--C~~~~~ <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>. Saviour, Trust Deeds, 1877 and 1893, in<br />
custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Charles Harding, Solicitor, Birmingham.<br />
WHITCHURCH.-Record Book, 1877-1897, compiled by minister, 1889-1897,<br />
folio, bound blue lea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r ; pelzes Mr. George Groom, Whitchurch,<br />
trustee and secretary.<br />
WHITCHURCH.-V~S~~~ Register, September, 1889- , in progress, quarto,<br />
bound brown lea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r ; penes Mr. George Groom, Whitchurch,<br />
trustee and secretary.<br />
BOOKS.<br />
BEALE. -*(' Memorials <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting-house and Burial Ground,<br />
Birmingham," [Mrs.] Ca<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rine Hutt<strong>on</strong> Beale, 1882. Copies in<br />
Birmingham, Old and Central Reference; and L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Dr. Williams's<br />
Libraries. Copy from author to G.E.E.<br />
BROWNE.-*" <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>alism . .<br />
Suffolk," John Browne, B. A., L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, 1877.<br />
. in Norfolk and<br />
CALAMY.--~~~~~~'S Account, 17 13, and C<strong>on</strong>tinuati<strong>on</strong>, 1727 ; abridged in<br />
Palmer's *" N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>forr list's Memorials," first ed., 1775 ; 2nd ed.,<br />
I 802-3.<br />
Cor'yo?ria.-*" Colyt<strong>on</strong>ia : A Chapter in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dev<strong>on</strong> ; being some<br />
account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old and George's Meetings, Colyt<strong>on</strong>, 1662-1898,<br />
George Eyre Evans, 1898. Copies in Birmingham, Old Library ;<br />
Mancl~ester, Free Reference Library.<br />
DICKENSGN'S REGISTER.-See " Northowram Register. "<br />
Bic. Nut. Biog.-L6The Dicti<strong>on</strong>ary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nati<strong>on</strong>al Biography." In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birming-<br />
ham Free Reference Library (Central) free access is allowed to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> set <strong>on</strong> its shelves. To <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 60 vols. now issued, A.G. [i.e. Rev.<br />
Alx. Gord<strong>on</strong>, M.A.] has c<strong>on</strong>tributed some 580 biographies, mainly<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ejected ministers and N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formist divines. *MS. List <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se articles extracted by and pe??es G.E.E.<br />
HEYWOOD'S REGISTER.--^^^ Northowram Register.'
xxiv xxv<br />
JEREMY,-*T~~ Presbyterian Fund and Dr. Williams's Trust ; Walter D.<br />
Jeremy, 1885.<br />
MIALL.-*" C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>alism in Yorkshire"; James G [oodeve] Miall.<br />
*<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, 1868.<br />
M. Sec.-*" The Manchester Socinian C<strong>on</strong>troversy "; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, 1825. Copy<br />
inscribed <strong>on</strong> title :-Stephen Bavis, from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> co~q?iler, ililr. yohn Bid,<br />
through kind <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. J.' Hibbert Swann, Manchester, penes<br />
G.E.E. [Birt may have had-evidently did have-some hand in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
compilati<strong>on</strong>, but it was George Hadfield who did <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> greater part.]<br />
Mirch.-*"A <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian and G- ral Baptist <str<strong>on</strong>g>Churches</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> West <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> England"; Jerom Murch, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, 1835. Author's<br />
copy to my fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, G.E.E.<br />
NIGHTINGALE.-*" Lancashire N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity "; B [enjamin] Nightingale, 6<br />
vols., Manchester [18g1-18931. Copy from author to G.E.E.<br />
NORTHOWRAM REGISTER.-*(' The N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formist Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptisms,<br />
Marriages, and Deaths "; compiled by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Revs. Oliver Heywood<br />
and T. Dickens<strong>on</strong>, 1644-1.702, 1702-1752, generally known as tlie<br />
Northowram or Coley Register. . . . "; edited by J. Horsfall<br />
Turner, Brighouse, 1881.<br />
Record.-*(' Record <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Provincial Assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lancashire and Cheshire ";<br />
compiled at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> directi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Assembly by George Eyre Evans.<br />
Manchester, 1896. Copies in Oxford, Manchester Coll. ; Man-<br />
chester, Free Reference Libraries.<br />
ROLL OF STUDENTS.-*" Roll <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Students," entered at Manchester Academy,<br />
1786-1803 ; Manchester College, York, 1083-1840 ; Manchester<br />
New College, Manchester, 1840-1853 ; Manchester New College,<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, 1853-1867 ; compiled by directi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trustees, Man-<br />
chester, 1868.<br />
Sib~ee.-*~~Independency in Warwickshire . . . "; John Sibree and M.<br />
Cast<strong>on</strong>, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, 1855. Copy in Birmingham, Central Reference<br />
Library.<br />
TOULMIN.-*" Memoirs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Samuel Bourn," and *" An Historical View<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> State <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenters in England . . . 1814,"<br />
by Joshua Toulmin, D.D. Copies in Birmingham, Central Reference<br />
Library. Author's copies to Rev. Joseph Cornish, Colyt<strong>on</strong>,<br />
pel2e.S G. E. E.<br />
Yestz&s.-S(6 Vestiges <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissent, being lists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers, plate,<br />
registers, antiquities . . . pertaining to most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> churches<br />
, . . included in tlie Nati<strong>on</strong>al C<strong>on</strong>ference . . , " by George<br />
Eyre Evans, 1897. Copies in Birmingham, Old, and Central<br />
Reference ; Oxford, Manchester Coll. ; ~idderminster, New Meet-<br />
ing ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Guildhall ; Dr. Williams's, Essex Hall ; and Man-<br />
chester, Free Reference, Cross Street Chapel, and Memorial Hall<br />
Libraries.<br />
WILSON.-*" The <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> and Antiquities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenting <str<strong>on</strong>g>Churches</str<strong>on</strong>g> and<br />
Meeting-houses in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> . . . "; Walter Wils<strong>on</strong>, 4 vols.,<br />
Lolld<strong>on</strong>, 1808. Copy with autograph <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 'Joh~z TayZor,' and MS.<br />
notes, from library <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Dr. H. J. Morehouse, Lydgate, founder<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Yorkshire Archzeological Society, penes G.E.E.<br />
WREFORD.-(c Sketch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity in<br />
Birmingham"; Rev. J[ohn] R[eynell] Wreford [D.D.], 1832. Copy<br />
in Birmingham, Central Reference Library.<br />
ANTQ. NOTES.-*" Antiquarian Notes to Vestiges <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissent,"<br />
by Editor, bi-m<strong>on</strong>thly (Moring's, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>), from August, 1898.<br />
In prDgress. Complete set in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Guildhall ; porti<strong>on</strong> with<br />
<strong>General</strong> Baptist Academy Students, in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Essex Hall ; Man-<br />
chester, Free Reference Library ; and Oxford, Manchester Coll.<br />
Library.<br />
C. F.-*" The Christian Freeman," m<strong>on</strong>thly (L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>), from July, 1856.<br />
In progress. Essex Hall.
C. L.-" The Christian Life," weekly (L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>), from zo May, 1376. 111<br />
progress. Essex Hall.<br />
C. R.--+" The Cl~ristian Reformer," m<strong>on</strong>thly (Lcnd<strong>on</strong>), from January, 1815-<br />
December, 1863. Sets in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Essex Hall ; Oxford, Manchester<br />
Coll ; and in Warwick, Hig-h Street ; and various old chapel<br />
Libraries (more or less complete).<br />
Disciple. -*"The Disciple," m<strong>on</strong>thly (Belfast), from January, 1881-Decern-<br />
ber, 1883. Set in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Essex Mall.<br />
E. S. Y. B.-*('Essex Hall Year Book," yearly (L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>), from 1890. In<br />
progress. Essex Hall.<br />
1nq.-*" The Inquirer," weekly (L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>), from g July, 1842. 1i1 progress.<br />
Essex Hall.<br />
M. R.-*" The M<strong>on</strong>thly Repository," moilthly (L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>), from January, 1806-<br />
December, 1538. Sets in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Essex Hall ; Oxford, Manchester<br />
Coll. ; and in various old chapel Libraries (more or less complete).<br />
P. D. M*-c' The Protestant Dissenter's Magazine," m<strong>on</strong>tl~ly (L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>), from<br />
1794-1799. Set in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Essex Hall.<br />
seedsower.-*" The Seedsower," nlotlthly (Birmingham), from Mal ch, 1893.<br />
In progress. Complete set, as issued with covers and circulars,<br />
&C., penes G.E.E., wl~o knows not <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a set in any public library.<br />
U. A.-*" The Unitarian Almanac," yearly (L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>), from 1847. In pro-<br />
gress. Complete set pe;ltes G.E.E. ; l<strong>on</strong>g runs in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Essex<br />
Hall ; Manchester, Free Reference Libraries.<br />
U. H.-*" The Unitarian Herald," weekly (Manchester), from 4 May, 1561-<br />
28 June, 1889. Sets in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Essex Hall ; Manchester, Free<br />
Reference and Memorial Hall Libraries.<br />
CONTENTS.<br />
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS ... . . .<br />
AUTHOR'S NOTE ... ... .. ... ...<br />
LIST OF CONTRACTIONS OF MSS., BOOKS & PERIODICALS CONSULTED<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
. . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . .<br />
ALCESTER, PRESBYTERIAN MEETING-HOUSE . .<br />
ATHERSTONE, LONG STREET<br />
BANBURY, CHRJST CHURCH<br />
BEWDLEY, HIGH STREET ...<br />
BIRMINGHAM, OLD MEETING CHURCH<br />
9 9<br />
CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH<br />
9 9 NEWHALL HILL CHURCH<br />
PAGE<br />
11<br />
v<br />
xiii
xxviii<br />
INTRODUCTION.<br />
The MIDLAND CHRISTIAN UNION was formed at a meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Warwickshire Tjllitarian Tract Society, held <strong>on</strong> Tuesday, 2 I November,<br />
1865, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rooms -<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah, Birmingham, under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
presidency <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> hlr. A. Martill; when, after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> reading <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a letter addressed<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> committee <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tract Society by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Revs. Charles Clarke, William<br />
Cochrane, John Gord<strong>on</strong>, Edward Parry, and Mr. Herbert New, it was<br />
moved by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. David Maginnis, and sec<strong>on</strong>ded by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. William<br />
Cochrane :-<br />
That ab associati<strong>on</strong> be formed to take <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> &ace <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Warwickshire Tract<br />
Society, under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Uni<strong>on</strong> ; and that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
object <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this associati<strong>on</strong> be <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> promoti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interests <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ~hristianit~<br />
in c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> freedom which rejects subscripti<strong>on</strong> to any articles<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ological belief.<br />
After an amendment-.moved by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Gibs<strong>on</strong>, supported<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Edward Parry, and opposed by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Revs. CharIes Clarke,<br />
John Gord<strong>on</strong>, and Mr. W. Akroyd, to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> effect that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> word 'Unitarian '<br />
should be plxced in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> associati<strong>on</strong>-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> original resoluti<strong>on</strong><br />
was carried by fourteen to six.<br />
The scope <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong>'s labours was definecl by a resoluti<strong>on</strong>, moved<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Henry Enfield Dows<strong>on</strong>, B.A., viz. :<br />
Arrangements for religious services, encouragement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nlissi<strong>on</strong>ary opera-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong>s, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> employment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> lay preachers, and especially <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a paid agent, and<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> publicati<strong>on</strong> and distributi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> books and tracts.<br />
On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> moti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Henry McKean, sec<strong>on</strong>ded by Mr. Isaac<br />
Robert 'PvIott, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> couilcil and members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham District Unitarian<br />
Associati<strong>on</strong> ~vei-e severally and as a body invited to join <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong>, and<br />
assist in preparing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rcles for its government ; an invitati<strong>on</strong> which was<br />
promptly accepted.
YEAR.<br />
1807<br />
1808<br />
1809<br />
1810<br />
181 I<br />
I 8 I 2<br />
181 3<br />
1814<br />
181 5<br />
1816<br />
1817<br />
1818<br />
1819<br />
1820<br />
182 I<br />
THE WARWICKSHIRE AND ADJOINING COUNTIES UNITARIAN TRACT SOCIETY<br />
had existed from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 19th century. It was established in<br />
Birmingham <strong>on</strong> 6 June, 1806, for<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> diffusioll <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious linowledge and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> practice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> virtue by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
distributi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> books.<br />
In its formati<strong>on</strong> Dr. Toulmin-its first secretary-had a principal share,<br />
and, through its earliest stages, gave to it much <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his time and thought.<br />
Its annual proceedings held in June, July or August, comprised a service<br />
and serm<strong>on</strong> (sometimes two, <strong>on</strong>ce three), a business meeting, and a dinner<br />
with speeches. The following list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its meeting places, preachers, texts,<br />
and chairmen is <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> much interest :-<br />
PLACE. PREACIIEII.<br />
Coseley<br />
Dudley<br />
B'ham, N.M.<br />
Kingswood<br />
Coventl-y<br />
Eveshain<br />
Hinckley<br />
Leicester<br />
Kidderminster<br />
Oldbury<br />
Joshua Toulmin, D. D.<br />
John Kentish<br />
John Corrie, F.R.S.<br />
Joshua TouJmin, D. D.<br />
I<br />
Jas. Hews Bransby<br />
John Kentish<br />
Richard Fry<br />
Joshua Toulmin, D. D.<br />
Jaines Tayler<br />
1<br />
(1<br />
{<br />
{<br />
Coseley<br />
Wolverhamptcl~<br />
Dudley<br />
B'ham, B.M.<br />
Leicestei-<br />
John Kentish<br />
Robert Little<br />
Joshua Toulmin, D. D.<br />
Chas. Berry<br />
Wm. Turner<br />
John Small<br />
James Yates, M.A.<br />
James Yates, M.A.<br />
John Kenrick, M.A.<br />
Stephen Weaver Browne,<br />
B.A.<br />
Robert Asplalld<br />
Robert Wallace, F.G.S.<br />
Jas. Hews Bransby<br />
Dan. xi., 33<br />
I Cor. i., 22-24<br />
Col. I., 17<br />
St. John xxi., 17<br />
Col. i., I j<br />
I John iv., 14<br />
Heb. iii., I<br />
Rom. X., 2<br />
Eph. ii., 8<br />
Rev. xviii., 1-2<br />
Heb. iii., I<br />
Jude, 3<br />
St. Mark iii., 3 j<br />
St. John viii., 54<br />
PS. civ., 31<br />
I Kings xviii., 2 I<br />
St. John xx., 31<br />
St. Mat. xvi., 13<br />
Ex. xx., 24<br />
I Tim. ii., 5<br />
CHAIRMAN.<br />
--p<br />
Mr. Richard Wats<strong>on</strong><br />
Mr. Samuel Kenrick<br />
Mr. Thos. Eyre Lee<br />
Kidderminster<br />
Tarnworth<br />
Evesham<br />
&=ester<br />
Kidderminster<br />
B'ham. O.M.<br />
Northampt<strong>on</strong> {<br />
Coventry<br />
Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong><br />
Shrewsbury<br />
Dudley<br />
Kingswood<br />
Kidderminster<br />
B'ham. N.M. 1;<br />
,, O.M.<br />
Walsall<br />
Coseley<br />
Cradley<br />
Zoventry<br />
:heltenham<br />
Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong><br />
Banbury<br />
Stourbridge<br />
Yorthampt<strong>on</strong><br />
Wartvick<br />
3ldbury<br />
Kidderminster<br />
Joseph Hutt<strong>on</strong>, M.A.<br />
Hugh Hutt<strong>on</strong>, M.A.<br />
Chas. Wellbeloved<br />
John Reynell Wreford, D. D<br />
John Reynell Wreford, D.D<br />
Edtvard Bristow<br />
Wm. Hamilt<strong>on</strong> Drumm<strong>on</strong>d,<br />
D. D.<br />
Edw. Higgins<strong>on</strong><br />
John Kentish<br />
Samuel Bache<br />
Richard Astley<br />
Wm. Bo\ven, M.A.<br />
Rees Lloyd<br />
Timothy Davis<br />
John Owen<br />
John Jas. Tayler, M.A.<br />
9 , 9 , ,? . .<br />
Beilj. Carpenter<br />
John Kentish<br />
John Howard Ryland<br />
Stephens<strong>on</strong> Hunter<br />
John Gord<strong>on</strong><br />
John Taylor<br />
John Kentish<br />
Hy. Hunt Piper<br />
Hy. Asht<strong>on</strong> Mees<strong>on</strong>, M.D.<br />
Wm. Arthur J<strong>on</strong>es, M.A.<br />
Edward Tagart, F. S.A.<br />
Hugh Irluttoil, M.A.<br />
Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Gibs<strong>on</strong><br />
John Harris<strong>on</strong>, Ph. D.<br />
James ii., 18<br />
Acts xxii., I<br />
I Tim. iii., 16<br />
Is. xlii., 8<br />
St. John i., 45-6<br />
Rom. vi., 23<br />
St. Johnviii.,31-2<br />
Eccles. xi., 6<br />
Gal. v., I I<br />
St. John xviii., 37<br />
Rom. X., g<br />
St. John xiv., g<br />
Col. i., 28<br />
St. John xvii., 3<br />
2 Chr<strong>on</strong>. xxxi., 2 I<br />
IS. xlv., 22<br />
Eph. iv., 7<br />
I Cor. i., 22-4<br />
Eph. iv., 13<br />
I Tim. iv., 13<br />
Sal. v., I<br />
2 Kings v., 13<br />
Sen. i., I<br />
\as. ii., 19<br />
St. Mark vi., 2<br />
3en. i., I<br />
ritus ii., 14<br />
Heb. xi., 6<br />
St. John v. 30<br />
St. Mat. vi., g<br />
St. John xix., 39<br />
Mr. J. T. Smith<br />
Mr. T. Roby<br />
Mr. Thos. Foster<br />
Mr. Thos. Eyre Lee<br />
Mr. Geo. Talbot, Jr.<br />
Mr. Thos. Eyre Lee<br />
Mr. Rd. Dennis<br />
Mr. Jos. Pears<strong>on</strong><br />
Rev. Rd. Astley<br />
Rev. Rees Lloyd<br />
Mr. Geo. Talbot, Jr.<br />
Mr. Jas. Russell<br />
Mr. John New<br />
Mr. John Day<br />
Mr. Caddick<br />
Mr. S. Evers<br />
Rev. John Gord<strong>on</strong><br />
Rev. Lewis Lewis<br />
Rev. Stephens<strong>on</strong> Hunter<br />
Mr. Saml. Spurrett<br />
Mr. Robt. Scott, M.P.<br />
Mr. Thos. Sharp<br />
Mr. John Twamley<br />
Mr. Thos. Eyre Lee<br />
Mr. Wm. Talbot
Kenilworth<br />
Tamworth<br />
Evesham<br />
Cheltenham<br />
B'ham. N.M.<br />
Shrewsbury<br />
B'ham O.M.<br />
Dudley<br />
Coseley<br />
Cradley<br />
Stourbridge<br />
Coventry<br />
Kingswood<br />
Warwick<br />
Chas. Wicksteed, B.A.<br />
Edw. Higgins<strong>on</strong><br />
Robt. Brook Aspland, M.A.<br />
Charles Clarke<br />
Jas. Martineau, D. D.<br />
Samuel Martin<br />
John Gord<strong>on</strong><br />
Charles Berry<br />
William James<br />
David Mag-innis<br />
John Lettis Short<br />
John Gordoil<br />
Rees Lewis Lloyd<br />
Jas. Drumm<strong>on</strong>d, D.D.<br />
Northampt<strong>on</strong> Samuel Bache<br />
i<br />
Kidderminster Brooke Herforcl, D. D.<br />
Secretaries.<br />
2 COI. X., j<br />
Psov. xxvii., 6<br />
Eccl. vii., 14<br />
Eph. iv., 1-3<br />
I Tim. i, 5<br />
PS. lxii., 19<br />
Rev. ii., 1-5<br />
2 Thes. iii., I<br />
2 tin^. i., 13<br />
St. Mat. vii., 20<br />
2 Cor. iii., 5-6<br />
Titus i., 4<br />
PS. iv., 4<br />
St.R4at.siii.,24-50<br />
Rev. joiln Gord<strong>on</strong><br />
Rev. Wm. Parkins<strong>on</strong><br />
Mu. Herbert New<br />
31s. liy. Dailgerfield<br />
Mr. Hy. Smith<br />
Mr. Geo. Harries<br />
Alderman Jas. Baldwin<br />
Mr. \V. H. Brooke<br />
Rev. Wm. Orr McGowan<br />
Rev. Wm. Cochrane<br />
Mr. J. Francis Lee<br />
I\ls. Herbert New<br />
Alderman Jas. Uald~t~in<br />
n4r. Mark Philips<br />
St. John xvii., / Mr. W. Dennis<br />
I Tim. ii., ; /<br />
1806-181 I, Rev. Joshua Toulmin, D. D.<br />
181 1-1523, Rev. James Hews Bransby.<br />
1823-1827, Rev. Hug11 Hutt<strong>on</strong>, R3.A.<br />
1827- 1838, Rev. John Reynell Wreford, D. D.<br />
1838-1844, Rev. John Howard Ryltt:ld.<br />
I 844- I 864, Rev. Samuel Bache.<br />
1864-1865, Rev. Charles Clarke.<br />
Treasurers.<br />
1806-181 I, Mr. John Lawrence.<br />
181 1-1833, Mr. Richard I'eytcn.<br />
1833-1837, h4r. Jeremiah Ridout.<br />
1837-1849, Mr. John Francis.<br />
1849-1865, Mr. Ci~arles Clismd.<br />
I<br />
I Rev. Edw. Parry<br />
l<br />
12 November, 1860, at a meeting held in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lecture room <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old<br />
Meeting, Birmingham ; its object being<br />
to give encouragement to existing agencies-particularly to preaching, by<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> publicati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> books and tracts, by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> delivery <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> lectures, and by<br />
opening fresh places for religious instructi<strong>on</strong> and worship.<br />
During its short life this associati<strong>on</strong> did much work well. On 18<br />
October, 1863, it appointed as its regular ~nissioilary agent, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev.<br />
Charles Frederick Biss ; it carefully fostered <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> growth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Spoil Lane<br />
movement, which ultimately became <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> now worshipping in<br />
Lodge Road Church, West Bromwich ; it c<strong>on</strong>ducted regular services in<br />
Redditch, and in Villa Street Chapel, Birnlingham ; whilst ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r valuable<br />
feature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its active life was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ological class, which met at stated<br />
periods, 1861-1863, under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> tutorship <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Charles Clarke, its<br />
students being lay-preachers and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r young men.<br />
Birmingham, Q. RI.<br />
Annual Meetings.<br />
9 9 Chnrch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah<br />
7 9 Newhall Hill<br />
J , Q. M.<br />
Secretaries.<br />
a 850- I 86 I, Rev. Charles Clarke.<br />
1861-1864, Mr. Wm. Wade.<br />
~854-1865, Mr. J. W. Qliver.<br />
Treasurers.<br />
r S5o-1864, Mr. W. Earl.<br />
~864-1865, Mr. S. B. Whitfield.<br />
Lay-preachers.<br />
Mr. W. Ast<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Mr. J. Dean.<br />
Mr. J. Grainger.<br />
Mr. F. Grew.<br />
Mr. T. Jeav<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
R4r. R. D. Kneeb<strong>on</strong>e.<br />
Mr. Brooke Smith.<br />
Rev. Charles Clarke.<br />
Mr. J. Coppock<br />
Rev. Charles Clarke.
Mr. D. Matts.<br />
Mr. J. W. Oliver.<br />
Mr. H. Payt<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Mr. J. Retchford.<br />
Mr. Hy. Solom<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Mr. G. R. Twinn.<br />
Mr. S. B. Whitfield.<br />
Mr. W. Woodward.<br />
In many ways <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time had come, and events were ripe for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> forma-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> larger and more comprehensive Uni<strong>on</strong>, which was not l<strong>on</strong>g in<br />
making itself a felt power in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g>s. The Rev. Robert Hamm<strong>on</strong>d<br />
Cott<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Liverpool, who had recently left <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptist Church, began his<br />
duties as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> regular missi<strong>on</strong>ary for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong> in March, 1868, and c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
tinued <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m until May, 1869, when he resigned, with a view to a settled<br />
pastorate. The Uni<strong>on</strong>'s earliest efforts were given to maintaining regular<br />
services at Alcester, Sp<strong>on</strong> Lane, and Walsall. By degrees o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r work<br />
was taken in hand for l<strong>on</strong>ger or shorter periods, with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gratifying result<br />
that as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> years have passed <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ' M.C.U.'-to use its familiar appela-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong>-has become <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> recognised and trusted authority in its district for<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> promoti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christianity in c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> freedom which rejects<br />
subscripti<strong>on</strong> t~ any articles <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ological belief.<br />
So far as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> funds at its disposal have allowed, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong> has given<br />
yearly financial help to many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> smaller c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s affiliated to it.<br />
Like <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tract Society, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong> generally has a united service anu<br />
a serm<strong>on</strong> by an appointed preacher, <strong>on</strong> its annual meeting day ; occasi<strong>on</strong>ally<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> administrati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord's Supper has also formed a part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
day's proceedings.<br />
Secretaries.<br />
Rev. Charles Clarke, 1865-1867.<br />
Rev. Hy. Enfield Dows<strong>on</strong>, B.A., 1865-1867.<br />
Rev. David Maginnis, 1867-1869.<br />
Mr. W. Ridout Wells, 1867-1869.<br />
, Rev. Hy. Wm. Crosskey, LL. D., 1869-1881.<br />
Rev. Henry McKean, I 878- I 88 I.<br />
Rev. Wm. Carey Walters, 1881-1883.<br />
Rev. Charles Clarke, 1886-1887.<br />
Rev. Saml. Fletcher Williams, 1887-1888.<br />
Rev. James Crossley, 1888-1890.<br />
Rev. Rd. Thos. Nichols<strong>on</strong>, B.A., 1890-1892.<br />
Rev. John Briggs Lloyd, 1892-1893.<br />
Rev. James Crossley, 1893-1894.<br />
Rev. Addis<strong>on</strong> Alex. Charlesworth, 1894-<br />
Treasurers.<br />
Mr. S. B. Whitfield, 1865-1879.<br />
Mr. W. B. Greenway, 1879-1883.<br />
Mr. Charles Harding, 1883-1887.<br />
Mr. Alf. Wm. Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, B.A. ; J.P., 1887-1896.<br />
Mr. J. Archibald Kenrick, 1896-<br />
On M<strong>on</strong>day, g March, 1891, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong> nlet for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first time after its<br />
transformati<strong>on</strong> into a ' PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY,' <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se words having from<br />
that date formed part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its title. The Assembly as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n c<strong>on</strong>stituted,<br />
now c<strong>on</strong>sists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> :-<br />
(a) The ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> affiliated <str<strong>on</strong>g>Churches</str<strong>on</strong>g>,<br />
(b) Three lay representatives from every affiliated Church,<br />
(c) Life members, being d<strong>on</strong>ors <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> As, or upwards,<br />
(d) Annual subscribers,<br />
(e) Ministers resident in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Province, without active charge, duly elected<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> committee.<br />
There is now 110 doubt whatever as to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this move, which<br />
is apparent in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> greatly increased attendances at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> annual and autumnal<br />
ga<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Assembly, and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> general interest manifested by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Province in its welfare,<br />
Prior to this change, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> annual meetings were held at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> various<br />
places iilcluded in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first in 1866 being in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Messiah, when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. John Gord<strong>on</strong> preached from Romans I., 14, I am<br />
debtor both to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Greehs, and , <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bnrbariatts, Both to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> wise and to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
unwise. b<br />
The annual meetings, from 1891, have been held in Birmingham, its<br />
central positi<strong>on</strong> being found <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most c<strong>on</strong>venient for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> large majority<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> attendants.
---------------------------W----<br />
PLACE.<br />
B'ham. O.M. Church<br />
,, Newhall Hill<br />
,, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah<br />
,, O.M. Church<br />
,, Newhall Hill<br />
,, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah<br />
,, O.M. Church<br />
,, Newhall Hill<br />
,, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah<br />
Atlnual Meetings.<br />
CHAIRMAN.<br />
Lawrence Pearsall Jacks, M. A.<br />
Communi<strong>on</strong> Service.<br />
Brooke Herford, D.D.<br />
Wm. Edw. Addis, M.A.<br />
Charles Hargrove, M. A.<br />
John Hunter, D.D.<br />
Ambrose Wichols Blatchford, B.A,<br />
Stopford Augustus Brooke, M. A., LL. D.<br />
Edwin Pinder Barroxv, R4.A.<br />
011 Sunday, 14 July, 1895, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. John Harris<strong>on</strong> began his duties<br />
as Missi<strong>on</strong>ary Agent, or minister at large, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Province ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>grega-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong>s at Small Heath, and at Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>, being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n especially placed<br />
under his guidance and care. Froin that time to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> close <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1898, he<br />
found full and successf~~l opportunity for work in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Province, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
oversight <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> aided <str<strong>on</strong>g>Churches</str<strong>on</strong>g>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> helping <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> weak causes, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
opening up <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> new ground ; work which owing to ill-health, Mr. Harris<strong>on</strong>,<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> regret <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all his friends, had <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n to relinquish.
ALCESTER.<br />
PRESBYTERIAN MEETING-HOUSE.<br />
Present building opened 1721 ; former <strong>on</strong>e, before 1693.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
Samuel Tickner ...<br />
...<br />
Joseph Porter ... ...<br />
Richard Rogers<strong>on</strong><br />
George Brodhurst<br />
Belljamin Evans<br />
Belljamin Maurice<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
. .<br />
...<br />
Closed ...<br />
Christmas News<strong>on</strong> Saint ...<br />
Supplies ..,<br />
Thomas Warren ...<br />
6'hnl)r. Dist. Udt. Ass.<br />
JlirZZn 77 d Christiart Uni<strong>on</strong><br />
William Henry Eastlake<br />
Thomas Wils<strong>on</strong> Scott<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
Sztpplies ...<br />
C/osed ...<br />
John Dale ... ...<br />
r7Iidllnnd Christiatt Uni<strong>on</strong><br />
...<br />
...<br />
This building is <strong>on</strong>e bel<strong>on</strong>ging to that very small group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> early<br />
eighteenth century erecti<strong>on</strong>, which has fortunately escaped from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> restorer's<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remodeller's hands, and remains well nigh in its original c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>,<br />
and as perfect as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> day <strong>on</strong> which it was opened. The oak pulpit with<br />
square sounding board; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> marble tablet close by, to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Joseph Porter ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> st<strong>on</strong>e f<strong>on</strong>t ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> nine light brass candelabrum with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
dove and olive branch in its beak ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> communi<strong>on</strong> pews with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir quaint<br />
method <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> forming l<strong>on</strong>g narrow tables, by half folding over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> backs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> seats ; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> wealth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> carved woodwork are all here and in a<br />
perfect c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>, thus giving <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worshippers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> to-day a true picture <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interior <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a meeting-house loved and adorned by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir forefa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs.<br />
It was well said at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> re-opening service <strong>on</strong> 13 July, 1893, that this is<br />
a building which ought no more to be touched than <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Abbey at<br />
Westminster.
In 1820 T.D. (i.e. Timothy Davis, minister at Eveshain q.v.) wrote a<br />
very short account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Presbyterian Aleetin,o House ot Alcesfcr, which<br />
he sent to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> editor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly R@ositovy; for a time it was mislaid,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n fortunately recovered, and inserted in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> issue <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> March, 1823. To<br />
it we are indebted for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preservati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> some details embodied in this<br />
account.<br />
The ejected minister at Alcester was Samuel Tickner, described* as-<br />
a very holy, self-denying, peaceable man ; an hard student, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a<br />
tender spirit. He c<strong>on</strong>tinued with his people, who were some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most<br />
wealthy in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish, after he was turned out in 1662, preaching c<strong>on</strong>stantly<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m, but rarely in time <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> public service. His moderati<strong>on</strong> however did<br />
not secure him from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> invidious neighbours, who informed against<br />
him. This forced him to c<strong>on</strong>fine himself, and to preach more privately.<br />
Hereup<strong>on</strong>, though he was <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a str<strong>on</strong>g c<strong>on</strong>stitutiotl, he quickly fell into a<br />
deep c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong>. An eminent physician affirmed that this c<strong>on</strong>finement<br />
was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cause. The old informers represented him to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> magistrates as<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly pretending sickness ; but an <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer who came to apprehend him, found<br />
him under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> arrest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> death.<br />
By his ministry, doubtless, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> foundati<strong>on</strong> was laid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> coilgregati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Dissenters established in this place. From <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> records <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house we find that a c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> was worshipping in a house<br />
<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> site <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present building in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1693.<br />
Joseph Porter is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> next minister whose name was met with by T.D.<br />
How l<strong>on</strong>g he was at Alcester-, where he educated young men for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ministry, as well as <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiated as pastor to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, does not<br />
appear. He is menti<strong>on</strong>ed in "Dr. Evans's list." He died in 1721, aged<br />
62. The present meeting-house was built in that year, and Porter was<br />
expected to preach at its opening, but death disappointed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hopes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
his c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>. On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> right hand <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit, 011 a neat marble slab,<br />
is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following incripti<strong>on</strong> to his memory :-<br />
M. S.<br />
Clariss. viri Josephi Porter V. D. M.<br />
Qui magna virtutis et scientiae laude<br />
Singrllari pariter, aninli modestia<br />
Inclaruit.<br />
Auditores fidei suae commissos<br />
Literarum cogniti<strong>on</strong>e auxit,<br />
"N<strong>on</strong>ccn. Mem. ii., 479.<br />
Integris moribus imbuit,<br />
S.S. scripturae preceptis<br />
Sedulo instituit.<br />
Et Ipse ita nioratus, ut illa postulant<br />
Disciplinam etetliin suam<br />
N<strong>on</strong> ostentati<strong>on</strong>em Ingenii sed legem vitae<br />
Putavit.<br />
Summae fuit Pietatis in Deuni,<br />
Suavitatis in suos,<br />
Fidelitatis in amicos,<br />
Huminatatis in Omnes.<br />
In Christo obdormuit Aug. 2q0.<br />
A.D. 1721. Aetatis 62".<br />
Thes. iv. 14, (in Greek).<br />
Not being able to satisfy myself in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trallslati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this inscripti<strong>on</strong>,<br />
Dr. Martineau most kindly sent me <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following*-<br />
Sacred to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Memory<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a most distinguished man, Joseph Porter,<br />
Minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Word <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God,<br />
who gained a brilliant repute for his<br />
great merits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> character and knowledge,<br />
and not less for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> singular modesty <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his mind.<br />
The hearers committed to his trust he enriched with literary culture, imbued with<br />
sound morals, and diligently grounded in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> precepts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Holy Scriptures, and his<br />
own pers<strong>on</strong>al will he c<strong>on</strong>formed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir requirements ; for he thought <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> true law <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
life was found in moral self-subjecti<strong>on</strong>, not in intellectual display.<br />
He evinced <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> utmost piety towards God, sweetness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> temper to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> compani<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his home, faithfulness to his friends, and kindness to all.<br />
He fell asleep in Christ, August 24th, 1721,<br />
aged 62.<br />
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m also which sleep<br />
in Jesus, will God bring with him. Thess. iv., 14.<br />
Porter's successor was Richard Rogers<strong>on</strong>, from Coventry, where he<br />
had been, from 1717, minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Great Meeting. He remained at<br />
Alcester until 1733, when he removed to Newcastle-<strong>on</strong>-Tyne, as minister<br />
"He says, writing froill The Polchar Aviernolz N.B., AzL,~. 2, 1895: Denr MT. Evalzs,<br />
I do not zu<strong>on</strong>der that you cozdd not get to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jose@ Porter's record without l<strong>on</strong>g-ing to<br />
telegrajh to his bio,o~,apher for an ex-lanati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> qztesti<strong>on</strong>nble clause. Zhe eszclosed translati<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>i<br />
will show yoz~ nzy ittterj?*etatio/z <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it. There is not much a?niss with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lutinity ; but <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> thoztght<br />
itsew dozs vat seem yuite clew. . Yozrg*s very t~zcb, Janzes Martineau.
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hanover Square Society, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> removal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Samuel Laurence, D.D.,<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>kwell Street c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>. He had a bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, Josiah<br />
Rogers<strong>on</strong>, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers (1724-1763) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Friar Gate c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
Derby ; a man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> great abilities and character, who particularly distinguished<br />
himself as an assertor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> private judgment, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>troversy<br />
which took place in those parts <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Mr. Joseph Raws<strong>on</strong>,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nottingham, being excluded from communi<strong>on</strong> by his minister, Mr. Sloss,<br />
<strong>on</strong> account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> some difference <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> opini<strong>on</strong> between <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m c<strong>on</strong>cerning <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
doctrine <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trinity. The whole affair is circumstantially related in Dr.<br />
Taylor's masterly Defence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Co~ttnz<strong>on</strong> Rights <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christians.<br />
The next name met with as minister here, is that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> George Brodhurst,<br />
who probably succeeded Rogers<strong>on</strong>. He was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edward Brodhurst<br />
(q.v.), minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, Birmingham, and died at Alcester, in<br />
August, 1775, having resigned <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry a year or two before, through<br />
ill health. His-<br />
ingenuity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> mind, and cheerful temper gave a charm to his c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
and vivacity to his letters.*<br />
Brodhurst was followed by Benjamin Evans, who remained at Alcester<br />
until 1785, when he removed to Stockt<strong>on</strong>-<strong>on</strong>-Tees, to minister to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenters in that town. He was born <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
beautiful banks <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> river Tivy, between Llandyssul and Newcastle Emlyn,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a very respectable dissenting family, much esteemed in that neighbour-<br />
hood. It is believed that his first settlement was at Newport, M<strong>on</strong>.,<br />
whence he removed to Alcester, where, says his biographer-\----<br />
during his residence he enjoyed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> intimacy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most eminent ministers<br />
in that neighbourhood--Mr. Emans, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coventry, Mr. Carpenter (q.v.) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Stourbridge, Mr. Wood (q.v.) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudiey ; R4essrs. Bly<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> (q.v.), Hawkes<br />
(q.v.), and Scholefie!d (qv.), and afterwards <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Priestley (q.v.) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Birmingham.<br />
He was succeeded, in 1785, by aaotl:er Welshman, Belljamin Maurice,<br />
a native <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pembrokeshire, and like his preclecessor, also an alumnus <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian College, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n. During <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> latter part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his<br />
ministry, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society, through deaths and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r causes, had become very<br />
small. Though his salary <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n was little more than ;G20 per an. he<br />
c<strong>on</strong>trived, writes his biographer*-<br />
to live within his income, and by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ec<strong>on</strong>omical management <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> liber-<br />
ality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his friends, he was enabled to leave behind him a sufficiency to<br />
cover <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> expenses <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his funeral (which was c<strong>on</strong>ducted in a decent and<br />
respectable manner) and a few small legacies, am<strong>on</strong>gst o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs half-a-guinea<br />
each to four poor old widows. hlaurice enjoyed in a remarkable degree<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> good will and genuine friendship <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his fellow townsmen.<br />
From <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worthy rector <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish, and a respectable gentleman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
faculty, well known to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Royal Family, he received <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> kindliest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
attenti<strong>on</strong>s at all times, but particularly in his illness ; when nei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r medical<br />
nor pecuniary aid were wanting. From several pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong>al gentlemen--<br />
from Catholics and Churchmen, from some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptist persuasi<strong>on</strong>, as<br />
well as from individuals <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his own c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>-he experienced great<br />
kindness.<br />
Richard Wright in his iWissi<strong>on</strong>a~y Lge and Labors, 1824 p. 353, alludes<br />
to his visit to Alcester, shortly before Maurice's death. He says that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> was nearly extinct, and that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> few pers<strong>on</strong>s that remained<br />
thought <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> case hopeless, and that nothing could be d<strong>on</strong>e. Still he was<br />
resolved to make an attempt. He preached at Alcester first <strong>on</strong> a week<br />
day evening, and was so well attended that he resolved to preach <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re<br />
<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following Sunday, which he did three times-<br />
and had good c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Maurice preached for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last time <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 17 January, and died at<br />
Alcester <strong>on</strong> 11 February, 1814, having ministered in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town for nearly<br />
thirty years.<br />
The meeting house was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n closed, until, in 1816, Christmas News<strong>on</strong><br />
Saint began his short pastorate here. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following year<br />
he removed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Grezt Meeting, Hinckley. After a short time at<br />
Cranbrook G.B. Church, he settled with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Headcorn G.B. Church in<br />
1832, and remained <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re till <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> close <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his active ministry in 1853, when<br />
he returned to his native city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Norwich, to be near his bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r Samuel<br />
Saint (d. 16 April, 1860, act 72). He did not elljoy his retirement l<strong>on</strong>g,<br />
as he died <strong>on</strong> 11 September, 1854, and was buried in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rosary, where<br />
a headst<strong>on</strong>e marks <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs' grave.<br />
T.D. says <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> period at which'we have now arrived-<br />
About two gears ago E18181 Mr. John Hancock, a young man, an inhabitant<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town, engaged to c<strong>on</strong>duct a religious service <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord's Day, with
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> few that attended, which he has c<strong>on</strong>tinued ever since ; and from July<br />
1819, Timothy Davis, from Evesham, has regularly supplied in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> evening<br />
at Alcester, after two regular services in his own place, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> distance being<br />
ten miles. The c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>,. is c<strong>on</strong>siderably increased, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> prospect<br />
is promising. A Sunday school, has been lately established. The debt<br />
incurred in making new deeds, and repairing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place, about two years<br />
ago, is almost paid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f through <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> aid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Unitarian and ~ellowsh:~<br />
Funds.<br />
John Hancock, who died at Alcester, 6 March, 1842-<br />
was for many years engaged in tuiti<strong>on</strong> and occasi<strong>on</strong>ally in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry at<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> above place";<br />
he <strong>on</strong>ce began studying for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry under Robert Aspland,<br />
but was found not to possess <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> requisite intellectual qualificati<strong>on</strong>s.+<br />
One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his two aged daughters, living in Alcester in 1894, says that<br />
her fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, whose health had failed whilst at Hackney, abouf $1818, began to<br />
c<strong>on</strong>duct <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> services at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, and this he c<strong>on</strong>tinued to do until MY.<br />
Warren came, to 7edom he wus for a little 7.hiZe assistant. Hancock was never<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> appointed minister, but gave many years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong>al assistance to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>. In 1837 he is described in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptismal Register as<br />
deac<strong>on</strong> and princita l trustee.<br />
The beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Timothy Davis' extended labours <strong>on</strong> behalf <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, is thus briefly recorded in his journal :-<br />
July 25, 1819, 'Preached first evening lecture at Alcester, with prospect <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
success.$<br />
His favourable anticipati<strong>on</strong>s were fully realized. For many years he c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
tinued to discharge this laborious duty. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> close <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his sec<strong>on</strong>d service<br />
at Evesham, after a few minutes for refreshment, he mounted his hack,<br />
protected in inclement wea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r by impenetrable drab great coat and leg-<br />
gings, and rode ten miles to Alcester, where his exerti<strong>on</strong>s were amply<br />
repaid by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest which a large c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> took in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> services so<br />
zealously rendered. This was essentially a missi<strong>on</strong>ary work.<br />
With advancing years Davis found <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se exerti<strong>on</strong>s too great for his<br />
strength, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y were <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> necessity disc<strong>on</strong>tinued ; and in 1834s Thomas<br />
Warren, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Moret<strong>on</strong> Hall, began his l<strong>on</strong>g ministry with this c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
"C.R. 1842 p. 320.<br />
tC.R. 1861 p. 279.<br />
SC.R. 1861 p. 279.<br />
5 The late Mr. Herbert New, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham, gave this date to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author.<br />
Alcester is probably <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last place where Theophilus Lindsey's original<br />
liturgy, Apostles' creed, and all, were read, and that so recently as 1863,<br />
by Warren, a year before his resignati<strong>on</strong>. The magnificently bound quarto<br />
copy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prayer Book, which he always used is in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author's pos-<br />
sessi<strong>on</strong>. In it he has written in large printing hand, <strong>on</strong> a card that would<br />
be more legible, a copy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> creed. The phrase he descended into hell, is<br />
omitted and substituted for it is We rested in t4e grazrc; and instead <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
The hoCy Catholic Churclz: are <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> words body Christzan Church. The card<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pages <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> liturgy are well thumbed, and give evidence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
c<strong>on</strong>stant and reverent use. Warren usually wore <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> surplice, and was<br />
a man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> means, which he generously devoted to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> welfare <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>. The present Bible in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit was his gift, and bears his<br />
book plate with motto Fides et c<strong>on</strong>stnntia. One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his old scholars told<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author how he used to teach <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m whole chapters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St. Luke's--and<br />
especially St. John's-Gospels, which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y frequently had to say to Warren<br />
when he visited his Sunday school, where he <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten had forty boys and as<br />
many girls. He began <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present Regisfer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christenilzgs at ~lc&ter, Old<br />
P~esllyferialz rlieeti~ig, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first entry being dated g July, 1837. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
account* <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> celebrati<strong>on</strong> festivities <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Queen Victoria's<br />
marriage, Warren is described as-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gratuitous minister, as well as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> benefactor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
But for him, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house would have been a ruin, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong><br />
have become extinct.<br />
He lived ten years after his retirement, and died 25 August, 1874.<br />
On 17 July, 1864, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham District Unitarian Associati<strong>on</strong> began<br />
its care <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> supplies for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit, which in 1866 was passed <strong>on</strong> to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Uni<strong>on</strong>. John Gord<strong>on</strong> was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> active promoter in<br />
this well sustained movci~~cnt. The vestry book c<strong>on</strong>tains a record <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
weekly supplies by ministers and lay preachers, who entered <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir tests<br />
and hymns. The rota thus preserved to 13 March, 1870, includes <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saml. Bache, Chas. F. Biss, John Birks, Wm. Cocl~rane, Robt.<br />
H. Cott<strong>on</strong>, John Cucks<strong>on</strong>, David Davis, John Dean, H. Enfield Dows<strong>on</strong>,<br />
Robt. B. Drumm<strong>on</strong>d, Hy. Eachus, hiat. Gibs<strong>on</strong>, John Gord<strong>on</strong>, Wm. H.<br />
Herford, Jos. Heywood, Le<strong>on</strong>ard Hiinges, Jas. Kedwards, Edw. Myers,<br />
David Maginnis, Edward Parry, and Benj. Wright.<br />
"C.R. 1840 p. 344.
The entry <strong>on</strong> 25 Nov., 1866, preserves <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> record that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord's<br />
Supper was adwtinistered by John Gord<strong>on</strong>, who also <strong>on</strong> Thursday evenings,<br />
4 and 25 March, 1868, delivered two lectures <strong>on</strong> &W to us8 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> BibZe,<br />
and The Cross <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christ, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remaining two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> series being given by<br />
Robt. H. Cott<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> I I March, Sin and its punishment, and <strong>on</strong> 18 March<br />
The Gospel.<br />
During Mr. Eastlake's ministry, which began <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first Sunday in<br />
1872, after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house had been again closed for a short period,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> morning c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> averaged 24, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> evening 45. The old<br />
school building, owned by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, was repaired, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday<br />
school, and night classes held in it.<br />
After Mr. Scott's ministry, which ended in December, -1874, services<br />
were again c<strong>on</strong>ducted by supplies, from 1875 to 1882, Mr. Henry Watt<strong>on</strong>,<br />
a layman, rendered much help, and in 1882 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house was again<br />
closed.<br />
On its re-opening in 1893, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Rudolf Davis, E.A. (q.v.) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Evesham, a grands<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Timothy Davis, c<strong>on</strong>ducted service for several<br />
Sunday evenings, and <strong>on</strong> g September that year, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. John Dale began<br />
his ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>. A year later this interesting and unique<br />
meeting-house was first lighted with gas, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> candles <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many genera-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong>s became <strong>on</strong>ly a memory.<br />
At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> close <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Dale's ministry in 1895, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian<br />
Uni<strong>on</strong> again took charge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> services, which it still retains.<br />
- In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vestry are six finely carved oak chairs, a ' Cromwell ' table,<br />
wooden tuning pipe, and two pewter plates. No communi<strong>on</strong> plate bel<strong>on</strong>ging<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> has ever come to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> knowledge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its trustee,<br />
Mr. Herbert New, who in 1891 told <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author that Mr. Hrarren used to<br />
bring his own plate for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> service.<br />
The original register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> births, -baptisms, and deaths, from 1774 to 1836<br />
was deposited by Warren, with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Registrar <strong>General</strong>. On its first page<br />
is written A Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> All <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> children Baptized at Alcesfer by me, B. Evans,<br />
1774, &C.; by me, B. Maurice, 1785; by me, J. HancocR, 18~7. In sending<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> book to L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Warren writes in it :-I am <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister aad ad-minister<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> .Sacraments in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> said ChapeZ,John Hancock, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Alcester, aforesaid, is Deac<strong>on</strong>,<br />
and princz;bal acting Trwtec, and Richad Holtom, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Alcestev, is Chapel Warden ;<br />
Thomas Warren, M0rtol.t Hall, county <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcester. January, 1837. The<br />
volume is a thin, square <strong>on</strong>e, well preserved and bound in vellum. In<br />
additi<strong>on</strong> to numerous entries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptisms, it c<strong>on</strong>tains :-The Names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those<br />
ziho sat at th Zord's Sz@per at Alcester) <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> $rst time <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> my administering ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
here or anywhere, Sept. I, 1776; B. Evans. Twenty names here follow, but<br />
many are indistinct. Next year Evans entered this note :-Hrs. Pershouse,<br />
S@. 6, 1777, cut her throat <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> very day before fhe Lord's Supper, which so<br />
afected as all, fhat rue pzdt it <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> to a future opporfunity ; cause-melancholy, to<br />
which she was co~zstituti<strong>on</strong>ally szdykf, but zircreased by an over anxiety about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
world.<br />
RICHARD ROGERSON, min. Coventry 1717-1723, Alcester 1723-1733, Newcastle-<strong>on</strong>-Tyne<br />
1733-1760, m. at Newcastle, Miss Halliday.<br />
d. 6 Sept., 1760.<br />
c$ <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Newcastle, John Brand, F.S.A., 1789, i, 411, M.R. 1811, p. 587.<br />
GEORGE BRODHURST, b. in Birmingham? Ed. Findern Academy, by Dr. Latham,<br />
min. Alcester [1733]-1773 ?<br />
d. August, 1775.<br />
cf M.R. 1823 P. 159.<br />
BENJAMIN EVANS, b. [1745] nr. Llandyssul, S.W. ; ed. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres. Coll; min.<br />
Newport, M<strong>on</strong>.-[1774], Alcester 1774-1 785, Stockt<strong>on</strong>-<strong>on</strong>-Tees 1785-1792, 1817-1821,<br />
without cha~ge <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re, 1792-1817 and 1821-1834; 91. Mary (d. 1833); d. g March, 1834, aet. 89.<br />
cf C.R. 1834 p. 342 ; Two Hundred Years, Stockt<strong>on</strong>, 1888 p. 12.<br />
BENJAMIN MAURICE, b. [1748] in Pembrokeshire ; ed. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, ~res. Coll. ; min.<br />
Newmarket, Flintshire, -1785, Alcester 1785-1814 ; bachelo;;<br />
d. 11 February, 1814, aet. 66.<br />
cf M.R. 1814 p. 244.<br />
CHRISTMAS NEWSON SAINT, b. Christmas Day, 1781 at Norwich ; min. Alcester 1816-1817,<br />
Hinckley 1817-1820, Cranbrook G. B. 1829-1831, Headcorn G. B. 1832-1853, Norwich,<br />
withozrt chnrge, 1853-1854 ; m. Sophia Garrod; Issue, Thomas, Christopher, Sophia<br />
(b. 1805, at Norwich, nz. - Geer), Eliza (b. 1808 at Norwich, ?lt. Robt. Frisby Bealby),<br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs died in infancy ; d. 11 Sept., 1854 ; bur. Rosary, h'orwich.<br />
cf Proceedings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> G.B. Assembly ; headst<strong>on</strong>e at Norwich; informati<strong>on</strong> from grand-<br />
daughter, Mary Vince (nee' Bealby) ; and from Mr. D. C. Betts, Norwich.<br />
THOMAS WARREN,<br />
b. 1793 ; ed. Wym<strong>on</strong>dley Coll ; min. Ringwood 1815-1817, Stourbridge<br />
1817-1821, Alcester 1834-1864, Mort<strong>on</strong> Hall, Worcestershire, without charge 1864-1874 ;<br />
d. 25 August, 1874, aet. 81.<br />
cf; Early <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g>, Presbyterian C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, Stourbridge, A. W. Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, B.A.,<br />
1888 ii., 11.
WILLIAM HENRY EASTLAKE, min. Alcester January-December 1872, Stanningt<strong>on</strong> 1872-1876,<br />
Moret<strong>on</strong> Hampstead 1876- 1885, Torquay 1885-1886, South Shields I 886-1887, Selby<br />
1888-1889, Idle 1891- m. (7 April 1863) Mary Elizabeth, eldest daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wm.<br />
Wellings, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge ; has issue, Eliza Jane (m. 1898, Albert Spence, Idle).<br />
cf. Vestiges, var. pp.<br />
THOMAS WILSON SCOTT, 6. 5 February, 1841, at Orr ; ed. Manchester, Cavendish Coll.<br />
March 1862-August 1863, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> New Coll. 1863-1868 ; min. Paisley 1869-1871,<br />
Crewe 1872, Alcester February 1873-December 1874, Sheffield 1876, Horsham 1877-1879,<br />
Lydgate, Y orks., 1887- 1890, Dumfries, without charge, 1890-1894, Glenarm 1894m.<br />
(8 January, 1879) Isabella, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christopher Dunlop, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Paisley,<br />
c$ Record p, 43.<br />
JOHN DALE, min. Idle 1872-1873, Wareham 1873-1874, A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e 1875-1877, Hinckley<br />
1875-1878, Deal 1890--1892, Alcester 1893-1895, Stratford-<strong>on</strong>-Av<strong>on</strong> and L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, without<br />
charge, 1895-1899, Bury St. Edmund's 1899- ; m. and has issue.<br />
c$ pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge.<br />
M.R., 1823, P. 159.<br />
C.R., 1840, p. 344.<br />
C.R., 1861, p. 279.<br />
Inq., 1893, P- 464.<br />
Inq., 1894, p. 625.<br />
Seedsower, 1895, pp, 168, 181.<br />
Vest@, p. 3.<br />
M. C. U., var. reports.
1 9<br />
ATH ERSTONE.-LONG STREET.<br />
Built 1725.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
John Sheffield . . .<br />
Christopher Smalley.. .<br />
John Reynolds .<br />
John Pru<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ro<br />
William Buckley .. . . . . . 4<br />
Richard Wright ... . . . . Zntiepettdtnts had use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> building.<br />
Obadiah Bennet ... . . . ...<br />
Szrpplies<br />
Thomas Davis<br />
Closed<br />
Charles Case Nutter<br />
Closed . . .<br />
Let to Independetzts<br />
Thomas Bowring .<br />
Henry Webb Ellis ...<br />
John Dale<br />
Richard Elliott Birks<br />
William Robins<strong>on</strong><br />
John Howard ...<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Discz;53Ze* <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re appeared a charming biographical sketch entitled<br />
The Story <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Four Bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs " which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> an<strong>on</strong>ymous writer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered as-<br />
a genuine extract <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> veritable history,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> object being to record such particulars as could be recovered-<br />
respecting a family <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> old-fashi<strong>on</strong>ed Dissenting people during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last century.<br />
Although names were c<strong>on</strong>cealed, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re can be no difficulty whatever by<br />
those who know <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbourhood, and who read between <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lines <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
story, in identifying <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Road4y as that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
four broihers as Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w, Thomas, John, and Richard Wright, this last<br />
being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian society at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e. Quotati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>refore made here, unless o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rwise noted, are taken from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dt'sc$Ze"s
article, which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> writer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this book, after going into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> matter some-<br />
what closely, and with his knowledge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> locality and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r details<br />
menti<strong>on</strong>ed in "The Story <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Four Bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs" feels himself ivarranted in<br />
applying to this society.<br />
Puritanism held its ground in Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e] after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Restorati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
though <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lecturer* to whom I have just referred was ejected in due course.<br />
A Presbyterian c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> was formed, and from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> names and reputa-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its early ministers I infer that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cause was originally <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> more<br />
importance than <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> populati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e] itself would indicate.<br />
The harassed Presbyterians, who <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten came l<strong>on</strong>g distances to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir worship,<br />
probably found at Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e] a quiet and safe resort. As time<br />
went <strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> little c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> was not without some internal troubles.<br />
A Welshman, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cardiff [John Pru<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ro] proved an unsuitable minister, and<br />
it was necessary to take legal steps to remove him.?<br />
His successor, a Daventry student, did not stay l<strong>on</strong>g and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n came our<br />
friend, Richard. The Presbyterian Meeting-house at Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e],<br />
where Richard was ordained in 1765, is a simple and primitive structure,<br />
built in 1725. Save for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> additi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a more modern porch, it is little<br />
altered, externally or internally, since <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its erecti<strong>on</strong>. You might<br />
be pretty familiar with Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e] as an occasi<strong>on</strong>al traveller, and<br />
yet never know anything about this meeting-house ; for though <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> access<br />
to it is from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> main street, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building itself is hidden away from view<br />
in a humble court, and makes no appeal to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> passer by. ,I suppose it<br />
was placed in what was originally <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> back garden <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> houses.$<br />
*John Machin (1624-1664). " In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spring <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1652 he became lecturer at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e<br />
Chapel, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mancetter, Warwickshire. He was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ' <strong>on</strong>e Macham, a priest<br />
in high account,' who prescribed physic and blood letting for George Fox, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Quaker<br />
founder." A.G. in Dict. Nat. Biog.<br />
t1n <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Historical Accou~~t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dukitzjeld Chapel, by Alexander Gord<strong>on</strong>, M.A., 1896,<br />
p. 57, we read " On leaving <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Academy he [i.e. Willianl Buckley] settled at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e,<br />
Warwickshire, in 1760, succeeding <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re a Welshman (John Pru<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ro) who had been<br />
" lawfully ejected."<br />
$1 have three pencil sketches <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tne exterior, interior, and pulpit or this meetinghouse,<br />
also a ground. plan, all d<strong>on</strong>e in 1898. The draughtsman, who had not previously<br />
visited A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, writes thus to me :-It took me a lctzg time to find <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place. I asked<br />
smeral pers<strong>on</strong>s, but <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y knew nothing whatever about if. One said '<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was such a place<br />
<strong>on</strong>ce,' anothcr thought ' it had ceased to exist.' At last I fozcnd it, up a back yard. Diagram<br />
will skew positi<strong>on</strong>. After sketching exterior, which is plastered, I got <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> key and entered.<br />
There is no notice board to be seen ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entrance from street, or <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
building. There is no graveyard. The <strong>on</strong>4 thing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Christian natzcre inside was n vegy<br />
OM and well-wovtz Bible, which I looked throz~~lr, bid <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was no name ?tor etlt?;y in it. Theye<br />
are nzemorial tablets, nor anythitzg whatever <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls, which are whitewashed, and ilz<br />
some places plaster falling <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>i On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> left hand side <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pultit is a small harnt<strong>on</strong>iztm; <strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, at <strong>on</strong>e time was probably a stove, but that is g<strong>on</strong>e, The seatifzg acc<strong>on</strong>z~~~odatiozz is<br />
about 18 fiews, afzd a small gaZIe~y ozler <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> door. There is no gas. G.E.E.<br />
Some few years after its erecti<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> house in fr<strong>on</strong>t was purchased for a<br />
minister's dwelling. A Merchant Taylor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> left a small endowment<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place,* and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was also a Hat and Coat Charity c<strong>on</strong>nected with<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>. By some means or o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r this clothing charity has become<br />
diverted from its original purpose, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hats and coats now go to Church,<br />
instead <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> to Meeting.?<br />
Before speaking <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers here, it may be noted that_ <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-<br />
house has been closed at intervals, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n reopened with a fresh start.<br />
Twice has it been let to Independents for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir worship. The last resident<br />
minister, without a joint pastorate, was Thomas Davis, described, in 1822,<br />
as-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e.$<br />
After he left came <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> closing alluded to in this memorandum <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
inner cover <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptismal Register :-<br />
Nov. 13, 1837.<br />
The enclosed is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>4 6ooK <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Registers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baftis??zs ziz my possessiolz, nor<br />
nm I at all aware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re beizg any o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r ziz existence. You will perceive that<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> date <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it is ottly down to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1821; since that time <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel was<br />
tlosed, afzd <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregatz<strong>on</strong> dissolved for some years, it has latter@ been reopened,<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> several ministers z~ho have <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>lciated have, I believe, registered at Doctor<br />
WiZIia~~zs's Library. The present mifzister, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. C. C. Nzftter, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hinckley<br />
*The late John Lakin, esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Freezley, near Polesworth, Warwickshire, was<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> custodian <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> some 26 deeds relative to this meeting-house and its possessi<strong>on</strong>s. The<br />
first bears date <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 24 September, 1639. One inakes illenti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Wm. Hogg, citizen<br />
and merchant taylor, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, who by his will, dated 4 March, 1325, bequea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d EIOO,<br />
which in 1733 was devoted to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> purchase <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a house in L<strong>on</strong>g Street for Egg 15s. od.<br />
from Mr. John Reynolds, to whom <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest was devised, while he acted as teacher,<br />
or preacher. In 1759, <strong>on</strong>e makes menti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ejecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. John Pru<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ro, who<br />
is noted as having been lately in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occupati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister's house.<br />
?In a deed dated 1738, six trustees are menti<strong>on</strong>ed in c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> charity<br />
bequea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d by Mr. Richard Warwick. Ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r will, in which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society had some<br />
iriterest, was that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. John Burt<strong>on</strong>, senr., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, dated 15 August, 1727.<br />
Lands at Mancetter are spoken <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>, as being bequea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d to his grands<strong>on</strong>, John Lloyd.<br />
Did <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se lands eventually become a charity administered by trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society?<br />
Fields in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbourhood <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mancetter were, within living memory, and probably<br />
still are, called <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Brezd Acres. Are <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lands originally bel<strong>on</strong>ging to John Burt<strong>on</strong>,<br />
senr. ? G.E. E.
(fo whom your circuZa7ar is addressed) has o?zZy a short fime sznce <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>liated at<br />
Afhcrst<strong>on</strong>e, and has no register book.<br />
Josejh MOYYZS,<br />
Trustee <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Chapel,<br />
A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e.*<br />
Since 1836 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister, first <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Great Meeting, Hinckley, and next<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cole Hill, Tamworth, has also been <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society.<br />
John Sheffield was-<br />
born at Ibstock, Leicestershire, about 1654. His fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, Wm. Sheffield, M.A.,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trinity College, Cambridge, was rector <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ibstock from 1644 to 1662,<br />
sustained a discussi<strong>on</strong> with Samuel, fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Titus Oates, and died at<br />
Kibworth, Leicestershire, in 1673. Sheffield, after passing through Kibworth<br />
grammar school, was put to trade ; but his bent was to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry, for<br />
which he studied under John Shuttlewood (1632-1689), following his tutor from<br />
<strong>on</strong>e hiding place to ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r. On 27 September, 1682, he was ordained by<br />
Shuttlewood, and three o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r ejected ministers. He began his ministry as<br />
chaplain to Mrs. Palmer, at Temple Hall, Leicestershire, where a small<br />
meeting-house was built for him, and ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, Warwickshire<br />
(probably in 1689). In 1697 he succeeded Nathaniel Vincent as pastor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> in St. Thomas Street, Southwark. He was<br />
a friend <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Locke, who admired his exegetical powers. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Salters' Hall<br />
debates <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1719, he went with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> n<strong>on</strong>-subscribers. He died <strong>on</strong> 24 January,<br />
1726, aged 72. He published a tract <strong>on</strong> salvati<strong>on</strong>, and a serm<strong>on</strong> (1705).<br />
His s<strong>on</strong> William was dissenting minister at Buckingham, Windsor (1715-26),<br />
and Haverhill, Essex.t<br />
The Temple Hall meeting-house in which Sheffield, and, after him,<br />
Benjamin Bennet (1674-1726, ord. in Oldbury Chapel, 30 May, 1699, min.<br />
Temple Hall 1697- I 703, Newcastle-<strong>on</strong>-Tyne I 703- I 726, author <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Irenicunt<br />
1722), Richard Wright, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs ministered is alluded to, without doubt<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ebur Bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs, when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> writer says :-<br />
Besides his pastoral duties at Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e], Richard had charge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r small c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, several miles <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbouring county<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Fenshire [Leicestershire.] To this secluded meeting-house, I suppose, he<br />
had to walk <strong>on</strong> Sunday afterno<strong>on</strong>s al<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> quiet fen lanes, until such time<br />
as he was able to keep a horse. The building to (sic) which he preached<br />
"The deed <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 4 May, 1833, by which it is required that when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees<br />
is reduced to two, fresh <strong>on</strong>es shall be appointed, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> teacher or preacher acting with<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees-menti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Beale <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ast<strong>on</strong>, Beale <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham, Estlin Grundy<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Drayt<strong>on</strong>, Lakin <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcester, Morris <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Burt<strong>on</strong>-<strong>on</strong>-Trent, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs.<br />
fDic. Nat. Biog. article by A.G.<br />
still L1883 stands, in a solitary rural spot, but has l<strong>on</strong>g been diverted to<br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r purposes, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> dispersed. I have seen an old man<br />
who remembered it in use. About seventy years ago, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> landlord's agent<br />
borrowed <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> my informant a pl~ugh~ir<strong>on</strong>, broke open <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> door, and took<br />
possessi<strong>on</strong>. The place was turned into a game-keeper's lodge, and has since<br />
been cut into two cottages. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first alterati<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> workmen<br />
built in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit Bible when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y walled up <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> windows.<br />
The history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place is that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first Presbyterian Minister [John Sheffield]<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e] was chaplain to a great lady [Mrs. Palmer] who<br />
had an estate in those parts, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> country meeting-house was for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
accomn~odati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> her tenantry. Some great men <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian<br />
denominati<strong>on</strong> have ministered here Benjamin Bennet <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rrenicutn, and<br />
Lemuel Latharn. But it dropped into a mere appendage to Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e,]<br />
and when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> endowment was lost by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> negligence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a trustee,<br />
it seemed to be worth no <strong>on</strong>e's while to keep up <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place. The cr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>t<br />
behind <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two cottages is still E1883 ?I known as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting-house Yard.<br />
Christopher Smalley, who was ordained <strong>on</strong> 16 September, 1708, re-<br />
moved in 1722 to Chesterfield, where he succeeded John Thomas, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
intimate friend and minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Secker, who afterwards c<strong>on</strong>formed and<br />
became ultimately Archbishop <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Canterbury ; but who in his youth was<br />
a student for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry at Timothy Jollie's academy at Attercliffe, and<br />
occasi<strong>on</strong>ally supplied at Bolsover meeting-house in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vacati<strong>on</strong>s. Smalley*<br />
was buried in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chancel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chesterfield Church, adjoining his predecessor ;<br />
a st<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re bears this inscripti<strong>on</strong> :-<br />
Here lies <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ye Rev. Mr. Christopher Smalley, who departed this<br />
life <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 8th <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> February, 1743, aged 61 years.<br />
Smalley's baptismal register, which he began to keep at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e,<br />
and carried with him to Chesterfield, whence it was sent to Somerset House,<br />
where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author saw it in July, 1898, gives us <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> probably all<br />
his children. Samuel was born at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e <strong>on</strong> 9 April, 1721, bei~g Easter,<br />
and was baptized by hisfn<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <strong>on</strong> rr May, ~721. O<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs born in Chesterfield<br />
were baptized by Flefcher <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hull, and by Heywood <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr<strong>on</strong>Jfeld.<br />
Z<br />
John Reynold's ministry was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> l<strong>on</strong>gest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any here, extending froin<br />
1722 to 1756. No particulars <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it seem to have been preserved, unless<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re be any in his memoirs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> life <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his uncle, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<br />
late pious and learned Mr. John Reynolds<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shrewsbury, a copy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author has not yet been able to find.<br />
"He was a man much beloved for his pleasant c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a good life, but<br />
no admired preacher.-Diary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. James Clegg, M.D., 1899, p. 78.
John Pru<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ro-<br />
a Welshman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cardiff,<br />
was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Doddridge's students at Northampt<strong>on</strong> academy. He was<br />
at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e in 1744, in which year a Presbyterian Board grant to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> was paid to him. He may possibly <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n have been assistant<br />
to John Reynolds. Walter Wils<strong>on</strong> in his MSS. notes him as at Evesham<br />
and A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, but it is certain he was not minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian<br />
society in Evesham. As we saw above, by 1760 he had been-<br />
lawfully ejected.<br />
His successor here was William Buckley, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Ashworth's students<br />
at Daventry academy, who to-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his life used at breakfast his Daventry tea cup and saucer ; this<br />
shows that he must have been a very careful man."<br />
A little before Michaelmas, 1762, he became minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dukinfield<br />
Chapel, where his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r had previously been from 1714 to 1752, but-<br />
he inherited n<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's commanding talent. Nei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r in mind nor in<br />
body was he a very active man ; he is described, in early life, as a clerical<br />
dandy, and is said to have introduced into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dukinfield pulpit a silk gown<br />
and powdered wig. The story goes that <strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong>e occasi<strong>on</strong>, Nathaniel Walker,<br />
when Buckley was about to ascend <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit, met him in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> passage, and<br />
pointing with his walking stick to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister's dress, exclaimed aloud,<br />
'Where silk gowns and powdered wigs come, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re cometh no gospel.'<br />
Perhaps Angier's was a stuff gown ; at any rate after Buckley, we hear<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> no wig in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dukinfield pulpit, and no gown till 1832.f<br />
Richard Wright, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> youngest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ebur Bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> four<br />
s<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Wright was born near C<strong>on</strong>glet<strong>on</strong>, in Cheshire-<br />
A mile and a half from Danet<strong>on</strong> [C<strong>on</strong>glet<strong>on</strong>], at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> top <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a steep rise in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opposite directi<strong>on</strong> from Minsterbury [Astbury], stands <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> three-gabled<br />
manor house <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hilt<strong>on</strong>brook. In spite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a new fr<strong>on</strong>t, and many modern<br />
*Gord<strong>on</strong>'s DuKinjeId p. 57.<br />
fGord<strong>on</strong>'s Dukinfild p. 58.<br />
A quaint reference to ministers' wigs is met with in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M.S. minute book (1691<br />
1717) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> United Brethren <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> City and County <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ex6n., and County <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dev<strong>on</strong> ; in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Williams's Trustees, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir library in Gord<strong>on</strong> Square, W.C. Exdn.<br />
9 and zo May, 1710. Otze <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> brethren, Mr. Ball, sspoke with much warmth against ministers<br />
wearing l<strong>on</strong>g ZiglZt Pmder'd Wigs, ns Chat which gives great <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>eence to seriogs people, and is a<br />
preirt hindrance to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> success <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> our ministry. A later hand has added :-The aers<strong>on</strong>s which<br />
gave this <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ence were Parr and Huxham.<br />
improvements, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which divided it into two separate dwellings, it<br />
still retains some features corresp<strong>on</strong>ding with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> date <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1633, carved <strong>on</strong> an<br />
oaken beam <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its upper storey. Here lived, from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> early part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last<br />
century till very near its close, Farmer Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w [Wright], a Tameshire<br />
[Cheshire] yeoman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> good positi<strong>on</strong>, and a pillar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian cause.<br />
I know little about him, except that he brought up four s<strong>on</strong>s and two<br />
daughters, and died at a great age, outliving all his s<strong>on</strong>s, though <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m had passed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> appointed' term <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> three score years and ten.<br />
In 1757 Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Wright was appointed <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Cross Street Meeting-house, C<strong>on</strong>glet<strong>on</strong>, which in 1883 gave place to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
present modern erecti<strong>on</strong>. Large pictures <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> exterior and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interior<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old place are before <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> details shewn <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rein corres-<br />
p<strong>on</strong>ding with this descripti<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rozw Bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs:-<br />
Its existing meeting-house <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> brick, except <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> st<strong>on</strong>e sills to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> latticed<br />
windows, dates from 1733. It possesses a panelled pulpit, and, within dark<br />
oaken rails, a tiny communi<strong>on</strong> table, and a fine specimen <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an old oak<br />
chair. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ends <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> venerable pews <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ground floor are holes<br />
originally intended for inserting candles, in case <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> evening service. The<br />
gallery is more modern. This ancient structure is doomed to destructi<strong>on</strong>,<br />
if indeed it be not already swept away, as I write. Its present possessors<br />
want a more modern building to worship in, so it must go.*<br />
Of <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> four bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs, Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> eldest. He went to L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong><br />
to study law, but died a minor. The o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r three, Thomas, John, and<br />
Richard became Presbyterian ministers. Thomas sustained, with dignity,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> character <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant dissenters in Lewin's<br />
Mead, Bristol, during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> space <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 48 years, and died <strong>on</strong> 14 May, 1797,<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 71st year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his age. John, who from an incapacity through a<br />
failure <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> voice to discharge <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> duties <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian ministry, in which<br />
he delighted, engaged in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> medical pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong>, and died 23 December,<br />
1794, aged 62.<br />
In Guelph Square, Westport [Brunswick Square, Bristol] is a quiet grave-<br />
yard where lie <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenting dead. A quaint little building,<br />
called <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Speaking House, is erected <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> services customary at<br />
funerals. On its walls are tablets, commemorative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> generati<strong>on</strong>s passed<br />
away. And <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re we may read, with much appended eulogy, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a sober<br />
and solemn sort, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Farmer Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w's s<strong>on</strong>s.?<br />
"The panelled pulpit and oaken chair were transferred to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new building and<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir use c<strong>on</strong>tinued.<br />
+The inscripti<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong> Thomas and John Wright's tablets will be found in Mzrrch pp. 125-7.
After <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cust<strong>on</strong>~ary three year's course at Daventry in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ology and<br />
philosophy, our friend, Richard, was regarded as duly equipped for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
work <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenting ministry ;<br />
and at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, where he was ordained in 1765, he found that settle-<br />
ment which <strong>on</strong>ly ended with his life.<br />
It is evident that Richard's positi<strong>on</strong> was not that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a wealthy minister.<br />
Nor had he taients which would bring him a call to a more prominent scene<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> labour. But, in spite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his initial disinclinati<strong>on</strong> for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministerial life,<br />
he seems to have d<strong>on</strong>e his duty carefully and c<strong>on</strong>scientiously according to<br />
his light. His Baptismal Register* <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>ly relic <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his work which I have<br />
seen is kept with scrupulously neat accuracy, and, like most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old<br />
Dissenting Registers, it c<strong>on</strong>tains some names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> pers<strong>on</strong>s whose descendants<br />
have risen to much higher positi<strong>on</strong>s than were open to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir ancestors at<br />
Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e]. One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se names, unless I mistake, is that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ancestor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Cabinet Minister.<br />
By way <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> making some additi<strong>on</strong> to a scanty income, Richard, like many<br />
Presbyterian divines <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his day, devoted a part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his time to teaching.<br />
He did not keep school, but occasi<strong>on</strong>ally had pupils, and prepared young<br />
men for Daventry. Am<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> well known author? <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many<br />
beautiful hymns, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> finest, in my opini<strong>on</strong>, being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following :-<br />
From north and south, from east and west,<br />
Advance <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> myriads <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> blest :<br />
From every clime <strong>on</strong> earth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y come,<br />
And find in heaven a comm<strong>on</strong> home.<br />
"A small, thin note book in blue marbled covers. The following entry has been<br />
made in it :-Haviszg lo<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ied over this boo& at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ?,egz~l.st <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Afi. Sn~~zittei Coafes Morris, late <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>~sto~zc., but 7zow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bz~~t<strong>on</strong>-t~po~z-T~.ent, in ~?~der to dtterntine whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> variozrs Baptisms<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>l-ein registered are in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ha?z&vriting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> my Zatt Husband, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Richard IVright, 7vho<br />
for sez~eel.aZ years nuas <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>lfiating ?iti?zisfev at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenfir~g rlfeeting at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>lsf<strong>on</strong>e, I hereby<br />
declare that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> whole c<strong>on</strong>teirts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this 60012 [here come references to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first and last<br />
entries as to time] nue <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ha?zrlseniti~zp <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 7izy late Husba,alzci, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> srrid Richard Wright, who<br />
preached 20 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> iss sent in:$ Co~zg~e,<strong>on</strong>ti<strong>on</strong> at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e dzn~i~zg <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rvhole oj <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ptriori Befzutetz<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> before-nzentio~zed dates <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> August 15, r769, and Augz,ozrst ro, 1794. Witness 7izy hand, this<br />
6 day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> March, zSq, in Bristol. Afa7.y Wright. That it was desirable to settle <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
au<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nticity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entries is evident from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fact that in every entry respecting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
children <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Richard and Mary Wright, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year has been clumsily erased, though barely<br />
enough to render <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> figures totally illegible. Mary Rebecca, Elizabeth, and Elizabeth<br />
Sophia are entered as baptized by ye Rev. MY. Porteous, who was minister (1747-1792) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, Nuneat<strong>on</strong>. This little volume I saw in 1898.-G.E.E.<br />
tEdmund Butcher, 179-1822, min. Sidmouth 1798-1820. C$ Dic. Nat. Biog. article by<br />
A.G., in which it is stated that Butcher received some classical training at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e,<br />
from Richard Wright.<br />
In <strong>on</strong>e immortal thr<strong>on</strong>g we view<br />
Pagan and Christian, Greek and Jew ;<br />
But, all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir doubts and darkness o'er,<br />
One <strong>on</strong>ly God <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y now adore.<br />
Howe'er divided here be!ow,<br />
One bliss, <strong>on</strong>e spirit, now <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y know ;<br />
Though some ne'er heard <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jesus' name,<br />
Yet God admits <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir h<strong>on</strong>est claim.<br />
On earth according to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir light,<br />
They aimed to practise what was right,<br />
Hence all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir errors are forgiven,<br />
And Jesus welcomes <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m to heaven.<br />
See, how al<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> immortal meads,<br />
His glorious host <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour leads !<br />
And brings <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> myriads n<strong>on</strong>e can count<br />
To seats <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> joy <strong>on</strong> Zi<strong>on</strong>'s mount.<br />
Some have accused this hymn <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heresy, and it has been excluded from our<br />
more modern hymn books. Good Mrs. Barbauld spoke <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> highest<br />
terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> praise. I would fain hope that some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spirit which it brea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>s<br />
was brought from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister's house at Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e,] and reflects<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sentiment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> writer's old master.<br />
A pen and ink sketch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that old master still exists from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pupil's hand,<br />
It exhibits him, not with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> curls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his boyhood, but in bushy wig, and<br />
shovel hat, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Quaker-like garb <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ancient Dissenting divine. . .<br />
A neighbour <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pars<strong>on</strong> Richard, and, I presume, a close friend, was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>kmealing [Nuneat<strong>on</strong>,] a Scotchman by birth, and a relative<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> famous Captain Porteous. When a little <strong>on</strong>e was born in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister's<br />
house at Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e] (an event wl~ich happened six times in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
course <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fifteen years) <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> nl<strong>on</strong>kn~ealing [Nuneat<strong>on</strong>] minister came to per-<br />
form <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> christening. . . Towards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pars<strong>on</strong> Richards' thirty<br />
years' pastorate at Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e], <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> renewed interest in str<strong>on</strong>g<br />
doctrinal preaching, which was partly a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Methodist revival,<br />
partly a reacti<strong>on</strong> against <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> increasingly unevangelical t<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Liberal<br />
Dissent, brought a fresh form <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> little market town.<br />
Hi<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rto <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>ly meeting-houses had been those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterians and<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Quakers ; now <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Independents opened a preaching-place, and laid <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
foundati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a regular place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship. . . <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Independents held <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir<br />
own, and gradually superseded <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian interest in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> district. . .<br />
Pars<strong>on</strong> Richard's next successor at Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e] was an Independent,<br />
though not a dogmatic <strong>on</strong>e. On his removal to an Independent Church in<br />
Ribb<strong>on</strong>spire [Coventry,] <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Roadby [A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e] Meeting-house was vacant<br />
for some time. It is now registered as a place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship for a c<strong>on</strong>grega-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> pers<strong>on</strong>s calling <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>mselves Unitarians.
Every reader is urged to try and see "The Story <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Four Bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs,"<br />
its charm is fascinating, and its anecdotes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pars<strong>on</strong> Richard and his<br />
absentmindedness will well repay <strong>on</strong>e for any amount <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> trouble. The<br />
Disc@le ended its far too brief life in December, 1883 ; should <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> writer<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> story chance up<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se extracts, his forgiveness is craved for this<br />
attempt at finding a key wherewith to open <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lock.<br />
Obadiah Bennet is stated by Miall* to have been minister at Heck-<br />
m<strong>on</strong>dwike Upper Chapel, 1786, where-<br />
he c<strong>on</strong>tinued five years and a half, and resigned April, 1792.<br />
Wils<strong>on</strong>f- says that he preached for a c<strong>on</strong>siderable time to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Metho-<br />
dists in Buckingham Chapel, Pimlico, but-<br />
left it in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1800.<br />
Though <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author has no direct pro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> he assumes <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se two men to<br />
be <strong>on</strong>e and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dates do not forbid it. Leaving L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Bennet<br />
was for a short time minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Paradise Chapel, Birmingham, passed <strong>on</strong><br />
to A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, and from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nce, in 1804 removed to Vicar Lane Chapel,<br />
Coventry, where he remained six years. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> expirati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this period<br />
he removed, it is supposed, to L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, where he died.<br />
Davis, who received a Presbyterian board grant at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e in Janu-<br />
ary, 1822, was more or less <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an invalid. The author's fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r (b. 1813)<br />
has a distinct remembrance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> him ; being present at a funeral in Llan-<br />
wenog Churchyard shortly before his death, he stood apart from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
mourners, and begged people not to come too near him as Spirits were<br />
~orrzing from hinz.:<br />
Referring to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his ministry here, Mr. Webb Ellis writing<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author from Shalford, near Guildford, in October, 1898, says :-As<br />
mi~zister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Great Aleetirzg, HNz'nckley, at t4e request <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees, I drove<br />
* C<strong>on</strong>grefati<strong>on</strong>alism in Yorksltirr, 1868 p. 275.<br />
+Dissenting Chuvcltes, iv., 56-7.<br />
$My fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> large company present at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> funeral <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Davis's<br />
fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, David Davis <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Castel-hywel, who was buried in Llanwenog Churchyard, 1827 ;<br />
shortly before his death he remembers hearing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old poet and preacher refer to his<br />
wife as :-<br />
My fair I find, in mind and mien<br />
And h<strong>on</strong>our,-a Diana ;<br />
By George, I'll scorn to take his queen<br />
And losing my Eliza. G. E. E.<br />
<strong>on</strong>er to A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rstorze, every Szmday afferno<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>z for s<strong>on</strong>ze years for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sake <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> keeping <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
chapel open. Three service^ every Sunday, with olTfen a j%neral serztzce betzueel-2, a<br />
c<strong>on</strong>zr?zittee meetizg frepuen@, attd ~nor?zi?zg kac/ziftg in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday school, made<br />
it, as you vzay i?rzagi-ilze, very close 7etork. Tozetards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> erzd <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> my stay hay <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
erzdoulment 7uas diverted to Tamwori'h, affer zthicl~ 1 or24 we& to A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e <strong>on</strong><br />
altcr~zate Sztrzdays. The nttenda;tzct was always very s~rzall, it m&ht so,rzetinles have<br />
JOHN SHEFFIELD, b. about 1654, at Ibstock, Leicestershire; ed. by John Shuttlewood,<br />
ej. Raunst<strong>on</strong> and Hoose; ord. 27 September, 1682; chaplain to Mrs. Palmer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Temple Hall; min. A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, 1689?-1697; St. Thomas Street, Southwark, 1697-<br />
1726 ; m. and had issue ; ri. 24 January, 1726, zt. 72.<br />
cf; Dic. Nkt. Biog.<br />
CHRISTOPHER SMALLEY, b. [1682] ; ord. 16 September, 1708 ; min. A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, 1708-1722,<br />
Chesterfield, 1722-1743 ; Issue, Samuel (b. 1721), Hannah (6. 1722), Elizabeth (b. 1724)~<br />
Christopher (b. 1727), Thomas (b. 1728), Ann (b. 1730)~ Hannah (b. 1732).<br />
d. 8 February, 1743, aet. 61 ; bur. Chancel, Chesterfield Parish Church.<br />
rf; Smalley's Register ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chesterfield, 1839,. p. 121.<br />
JOHN REYNOLDS, nephew to John Reynolds (q.v.) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shrewsbury ; min. A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, 1722-<br />
1756.<br />
cf; C.R. 1847 p. 256.<br />
JOHN PRUTHERO, ed. Northampt<strong>on</strong> Academy by Philip Doddridge, D.D., 1734-<br />
A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, 1744-1759.<br />
c$ A4.R. 1815 p. 686 ; Sibree p. 238 ; Dukinfield Chapel, A. Gord<strong>on</strong>, 1897, p. 57.<br />
WILLIAM BUCKLEY, b. 1731, at Dukinfield; ed. Daventry Academy 1756- ; min.<br />
A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e 1760-1762, Dukinfield 1762-1791, retired 1791.<br />
d. 29 April, 1797 ; bur. Dukinfield Chapel Yard.<br />
cf: Record p. 51.<br />
RICHARD WRIGHT, ed. Daventry Academy 1759- by Caleb Ashworth, D.D. ; min.<br />
A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e 1765-1794 ; m. Mary -- ; Issue, Mary (b. 1769), Elizabeth (b. 1771),<br />
Elizabeth Sophia (b. 1776) ; Anna Maria, John (6. 1780), Sophia (b. 1784).<br />
cf: A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, L<strong>on</strong>g Street Chapel Register; M.R. 1822 p. 164.<br />
:,<br />
OBADIAH BENNET, min. Hecltm<strong>on</strong>dwike, Upper Chapel, 1786-April, $92, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Buckingham<br />
Chapel, -1800, Birmingham, Paradise Chapel [I~OO-18011, A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e 1801 -<br />
I 804, Coventry, Vicar Lane, 1804-1810.<br />
cf. Wils<strong>on</strong>, iv. 57 ; Silr~ee pp. 70, 242 ; Miall, p. 275.<br />
THOMAS DAVIS, see Evesham.<br />
CHARLES CASE NUTTER, see Banbury.<br />
THOMAS BOWRING, see Tamworth.<br />
min.
HENRY WEBB ELLIS, 6. 22 March, 1832, at Arlingt<strong>on</strong>, near Guildford ; ed. U.H.M.B.<br />
1860-1863 ; min. Diss. 1863-1864, Hinckley 1865-1875, A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e 1865-1874, Great<br />
Hucklow and Bradwell 1877-1886, Guildford, without chal-pe; nt. (16 April, 1863) Annie,<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Henry Troalre, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Topsham. S.P.<br />
cf. I~formati<strong>on</strong> from Mr. Ellis, September, 1898.<br />
JOHN DALE, see Alcester.<br />
RICHARD ELLIOTT BIRKS, see Tamtvorth.<br />
WILLIA~I ROBINSON, see Tamworth.<br />
JOHN HOWARD, see Tamworth.<br />
M.S.C., p. 167.
BAMBURY.<br />
CHRIST-CHURCH, HORSEFAIR.<br />
Present building opened, 16 August, 1850 ; former <strong>on</strong>e, known as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Great Meeting-house-<br />
purchased and prepared for public worship 1716."<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
StephenDavies ... ...<br />
George Hampt<strong>on</strong>, M.A. ...<br />
Herbert Jenkins, assistant ...<br />
Peter Usher ... ...<br />
Cubitt Boardman Hubbard ...<br />
Henry Hunt Piper ... ...<br />
James McDowell ... ...<br />
Charles Case Nutter<br />
David Heap ...<br />
William Birks ...<br />
Henry Hill ...<br />
,..<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
The last service in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old or Great Meeting-house was held <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
evening <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday, 16 June, 1850, <strong>on</strong> which occasi<strong>on</strong> a serm<strong>on</strong>, taking<br />
farewell <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building, was preached by its <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n minister, Mr. Piper ;<br />
who gave a short historical notice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> some interesting events, c<strong>on</strong>nected<br />
with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> origin and progress cf :l<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity in Banbury. To this ser-<br />
m<strong>on</strong>, as preserved in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian lief<strong>on</strong>uer, and to various data recently<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tributed by Mr. Piper's s<strong>on</strong>-in-law, Mr. Edward Cobb (d. 4 April, 1899,<br />
aet. 92, cremated, and ashes interred in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chancel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this church), <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Lewes, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author is indebted for much here set down.<br />
The Act <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uniformity compelled Samuel Wells, M.A., vicar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ban-<br />
bury, to resign his living. Calamy tells us that Wells-<br />
settled, in 1647, at Remnan, in Berks, where his income was about Lzoo<br />
per an., but he had not above 20 families in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish. In 1649, he accepted<br />
a call to Banbury, tho' <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>its were much less, that he might have ail<br />
opportunity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> doing good to a larger number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> souls. He was <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
presentati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Brinkworth, a rich pars<strong>on</strong>age, but refused it, and c<strong>on</strong>tinued<br />
in Banbury till August, 1662, when he remitted EIOO, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> what was due to
him, and cheerfully declared, that he had not <strong>on</strong>e uneasy thought about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his family, though he had <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n 10 children. The Five Miles'<br />
Act removed him to Deddingt<strong>on</strong>, from whence he used to write letters every<br />
week to his friends at Banbury, some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which were afterwards published.<br />
He is known to have besun dissenting worship at Milt<strong>on</strong>. When <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> times<br />
permitted he returned to Banbury and bought a pleasant house, in which<br />
he lived until his death. He and Mr. (afterwards Dr.) White, who was his<br />
successor as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish minister, had a very friendly corresp<strong>on</strong>dence. He<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten heard Mr. White preach, and Mr. White sometimes privately heard<br />
him ; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten used to say to him, "I pray God bless your labours in<br />
private, and mine in public."<br />
After <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> life and labours <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> such a man as Wells, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Puritan<br />
leanings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Banbury and its neighbourhood, it is not to be w<strong>on</strong>dered at,<br />
that before many years had elapsed, a n<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>forming society is heard <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>,<br />
as existing in Banbury. In 1709 Stephen Davies was ordained its minister,<br />
and in 1716 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> site <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present building was bought and prepared for<br />
public worship. Whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r a building was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n standing <strong>on</strong> it, which was<br />
c<strong>on</strong>verted to 'I-' uses <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a meeting-house, or whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r a new place was<br />
erected, does nm seem known for a certainty. What is recorded <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
former house <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship is that Joseph Cornish, minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> George's meet-<br />
ing, Colyt<strong>on</strong>, 1772-1823, tells us in his autobiography* how he preached<br />
<strong>on</strong> two Lord's days, in 1792, in Mr. Hampt<strong>on</strong>'s spaciolrs place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship ;<br />
in which, for many years during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rebuilding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Banbury parish<br />
church, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers and c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Established Church were<br />
accommodated ; marriages, and every service being carried <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re, authorized<br />
by an Act <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Parliament.+<br />
The hours <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship were so ordered that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> different c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
had both morning and afterno<strong>on</strong> services, and occasi<strong>on</strong>ally an evening<br />
lecture. On <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two Sundays alluded to by Cornish, he preached<br />
three times in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting-house, and besides <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> usual services, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
-1.Mr. Cobb, writing to me, so recently as August, 1897, says :-It is n curioz~s fact<br />
that my fathy and mo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r rucre, in 1795, 71zarrieci in ozrr Old JIeefi?zg-housz, Banbzrry, under<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> provisi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Act n/Iz~deii to ; aad that 7~234 wife and I were ?lttzwied in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same place,<br />
49 years nfmards (IS& by M?-. Abah J<strong>on</strong>zs, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n minister at Derby, tcrrder <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissetzters'<br />
Marviage Act ; and Oit7S briftg <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> $rst nmrriape celebmted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re, under that Act, 7ut weye<br />
presented with a Bible, recorJinp <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fact, by nzy wife's fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rcv. Henry Hzrnt Piper, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rz<br />
minister. G. E. E.<br />
d<br />
sacrament was administered to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Establishment. By<br />
1850 this building-<br />
had become so dilapidated as to render its removal requisite. A piece <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ground at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> back <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old building was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> property <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>grega-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong>, and up<strong>on</strong> that spot <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new chapel is erected, so that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
old building was retained until <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new <strong>on</strong>e was nearly ready for occupati<strong>on</strong>."<br />
The new place, known as Christ-Church, was opened, under that desig-<br />
nati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>on</strong> Friday, 16 August, 1850. Thanks to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ground at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> disposal<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society it stands some 80 yards back from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> street-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Horse-<br />
fair-and is approached by a carriage drive, through a well-wooded enclosure.<br />
The architect was Mr. H. J. Underwood, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oxford, who succeeded in<br />
designing a structure, in early English style, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> singularly graceful<br />
proporti<strong>on</strong>s. It c<strong>on</strong>sists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nave and chancel, a south aisle, and vestry.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chancel, under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> window <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> three lights, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> centre <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tains a ruby-coloured cross, is a reredos <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> seven arches, with st<strong>on</strong>e<br />
mouldings and columns <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a very graceful character. On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> north wall<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chancel is placed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> tablet to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. George<br />
Hampt<strong>on</strong>, M.A., removed from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting-house. The summit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gable over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> main entrance is surmounted with a st<strong>on</strong>e cross. An<br />
engraving <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new building was given with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian LPefarmer, Sep-<br />
tember, 1850. The serm<strong>on</strong>, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opening service, was preached by Charles<br />
Wicksteed, B.A., from Psalm cxxii., I.-" I was glad when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y said unto<br />
me, Let us gojnto <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> house <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord." The dedicati<strong>on</strong> prayer was<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered by Mr. Piper, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> less<strong>on</strong>s read by Edward Taggart, F.S.A.,<br />
minister, 1828-1858, at Little Portland Street, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>.?<br />
*Of <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers who preached occasi<strong>on</strong>ally in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting-house, Mr. Cobb<br />
writes (1898) that he believes <strong>on</strong>+ two now sumive, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> h. Th<strong>on</strong>zas Lethbl-idge Afarshall,<br />
living in ?*eti7*er?zntt i7z Sidttzozrth, who, zclhelz 71zi~zister at Warzoic/L., rrsui to exchn7z,ne ju@its with<br />
Afi*. P$er ; nud j ozrr fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rm. Dnvid Le7uis Ezlnns, at. 86, now living in 9-eti?*ement<br />
at Llanyby<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>)*, S. Lt.'., who, zuhrst nrilrister (1840-1o9qz) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> B oxhnnz and Ma<strong>on</strong> Chapels,<br />
used to exchafye with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. C. B. Nzrbbard, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>?z nzinister at Banbz~ry. G.E.E.<br />
+At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> evening meeting Mr. Taggart, alluding to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building as " chaste, simple,<br />
and perfect in all its parts and arrangements," said he remembered an anecdote <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a<br />
royal pers<strong>on</strong>age in c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel at Bright<strong>on</strong>, which was near <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pavili<strong>on</strong>,<br />
and was remarkable for a very beautiful Grecian portico. The m<strong>on</strong>arch <strong>on</strong>e day asked<br />
for what use <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> edifice was designed. He was told that it was a Unitarian Chapel.<br />
And his reply was :-"Ah ! simple and elegant, like <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir religi<strong>on</strong>." It was not <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y were complimented by pers<strong>on</strong>s occupying a royal and kingly stati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
P. 538.<br />
Inq., 1850,
Stephen Davies, v~ho was minister for 30 years, had <strong>on</strong>e child, who<br />
became <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> wife <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his succcessor. George Hampt<strong>on</strong> was a Welshman,<br />
born at Wrexham. He settled at Banbury, after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> colnpletiotl <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his<br />
course at Glasgow, and for more than 56 years ministered to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious<br />
wants <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society. Herbert Jenkins, who settled at Stourbridge in 1796,<br />
<strong>on</strong> leaving Banbury, was .for four years assistant to Hampt<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Peter Usher, who was a Homert<strong>on</strong> student, settled here in 1796, and<br />
was minister for 18 years ; after his retirement he c<strong>on</strong>tinued to live in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
town until he emigrated to U.S.A., where he died in 1846.<br />
Hubbard, who was born in Walt<strong>on</strong> Hall, Norfolk, and baptized by<br />
Thomas Stant<strong>on</strong>, D.D., minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hapt<strong>on</strong> Chapel, hard by, was also a<br />
Homert<strong>on</strong> man, his principal associates atn<strong>on</strong>gst his fellow-students being<br />
Charles Berry-afterwards nlinister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Great Meeting, Leicester, for 56<br />
years-and Tho S Morell. Hubbard's biographer sayss-<br />
\<br />
Banbury was a residence in many respects suited to his taste. There were<br />
a few families <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> intelligence and refinement who appreciated <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sin~plicit~<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his manners and cheerfulness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his piety. Eminently Cathoiic in spirit,<br />
he delighted to meet nien <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> different commu:li<strong>on</strong>s. . . . He read Greek<br />
and Hebrew with a neighbouring clergyman.<br />
His c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> v~itl~ this society lasted nearly jo years, and was closed<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spring <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1843, when he accepted an invitaticn fi-oin <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rivingt<strong>on</strong><br />
society, where he remained until his death in 1554.<br />
The life's story <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Henry Hunt Piper was told by his bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r-in-law,<br />
Sir John Eowring (1792-1872)) and appeared in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> (iipuirpr, 30 January,<br />
1864. This lnemoir was subsequently reprinted, toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r with an extract<br />
frcm his futneral serm<strong>on</strong>, preached at Hampstead by Dr. Sadler. In it <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Fiper's birth is incorrectly stated, it should be 1781, and is so<br />
corrected here, 011 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> authority <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his daughter, Mrs. Cobb, from docu-<br />
ments in her possessi<strong>on</strong>. Mr. Piper was more than <strong>on</strong>ce heard to say that<br />
he was born <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>year after tAe Gord<strong>on</strong> riots <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1780. The scene <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his l<strong>on</strong>gest<br />
and busiest labours was that as private chaplain to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shore family at<br />
Nort<strong>on</strong> Hall, for thirty-seven years. This family was am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most<br />
advanced Liberals and N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> north. Attached to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> seat<br />
and park <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nort<strong>on</strong> Hall, near Sheffield, where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y dwelt, was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> small<br />
*C.R., 1854, p. 452, F [ranklin] B [aker], Bolt<strong>on</strong>, June 5th.<br />
chapel which was dedicated to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> service <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e God and Fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r."<br />
Its pastor, says Sir John Bowring-<br />
stood in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> character <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> domestic chaplain to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> squire, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> especial<br />
friend in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> squire's household. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissenting body <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>on</strong>e<br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r family (that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Milnes, in which Mr. Malles<strong>on</strong> held a similar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice),<br />
whose social positi<strong>on</strong> allowed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> distincti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> possessing a pastor<br />
specially attached to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>mselves. To occupy this post Mr. Piper was<br />
called. . . Through many vicissitudes an intimate intercourse with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Shores was preserved to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last, with abundant evidence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> mutual esteem<br />
and affecti<strong>on</strong>. . . In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pretty village <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nort<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was born and<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was buried Francis Chantrey. As a boy he led a d<strong>on</strong>key and sold<br />
milk in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> streets ; as a youth he was apprenticed to a glazier, and his<br />
love <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> art was displayed by moulding in putty <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> faces <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
distinguished people in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbourhood. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> days <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his penury he<br />
took to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> painting, and under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> patr<strong>on</strong>age and with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
introducti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Piper, he raised a few pounds by producing in oil colours<br />
some eight or ten portraits, am<strong>on</strong>g which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Piper himself,<br />
to whom, m through life, he felt str<strong>on</strong>gly and gratefully attached. . . James<br />
M<strong>on</strong>tgomery. . . a sweet and popular poet, whose c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s to devoti<strong>on</strong>al<br />
psalmody hold, and will l<strong>on</strong>g c<strong>on</strong>tinue to hold, a distinguished p!ace<br />
ill <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> service <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Satlctuary. . . was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> friend and frequent guest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pipers, and <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> birth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir first child wrote those pretty and wellknown<br />
lines beginning :-<br />
Two roses <strong>on</strong> a single stem<br />
In sweet communi<strong>on</strong> grew.<br />
The "Wanderer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Switzerland" was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first publicatioll <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>tgomery<br />
which awakened general attenti<strong>on</strong> to his poetical merits. . . Mr. Piper<br />
reviewed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poe1:l in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first volume (1806, p. 377) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Repository.<br />
. . Mr. Piper's school at Nort<strong>on</strong> had a high and widely spread<br />
*The baptismal register, 1777-1836, is a little volun~e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> much interest. It c<strong>on</strong>tains<br />
entries by Thomas Halliday from 7 November, 1777, to 23 January, 1794; John IVilliams,<br />
26 October, 1794, to 24 January, 1804 ; William Whitelegge (minister at Fulwood, near<br />
Sheffield, 1803-I~II), 2 September, 1804, to 31 March, 1805 ; and Henry Hunt Piper,<br />
15 December, 1805, to 17 November, 1836, when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> boolr was sent to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Registrar-<strong>General</strong>, and is now in Somerset House, where I saw it in December,<br />
1897. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it is a l?e,bster <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I/zn<strong>on</strong>~Zotiorz.fol- <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cow Pox, A.D. 1303, by ,?.<br />
IYiZZinms. He records 183 "punctu~-es," between 19 May, 1803, and 29 June, 1804.<br />
nqinisters at Nort<strong>on</strong> were-John Wood, M.A., (l. I April, 1690, ~ t 65 . ; Thomas Rose,<br />
1690-1700 ; Nathan Dent<strong>on</strong> ; George Lo~ve, d. April, 1717; Samuel Wood (d. January,<br />
1723?) ; Nicholas Warren, 1724-[~726] ; John Holland, 1731-1743 ; Daniel Lowe, 1744-1776 ;<br />
Thomas Halliday, 1776-January, 1794 ; John Williams, 1791-1804 ; Robert Aspland, 7 April-<br />
May, 1805; Henry Hunt Piper, 1805-1843. G.E.E.
eputati<strong>on</strong>, which was due to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> classical acquirements <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> master. Pupils<br />
were sent to it from distant parts. Am<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m were relatives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dugald<br />
*<br />
Stewart from Edinburgh, two s<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essor Milne from Glasgow, and<br />
many o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs who have obtained distincti<strong>on</strong> in after life. . . In 1843 Mr.<br />
Piper accepted an invitati<strong>on</strong> to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Unitarian c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> at Banbury,<br />
whose beautiful chapel was built during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> eleven years in which he ministered<br />
am<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m. The erecti<strong>on</strong> is mainly due to his exerti<strong>on</strong>s, associated<br />
with those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his s<strong>on</strong>-in-law, Mr. Edward Cobb. The last ten years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his<br />
active life were spent in calm and peaceful retirement. Slowly and serenely<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end approached ; he slumbered, his eyes closed, and he slumbered <strong>on</strong><br />
into death, at Hampstead, <strong>on</strong> 13 January, 1864.<br />
And here <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> story <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society is ended. The near neighbourhood<br />
has for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author a deep pers<strong>on</strong>al interest, being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> scene <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's<br />
first settled ministry, now more than half a century since. Few occasi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
stand out more prominently in his memory than <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remembrance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his<br />
walk from Banbury Cross to Blosham and Milt<strong>on</strong>, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nce <strong>on</strong> to<br />
Oxford ; exploring <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> places where tvorship was carried <strong>on</strong> in those hamlets<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r and Mrs. Edward Cobb are now<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last survivors.<br />
It would be to know where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christ-Church communi<strong>on</strong><br />
plate is, or tvhetlier it still exists-hidden away and forgotten in some chest<br />
or safe ? In 1891 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> secretary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, in answer to an<br />
enquiry from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author for particulars <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it, replied, 1 exceea'i~zg& rzg~et to<br />
say that rue have szo c<strong>on</strong>~uzu~zi<strong>on</strong> plate serrtice. We had u! set malzy jlears ago but<br />
it hns slot Beesz Aeard <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> for n great ke~zgth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> iime.<br />
STEPHEN DAVIES, ord. 1709 ; min. Banbury, 1709-1739 ; Issue, <strong>on</strong>e daughter (nz. George<br />
Hampt<strong>on</strong>). I<br />
C$ C.R., 1850, p. 576.<br />
GEORGE HAIMPTON, b. (17~61, in Wrexhanl; ed. Glasgow, 1734-1738 ; M.A. Ghs. ; min.<br />
Banbury, 1739-1796 ; ??L <strong>on</strong>ly daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his predecessor, Stephen Davies ; Issue,<br />
George (b. and d. December, 1742).<br />
d. 22 September, 1796, zt. 80 ; bur. Banbury.<br />
c- Tablet in Chancel; P.D.M., 1796, p. 438; 1798, p. 353 ; M.R., 1820, p. 631 ;<br />
C.R., 1850, p. 576.<br />
PETER USHER, ed. Homert<strong>on</strong>; min. Banbury, 1796-1814; Banbury, withozit chaqe; emi-<br />
grated U.S.A. ; d. 1846, in Illinois.<br />
cf. Informati<strong>on</strong> through Rev. Henry Hill, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Banbury.<br />
CUBITT BOARDMAN HUBBARD, 6. 21 April, 1779, at Walt<strong>on</strong> Hall, Norfolk ; ed. Homert<strong>on</strong>,<br />
1796- ; ord. 21 June, 181 5, at Banbury ; min. Stamford, 1801-1815, Banbury,<br />
I 81 5- 1843 ; Rivingt<strong>on</strong>, I 843- 1854.<br />
3 7<br />
d. 11 April, 1854, bur. Rivingt<strong>on</strong> Chapel Yard.<br />
cf; A'ec<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>z?: p. 160.<br />
HENRY HUNT PIPER, B. 26 August, 1781, in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>; ed. Hoxt<strong>on</strong> and Homert<strong>on</strong> ; min.<br />
Rochford, Nort<strong>on</strong>, 1805-1843 ; Banbury, 1843-1853 ; 7~2. (1805) alicia (d. 16 August,<br />
1872)) eldest daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Samuel Lewin, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hackney ; Issue, Alicia Lewin (d. 18741,<br />
Fredericlc (fir'. 1860), Henry Hunt ((1. 1841), Emily Harriet (d. 18go), Mary Anne (d.<br />
1831), Frances Elizabeth ((1: 1854) ; Lewin (a'.), Eliza Maria ((L 18911, Octavia, nz.<br />
Edward Cobb.<br />
d. 13 January, 1864, bur. Highgate Cemetery.<br />
cj; Notes*by Mr. and Mrs. Cobb, 1a8; Inq., 30 January, 1864.<br />
JAMES ICICDOWELL, 6. [1837] ; ed. Belfast ; min. Banbury, 1854-1863 ; Banbury, zoitl~out<br />
chnrge; (2. 3 October, 1876, a3t. 39 ; bur. Banbury Cemetery.<br />
c$ Tombst<strong>on</strong>e at Banbury. .<br />
CHARLES CASE NUTTER, B. [l8041 ; ed. Wym<strong>on</strong>dley Coll. ; min. Strett<strong>on</strong>-under-Fosse,<br />
1829-1831 ; Stockt<strong>on</strong>-<strong>on</strong>-Tees, 1831-1832 ; Hinckley, 1833-1842 ; A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e, 1836-1838 ;<br />
Framlingham, 1842-1847 ; Lincoln, 1847-1860 ; Wareham, 1862-1864 ; Banbury, 1864-<br />
1854 ; nz. (I) Hannah (d. 1837), Issue, Frederick Cl~arles (b. 1832) ; (2) (29 December,<br />
1846) RiIaria Clair (,l. 1852), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> &I. J. Rodwell ; Issue, William Clair (d 1857),<br />
and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs.<br />
d. 15 August, 1891, zt. 87, at Finchley.<br />
L$ Sib?,ce, p. 232 ; J7esriges, var. pp. ;' private informati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Damn HEAP, min. Birmingham, Home Missi<strong>on</strong>ary, 1880-1884 ; Banbury, 1884-1887.<br />
WILLIAM BIRICS, b. 29 April, 1843, at St<strong>on</strong>ey Middlet<strong>on</strong>, Derbyshire ; ed. U. H. M. B.,<br />
February, 1864-February, 1867 ; F. R. A.S. ; min. Hastings, 1867-1869 ; Gloucester,<br />
1870-1874; I
Present chapel built during ministry .<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jol~n J<strong>on</strong>es.<br />
Henry Oasland, M. A.<br />
Edward Oasland . ..<br />
Job Barret . . . . . .<br />
John Reynolds ..<br />
John Adams . . .<br />
John J<strong>on</strong>es ...<br />
Evan J<strong>on</strong>es<br />
Edward Parry ...<br />
Sz$#Zies ...<br />
Let to Bnptists . . .<br />
Original <strong>on</strong>e built 1696-1700.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
011 10 February, 1700, a deed was executed between Joseph Tyndall,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bewdley, mercer, and John Allen, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bewdley, apo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>cary, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e<br />
part ; and Jabez Reynoulds, shoemaker ; John Dovey, glover ; Joseph Carter,<br />
Edward Perkins, Arthur Perkins, Arthur Radnor, all shoemakers, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bewd-<br />
ley ; Thomas ffaulkner, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bewdley, combmaker ; and James Thorns<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Ribbenhall, ropier, 013 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r part. By this deed Tpndall and Allen<br />
c<strong>on</strong>vey to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs orre piece or paml <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> groz~lzd, c<strong>on</strong>tairri~zg 24 yards i?z derzgtlz<br />
and 14 yards ifz firtaaVh, i?z U$$w Street, BewdZq~, which grognd Tyndall had<br />
bought from <strong>on</strong>e Jahn I.t7iZZis, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> BewLZlcy, skianer and ??zaltstt.1; and <strong>on</strong> which<br />
Tyndall had by and with 7;z<strong>on</strong>g~s raised by a $i/fiZick coZZecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nnd from severnZ<br />
pe~soiu, e?-.xted or built [~robnb') iiz 16961 n?z hoz~se 7cthich is now used fog, a<br />
?i2eez'i7g-hoz~se for rel&ioz~s ze~orshz).<br />
The witnesses to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> signatures were-Henry Toye, Edward Osland<br />
(sic), Obadiah Clare, and Edward Toye.<br />
In James Scott's MSS.-to which reference will be freqcently made in<br />
this book-he says that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> certz9cak appointing Heizry OasZand nliazster <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
HerudGey &ring tile Com?~z<strong>on</strong>wea~th is siiiG extant. Am<strong>on</strong>gst this chapel's deeds<br />
and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r papers, which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author saw in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. W. H. Talbot,<br />
solicitor, at Kidderminster, <strong>on</strong> 29 January, 1895, was this original parchment<br />
testim<strong>on</strong>ial <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Henry Oasland's ordinati<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chu?-ch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> BartJ20Z;7.?lten~
Exchafzge, ilz L07zdo z, OM 5 d~~gr~st, 1651, in which, as Calamy says-<br />
J<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> words relating to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> taking <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> covenant were rased out, as he had<br />
not taken it, nor was it <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n insisted <strong>on</strong> as fcrmerly.<br />
.<br />
This time-stained parchment runs thus :-<br />
F~x~sflruc~ as rlifr. Henvy Oslaszd, Batchelor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arts, hath addressed<br />
hifizse@ to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> CZassicaZ Presbterie, wit/Zirz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Province <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong><br />
(according to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ordi77ance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> both Uoz~ses <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ParZiamerzt, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Azrgust<br />
28, 1646, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ordiiiati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ministers by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> CZassicai Presbyters),<br />
desiring to bee Ordai?zed a Preaching Presbyter, for that hee is caZZed<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> work <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mifristerie i:z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> tozm <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> BewdZey, ijz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> County<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcester, A~zd hafh exhibited unto <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prest~terie sz~fielIt Teslim<strong>on</strong>ial<br />
(~zozu remai~?iu,g ilz iheir cz~stodie) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his co?i.j.petent Age, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> /is<br />
unbZa7?tenbZe Zl'zJfe and Co?z se~satio?z, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his diZQence and fro$cie~zcie i/7<br />
his stz~dies, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his taking <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> soletnn covenant <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> three kingdoms<br />
[<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se words .are struck out with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pen], and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his fair<br />
and direct calli~zg unto <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ford-nzentio~zed place.<br />
1<br />
WEE, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Afinisters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fhe said Presbyte~ie, hazx (by appointnzent <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>l<br />
Exa7nined him accordtizg to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> tefzor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> said OrrJzizance; andjfzdeizg<br />
hzuz to bee dz6& p~~nZz$ed ntzd ggteed for that hoZie Ofice and<br />
i~?zpZoi?rzent (no just exen$fio~z beaiug ?!:a& ageiizst his Ordi~zatiotz or<br />
Adnzissi<strong>on</strong>), wee have afprcived him : And acco?.nZizg(y i72 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Barthod<strong>on</strong>~ea~ Exchange, in Zo~td<strong>on</strong>, z:poiz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> daie and year herdafter<br />
expressed, wze hc7le proc~eded Sole~rzndy to set him ajart lo tfzd<br />
O'ce ef a preaching Pt-esbyter a?td work. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> J(Ii7listrie with Fasfilzg,<br />
Pmier, and finpositi<strong>on</strong> qJ Hands. And do hereLy so far as c<strong>on</strong>ccr~zeth<br />
ZLS ac2LualQ Adfnit hi/u ZLIZ~O <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> said chaq..e <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re tu perfoornz all tile<br />
o@ces and dz~ties <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a fait/E~Z Mim'sttr ojLJTesz~s Christ. 1% Witness<br />
wlzere<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 72~e have hereunto_%r~bscribed oz~r ?za??zes this .fifth daie <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a1gz/st,<br />
Alltno. D<strong>on</strong>t. 1651.<br />
S. P,. CLARKE.<br />
F. A. CRANFORD.<br />
WM. TAYLOR.<br />
\ Henry Basland, M.A., cf Triility College, Cambridge, was born in tlie<br />
parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rock, and educated at first under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> curate <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish, and<br />
at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Free School, at Bev,-dley. After spending four years in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> University,
Calamy tells us Oasland-<br />
went to see his friends, intending to return and pursue his studies. But <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
famous Mr. Tombs* after his dispute with Mr. Baxter, in Bewdley Chapel,<br />
leaving <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> magistrates prevailed with Mr. Oasland to succeed<br />
him in 1650. . . He was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> legal minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bewdley, from whence he<br />
was unwiiling to remove, though he had c<strong>on</strong>siderable <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fers, because <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re<br />
were so many excellent Christians in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town. He c<strong>on</strong>tinued his public<br />
labours here till August 24, 1662, having both here and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> towns adjacent<br />
surprising success. . . When he was ejected he and his family (in which<br />
were five children) were supported <strong>on</strong>ly by a jointure his wife had from her<br />
former husband, but he was c<strong>on</strong>tented and easy. . . After <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tolerati<strong>on</strong><br />
he preached twice every Lord's day, and several lectures some miles from<br />
home, which he c<strong>on</strong>tinued till Lord's day, October 3, 1703, when he was<br />
so ill that he could not preach, and <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 19th he died, aged about 80.<br />
The public minister preached a funeral serm<strong>on</strong> at his interment <strong>on</strong> Rev.<br />
xiv., 13.<br />
James Scott supplements this last sentence by writing that OasZand's<br />
q~ze?~ory was so re$ected that twelve fineral sirnro?zs were preached for him. He<br />
was buried in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chancel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kingswinford's Church, and left two s<strong>on</strong>s<br />
am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formists-Edward, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> elder, was pastor at Bewdley,<br />
?r,here he had for some tinre assisted his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, and Henry, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> younger, who<br />
died in Cambridgeshire. Under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Indulgence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Charles II., in 1672,<br />
we findf-<br />
The howse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hen. Osland, at Bewdley, Worc., Licence to Henry Osland, to<br />
be a Pr. Teacher in his howse at Bewdley, Worc., 25 July.<br />
Since Oasland was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baxter's lieutenants it is practically certain<br />
that this society at Bewdley was not established till after Tolerati<strong>on</strong> (1689),<br />
for Baxter took good care that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re should be no n<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>forming c<strong>on</strong>gre-<br />
gati<strong>on</strong> at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbouring town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidderminster in 1662 or in 1672.<br />
Ed~vard Oasland was educated by John Woodhouse, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minis-<br />
ters silenced in Nottinghamshire, who afterwards kept his academy- at<br />
"John Tombes was born at Bewdley in 1602, entered Magdalen Hall, Oxford, 1617,<br />
graduated M.A., took orders, and became Lecturer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St. Martin's, Carfax. In 1630 he<br />
became a preacher in Worcester, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nce removed to Leominster. In 1653 he was<br />
appointed <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Triers for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> County. He was a tower <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> strength to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptists,<br />
and had many c<strong>on</strong>troversies. He afterwards married and lived a retired life. Wood's<br />
Athfnne ii., 556.<br />
.I.S.P. Domestic Interregnum, 38a.<br />
Sheriff-hales, in Shropshire, where, says Job Ort<strong>on</strong>-<br />
he was an eminent tutor, and educated many excellent divines and several<br />
gentlemen <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most c<strong>on</strong>siderable families in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se parts, as Foley, Hartley,<br />
Hunt, &c.<br />
Walter Wilsoil states that Edward Oasland had a MS. memorandum<br />
book c<strong>on</strong>taining an account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> original place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship<br />
by Tyndall. This book is not am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees' papers, nor could I<br />
find it in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present chapel when visiting it 011 rg September, 1892.<br />
The following undated document c<strong>on</strong>taining Reynolds' name is pre-<br />
served am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel papers, and a similar <strong>on</strong>e is also affixed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
inner fr<strong>on</strong>t cover <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptismal Register :-<br />
Be it Known to all whom. it may c<strong>on</strong>cern that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Zatt Mr. Reynolds<br />
left by will, twenty shillings to be equal& divided between <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rector<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ribbesfoord, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protesta~zl Dissenting Minister, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bewddey ,<br />
yeas.@ for ever, that is to say ten shil'lzigs each year&, to be laid out<br />
iw purchasin.g Bibles for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poor. me savze twenty shilliqs fo be<br />
paid year@ by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> proprietor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> house Known as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Swan Inn,<br />
,i~z BewdZey, ilz Easter week <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> each year.<br />
Joh~ J<strong>on</strong>es,<br />
Protestant Dissenting Minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bewdley.<br />
John Adams was ordained <strong>on</strong> 18 July, 1751, Dr. Doddridge taking part<br />
iu <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> service.\ He is said to have had three assistants here, viz. :-Denny,<br />
Morris, and Vicary.<br />
John J<strong>on</strong>es was a Daventry student, being admitted in 1763, and from<br />
1764 to 1765 was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> foundati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Board. He<br />
has recorded in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptismal Register that he canre to Be7.dZey1 liriday, yz~ne<br />
19, 1768, whilst this note at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register gives us <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> date <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ending <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his l<strong>on</strong>g ministry here :--ohn J<strong>on</strong>es, Navember p, 1823, reszgned.<br />
He died <strong>on</strong> 25 May, 1824, zet. So. The present substantial meeting-house<br />
was built during his ministry, but <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> exact year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its opening <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author,<br />
as yet, has no definite informati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
His successor, Evan J<strong>on</strong>es-not to be c<strong>on</strong>founded with Evail Owen<br />
J<strong>on</strong>es, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coseley, I 804-6 ; Belper, I 807- I o, and Duffield, I 807- 1867--was<br />
a student <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian College, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, 1814-1818, being 18<br />
years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> age when admitted, and ministered at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Great Meeting, Hinckley,<br />
from 1820 till 1824, when he removed to Kidderminster, as master <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>
Pearsall Grammar School and minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bewdley Chapel. An elderly<br />
lady, who, when a girl, received Latin less<strong>on</strong>s from him, recently described<br />
him to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author as-<br />
a man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> kindest nature and ever willing to help o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs.<br />
He was mainly instrumental in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> bringing up <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Mountford,<br />
M. A. -to whom he bequea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d his library-who was born at Kidderminster,<br />
was a student <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Manchester College, York, 1833-38, and after various minis-<br />
terial settlements in England (see Kingswood) and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> United States,<br />
died in America in 1885. J<strong>on</strong>es remained here until 1858, when, through<br />
kindness to ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, he became involved in some financial difficulty, resigned<br />
his post, and emigrated to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> United States, where he did.<br />
After Mr. Parry's ministry, and for a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> years a successi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
devoted lay preachers did good service here. Menti<strong>on</strong> must be made <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Will Brooke (d. 4 July, 1888, zet. 66), an active member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New<br />
Meeting, Kidderminster. For many years he c<strong>on</strong>duct%d <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday service<br />
here with acceptance, a work <strong>on</strong>ly relinquished through failing health.<br />
During <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> W. Carey Walters at Kidderminster we find<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Guild <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good Shepherd taking up <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> work under his active<br />
directi<strong>on</strong>, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> names and labours <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Charles Stainer, George A. Payne<br />
(now minisfer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Brook Street Chapel, Knutsford), Harry Haycock (now<br />
minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Victoria Street Chapel, Loughborough), and George Harry<br />
VVilliams are still gratefully remembered at Bewdley.<br />
On 2 November, 1886, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> MONTHLY MEETING was held in this chapel,<br />
wheli George Henry Smith, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n minister at Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>, read a paper<br />
detailing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> steps <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his passage from methodism to Swedenborgianism and<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nce to unitarianism. Eighteen miriisters were present <strong>on</strong> this occasi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
In 1894, owing to deaths and removals, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> resident c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> had<br />
well nigh disappeared, and, for a time, worship was disc<strong>on</strong>tinued. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
last <strong>on</strong>ly some twelve pers<strong>on</strong>s attended, and most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m were recipients<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> charities bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel. At present <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building is let to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Baptists at a nominal rent ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees can, however, resume possessi<strong>on</strong><br />
whenever <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y require it.<br />
For many years it had a large and influential c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>."<br />
The meeting-house, which stands back from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> street, and is approached<br />
"<str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bewdley, John R. Burt<strong>on</strong>, B.A., 1883, p. 49.<br />
through a l<strong>on</strong>g passage, is an excellent building, and bears evidence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
erecti<strong>on</strong> by a wealthy c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>. The interior is oval, with a gallery<br />
facing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit, and old-fashi<strong>on</strong>ed high-backed pews. On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> wall is a<br />
marble tablet with a short Latin inscripti<strong>on</strong>, which may be rendered :-<br />
To perpetuate <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remembrance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Samuel Kenrick this tablet was erected<br />
by P.P. [Dr. Prattint<strong>on</strong>?] Literature was his delight ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> manners gentle,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> supreme Being, a devout worshipper ; in integrity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life, a bright<br />
example. He died 6 October, 181 I, =et. 83.<br />
Samuel Kenrick was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> third s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Kenrick, minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
dissenting c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wrexham ; he was born at Wynnehall, Denbigh-<br />
shire, and educated at Glasgow, 1743-1750. After some years spent <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
c<strong>on</strong>tinent as tutor to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two s<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> James Milliken, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Milliken, in Ren-<br />
frewshire, he settled at Bewdley, and c<strong>on</strong>ducted a banking establishment<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re between 30 and 40 years, eagerly devoting his spare time to ancient<br />
and modern literature. His name appears as <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Western Unitarian Society, instituted by his nephew, Timothy Kenrick,<br />
minister at Exeter.<br />
Communi<strong>on</strong> plate is said to have been in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> possessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
gregati<strong>on</strong> so recently as 1860, although all attempts <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author's part<br />
to discover who now holds it have failed.<br />
The trusteps are members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting, Kidderminster, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
books and papers from which many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> above details are taken are in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messrs. Talbot and S<strong>on</strong>, Solicitors, Kidderminster.<br />
The Baptismal Register is a very thin, small, square book, bound in<br />
a rough cardboard cover, and c<strong>on</strong>tains -entries from 1722 to 1823 ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
author saw it in July, 1898.<br />
ENRY OASLAND, b. 1625 ; B. I May, parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rock, Worcestershire ; ed. Bewdley<br />
Grammar School; Trinity Coll., Cambridge (4 years), [1644?- 1, B.A. 1649, M.A.<br />
1653 ; ord. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, 5 August, 1631 ; min. Bewdley, 1650-ej. 1662 ; lic. 25 July, 1672 ;<br />
m. (1660) daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> -Maxwell, banker, Bewdley ; Issue, Edward, Henry, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs.<br />
(1'. 19 October, 1703; bur. chancel, Kingswinford Church.<br />
cf; Dic. Nut. Biog.<br />
EDWARD OASLAND, B. at Bewdley ; ed. Sheriff-hales by John Woodhouse ; min. Bewdley<br />
1704- I 750.<br />
d. January, 1752.<br />
c$ Dic. Nat. Biog. under Henry Oasland.<br />
JOHN ADAMS, ord. 18 July, 1751 ; min. Beurdley, 1750-1773.
JOHN JONES, b. [1744] at Sudbury, Suffolk; ed. Daventry Academy, 1763-<br />
Ashworth, D. D. ; min. Bewdley, 1768-1823.<br />
d. 25 May, 1824, zt. 80.<br />
CJ MM., 1822, p. 195.<br />
by Caleb<br />
EVAN JONES, b. [1796] in South Wales ; ed. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n Pres. Coll., 1814-1818 ; min.<br />
Hinckley, December, 1820-18;~ (SUCC~SSO~ appointed 17 October), Bewdley, 1824-1858 ;<br />
master Pearsall's School, Kidderminster, 1824-1858 ; emigrated U.S.A., 1858.<br />
c$ Private informati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
EDWARD PARRY, see Kidderminster.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bewdley, John R. Burt<strong>on</strong>, B.A., 1883, P\., 49.<br />
Inq., 1893, p. 270.<br />
Seedsozeter, 1895, pp. 6., 22.<br />
Yesf&es, p. I 5.
BIRMINGHAM.<br />
OLD MEETING CHURCH.'<br />
Present church in Bristol Road, opened 7 October, 1885.<br />
First Meeting-house built 1689.<br />
Sec<strong>on</strong>d Meeting-house opened 4 October, 1795.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
William Turt<strong>on</strong>, M.A.<br />
Daniel Greenwood . .<br />
Edward Brodhurst . .<br />
Daniel Mattock<br />
Joseph Wilkins<strong>on</strong> ..<br />
William Howell<br />
Samuel Clark<br />
Radcliffe Scholefield . .<br />
Nathaniel Nickols . .<br />
John Coates<br />
Robert Kell<br />
John Corrie, F.R.S. ...<br />
Stephen Weaver Browne, B.A.<br />
Hug11 Hutt<strong>on</strong>, R4.A. .. .<br />
Charles Clarke<br />
Joseph Wood<br />
[Note. Ra<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r than alter or enlarge this account, I have preferred to<br />
let it appear exactly as it was revised by my friend, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Mrs. Ca<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rine<br />
Hutt<strong>on</strong> Beale, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> historian <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>. The ministers' biog-<br />
raphies at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end have not previously been printed. G.E.E.]<br />
The leading events <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this memorable society are summed up as<br />
follows :-<br />
The society founded ... ... ...<br />
Meeting-house erected and registered in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Fincher (see Appendiq), /<br />
Thomas Baldwin and William Turt<strong>on</strong> ... 1689<br />
Partially destroyed by rioters, 17 July /b<br />
1715
Totally destroyed by rioters 14 July ...<br />
Rebuilt at a cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> &4,500, and opened<br />
4 October ... . . . . . . -.. I795<br />
Schools erected ... I 820<br />
Organ built . . . 1854<br />
Vestry and lecture room erected ... ... 1855<br />
Meeting-house, graveyard, and all property<br />
bought for jG30,ooo by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> and<br />
North Western Railway Company . . .<br />
Old Meeting Church, Bristol Road,, erected<br />
for jG26,ooo, and opened, with serm<strong>on</strong> by<br />
Rev. Charles Beard, B.A., <strong>on</strong> 7 October<br />
The first Meeting-house, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> .which a print is given by Mrs. Hutt<strong>on</strong><br />
Beale in her Afemorials <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting-house, was a very plain building<br />
with four gables. It was so<strong>on</strong> found inscfficient for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wor-<br />
shippers, and ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> \vorship, called <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lower Meeting-home<br />
(now Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah) was built in Deritend.<br />
The Old Meeting-house, in comm<strong>on</strong> with those at Bradley, Cradley,<br />
Dudley, Oldbury, and West Bromwich, was partially wrecked by rioters in<br />
1715, who were opposed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hanoverian Successi<strong>on</strong> so unanimously<br />
favoured by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that period.<br />
In 1747 a secessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> members-<br />
being Calvinists,<br />
took place. They formed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society now tvorshipping in Carr's Lane<br />
Chapel.<br />
The story <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church and King riots <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1791 is well known, and<br />
may be read in William Hutt<strong>on</strong>'s Narratiz)es ziz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his Lzjce. He<br />
says-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> delightful harm<strong>on</strong>y <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this populous place seems to have been disturbed<br />
by five occurrences.<br />
These were :-<br />
(a) The attempt to place Dr. Priestley's polemical works <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> shelves<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham Library, a move to which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> clergy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Established Church were averse.<br />
(b) An attempt to procure a repeal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Test Act in which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissenters<br />
took an active, but modest, part.<br />
(c) C<strong>on</strong>troversy between Dr. Priestley and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> clergy.<br />
(d) The inflammatory handbill fabricated in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, and brought to<br />
Birmingham, which was unjustly laid at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissenters' doors, and,<br />
in c<strong>on</strong>sequence, doomed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m to destructi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
(e) The public dinner, at which Dr. Priestley was not present, held in<br />
Birmingham, at Dudley's Hotel, Temple Row, to commemorate <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
anniversary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> French Revoluti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
William Hutt<strong>on</strong> says :-<br />
These unhappy riots which began <strong>on</strong> Thursday, 14 July, 1791, have ast<strong>on</strong>ished<br />
all Europe as a shameful attack up<strong>on</strong> private property, which, in all civilized<br />
nati<strong>on</strong>s, is held sacred. They were a disgrace to humanity, and a lasting<br />
stigma <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place. About eighty-<strong>on</strong>e pers<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> various denominati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
having met at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hotel to celebrate <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> anniversary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> French Revolu-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> mob collected and broke <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> windows, They went afterwards to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting-house (Dr. Priestley's), which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y burnt, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old<br />
Meeting House, which also <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y left in ashes. From <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nce <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y marched<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> doctor's house, about a mile from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town. Here his valuable furni-<br />
ture, with a more valuable library, and what is most to be regretted, his<br />
philosophical apparatus and manuscripts, toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> extensive building<br />
ended in flames.<br />
Just <strong>on</strong>e m<strong>on</strong>th after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> destructi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir building <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting-house met at Freeth's C<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fee House, <strong>on</strong> rg August, 1791-<br />
to c<strong>on</strong>sider what steps it may be proper to adopt in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present situati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
our affairs.<br />
It was decided to lose no time in building a larger meeting-house <strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same site as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old <strong>on</strong>e, and this was opened, <strong>on</strong> 4 October, 1795,<br />
Radcliffe Scholefield preaching in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> morning and John Coates in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
afterno<strong>on</strong>.<br />
In 1875 applicati<strong>on</strong> was made by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> and North Western Rail-<br />
way Company for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> purchase from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> graveyard and<br />
scl~ools, and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> follotving year <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> petiti<strong>on</strong>ed Parliament<br />
against <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> proposed purchase. In October, 1880, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees were again<br />
approached by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same company, which desired to purchase <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entire<br />
property for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> purpose <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> enlarging New Street Stati<strong>on</strong>. The trustees,<br />
feeling that any more oppositi<strong>on</strong> to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> railway company would be useless,<br />
and leave <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m with heavy expenses to pay, decided to part with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir<br />
property, and in 1881 it was sold for ~~O,ODO.
The site chosen for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> third building <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society-known now as<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting Church-is in Bristol Road, and here <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fille and noble<br />
building, designed by Mr. J. A. Cossins, was erected. It is an excellent<br />
specimen <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gothic architecture <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 13th century, or Transiti<strong>on</strong> period,<br />
built throughout <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hampstead st<strong>on</strong>e, relieved with Hollingt<strong>on</strong> st<strong>on</strong>e dres-<br />
sings. The nave is s<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>t. l<strong>on</strong>g, 33ft. wide, and s<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>t. high, having north<br />
and south aisles, and north and, south transepts. 'The. raised chancel is<br />
fitted with stalls for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> numerous surpliced choir, with an organ <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
north side, built by Hill and S<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, for LI,IOO. The sitting<br />
accommodati<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church is for 600 pers<strong>on</strong>s. There is a great deal<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fine carving about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church, executed by Mr. Bridgman, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lichfield.<br />
At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> public banquet <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opening day, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Charles Beard,<br />
B.A., in reply to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> toast <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> " Preacher <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> day," proposed by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Mayor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham, said that this-<br />
was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth church in which he had preached at<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opening, and he could h<strong>on</strong>estly say that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most beautiful<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all.<br />
The large east end window was filled with painted glass in 1893, being<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gift <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Richard Peyt<strong>on</strong> esquire. It was dedicated to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
God, by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Joseph Wood, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> morning service <strong>on</strong> Sunday, 10<br />
September. It represents in pictured story and symbol <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fundamental<br />
characteristics <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pure and simple religi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jesus Christ. The central<br />
subject depicts our Lord preaching <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> serm<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mount. Surround-<br />
ing this are <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Beatitudes written up<strong>on</strong> scrolls ; emblematical figures <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Hope, Love, Truth, and Faith are introduced ; and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> side lights are<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> subjects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> martyrdom <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St. Stephen, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interview <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St. Peter<br />
and Cornelius. The drawings are free from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> stiff angularities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten seen,<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> colouring is rich and refined. The whole work was d<strong>on</strong>e at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
studio <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messrs. Heat<strong>on</strong>, Bt~tler, and Baines.<br />
On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vestry table is a massive inkstand, part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which c<strong>on</strong>sists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a<br />
brass dove, with outstretched wings. This dove was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> centre ornament<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> brass candelabra in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first meeting-house, and was found<br />
am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> debris <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> burning in 1791. Mr. Samuel<br />
Whitfield, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Leamingt<strong>on</strong>, to whom it bel<strong>on</strong>ged, had it br<strong>on</strong>zed when he<br />
had <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> inkstand made, and presented it to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>. he church<br />
also owns <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two oak chairs (dated about 1791) which were formerly used<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting-house.<br />
49<br />
The communi<strong>on</strong>-plate c<strong>on</strong>sists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 10 pieces, viz.<br />
(4) silver,<br />
5Hin. tall, bell with plain band round it, foot, 2 handles. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> date<br />
letter, 1787-88. Flag<strong>on</strong>s (2) silver, 13gin. tall, lid, handle, no beak, plain.<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> date letter, 1787-88. Patens (4) silver. Inscripti<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> rim " Old<br />
Meeting Chzrrclz, 1865." In centre, I.H.S. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> date letter, 1885-86 ;<br />
given by Messrs. Prime and S<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rebuilding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
church.<br />
The Registers in custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Registrar-<strong>General</strong> in Somerset House,<br />
Strand, are :-<br />
I. Births, Baptisms<br />
11. ,, 9 ,<br />
WILLIART TURTON,<br />
Issue, Samuel, min. Kenilworth.<br />
d. 1716.<br />
cf. N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>. Mem. ii., 400.<br />
M.A., min. Rowley Regis, Staffs., ej. 1662 ; Birmingham, 1686-1716 ;<br />
DANIEL GREENWOOD,<br />
Oldbury, 1700-1730 ; principal supply at West Bromwich, 1711-2718.<br />
cf. Toulmin's Historical View, 1814, p. 560.<br />
ed. Sheriff-hales, by John Woodhouse ; min. Birmingham, 1700-1730 ;<br />
EDWARD BRODHURST, b. 1691, in Derbyshire ; ed. Findern Academy, by Thomas Hill ;<br />
min. Birmingham, 1714-1730 ; Oldbury, 1714-1730 ; Issue, George, min. Alcester.<br />
July, 1730; bur. St. Philip's Churchyard, Birmingham.<br />
cf. Wreford, pp. 32, 54; Beale, p. 44; epitaph by Dr. Watts <strong>on</strong> memorial st<strong>on</strong>e<br />
formerly in New Meeting.<br />
DANIEL MATTOCK, min. Daventry ; Birmingham, 1732-1746 ; Oldbury, 1732-1746.<br />
rf. Wreford, p. 34 ; Beale, p. 44.<br />
JOSEPH WILKINSON, b. at Warley, Yorks ; ed. Northampt<strong>on</strong> Academy, by Dr. Doddridge,<br />
1733- ; min. Birmingham, 1739-1756 ; Oldbury, 1739-1756; resigned ministry for<br />
commerce; Issue, Phoebe (nz. 1775, Thomas Astley, min. Chesterfield, 1773-1813).<br />
(i. September, 1780, at Chesterfield.<br />
c$ M.R., 1815, P. 686. ; Wreford, p. 34 ; Beale, p. 45.<br />
WILLIAM HOWELL, b. [I7141 ; ed. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres. Coll. ; min. Wincant<strong>on</strong>, Somersetshire,<br />
1740- ; Birmingham, 1746-1770 ; Oldbury, 1746-1770 ; school at Wins<strong>on</strong> Green,<br />
West Bromwich, without charge, 1770-1776 ; Issue, William, min. Swansea, 1786-1814,<br />
daughter (m. - Phips<strong>on</strong>), Sarah (m. - Fletcher), Mary (m. Joseph Rogers), daughter<br />
(m. Samuel Rogers).<br />
Q February, 1776, zt. 62 ; bur. West Bromwich Churchyard.<br />
cf; M.R., 1822, p. 743 ; VJreford, p. 35 ; Beale, p. 45.<br />
.-
SAMUEL CLARK, b. 1727 [at St. Alban's?] ; ed. Northampt<strong>on</strong> Academy, by Dr. Doddridge,<br />
1745- , where he became assistant tutor; min. Birmingham, 1757-1769 ; Oldbury,<br />
1757-1769.<br />
d. 6 December, 1769 [bur. Old Meeting Yard?].<br />
cf. M.R., 1806, p. 617, 1815, p: 687; Wreford, p. 39; Beale, p. 45.<br />
RADCLIFFE SCHOLEFIELD, b. 21 December, 1733, at Rochdale ; ed. Northampt<strong>on</strong> Academy,<br />
by Dr. Doddridge, 1750-1752, Daventry Academy, by Dr. Ashworth, 1752-1754 ; min.<br />
Whitehaven ; Birmingham, 1772-1799 ; bachelor.<br />
d. 21 June, 1803 ; bur. Old Meeting Yard. .<br />
c/ M<strong>on</strong>thly Mag., 1803 ; Beale, p. 47.<br />
NATHANIEL NICKOLS, ed. Daventry Academy, by Thomas Robins, 1775ham,<br />
1779-1784.<br />
bur. at ICidderminster, G December, 1784.<br />
cf; M.R., 1822, p. 198 ; Wreford, p. 42 ; Beale, p. 48.<br />
; min. Birming-<br />
JOHN COATES, b. 30 September, 1762, in Bristol ; ed. Warringt<strong>on</strong> Academy (Presbyterian<br />
Fund foundati<strong>on</strong>), 1781- , Hoxt<strong>on</strong> Academy ; min. Birmingham, 1785-1801 ; South-<br />
wark, St. Thomas's Street, 1803-1813 ; iibrarian, Dr. Williams's Library, 1821-1834 ;<br />
m. daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas and Dorcas Lee, Birmingham.<br />
d. 2 April, 1836 ; bur. Bunhill Fields.<br />
g. C.R., 1836, p. 514 ; Jeremy, p. 180 ; Beale, plate 84.<br />
ROBERT KELL, b. g June, 1761, in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> ; ed. Daventry Academy, by Thomas Belsham,<br />
1783-1787 ; min. Wareham, 1787-1799 ; Nottingham, High Pavement, 1799-1801 ; Bir-<br />
mingham, 1801-1821 ; withozd chtzqe, 1821-1842 ; 111. (I) Charlotte Spilsbury, (2) Mary<br />
Bly<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>wood (d. 1856), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Delacourt, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wareham ; Issue, Twelve :<br />
Edmund (b. 1799, d. 1874 ; min., Newport, I. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> W., 1823-1853, Southampt<strong>on</strong>, 1853-1874),<br />
Rosalind (d. 1836, 112. Edwin Verd<strong>on</strong> Blyth), Caroline (m. Wm. P. England), Emma<br />
(//L. Iiobert Kell).<br />
C!. g December, 1842 ; bur. Old Meeting Yard.<br />
C,'; C.R., 1843, p. 205 ; Wreford, p. 44 ; Beale, p. 49 ; plate, 184.<br />
JOHN CORRIE, b. 8 October, 1769, at Kenilworth ; ed. Daventry Academy, by Thomas<br />
Belsham, 1783-1787, Hackney New Coll., 1787- , F.R.S., J.P., county <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stafford ;<br />
min. Bromsgrove, 1795- ; Birmingham, 1817-1819 ; ~ithoztt charge, 1819-1839 ; m.<br />
Mary, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Read ; Issue, John Read, M.D., Samuel, Josiah.<br />
d. 16 August, 1839 ; bur. Old IVIeeting Yard.<br />
cf. M.R., 1822, p. 285 ; C.R., 1839, p. 830 ; Wreford, p. 44 ; Beale, p. 49.<br />
STEPHEN WEAVER BROWNE, b. 1768, at Norwich ; ed. Cambridge, Pembroke Hall ; B.A.<br />
Ccc~ztab., 1802 ; min. curate, Harlest<strong>on</strong>, Norfolk ; chaplain, French Protestant Church,<br />
Nor.rvic11 ; Newport, I. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> W., tein$ol.a7.y ; Birmingham, 1819-1821 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, M<strong>on</strong>kwell<br />
Street, 1821-1824 ; York Street, 1824-1826.<br />
d. rg January, 1832, in Bank <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> England.<br />
cf; C.R., 1832, pp. 43, 89 ; 1840, p. 327 ; Wreford, p. 46 ; Beale, p. 50.<br />
HUGH HUTTON, b. 1795, at Belfast; ed. Belfast Royal Academical Instituti<strong>on</strong>, Glasgow,<br />
1813-1818 ; M.A., Glas., 1818 ; assistant, Belfast Royal Academical Instituti<strong>on</strong> ; min.<br />
Warringt<strong>on</strong>, 1820-1822 ; Birmingham, 1822-1851 ; B. and F.U.A. Rlissi<strong>on</strong>ary; Bury St.<br />
Edmund's, 1862-1871 ; nz. (1855) Ellen, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Randell, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Guernsey;<br />
Issue, Thomas.<br />
cl. 13 September, 1871.<br />
cf. Heco7.ci, p. 183.<br />
CHARLES CLARKE, b. 15 October, 1820, at Milbourne Port ; F.L.S. ; min. Canterbury, 1845-<br />
1846 ; Glasgow, 1847-1851 ; Birmingham, 1852-1882 ; withoztt charge, 1882-1892 ; 172. Mary<br />
Dunn (d. 1876) ; Issue, Florence, Hubert (min. Godalming, 1893- ), Alfred, Robert<br />
Arnold, Percy, Mary Beatrice.<br />
a'. 15 November, 1892 ; bur. Witt<strong>on</strong> Cemetery.<br />
c$ Inq., 1892, p. 772 ; private informati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
JOSEPH WOOD, b. 4 May, 1843 ; ed. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, King's Coll., -1866 ; min. King's Lynn,<br />
C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al, 1866-1869; Leicester, Oxford Street C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al, 1869-1884; Birmingham,<br />
1884- ; m. and has issue.<br />
cj; Bb*mingham 1Yeekb Mrrcztry, 2 April, 1898 ; pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge.<br />
Sketch. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uistory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity in Bir?ninghanz, Rev.<br />
J. R. Wreford, 1832.<br />
Protestant N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>for~~zity in Birvzi~zgham, Rev. J. Angel1 James, 1849.<br />
Memorials <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tire Old Meeting Ilbuse and Bzrrial Ground, Ca<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rine Hutt<strong>on</strong><br />
Beale, 1882.<br />
An Account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Opening Services <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Chz~rch, <strong>on</strong> Wednesa'ay, Octo-<br />
ber 7th, 1885, with serfit<strong>on</strong> preached by Charles Beard, B. A., Birmingham, I 885.<br />
Letters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cathrrine Nutt<strong>on</strong>, edited by her cousin, Mrs. Ca<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rine Huttoil<br />
Beale, Birmingham, I 89 I.<br />
Seedsoze~er, 1894, p. 73.<br />
Vest&es, p. I 7.
BIRMINGHAM.<br />
CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH, FORMERLY THE NEW MEETING.<br />
Present Church in Broad Street, opened I January, 1862.<br />
First Meeting-house built in Deritend, 1692."<br />
Sec<strong>on</strong>d ,, opened in Moor Street, 19 April, 1732.<br />
Third 9 9 9 9 ,, 22 July, 1802.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
- Sillitoe .. .<br />
Thomas Pickard<br />
Sahuel Bourn<br />
Samuel Blyth<br />
William Hawkes .. .<br />
Joseph Priestley. LL. D.<br />
John Edwards<br />
David J<strong>on</strong>es<br />
John Kentish<br />
...<br />
Joshua Toulmin, D. D.<br />
James Yates, M.A. ...<br />
John Reynell Wreford, D.D. ...<br />
Samuel Bache . . .<br />
Henry Enfield Dows<strong>on</strong>, B.A. ...<br />
Henry William Crosskey, LL. D.<br />
. . .<br />
. . .<br />
Richard Thos. Nichols<strong>on</strong>, B.A., assistrztzt<br />
James Crossley, colleague . . . . . .<br />
Lawrence Pearsall Jacks, M.A. ...<br />
Very little is known <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first two meeting-houses <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society,<br />
which was founded in 1692, owing to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting building being <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
insufficient size to accomtnodate <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> increasing number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> n<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formists<br />
who desired to worship in it. If any earlier records, o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r than <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> registers,<br />
existed, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y probably perished in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> riots and burning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-<br />
house in 1791. The minute books <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vestry Committee and Trustees<br />
*Deritend = Der-yat-end, i.e,, End nigh <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> deer gate.<br />
cf. Memorials <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Birmingham, Men and Names, 1864, Toulmin Smith.
egin <strong>on</strong> 23 July, 1771, and are almost complete to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present time. An<br />
engraving <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lower Meeting-house, as it appeared when c<strong>on</strong>verted into<br />
a workshop, is given by RIrs. Hutt<strong>on</strong> Beale, <strong>on</strong> p. 30 <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> her Me,v~oriaZs,<br />
where we read that so<strong>on</strong> after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opening <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> n<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formists had so increased in'nunlbers that <strong>on</strong>e building was in-<br />
sufficient to hold <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m, and ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r chapel was erected, called <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lower<br />
Meeting-house, in Deritend, which must have been frequently exposed to<br />
inundati<strong>on</strong>s from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> river Rea. The Lower Meeting-house was a similar<br />
building to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old, or Higher Meeting (as it was called from its being <strong>on</strong><br />
higher ground), having three gables. It sustained c<strong>on</strong>siderable injury in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sacheverell riots. From a letter, dated Birmingham, July zoth, 1715,<br />
we learn that it was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> private property <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Mr. Russen. The early meeting-<br />
houses were <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> property <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> private individuals. The proprietor, to<br />
save <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls, promised <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> mob that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building should be used as a<br />
dwelling-house, which promise was not kept, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place was repaired and<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society c<strong>on</strong>tinued to worship in it till its removal into Moor Street [New<br />
Meeting] in 1732. The Lower Meeting-house eventually became a workshop,<br />
and has been taken down some years ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>ly indicati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its former<br />
existence was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gateway which led to it, over which was p!aced "Meeting<br />
House Yard."<br />
This gateway, remembered by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author, has since been taken down<br />
for street improvements. I11 his preface, dated November, 1862, to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
reprint <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> The Riots at Bi~112zizghanr, Jz~ty, 1791, Mr. Arthur Bache Mattliews<br />
says that in 1727 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>-<br />
purchased, for &o, a piece <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> land about 32 yards by 20, situated <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
nor<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rn side <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a narrow lane, now called h'ew Meeting Street; here <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y<br />
erected <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting House, which was opened April, 1732, with a serm<strong>on</strong><br />
by its minister, Samuel Bourn. In 1764 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees purchased, for A;225,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> three houses and land, which were between <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building and Moor Street,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> houses were removed, and an open space obtained in fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting-<br />
house. During <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> re-building <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old and New Meeting-houses both<br />
c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s worshipped toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r in a chapel in Livery Street, which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y<br />
designated <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong> Meeting-house.<br />
Here <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fcu7ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two societies <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiated alternately. This<br />
chapel was opened <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 13th November, 1791, by Mr. Coates, who<br />
preached from St. John iv., 23, 24-<br />
But <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hour cometh, and now is, when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> true tvorshipper shall worship<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r in spirit and in truth : for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r seeketh such to worship<br />
Him. God is a spirit: and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y that worship Him must worship Him in<br />
spirit and in truth.
It was filled both parts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> day ; not iess than 1000 people attending<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> morning and about 1200 in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> afterno<strong>on</strong>."<br />
Mr. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ws says-<br />
The register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meting-house having been lost <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society could<br />
not recover damages from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hundred; but, after much delay, obtained<br />
;G2,ooo from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Government towards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> erecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new building, which<br />
was opened July 22, 1802, to accommodate 1,200 pers<strong>on</strong>s. [The preacher<br />
was Thomas Belsham, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Gravel Pit, Hackney.] The strip<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> land in New Meeting Street, adjoining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting-house, was purchased<br />
in 1808, for a term <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 500 years, for ;G400 ; here <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school buildings were<br />
subsequently erected. Some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> desiring<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> schools to be removed nearer Edgbast<strong>on</strong>,<br />
several meetings were held in 1857 and 1858 to decide up<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> subject, and<br />
in this latter year, <strong>on</strong> October 12, at a meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> seat-renting members,<br />
held at twelve o'clock at no<strong>on</strong>, it was determined that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel and schools<br />
should be removed to Broad Street. By a vgry small majority <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> resolu-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong> was cawied :--That <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trustees be 1-eyztestect to taLe such ?/zeasures for dis-<br />
posing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> prtsent chapel, schools, and property in Nc'w Meetins Street as may<br />
appznl- to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m expedient ; and that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>z?rtittee now rcppointed be aztthorized to<br />
give szrch c<strong>on</strong>sent, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gl-egati<strong>on</strong>, to all legnL vtenszrres fir eftcting<br />
such salt., 02, for appropriating <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> purchase nz<strong>on</strong>ies to accrzle <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>refr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>~z, towards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
new chnpel and schools, as may be deemed necessary 6y <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trustees, 07. 6y <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cozdrt<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chcrncery, zyit shall 7(e found expedient to apply to that Court.<br />
The New Meeting-house was privately sold to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Roman Catholic c<strong>on</strong>gre-<br />
gati<strong>on</strong> [St. Michael's] in or about August, 1861, for 63,500, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last<br />
unitarian service was c<strong>on</strong>ducted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re <strong>on</strong> Sunday, December 29, 1861. The<br />
site in Broad Street c<strong>on</strong>sists in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> building over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> canal at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
corner <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St. Peter's Place, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re an elegant Gothic church and school-<br />
rooms have been built, which were duly opened <strong>on</strong> New Year's Day, 1862,<br />
[The preacher was Thomas Madge] under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name, ' Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah.'<br />
To this building <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> memorial tablets <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Priestley and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs have been<br />
removed.<br />
A drawing by P. H. Witt<strong>on</strong>, Jr., giving-<br />
an accurate representati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ruins <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting-house is included in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Views <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thz<br />
Ruins <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> princ@crZ houses destroyed during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1-i4t~ at Bimztnghar~z, r79r7<br />
and reproduced by Mr. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ws ; and a representati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meetiilg-<br />
house prior to its pillage and burning appears <strong>on</strong> a local trade token now<br />
*Mrs. Beale's Memorials, p. $3.<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> possessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Charies Fent<strong>on</strong> esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> India Ofice, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nati<strong>on</strong>al C<strong>on</strong>ference secretaries. .<br />
'The foundati<strong>on</strong> st<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH was laid by Timothy<br />
Kenrick esquire, <strong>on</strong> Saturday, I I August, 1860. The following document<br />
was deposited in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> foundati<strong>on</strong> st<strong>on</strong>e, toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r with some coins, local<br />
papers, and a plan <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church and schools :-<br />
This Building, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Foundati<strong>on</strong> st<strong>on</strong>e is this day laid, is dedicated<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Almighty God by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian worshippers<br />
now assenibling in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting-house,,Moor Street, Birmingham ; <strong>on</strong>ce<br />
under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pastoral care <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> iilustricus Dr. Priestley throughout <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entire<br />
term <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his residence in this town ; and from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1803, for fifty years,<br />
under that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late eminently learned and pious, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Reverend John<br />
Kentish. The present Members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> address <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir worship<br />
to God <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r al<strong>on</strong>e ; h<strong>on</strong>ouring, but not worshipping His S<strong>on</strong>, Jesus<br />
Christ, by acknowledging that through Him <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y have access to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r.<br />
Desirous <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> maintaining inviolate <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian liberty which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>mselves<br />
enjoy, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> transmitting it unimpaired to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir descendants, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y leave<br />
this House <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IVorship free and unfettered. Avowing and exercising <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir<br />
own distinct pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> belief, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y prescribe no pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong> whatever for.<br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs, but have faith in truth, and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> God <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> truth, that if His Word<br />
have free course it will be glorified.<br />
The cost was about L12,ooo; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> architect being Mr. J. J. Bateman,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham.<br />
Mr. Bache founded his last serm<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting-house, Moor<br />
Street, <strong>on</strong> Sunday evening, 29 December, 1861, <strong>on</strong> St. John X., 16-<br />
And o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r sheep I have, which are not <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this fold: <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n1 also I must briny,<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y shall hear My voice ; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re shail be <strong>on</strong>e flock and <strong>on</strong>e shepherd ;<br />
from which he insisted <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ground <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian unity, as founded <strong>on</strong><br />
principles and spirit, a& not <strong>on</strong> opini<strong>on</strong> ; and in reference to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New<br />
Meeting-house being about to pass into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Roman Catholics,<br />
read Dr. Priestley's dedicati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last treatise <strong>on</strong> which he was en-<br />
gaged, viz. :-<br />
The Doctrines <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n Philosophy compared with those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Revelati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Joseph Beringt<strong>on</strong>, Catholic priest, in England, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev.<br />
William White, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Episcopal Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> United States,<br />
as most appropriately illustrative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his subject ; it being well known also<br />
that, when minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting-house, Dr. Priestley had, in 1790,<br />
asked Mr. Beringt<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n Catholic priest at Oscot, to preach <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New
Meeting Charity Serm<strong>on</strong>s. -A very courteous letter was received in reply,<br />
and prudential reas<strong>on</strong>s stated for declining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> invitati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Bache was a preacher and public man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> str<strong>on</strong>g powers, correct attain-<br />
ment, and cultivated taste ; formal and urbane in manner.<br />
Am<strong>on</strong>g Unitarians [we quote from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> article by A.G. in Dic. Nut. 19%;<br />
he represented that c<strong>on</strong>servative school which aims to carry out <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> principles<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Locke's " Reas<strong>on</strong>ableness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christianity ;" regarding Jesus Christ as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
miraculously attested exp<strong>on</strong>ent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a pure morality, and a simple <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ology,<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> revealer, by his resurrecti<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an eternal life. On 23 May, 1866,<br />
he proposed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> embodiment in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>stituti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> British and Foreign<br />
Unitarian Associati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a recogniti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> special divine missi<strong>on</strong> and<br />
authority as a religious teacher <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jesus Christ, which was met by carrying<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> previous questi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Dr. Priestley preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first annual Sunday School Serm<strong>on</strong> in 1789,<br />
and at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Centenary Celebrati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> founding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> schools in 1888<br />
a medal was struck to commemorate <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> event. -The obverse bears two<br />
#<br />
oval medalli<strong>on</strong>s facing <strong>on</strong>e ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, being pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ile portraits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Priestley<br />
and Dr. Crosskey, with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dates <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1788 and 1888 ; <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> reverse is this<br />
inscripti<strong>on</strong> :-<br />
This medal commemorates <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> celebrati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hundredth year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New<br />
Meeting and Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah Sunday Schools, Birmingham. Schools<br />
opened March, 1788 ; first annual serm<strong>on</strong>s preached by Dr. Priestley in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
New Meeting-house, November, 1789 ; centenary serm<strong>on</strong>s preached by Dr.<br />
Crosskey in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah, 7 October, 1888.<br />
For recent accounts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Priestley <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> reader is referred to his biography,<br />
by A.G., in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dictio?zn7-l, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nati<strong>on</strong>al Biog~aphy, and to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> admirable<br />
chapter <strong>on</strong> "Priestley as a Pi<strong>on</strong>eer in Theological Science," in Heads <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
E?zgZish Ufzitnrian <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g>, by Alexander Gord<strong>on</strong>, M.A.*<br />
Sillitoe married a daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Fincher, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ejected minis-<br />
ters, whose name is recorded <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> brass in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting Church.<br />
He died early in life, probably about 1704. Mrs. Sillitoe died in 1732.<br />
Thomas Pickard's name appears in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> heading <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first volume or<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptismal Register :--The Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Rev. Tholrzns PicJard when<br />
he Began to Baptise in Pebr~tnry, 1735, and c<strong>on</strong>ti7zued fill Octobe,; 1746, at<br />
Birmingham, and sund~y o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r places.<br />
*The inscripti<strong>on</strong>, written by Dr. Parr, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> tablet to Dr. Priestley's memory,<br />
formerly in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting-house and now in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah, is given in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M.R., 1820, p. 85.<br />
Samuel Bourn preached his first serm<strong>on</strong> as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>grega-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opening <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting-house <strong>on</strong> 19 Apr~l,<br />
1732.<br />
The late Mr. Brooke Smith (d. February, 1876), whose labours <strong>on</strong><br />
behalf <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> were abundant in faithfulness, was a grands<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Hawkes, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> immediate predecessor in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry here <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr.<br />
Priestley. His s<strong>on</strong>, Mr. Priestley Smith, was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> speakers at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
dinner held in Birmingham, <strong>on</strong> 14 July, 1891, at which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author was<br />
present, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> centenary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Priestley riots.<br />
Dr. Priestley's letter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> resignati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting-<br />
house was dated from L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> 8 October, 1791, but he did not preach<br />
from it after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> riots in July.<br />
Priestley's s<strong>on</strong>, Joseph, was am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> workers in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> earliest days<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday school here. He died in Exeter, and was buried in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
graveyard attached to George's Meeting, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spot being marked by a plain<br />
upright headst<strong>on</strong>e. *<br />
John Edwards, who resigned at Midsummer, 1802, though an excellent<br />
swimmer, lost his life whilst indulging in his favourite recreati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> bathing<br />
<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> coast <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dorset.<br />
David J<strong>on</strong>es was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Welsh land proprietor, at Bwlch, near<br />
Llandovery, in South Wales, from which he was led to adopt <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> signature<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> &A Welsh Freeholder' in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> defences <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Unitarianism against Horsley,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n Bishop <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St. David's, which he subsequently published. The Rev.<br />
John Kenrick, M.A., F. S.A., says?-<br />
&<br />
he was a man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> colisiderable vigour <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> mind, but <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a restless and ambitious<br />
temper. Whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sceptical spirit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> times had undermined his re-<br />
ligious belief, or he pro5essed scepticism as an excuse for a c<strong>on</strong>forn~ity to<br />
which he was prompted by ambiti<strong>on</strong>, I do not know ; but when he aband<strong>on</strong>ed<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry and entered himself <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Caius' College, with a view to taking a<br />
degree and being called to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> bar, he justified subscripti<strong>on</strong> to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thirty-<br />
nine Articles by alleging that all religious opini<strong>on</strong>s were, in his view, equally<br />
uncertain.<br />
*It bears this inscripti<strong>on</strong>, which I copied in May, 1897 :--Sacred to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Joseph Priestley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> County <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcester (eldest s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Joseph<br />
Priestley), who died in this city, September 2, 1833, aged 65 years. G.E.E.<br />
+A Biographical Memoir <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Rev. Charles Wellbeloved, 1860, p. 8.
Coleridge, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poet, makes menti<strong>on</strong> in <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his letters* <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr.<br />
Toulmin :-<br />
M<strong>on</strong>day, 14 May, 1798 [Stowey]. I suppose you must have heard that his<br />
(Dr. Toulmin's) daughter, in a melancholy derangement, suffered herself to<br />
be swallowed up by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> tide <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sea coast, between Sidmouth and Bere.<br />
These events cut cruelly into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hearts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> old men ; but <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> good Dr. Toul-<br />
min bears it like <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> true practical Christian-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is indeed a tear in his<br />
eye, but that eye is lifted up to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Heavenly Fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r.<br />
Mr. Kentish was incapacitated from preaching for some years before<br />
his death. He thought <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> resigning in 1832, but was prevailed up<strong>on</strong> by<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> not to do so.<br />
' Of him and his successors it is needless to say anything here, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir lives<br />
are known to most readers, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir praise is in all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> churches.<br />
Down to 1867 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers here were 'CO-pastors.' Mr. Nichols<strong>on</strong> was<br />
called Assistant Minister, and Mr. Crossley was Dr. Crosskey's colleague.<br />
The communi<strong>on</strong>-'plate c<strong>on</strong>sists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> eight pieces :-Chalices (4), silver,<br />
634511. tall, bell, stem, foot, two handles. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> date letter, 1782-83.<br />
Maker, H.B., in shield. Bought by minute <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vestry, 18 November, 1782.<br />
Patens (4), silver-plated <strong>on</strong> copper, shelving rim gin. wide, flat centre<br />
6gin. diameter ; all stand <strong>on</strong> 3 round knobs sin. tall. Makers W. & R. I<br />
i.e.. Wilmot & Roberts. There are no flag<strong>on</strong>s now, but it is said that<br />
formerly <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re were two. In November, 1781, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vestry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New<br />
Meeting proposed to purchase a "sett <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> plated cupps and flagg<strong>on</strong>s." Minute<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vestry, 5 November, 1781. Alms dishes (4)) 1oj4in. diameter, soup plate<br />
form. Makers, Yg:. i.e., Yates, Birch & Spo<strong>on</strong>er.<br />
The Registers, which I saw in December, 1897, are :-<br />
I. Baptisms<br />
Births ..<br />
11. Baptisms<br />
Deaths ..<br />
111. Baptisms<br />
IV. Baptisms . . .<br />
V. Births and Baptisms<br />
S..<br />
1735-1751<br />
1719<br />
1747-1775<br />
~ot dated<br />
1775-1794<br />
1794- 1836<br />
. . . I 836- I 840<br />
*Unpublished letters from Samuel Taylor Coleridge to Rev. John Prior Estlin ; com<br />
municated by Henry Arthur Bright to Philobibl<strong>on</strong> Society. Miscellanies, vol. xv., pp.<br />
73, 74.<br />
These two entries are interesting :-<br />
Job Ort<strong>on</strong>, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> _/OS@~ and' Elizabeth Smith, born September 12th,<br />
1744, and baptized October ~st, 1744, by me,<br />
Sanz. Bourn.<br />
Orto~z, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> _/oseph and Elizabeth St~zifi, born June 23, 1749, baptized<br />
_/z~dy 11, 1749, by me,<br />
Job Ort<strong>on</strong>.<br />
- SILLITOE, min. Birmingham, Lower Meeting, Deritend, 1692-1704?, daughter ((l. 1732)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Fincher, ej. from Wednesbury, 1662.<br />
d 1704? early in life.<br />
cf. Wreford ; Beale, p. 31.<br />
THOMAS PICKARD, b. about 1682, at Alcester; ed. Stratford-<strong>on</strong>-Av<strong>on</strong> ; ord. 19 September,<br />
I705 ; min. Birmingham, Lower Meeting, 1705-1732 ; New Meeting, Moor Street,<br />
1732-1747 ; Coseley, 1732-1747.<br />
c$ Toulmin's Bourn, p. 270.<br />
SAMUEL BOURN, b. 1689, at Calne ; ed. Manchester, by James C<strong>on</strong>ingham, M.A., 1707-<br />
I709 ; min. Crook, nr. Kendal, 171 1-1720 ; Tunley, 1720-1727 ; Chorley, 1728-1732 ;<br />
Birmingham, New Meeting, 1732-1754 ; Coseley, 1732-1754 ; 712. (1712) Hannah (d.<br />
1768), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> - Harris<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kendal ; Issue, Joseph, Samuel, Abraham, Benjamin,<br />
Daniel, Miles, John, and two o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs d. young.<br />
d. 22 March, 1754.<br />
c$ Dic. Nut. Biog. ; Recog,d, p. 35.<br />
SAMUEL BLYTH, b. 31 January, 1718-9, at Nort<strong>on</strong> Lees, Derbyshire ; ed. Findern Academy,<br />
by Dr. Latham, -2 April, 1741 ; min. Shrewsbury, te712porn7-jl, April-October, 1741 ;<br />
Frome, 1743-1747 ; Birmingham, New Meeting, 1717-1791 ; Coseley, 1747-1761 ; nz.<br />
Sarah (d. 1780).<br />
d. 28 December, 1796 ; bur. Birmingham, Old Meeting Yard, and removed, 1882,<br />
to Witt<strong>on</strong> Cemetery.<br />
cf; Tombst<strong>on</strong>e in Witt<strong>on</strong>, Toulmin's Bourn, p. 273 ; Wreford, p. 69 ; Beale, p. 52.<br />
WILLIAM HAWKES, b. 1731, in Deritend, parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ast<strong>on</strong> ; ed. Findern Academy, by Dr.<br />
Latham; min. Birmingham, New Meeting, 1754-1780; Coseley, 1754-1761 ; Issue,<br />
William (min. Manchester, Moseley Street, 1789-I~ZO), daughter (m. Joseph Smith),<br />
Thomas Lakin (d. 1820).<br />
d. 5 April, 1796 ; bur. Ast<strong>on</strong> Churchyard.<br />
cf. M.R., 1809, p. 659 ; Wreford, p. 71.<br />
JOSEPH PRIESTLEY,<br />
b. 13 March, 1733, at Fieldhead, parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birstall, Yorks. ; ed.<br />
Daventry Academy, by Rev. Caleb Ashworth, D.D., 1751-1755 ; LL.D., Edin., q<br />
December, 1764 ; ord. 18 May, 1762, at Warringt<strong>on</strong> ; min. Needham Market, Septem-<br />
ber, 1755-1758 ; Nantwich, Hospital Street, May, 1758-September, 1761 ; Leeds, Mill
Hill, September, 1767-16 May, 1773; Birmingham, New Meeting, 31 December, 1780-<br />
July, 1791 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Hackney, 4 December, 1791-21 February, 1794 ; Tutor Warringt<strong>on</strong><br />
Academy, September, 1761-September, 1767 ; Librarian to 2nd Earl <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shelbourne,<br />
1773-July, 1791 ; emigrated U.S.A., 1794 ; "1. (23 June, 1762, at Wrexham) Mary (d<br />
17 September, 1796, xt. 52)) <strong>on</strong>ly daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Isaac Wilkins<strong>on</strong>, Plas. Gr<strong>on</strong>o, nr.<br />
Wrexham ; Issue, Sarah, (d. 1803 m. Wm. Finch), Joseph (b. 24 July, 1768, d. 2 Septem-<br />
ber, 1833, 712. (I) (1792) Elizabeth, elder daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sam. Ryland, Birmingham ; (2)<br />
(1825)) Mrs. Bart<strong>on</strong>, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Joshua Toulmin, D.D.) ; William (d. ante 1835, vz.<br />
Bettie Foulke), Henry (d. 11 December, 1795, zt. 18).<br />
d. 6 February, 1804, at Northumberlacd, Penn ; bur. <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re g February, in Quakers'<br />
Ground.<br />
c$ Dic. &at. Biog, ; Record, p. 138.<br />
TOHN EDWARDS, b. I January, 1768, at Ipswich; ed. Hoxt<strong>on</strong> Academy, 1783-1785; Daventry<br />
Academy, by Thomas Belsham, 1786- ; min. Warwick, Gateacre, 1787-1791 ;<br />
Birmingham, New Meeting, 1791-Midsummer, 1802 ; Old Jewry and Edm<strong>on</strong>t<strong>on</strong>; Newport,<br />
I. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> W. ; Credit<strong>on</strong>, 1806-4 September, 1808 ; drowned near Wareham, 4 September,<br />
1808.<br />
c- M.R., 1822, p. 256 ; RecorrE, p. 59.<br />
DAVID JONES, b. 1765, <strong>on</strong>ly s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John J<strong>on</strong>es, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bwlch-y-gwynt, nr. Llandovery ; ed.<br />
Homert<strong>on</strong> College, 1783- ; Hackney, New College, where he became tutor and<br />
lecturer in experimental philosophy ; min. Birmingham, New Meeting, 21 October,<br />
1792-Midsummer, 1795 ; retired ministry ; entered himself <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Caius' Coll,, Cambridge,<br />
B.A., Caldnb, 1800, M.A., 1803 ; called to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> bar 26 June, 1800.<br />
d. 1816.<br />
cf. Dic. Pat. Bias<br />
JOHN KENTISH, b. 26 June, 1768, at St. Alban's; ed. Daventry Academy, by Thomas<br />
Belsham, 1784-1788 ; Hackney Coll., September, 1788-1790 ; min. Plymouth Dock (now<br />
Dev<strong>on</strong>port), autumn, 1790-1794; Plymouth, 1794-1795 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Hackney, afterno<strong>on</strong><br />
preacher, 1795-1803 ; St. Thomas's Meeting, morning preacher, 1802-1803 ; Birming-<br />
ham, New Meeting, 23 January, 1803-6 March, 1853 ; nz. (October 1805) hlary (d.<br />
g March, 1864, xt. go), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Kettle, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham.<br />
d 6 March, 1853 ; bur. Birmingham Cemetery, Kaye Hill.<br />
cf; Dic. Nat. Biog.<br />
JOSHUA TOULMIN, b. 11 May, 1740, in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>; ed. St. Paul's School, 7 years, admitted<br />
11 November, 1748 ; Independent Academy, Hoxt<strong>on</strong> (supported by Coward Trust),<br />
under David Jennings, D.D., and Samuel Mort<strong>on</strong> Savage, D.D., 1756-1761 ; M.A.,<br />
1769, Brown Urziveusity (a Bajtist foundati<strong>on</strong>), Rhode hlarzti, U.S.A.; D.D., 1794, IiTarvarn',<br />
U.S.A.-<strong>on</strong> recommendati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Priestley ; min. Colyt<strong>on</strong>, Dev<strong>on</strong>, 1761-1765 ;<br />
Taunt<strong>on</strong>, 1765-1803 ; Birmingham, New Meeting, 8 January, 1804-23 July, 1815 ; m.<br />
(1764) Jane (d. 5 July, 1824), youngest daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Samuel Smith, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Taunt<strong>on</strong> ; Issue,<br />
12 children, Harry (b. 1766, a'. 1823, min. M<strong>on</strong>t<strong>on</strong> Chapel, 1786-1788 ; Chowbent Chapel,<br />
2788-1792 ; emigrated 1793, became successively president <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Transylvania College,<br />
Lexingt<strong>on</strong>, Kentucky ; secretary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> state <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kentucky ; judge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mississippi Territory ;<br />
and member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> state assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Alabama ; tz'. 1823); Jane (drowned near Beer,<br />
Dev<strong>on</strong>, 1798)) Lucinda (m. (I) - Sweet, (2) - Bart<strong>on</strong>, (3) Joseph, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Priestley).<br />
d 23 July, 1815 ; bur. Old Meeting Yard, and tombst<strong>on</strong>e rem. to Witt<strong>on</strong> Cemetery,<br />
I 882.<br />
cf. Dic. Akt. Biog ; Colyt<strong>on</strong>ia, p. 17.<br />
JAMES YATES, b. 30 April, 1789, in Liverpool ; ed. Glasgow, October, 18og-[1808], Manchester<br />
Coll., York, 1808-1810; M.A., Glas., 1812 ; F. Geol. S., 1819 ; F. Lin. S., 1822 ;<br />
F. R.S., 1839 ; F. Philological S., 1842 ; min. Glas., 181 1-1816 ; Birmingham, New<br />
Meeting, 6 April, 1817-2 January, 1826; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Carter Lane, 1832-1835 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>,<br />
zoithoz~t cirrqe; m. (24 February, 1824), Doro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>a, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John W. Crompt<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Birmingham.<br />
\<br />
d. 7 May, 1871 ; bur. Highgate Cemetery.<br />
cf; Inq. 1871 ; p. 305 ; Obituary Notices, Proceedings Royal Society, 1871, NO. 130.<br />
JOHN REYNELL WREFORD, b. 1800, at Barnstaple ; ed. Manchester Coll., York, 1820-1825 ;<br />
D.D. Edn., 1850, F.S.A. ; min. Birmingham, New Meeting, 16 July, 1826-25 December,<br />
1831 ; school in Birmingham, 1831-1838 ; Bristol, 1838- ; nz. Harriett, daughter<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Charles Wellbeloved, min. York, St. Saviourgate, 1792-1858 ; Issue, John Kenrick<br />
and ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r s<strong>on</strong>.<br />
d. 2 July, 1881.<br />
C./ Inq., 1881, p. 514; Discipie, 1881, p. 255.<br />
SAMUEL BACHE, b. 24 December, 1804, at Bridgnorth ; ed. Manchester Coll., York, January,<br />
1826-June, 1829 ; min. Dudley, 1829-1832 ; Birmingham, New Meeting, 15 July,<br />
1832-31 December, 1861 ; Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah, I January, 1862-Midsummer, 1868;<br />
?I/. (29 June, 1832) Emily ((l: 1855), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edward Higgins<strong>on</strong>, min. Derby,<br />
Friargate, 1810-185 I ; Issue, Francis Edward, Alfred (B.A., Land.), Margaret Emily,<br />
William Henry, Walter, Kentish, C<strong>on</strong>stance.<br />
'1. 7 January, 1876 ; bur. Key Hill Cemetery, Birmingham.<br />
lTlz co12jl~~ctio~z with his f~ielzrr', Can<strong>on</strong> dr'illeer, he was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> foz~nrle~, i ~ z Birmi~zgAanz <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tAe<br />
i~zsiitzitio7t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hospifal Szindaj~.<br />
cf. Uic. Nczt. Riog. ; notes, revised by Kentish Bache, vicar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Walford-<strong>on</strong>-Wye,<br />
August, 1898.<br />
HENRY ENFIELD DOWSON, b. 23 November, 1837, at Geldest<strong>on</strong> ; ed. Manchester New<br />
Coll., Manchester, 1857-1863 ; B.A., Lotzd., 1860 ; min. Birmingham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Messiah, August, 1863-April, 1867; Gee Cross Chapel, Hyde, 21 April, 1867- ; m.<br />
(5 December, 1866) Lucy, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Abraham Follett Osler, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham ; Issue,<br />
Margaret, Edgar Enfield, E<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>l Mary, Florence, Percy Enfield, Aubrey Osler, Edith,<br />
Oscar Follett.<br />
cf. Reco~+a', p. 72.<br />
HENRY WILLIAM CROSSKEY,<br />
b. 7 December, 1826, at Lewes ; ed. Manchester New Coll.,<br />
Manchester, 1843-1848 ; LLD., Glas., 1882 ; min. Derby, 1848-1852 ; Glasgow, 1852-<br />
1869 ; Birmingham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah, 8 August, 1869-1 October, 1893 ; m. (7
September, 1852) Hannah, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Richard Aspden, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Manchester; Issue, Lewis<br />
Richard, Percy William, Li<strong>on</strong>el, Cecil, Harry, Mabel, Lilian Maria.<br />
d. I October, 1893 ; bur. Kingswood Chapel Yard.<br />
cf. Life and Work, by R. A. Armstr<strong>on</strong>g, 1895 ; pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge.<br />
RICHARD THOMAS NICHOLSON, ed. Oxford ; Manchester New Coll., L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, -1889;<br />
M.A., Ox<strong>on</strong>. ; min. Birmingham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah, assistant, I September, 1889-<br />
April, 1892, resigned ministry.<br />
cf: pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge.<br />
J AMES CROSSLEY, ed. Owens Coll., Manchester, 1876-1879 ; Lancashire Independent<br />
Coll., 1876-1882 ; Leipzig, August, 1879-March, 1880; min. Hastings, 1883-1885 ; Crad-<br />
ley, 1885-1891 ; Bolt<strong>on</strong>, Commissi<strong>on</strong> Street, 1891-1892 ; Birmingham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Messiah, 2 October 1892-July, 1894; Birkenhead, Charing Cross, 1894-<br />
c$ Record, p. 16,<br />
LAWRENCE PEARSALL JACKS, b. 9 October, 1860, at Nottingham ; ed.. University Coll.,<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, 1882-1886 ; Harvard, U.S.A., 1886-1887 ; Manchester New Coll., L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>,<br />
1882-1886 ; B.A., Lolzci., 1883 ; M.A., 1886 ; min. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Bedford Chapel, assistant,<br />
1887-1888 ; civerpool, Renshaw Street Chapel, I October, 1888-1 October, 1894;<br />
Birmingham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah, October, 1894- ; m. (29 July, 1889) Olive<br />
Cecilia, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stopford Augustus Brooke, M.A., LL.D., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>. Has issue.<br />
cf: Record, p. 103 ; pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge.<br />
Sketch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presby krian A7<strong>on</strong>co?zfornziz'y in Bir~ttinghar~r, Rev.<br />
J. R. Wreford, 1832.<br />
Protestant &T<strong>on</strong>co?zfor~?zi@ Zj2 Bir~ni~zghanz, Rev. J. Angel1 James, 1849.<br />
C.R., 1860, p. 576.<br />
C.R., 1862, p. 126.<br />
Inq., 1862, p. 16.<br />
The Riots at Birtzinghanz, Arthur Bache Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ws, 1863.<br />
Memorials <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting House and Burial Ground, Ca<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>riile Hutt<strong>on</strong><br />
Beale, 1882.<br />
Centenary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chzdrch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah Sunday Schools~ Herbert New, Junr.,<br />
Birmingham, 1888.
BIRMINGHAM.<br />
NEWHALL HILL.<br />
Opened 10 July, 1840 ; apse added 13 September, 1896.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
Lrzyynzen . . .<br />
Jarnes Cranbrook .<br />
James Cooper . . . ...<br />
~Pchibald Forbes Macd<strong>on</strong>ald, M.A.<br />
Lnymefz . . . ...<br />
John Cucks<strong>on</strong> . . .<br />
Robert Laird Collier, D. D.<br />
Samuel Fletcher Williatns<br />
William Mellor ... ...<br />
Addis<strong>on</strong> Alexander Charlesworth<br />
The earliest and most reliable record respecting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> origin <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this in-<br />
teresting society is in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> committee's first report, presented to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting<br />
held <strong>on</strong> M<strong>on</strong>day, I j December, 1834, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> "New Unitarian Chapel," Cam-<br />
bridge Street, Crescent-<br />
instituted by young men who were formerly teachers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting<br />
Sunday School.<br />
The three following resoluti<strong>on</strong>s were passed at a meeting held <strong>on</strong> 29<br />
June, 1834, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> young men who had engaged to c<strong>on</strong>duct <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday<br />
School :-<br />
(a) That this meeting, believing that ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r Unitarian Sunday School and c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
gregati<strong>on</strong> is desired by a c<strong>on</strong>siderable porti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Unitarians <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birming-<br />
ham, do agree to form itself into a society for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> promoti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se objects.<br />
(b) That a canvass be made immediately for subscripti<strong>on</strong>s to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> above objects.<br />
(c) That <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> venerable Mr. James Luckcock, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday Schools in<br />
Birmingham, be requested to take <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> treasurer to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> instituti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
These young men raised am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>mselves and a few immediate<br />
friends subscripti<strong>on</strong>s to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> amount <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A50 per annum ; and <strong>on</strong> Sunday,<br />
17 August, 1834-<br />
with scarcely anything in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building, except a few rough planks, and tem-<br />
porary c<strong>on</strong>veniences, and a few reading books, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> work was begun.
The school numbered 200 ; divine service was c<strong>on</strong>ducted every Sunday<br />
by laymen, and <strong>on</strong> 14 December, 1834, John Palmer, B.A., minister at<br />
Dudley, preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first anniversary serm<strong>on</strong>s in aid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> funds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
instituti<strong>on</strong>. This temporary chapel accommodated 300 pers<strong>on</strong>s. The<br />
teachers early established a library <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 200 volumes.<br />
They began by each pers<strong>on</strong> bringing any book or books which he was<br />
willing to spare from his own stock, and such as he could induce his friends<br />
to give.<br />
By degrees <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fund for building <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new church was accumulated, in<br />
1831 it had reached ;G2j0, and <strong>on</strong> May Day, 1839, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> foundati<strong>on</strong> st<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present buildings <strong>on</strong> Newhall Hill was laid by Mr. Thomas- Gibs<strong>on</strong>-<br />
with a silver trowel, which had been purchased by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> penny subscripti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pupils.<br />
I<br />
Mr. Gibs<strong>on</strong> gavg <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> committee L~ooo towards its building, c<strong>on</strong>sideringtha<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
was giving it for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> e.ducati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1000 poor children, and for that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
thousands after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m, and that to educate <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> people is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most effectual<br />
good which can be d<strong>on</strong>e for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m.<br />
The church was opened for public worship <strong>on</strong> Friday morning, 10 July,<br />
1840, when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first service within its walls was c<strong>on</strong>ducted by George<br />
Harris, minister at Glasgow. '<br />
At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> subsequent lunche<strong>on</strong> many toasts were given, am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m-<br />
The prosperity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society, and may <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>fidence reposed in it by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
late Tholnas Gibs<strong>on</strong> Esquire, in making it <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> repository <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his munificence,<br />
be religiously redeemed by its future labourers.<br />
To this sentiment Mr. John Green resp<strong>on</strong>ded.<br />
It is <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest to note that <strong>on</strong> this occasi<strong>on</strong> T. M. McD<strong>on</strong>nell, Roman<br />
Catholic priest, resp<strong>on</strong>ded to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> toast <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<br />
Civil and religious liberty all over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> world, and may our elder Unitarian<br />
brethren, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jews, be speedily relieved from all disabilities endured for<br />
c<strong>on</strong>science sake.<br />
By <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> deed <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> settlement it is agreed that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> property be vested in<br />
15 trustees, who are to hold it in trz~st for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Society or Co~zg~egaatiox <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Protestant Dissenters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Unitarian de?zominati<strong>on</strong> as n place for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worsh$<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> princ$Zes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chrzj-tian reZzgio?z, as pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essed by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> said Society,<br />
that is to say, ' That <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is but <strong>on</strong>e God <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, and <strong>on</strong>e Ailediator between<br />
God and man, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> man, Christ Jesus, 8y which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y understand that Jeszls Christ<br />
was nu'opted by God as such A~cldiator from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> huvzan fanzi@, and is not a payf<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Godhead<br />
The first trustees were James Gargory, John Green (chairman), Josiah<br />
Green, Matthias Green, William Hill, John Hughes, William Ireland, John<br />
Lloyd, Thomas Prime, Joseph Scott, Robert Stokes, William Taylor, George<br />
Tombs, Thornas Towers, and Thomas Wright.<br />
The architect was Mr. D. R. Hill ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> builder, Mr. Turner, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bir-<br />
mingham.<br />
An interesting feature in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> early history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society is that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> publicati<strong>on</strong>, in 1846, in a thin volume <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Eforts at Christian Cz~lture,<br />
being ten discourses preached in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cambridge Street and Newhall Hill<br />
Chapels by Matthias Green, including <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> funeral serm<strong>on</strong>s for Edward<br />
Corn and Thomas Gibs<strong>on</strong>. A copy, with Green's autograph, is in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
author's library.<br />
In 1856 extensive restorati<strong>on</strong> was carried out in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church at a cost<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 6224 16s. 4d., and after being closed for some m<strong>on</strong>ths it was re-opened<br />
by services c<strong>on</strong>ducted by John Relly Beard, D.D.<br />
In 1878-9 fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r improvements were effected at a heavy cost, and, in<br />
celebrati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its jubilee, in July, 1890, a c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al room was added<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church.<br />
In 1896 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church was again closed for some m<strong>on</strong>ths for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> erecti<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> apse and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r structural improvements, which w<strong>on</strong>derfully transformed<br />
and beautified <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> original building. The coloured window-Christ<br />
blessing little children-is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> happiest designs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Mr. John<br />
Powell, and executed by Messrs. Hardman & Co. It is inscribed :-To <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Glory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God, and in loving memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fihn and Sarah Cro~s, this window is<br />
dedicated by thcir children, September 13th, A.D., 1856.<br />
Underneath this window is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> communi<strong>on</strong> table in carved oak (with<br />
ruby velvet cloth embroidered in gold and silver), inscribed :-To <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Glory<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God, and in loving ~rzertzory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Cross, born February 7th) i829 ; died<br />
March 8th, 1881. The reredos, also 5n oak, is Erected to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Glory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God,<br />
alzd in Zovi/zg melitzory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir uncle, Samz~el Szrter, a devoted member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this chzrrch<br />
for many years, died January r6th, 1891, aged 75, by Samuel S. and Sarah M.,<br />
Woollast<strong>on</strong>. This and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> communi<strong>on</strong> table are <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> work <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messrs. J<strong>on</strong>es<br />
and Willis, who also designed and executed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> carved oak case <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
organ, now placed <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> communi<strong>on</strong> table, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit being<br />
'
<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> left side in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> apse. O<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r gifts also enriched <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
same time ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> total cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> alterati<strong>on</strong>s and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new organ (by<br />
Messrs. Nichols<strong>on</strong> and Co., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcester) was about LI~OO. The re-opening<br />
serm<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong> 13 September, 1896, were preached by Brooke Herford,<br />
D. D., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hampstead, who, exactly 30 years before, had preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday<br />
School Anniversary Serm<strong>on</strong>s in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church.<br />
Above any o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r church in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong> this <strong>on</strong>e stands pre-eminent for<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> loyal and l<strong>on</strong>g-c<strong>on</strong>tinued services so voluntarily rendered to it by its<br />
own lay preachers. With <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> excepti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> brief period from April, 1848-<br />
August, 1852, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was no paid minister from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beginning, in 1834, until<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> settlement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Cuclts<strong>on</strong>, in February, 1862. Morning and evening,<br />
year in and year out, regular services were held by John Green--foremost<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all, who c<strong>on</strong>ducted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first service and <strong>on</strong>lygave up from failing health,<br />
when Mr. Cucks<strong>on</strong> was appointed minister-Daniel Baker, Wm. Buncher,<br />
#<br />
Edw. Corn, Matthias Green, John Hughes, Charles and John Lloyd, Edw.<br />
Newey, Edw. Corn Osborne, Thos. Prime, Jos. Stevens, Robt. Stokes, Jos.<br />
Shent<strong>on</strong>, Geo. Tombs, Thos. Towers, Thos. West<strong>on</strong> and Geo. Wright.<br />
They were frequently assisted by two ministers, Edward Bristow and<br />
George Skey.<br />
On 14 March, 1848, James Cranbrook became <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first minister at a<br />
stipend <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> LIOO per ac. Prior to his settlement here Cranbrook was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an-<br />
Independent or C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al Church in Belfast, where-<br />
says Mr. Stych in his <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g>, p. 19-<br />
he had evidently made his mark, for as so<strong>on</strong> as it was made known in<br />
Belfast that he was about to lezve for Birmingham, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> friends <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Free<br />
Christianity in Belfast implored him to remain in that town. And in order<br />
to effect this a memorial or petiti<strong>on</strong> was sent to Mr. Cranbrook, after his<br />
acceptance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pastorate <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this Church, begging him Zo renzaigz in that<br />
tozelrz n?zd /end lhrns <strong>on</strong> to n trzter and freer ?-eligi<strong>on</strong>. A request being also sent<br />
to this c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> to release him from his engagement. Mr. Cranbrook,<br />
having already accepted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> invitati<strong>on</strong> to Birmingham, at <strong>on</strong>ce placed him-<br />
self in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, whose will, he said, should be his.<br />
If <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y desired him still to come to Birmingham he would come, or if <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y<br />
felt he ought to stay in Belfast, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n he would c<strong>on</strong>~ply with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> prayer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
his friends <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re, and try to build up a free church in that place. In fact,<br />
he placed himself unreservedly in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, who, true<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir attachment, renewed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir appeal to him to come, and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> follow-<br />
ing m<strong>on</strong>th, April agrd, 1848, Mr. Cranbrook commenced his ministry at<br />
Newhall Hill. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following year, 1849, a fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r invitati<strong>on</strong> was extended<br />
to Mr. Cranbrook to c<strong>on</strong>tinue his pastorate, which he did till March, 1850.<br />
In that m<strong>on</strong>th Mr. Cranbrook, in a letter which reflects great credit, an-<br />
nounced his intenti<strong>on</strong> to resign and return to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Orthodox faith which held<br />
him previous to his ministry here. So ended <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first ministry at Newhall<br />
I-Iill.<br />
Cranbrook preached twice at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fVo?zth& Meeti~zg, at Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>,<br />
<strong>on</strong> 16 May, 1548, text PS. lxxxv., 8 ; and at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, Birmingham,<br />
<strong>on</strong> 13 November, 1849, text 2,Cor. v. 16.<br />
James Cooper became minister at a salary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L75 per an., and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
cause <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his resignati<strong>on</strong> appears to have been owing to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> financial difli-<br />
culties <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Macd<strong>on</strong>ald's retirement in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following year was probably due to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
same cause ; this being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society's greatest depressi<strong>on</strong>,<br />
financially and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rwise. In fact, it had been resolved at a meeting held<br />
<strong>on</strong> 29 August, 1852, that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society should be brought to a close, and as<br />
it was very much in debt, that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> buildings should be delivered up to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
trustees for realizati<strong>on</strong>. But at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> darkest hour came <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dawn <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> brighter<br />
days, and at a meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> more determined friends it was decided that<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> doors should not be closed, and by a vigorous effort this determinatioi~<br />
was carried out and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>tinuity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> maintained.<br />
The communi<strong>on</strong> plate and baptismal basin are gifts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prime family,<br />
so intimately c<strong>on</strong>nected with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pieces are :-Chalices (4),<br />
electro, 73in. tall, plain, two handles. Patens (4), electro, 8sin. diameter,<br />
plain. Flag<strong>on</strong> (I), electro, 11gin. tall, handle, beak, lid with Latin cross<br />
erect. No inscripti<strong>on</strong>, but all given by Mr. Thomas Prime in 1834. Bap-<br />
tismal bowl, electro, foot, two handles. Inscripti<strong>on</strong> :-<br />
PRESENTED TO THE UNITARIAN CHURCH, NEWHALL HILL, BIRMINGHAM,<br />
BY THE WARDENS, THOMAS PRIME AND Ta<strong>on</strong>l~s PRIME, JUNR..<br />
AUGUST, I 862.<br />
JAMES CRANBROOK, min. Belfast (Independent) -1848 ; Birmingham, Newhall Hill,<br />
March, 1848-March, 1850 ; Stratford-<strong>on</strong>-Av<strong>on</strong>, 1850-1851 ; Liscard, 1851- ; Edinburgh,<br />
Albany Street Independent, -1867 ; m. and had issue.<br />
d. 6 June, 1869, in Edinburgh.<br />
C$ Inq., 1867, p. 138; private informati<strong>on</strong>.
JAMES COOPER, b. at Newtownards ; ed. Belfast, Royal Academical Instituti<strong>on</strong> ; min.<br />
Billingshurst, 1840-1844 ; Hinckley, 1845-1846 ; Col-t<strong>on</strong>, 1847-1848 ; Dorchester, 1848-<br />
1850 ; Birmingham, Newhall Hill, September, 1850-September, 1851 ; Whitby, 1852-<br />
1859 ; Gulliford, 1860-1858 ; Cranbrook, 1869-1870 ; Ballyhemlin, 1870-1872 ; Cuilomp-<br />
t<strong>on</strong>, 1872-1875 ; Shept<strong>on</strong> Mallet, 1875-1878 ; Belfast, without chnqe, 1878-1893 ; m. (28<br />
June, 1880) <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> third daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hugh Glass, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Banbridge ; s.p.<br />
d. 4 August, 1893, zet. '( over 80 ;" bur. Belfast City Cemetery, by J. Kirk Pike.<br />
cf; CoZ~to~zia, 1898, p. 38.<br />
ARCHIBALD FORBES MACDONALD, b. 1808, at Aberdeen ; ed. Aberdeen ; M.A. ; min. Royst<strong>on</strong>,<br />
1835?-18@? ; A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rt<strong>on</strong>, Chowbent Chapel, 1848-1849 ; Birmingham, Newhall Hill,<br />
March-August, 1852 ; Sunderland, 1860?-1861? ; Leicester, Wellingt<strong>on</strong> Street, 1870-<br />
1875 ; Lesves, 1877-1852 ; and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r short pastorates.,<br />
[l: 22 September, 1886 ; bur. St. Michael's Cemetery, Lewes.<br />
cf; Record, p. 13.<br />
JOHN CUCKSON, b. 1845, at Sheffield ; ed. U.H.M.B., illanchester, February, 1865-22 January,<br />
1868 ; min. Liverpool, Roscomni<strong>on</strong> Street (retn. Hamilt<strong>on</strong> Road, 1871), 1868-1872;<br />
Liverpool, B<strong>on</strong>d Street, 1870-1871 ; Birtningham, Newhall Hill, 25 February, 1872-1880;<br />
Bradford, Yorks, 1881-1884 ; Springfield, U.S.A., 1884-1892 ; Bost<strong>on</strong>, U.S.A., 1893-<br />
c$ Recoid, p. 88, and Stych, p. 26.<br />
ROBERT LAIRD COI~LIER, min. ,Leicester, 1874-1876 ; Bradford, 1880-1881 ; Birmingham,<br />
Newhall Hill, 1881-1883 ; American C<strong>on</strong>sul, Leipzig.<br />
cf: J'esti,oes, pp., 21, 129.<br />
SAMUEL FLETCHER WILLIAMS, b. I4 October, 1842, at Shrewsbury ; min. Newchurch, 1870-<br />
1876 ; Liverpooi, Hamilt<strong>on</strong> Road, 1877-1884 ; Birmingham, Newhall Hill, April 188~-<br />
December, 1889 ; Scarborough, 1889-1893 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Hackney, 1893-October, 1898 ;<br />
B. and F.U.A. Missi<strong>on</strong>ary and Lecturer in India, October, 1898- ; ?X. (5 July,<br />
1862) Elizabeth ((l. 23 December, 1897), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Lloyd, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shrewsbury ;<br />
Issue, MayF Emma, Eiizabeth Agnes.<br />
cf. Reco~rZ, p. 88.<br />
WILLIAM MELLOR, b. 7 November, 1840, at Asht<strong>on</strong>-under-Lyne ; ed. U. H. M. B., Manchester,<br />
1873-1876; Owen's Coll. ; min. Crewe, 1876-1883 ; Birmingham, Newhall Hill, 1889-<br />
1893 ; York, St. Saviourgate, 1894-1897 ; vz. (29 December, 1880) Harriet Payne ;<br />
Issue, Stanley Alfred, Alice Mary, Edgar William, Harriet.<br />
cf; Record, p. 43.<br />
ADDISON ALEXANDER<br />
CHARLESWORTH,<br />
ed. New Coll., L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> ; min. Birmingham, New-<br />
hall Hill, 1893-<br />
C.R.7 1835, P. 350.<br />
C.R., 1837, p. 643.<br />
C.R., 1838, pp. 141, 21~.<br />
C-R., 1839, PP. 442, 5479 565.<br />
C.R., 1840, p. 615.<br />
C.R., 1841, p. 519.<br />
C.F., 1872, P. 105.<br />
DiscZpZe, 1881, p. 159.<br />
C.L., 22 June, 1889.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Newhall Hill Church nnd Schools, Bir~fii~zghauz, John<br />
1892.<br />
Seedsoze~er, 1893, pp. 166, 197.<br />
Inq., 1896, p. 610<br />
Yest&es, p. 2 I.<br />
Stych,
BHRMINGHA&I.<br />
WAVERLEY ROAD.<br />
Foul~dati<strong>on</strong> st<strong>on</strong>e laid Thursday, 20 January, 1898.<br />
Opened, Saturday, 8 October, 1893.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
Edward Joseph Sale ... Jan., 1894-Feb., 1895<br />
Henry Harold Johns<strong>on</strong>, B.A. Oct., 1897-<br />
This society at Small Heath is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> result ,<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a determined missi<strong>on</strong>ary<br />
effort in <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> suburbs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham, by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Christian Uni<strong>on</strong>.<br />
For a time <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> worshipped in Little Green Lane's Board<br />
School, where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first service was held <strong>on</strong> Sunday evening, 5 November,<br />
1893, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preacher being Edward J. Sale, formerly C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al minister<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Solihull, who was shortly afterwards appointed its first minister.<br />
In a few m<strong>on</strong>ths <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting was changed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Board<br />
School in Sommerville Road, a locality more c<strong>on</strong>venient for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> majority<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worshippers, where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y were also able to begin Sunday School<br />
work.<br />
In February, 1895, Mr. Sale resigned, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minutes recording <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
gregati<strong>on</strong>'s-<br />
gratitude for and appreciati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his services in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> past, and its best wishes<br />
for his happiness and welfare in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> future.<br />
Pending <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> appointment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r minister, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong>'s Missi<strong>on</strong>ary<br />
Agent, John Harris<strong>on</strong>, took charge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society and was resp<strong>on</strong>sible for<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> regular weekly services,<br />
On December, 1895, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church Of th,~ Sa~iiozw-SO l<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> scene <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
George Daws<strong>on</strong>'s labours-was closed, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees decided to sell <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
large building. So so<strong>on</strong> as this was known <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> committee <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Christian Uni<strong>on</strong> sent in an applicati<strong>on</strong> to be made residuary legatees in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Small Heath c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>. The negotiati<strong>on</strong>s terminated<br />
successfully, with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> result that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A850 was secured towards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
building <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a permanent church <strong>on</strong> a site in Waverley Road. Only <strong>on</strong>e<br />
c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong> had been stipulated, and that rightly, viz., that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society should<br />
be based <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same broad principles as those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Saviour.<br />
The foundati<strong>on</strong> st<strong>on</strong>e was laid by Stopford A. Brooke, M.A,, LL.D.,<br />
<strong>on</strong> Thursday, 20 January, 1898, most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> proceedings taking place in<br />
a temporary ir<strong>on</strong> building <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> site <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> future School house, adjoining<br />
that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church. The chairman <strong>on</strong> this auspicious occasi<strong>on</strong> was Alder-<br />
man W. Kenrick, M.P., he being supported by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lady Mayoress <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Birmingham and a large ga<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ring <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> friends.<br />
The building comprised in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present c<strong>on</strong>tract c<strong>on</strong>sists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly ; school buildings, and a tower and spire to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church are to be .<br />
added as so<strong>on</strong> as possible. The church is planned with nave, aisles,<br />
chancel, organ chamber, and vestries. The interior has sitting accommo-<br />
dati<strong>on</strong> for 500 worshippers. The architects are Messrs. John A. Grew, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Birmingham, and S. H. Eachus, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>.<br />
On I October, 1897, Henry Harold Johns<strong>on</strong>, B.A., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Manchester Coll.,<br />
Oxford, began his ministry here.<br />
The serm<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opening <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church was preached<br />
by Joseph Estlin Carpenter, M.A., vice-principal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Manchester College,<br />
Oxford.
BIRMINGHAM, DOMESTIC<br />
Founded 1840.<br />
PEOPLE'S HALL, HURST STREET.<br />
MISSION.<br />
First premises in Thorp Street, 1840-1844.<br />
Sec<strong>on</strong>d .. ., Hurst Street, opened October, 1844, preacher,<br />
Charles Wicksteed, B.P.<br />
Third ,, December, 1870, ,, ,, 9 P<br />
MINISTERS TO THE POOR.<br />
Thomas Bowring ... ... 1840-1853<br />
John Roberts<strong>on</strong> 1854-1855<br />
Benjamin Wright ... 1856-1881<br />
James Bullock Gardner 1881-188s<br />
William Joshua Clarke I 885-<br />
THOMAS BOWRING, see Tamworth.<br />
JOHN ROBERTSON, min. Godqlming, 1852 ; Birmingham, 1854-1855 ; Lewes, 1855-1856<br />
Halstead, 1857-1867.<br />
d. 20 April, 1867; bur. Halstead Cemetery.<br />
c$ Inq., 1867, p.<br />
BENJAMIN WRIGHT, min. Birmingham, 1856-1881 ; chaplain to Sir Josiah Mas<strong>on</strong>'s Orphanage,<br />
1881-1890; m. (31 August, 1858) Louisa, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> An~os Taylor, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham.<br />
d. 29 August, 1891, at. 71 ; bur. Birmingham, <strong>General</strong> Cemetery.<br />
c$ Inq., 1891, p.<br />
JAMES BULLOCK GARDNER, b. February, 1836, at Macclesfield ; ed. Leicester, Baptist Coll.,<br />
1856-1858 ; min. C<strong>on</strong>glet<strong>on</strong> (Baptist), 18 58- 1860 ; Sheffield, Upperthorpe, 1867-1869 ;<br />
Birmingham, 1881-1885 ; Colne, 1885-1891 ; Middlesbro', 1891-1894 ; Selby, 1896- ;<br />
m. (8 September, 1862) daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> James Broad, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> ; has issue. Q<br />
c$ Record, p. 37.<br />
WILLIAM JOSHUA CLARKE, b. 1843, in Birmingham ; journalist and literary worker ; min.<br />
Birmingham, 1885- ; m. and has issue.<br />
cf: Edg~ast<strong>on</strong>ia, 1898, p. 181 (with portrait).<br />
TOPOGRAPHY.<br />
C. L., 31 August, 1889.<br />
BIRMINGHAM, DOMESTIC MISSION.<br />
Founded 1844,.<br />
LOWER FAZELEY STREET.<br />
First premises in The Gullet, engaged December, 1845 ; licensed for worship<br />
April, 1846.<br />
Sec<strong>on</strong>d ,, Bailey Street, opened 23 May, 1847.<br />
Third ! ,, Lawrence Street, opened 6 August, 1848.<br />
Fourth , ,, Lower Fazeley Street, opened 2 December, 1888.<br />
[NoTE.-T~~ premises in Lower Fazeley Street are those formerly<br />
bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Free Christian Society, which met (I) 117, New Canal<br />
Street, 5 January, 1862 ; (2) Meriden Street, 22 November, 1863 ; (3) Lower<br />
Fazeley Street, 5 November, 1865, added to in May, 1868, and church<br />
opened, Easter Day, 1877. Its first lay preachers were G. R. Twinn, Hy.<br />
Solom<strong>on</strong>, S. B. Whitfield, Arthur Bache Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ws, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs. Last met<br />
<strong>on</strong> 2 December, 18881.<br />
MINISTERS TO THE POOR.<br />
John Gent Brooks ...<br />
Richard Edward Dunne<br />
John Wils<strong>on</strong> . . .<br />
Edward Thomas Russell<br />
Frederick Teasdale Reed<br />
Thomas Pipe . . .<br />
JOHN GENT BROOKS, b. 23 September, 1815, at Hinckley ; ed. Ealing Training School ;<br />
min. Birmingham, 1844-1854.<br />
d. 30 January, 1854.<br />
C$ C.R., 1854, p. 91 ; Memoir by E. T. Whitfield.<br />
RICH~D EDWARD DUNNE, b. 24 June, 1812, at Kingscourt, Co. Cavan ; ed. Dublin,<br />
Trinity Coll. ; min. Birmingham, 1854-1863 ; Diss, 1866-1870 ; Colyt<strong>on</strong>, 1871-1873 ;<br />
Ireland, zvithout charge, 1873-1891 ; 772. (I) (1843), Anne (d. 1873), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> George<br />
Powell, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ballylanders ; (2) (1879), Marianne Frances (d. 1895) ; Issue, George<br />
Thomas, B.A. (Vicar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Burnopfield, Durham), Harriet ((2: Ceyl<strong>on</strong>, 1886), Maria (m.<br />
D. H. Jenkins, minister, Wellingt<strong>on</strong>, N.Z.)<br />
d. 31 March, 1891 ; bur. Dunmanway Church Yard, Co. Cork.<br />
cf. Col'yt<strong>on</strong>ia, p. 46.
JOHN WILSON, b. 25 September, 1825, in Liverpool ; min. Liverpool, assistant minister to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poor, Beaufort Street, 1854-1863 ; Birmingham, c/ November, 1863-6 January,<br />
1882 ; m. (23 December, 1854) Harriet, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Martin, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Liverpool ;<br />
had issue.<br />
d. 6 January, 1882 ; bur. Birmingham, Old Cemetery.<br />
cf. .Reco~d, p. 96.<br />
EDWARD THOMAS RUSSELL, b. g September, 1850, at Kensingt<strong>on</strong> ; min. Leicester, minister<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poor, 1879-1882 ; Birmingham, 31 July, 1882-March, 1887 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Stratford,<br />
1887-1890 ; Pudsey, 1890-1891 ; Padiham, 1891-1897 ; Glasgow, South St. Mungo<br />
Street, 1897- ; nz. (26 December, 1871) Clara Angel, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Samuel Hallett.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lambeth ; has issue.<br />
cf. Reco7~', p. 148.<br />
FREDERICK TEASDALE REED, see Tamworth.<br />
THOMAS PIPE, see Lye.
F- et-<br />
Opened 8 August, 1847 ; preacher, George Daws<strong>on</strong>, M.A.<br />
Closed 29 December, 1895 ; preacher, James Christopher Street,<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
George Daws<strong>on</strong>, M.A. . - -<br />
Edmund Squire, assistant .<br />
William Potter, assistant .<br />
John Page Hopps, assisla~zt . .<br />
Edward Myers, F.G.S., assistant<br />
William Joseph Knapt<strong>on</strong>, assistant . . .<br />
George St. Clair (colleagz~e with Geo. Daws<strong>on</strong>)<br />
9 ) ,, (sole cha~ge) . . . ...<br />
Nicholas M. Hennessey<br />
James Christopher Street . . . ...<br />
Edward William Lummis, M.A., assistant<br />
GEORGE DAWSON, b. 24 February, 1821, in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> ; ed. Aberdeen, Marischal Coll., 1837-<br />
1838 ; Glasgow, 1838- ; M.A., Glas. ; min. Rickmansworth, Herts., 1843-1844 ;<br />
Birmingham, Mount Zi<strong>on</strong>, 1844-1845 ; Temporary Rooms, 1845-1847 ; Church ,<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Saviour, 1847-1876; nz. (24 August, 1856) Susan Fanny, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> J. W. Crompt<strong>on</strong>,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham ; had issue.<br />
d. 30 November, 1876 ; bur. Birmingham, <strong>General</strong> Cemetery, by Edward Myers.<br />
EDMITND SQUIRE, min. Warminster, 1842-1843 ; Gulliford, -1847 ; Birmingham, Church<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour, 1849; Idle, 1853-1854.<br />
cf. Vestiges, var. pp.<br />
WILLIAM POTTER, min. Birmingham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour, 1850.<br />
JOHN PAGE HOPPS, b. 6 November, 1834, in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> ; ed. Leicester, Baptist Coll. ; min.<br />
Hugglescote, Leicestershire, 1856 ; Birmingham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour, 1857-1860 ;<br />
Sheffield, Upperthorpe, I 860-1863 ; Dukinfield, 1863- 1869 ; Glasgow, 1869-1876 ;<br />
Leicester, 1876-1892; Croyd<strong>on</strong>, 1892- ; m. (13 June, 1859) Mary Jacks<strong>on</strong>; has<br />
issue.<br />
c$ Record, p. 53.<br />
EDWARD MYERS, see Shrewsbury.<br />
"Did not join <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M.C.U., but took part in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d Nati<strong>on</strong>al C<strong>on</strong>ference <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Free<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Churches</str<strong>on</strong>g>, held in Birmingham, 1885.
,b,< -*y 76<br />
WILLIAM J ?~PH KNAPTON, b. at Hapt<strong>on</strong> ; ed. U.H.M.B., 1868-1871 ; min. Birmingham,<br />
Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour, 1871-1874 ; Bradford, Yorks., February, 1875-1878 ; took<br />
Anglican Orders.<br />
cf. Vestiges, var. pp.<br />
GEORGE ST. CLAIR, b. g April, 1836, in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> ; ed. Regent's Park Coll., 1860-1864 ; F.G. S.<br />
M. Anthropological Institute, M. Soc. Biblical Archzology ; min. Banbury (Baptist),<br />
1864-1869 ; Birmingham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour, 1875-1886 (coldeagzce with George Daws<strong>on</strong>,<br />
M.A., 1875-1876) ; Cardiff, West Grove, June, 1891-December, 1897 ; lecturer for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Palestinian Explorati<strong>on</strong> Fund, 1869-1875 ; Birmingham, mit/zozct charge, 1898- ;<br />
nz. (1864).<br />
c$ pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge ; LTiog~*a.h, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, 1880, January, pt. 13.<br />
NICHOLAS M. HENNESSEY, min. Birmingham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour, 1886-1890 ; Coventry<br />
Road C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al Church, 1890-<br />
,JAMES CHRISTOPHER STREET, see Shrewsbury.<br />
EDWARD WILLIAM LUMMIS, M.A., see West Bromwich.<br />
TOPOGRAPHY.<br />
C.R.9 18471 PP. 6449 7421 749.<br />
Inq. January 4, 1896.<br />
BLOXHAM AND MILTON;<br />
OXON.<br />
(Ceased to exist, 1843).<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
Thomas Whatley ...<br />
Andrew Durell, M.A.<br />
James Hancox . .<br />
Edward Nicklyll<br />
Thomas Brabant<br />
Benjamin , Carpenter . .<br />
Samuel Wi<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs<br />
Joseph Jevans<br />
David Lewis Evans ..<br />
THOMAS WHATLEY<br />
1620, in Parish Church, Banbury ; min. Sutt<strong>on</strong>-under-Brailes,<br />
-169s.<br />
bur. 27 January, 1698.<br />
[s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Whatley, d. 1639, vicar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Banbury?] B. 10 September,<br />
c$ N<strong>on</strong>. Rfem. ii., 491 ; M.R., 1824, p. 264.<br />
-ej. 1662 ; Milt<strong>on</strong>,<br />
ANDREW DURELL, French protestant ; ed. Sedan ; M.A. ; teacher <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> French in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> ;<br />
min. Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> England, nr. Woodstock ; N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formist min. Bloxham and Milt<strong>on</strong>,<br />
1692?-1725 ; had issue.<br />
d. 11 June, 1725, zt. 70; bur. Bloxham Parish Church.<br />
cf; M.R., 1824, P. 264; tombst<strong>on</strong>e in Bloxhanl Church, seen by author in 1895.<br />
JAMES HANCOX, see Dudley.<br />
EDWARD NICKLYN, min. Bloxham and Milt<strong>on</strong>, 1710?-1747?.<br />
cf. at Dudley about 1781.<br />
c$ X4.R., 1824, p. 264.<br />
THOMAS BRABANT, b. [I~o] at Milt<strong>on</strong> Abbas, Dorset ; ed. Glasgow [1736-17401, Northampt<strong>on</strong><br />
Academy, by Dr. Doddridge, 1,740- , where he became assistant ; min.<br />
Bloxham and Milt<strong>on</strong>, 1748-1773 ; withoz~t chnrge, 1773-1804.<br />
(1'. at Bloxham, 19 January, 1804, zt. 84.<br />
c$ M.R., 1815, p. 687; 1824, p. 265.<br />
BENJAMIN CARPENTER, see Stourbridge.
SAMUEL WITHERS, 6. at West Bromwich ; ed. Daventry Academy, by Dr. Ashworth, 1773-<br />
1776 ; min. Bloxham and Milt<strong>on</strong>, 1776-1778 ; m. while a student.<br />
d. 1780, at West Bromwich.<br />
cf: M.R., 1822, p. 197 ; 1824, p. 265.<br />
JOSEPH JEVANS, b. 1749, at Kidderminster ; ed. Daventry Academy, by Dr. Ashworth,<br />
1774-1779 ; ord. 19 June, 1790 ; min. chaplain to Sir Harry Trelawney, Bart., at Looe,<br />
1779; Bloxham and Milt<strong>on</strong>, 1779-1839 ; nz. (1798) Mrs. Wise ((2. 1810) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bloxham.<br />
d. 31 July, 1839 ; bur. Bloxham Parish Church Yard.<br />
cf; Memoir by William Field (q.v.), reprinted from C.R., 1840, pp. 453, 489 ; tomb-<br />
st<strong>on</strong>e seen by author in 1895 ; pers<strong>on</strong>al reniembrances <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edward Cobb, Esq., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Lewes, 1898, zt. 93.<br />
DAVID LEWIS EVANS, b. July, 1813, at Penyralt, Cardiganshire ; F. St. Bartholomew's<br />
Day, 1813, "when a m<strong>on</strong>th old " ; ed. Presbyterian College, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, 1834-1838 ;<br />
schoolmaster, Llanwenog Academy, 1832-1834 ; Bridgend Academy, 1843-1850 ; Coly-<br />
t<strong>on</strong> Academy, 1850-1858; Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hebrew and Ma<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>matics, Pres. Coll., Caer-<br />
mar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, 1864-1874 ; min. Owenfawr, S.W. itenrporary), 1838-1840 ; Bloxham and<br />
Milt<strong>on</strong>, 1840-1842 ; Colyt<strong>on</strong>, 1850-1863 ; and March, 1879-March, 1889 (sujjlTy) ; Birken-<br />
head (zuithozrt chcrgc), 1875-1889 ; Llanyby<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, S.W. (z~iihozlt chaqe), 1889- ; 71~.<br />
(19 March, 1856) Ophelia Ca<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rine (d. 1866), eldest daughter Com. Geo. Eyre Powell,<br />
R.N., Colyt<strong>on</strong> ; Issue, Geo. Eyre (q.v.), David Lewis (chief engineer s.s. Higltlnnd<br />
Glen, <strong>on</strong> board <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which he was killed at Rosario, Brazils, 30 November, 1893),<br />
Ca<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rine Powell, Herbert (d. 11 March, 1866).<br />
cf; Colytania, p. 39.<br />
REGISTERS.<br />
I. Births and Baptisms ...<br />
M.R., 1824, p. 263.<br />
C.R., 1840, PP. 453, 489.<br />
Inq., 31 August, 1895. -<br />
Inq., 28 September, 1895.
COSELEY .<br />
OLD MEETING HOUSE .<br />
Present building opened 10 August. 1875 .<br />
First building opened. 1717. and enlarged. 1740 .<br />
MINISTERS .<br />
Joseph Eccleshall ... ... ... I 662?- 1692<br />
. Peach ... -1717-<br />
Paul Russell ...<br />
...<br />
... ...<br />
George Doughty ... ... 1720-1732<br />
Ugtiiai to A7ew Jlrri inx, Bi~nzin,oArr?n, I 732-6 I .<br />
Samuel Bourn ... ... ... 1732.1754<br />
Tholnas Pickard ... ... ... 1732-1747<br />
Samuel Blyth . ... 7747-1761<br />
William Hawkes ...<br />
William Edwards ..<br />
Richard Amner<br />
Samuel Parker<br />
William Allard<br />
Evan Owen J<strong>on</strong>es ..<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
1754-1761<br />
1761-1775<br />
1775-1794<br />
i 796- i 797<br />
1798- I 803<br />
1804- 1807<br />
Richard Fry ... ... 1807-1812<br />
John Small ... ... 1812-1826<br />
John Cooper<br />
John Gord<strong>on</strong><br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
1827-1835<br />
1837-1840<br />
William Whitelegge, M.A. ... ... 1840- I 842<br />
John Fife Manders<strong>on</strong> ... 1842-1847<br />
John Calbraith Lunn ...<br />
Joseph Eedes Fletcher ...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
1847-1851<br />
1851-1854<br />
William Orr McGowan<br />
Henry Eachus ...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
1855-1863<br />
1865-<br />
Shortly after i7esfzges was issued. in 1897. <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author worked up his<br />
notes <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coseley ministers. which were used by ivlr . $red . Wm .<br />
Hackwood. J . P., F.R. His.§., for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapter <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ' Old Meeting. ' in his<br />
SedgZey Rtsenrches . These notes. and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> results <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr . Arthur A . Rollas<strong>on</strong>'s<br />
researches into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> genealogy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Eccleshall family. are here included .
This is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> oldest n<strong>on</strong>coi~forming c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sedgley,<br />
and traces its origin to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> labours <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Joseph ~c~cleshall, who, in 1654<br />
(evidently <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n fresh from college), seems to have first appeared <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
scene in Sedgley to assist William Parkes, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> aged vicar, in his ministrati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
This is ga<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>red from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Parish Registers, where, under date 27th<br />
October, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that year, it is written :-<br />
Joseph EccleshnZZ, minister, was chosen ajzd sworn. Registrar for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sedglty.<br />
ihis refers to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ordinance issued in 1653 by Oliver Cromwell instituting<br />
civil marriages before magistrates. Although marriage thus became a civil<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tract, in many parishes, such as Sedgley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y were still caref~~lly registered<br />
by ecclesiastical registrars."<br />
No doubt where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> registers show any hiatus during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Comm<strong>on</strong>wealth,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish was served by a cleric <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> strict Episcopalian proclivities. But<br />
Mr. Eccleshall was <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opposite party-a Puritan <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first water.<br />
Am<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vicars <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sedgley he stands out pre-eminently as a man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> str<strong>on</strong>g<br />
character.<br />
Calamy's account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Eccleshall is extremely interesting. Not being<br />
satisfied with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>formity, he-<br />
,<br />
preached his farewell serm<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> August 17, 1662, to a large c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
all in tears. On August 24, no <strong>on</strong>e coming to <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiate, he went into a pew,<br />
prayed, read <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Scripture, expounded, and preached. Afterwards, though<br />
he lived a mile from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church, he ordinarily attended public worship thEre,<br />
and gave his hearers what pers<strong>on</strong>al help he could in private. The succeed-<br />
ing vicar, for some years, was violent, and filled his serm<strong>on</strong>s with railing<br />
invectives against <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formists, which induced many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> people to<br />
persuade Mr. Eccleshall to preach to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m, which he yielded to, at times<br />
different from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> public service. The Oxford Act forced him to Kinver,<br />
where he preached in private, and went afterwards with his hearers to<br />
church to hear Mr. J<strong>on</strong>athan Newey, a worthy man, who succeeded Mr.<br />
Mort<strong>on</strong>. He <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n came secretly by night to his own people (not daring<br />
to be seen by day) to do what service he could, and returned by night, till<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rigour <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> times abated. He <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n appeared in public, and c<strong>on</strong>tinued<br />
his ministerial work am<strong>on</strong>g his old people, with little allowance from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m,<br />
living chiefly up<strong>on</strong> a small estate <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his own, with frugality and care. There<br />
were two meetings kept up in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its largeness, two or<br />
three miles distant, and Mr. Eccleshall administered <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sacrament in both.<br />
*cf. <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dnr-last<strong>on</strong>, p. 77.<br />
Here he c<strong>on</strong>tinued his service several years till he was silenced by death,<br />
His funeral serm<strong>on</strong> was preached by Mr. Oasland.<br />
Mr. Rollas<strong>on</strong>'s genealogical notes seem to point to an intimate local<br />
c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Joseph Eccleshall. For instance, an entry is<br />
quoted from Tipt<strong>on</strong> Parish Registers, dated 13 April, 1670, that Henry<br />
&cZeshnZ/, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> CoseZey, f~iher <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> J~Y. Jose$h Eccleshall, was buried ; and ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
entry just previously, namely, 10 January, 1669-70, is to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> effect that<br />
&Iartha, wge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> _/os@h EccleshnZl, clerhe, died at Coseley, and was buried at<br />
Tipt<strong>on</strong>.<br />
In 1689, <strong>on</strong> October 3, by license were married ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r at Sedgley or at<br />
Tipt<strong>on</strong>, but certainly by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Thomas Janns, Vicar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sedgley, Martha,<br />
daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Joseph Eccleshall to Thomas Dudley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> The Green House,<br />
Tipt<strong>on</strong>. The legal formalities with regard to property affected by this<br />
marriage would seem to show that Tho?nas DudZey de Za Greenhouse had not<br />
married beneath him. Martha, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> wife, was buried at Tipt<strong>on</strong>, 24 November,<br />
1704 ; her husband, Thomas Dudley, gentleman, survived till February,<br />
1722-3. His will refers to real estate in Tipt<strong>on</strong>, and Ettingshall in Sedgley ;<br />
menti<strong>on</strong>s his s<strong>on</strong>, Ed~vard Dudley, and Anne, wife <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edward, his s<strong>on</strong>-in-<br />
\<br />
law, Charles Elwall, and Martha, his wife ; his grandchildren, Charles<br />
Elwall, Thomas Elwall, Miriam Elwall, Martha Elwall, and Sarah Elwall,<br />
his daughter, Miriam Dudiey, and "his loving and obedient s<strong>on</strong> and<br />
daughter, Josepl~ Eccleshall Dudley and Miriam Dudley," to whom he gives<br />
real estate and appoints his executors. Joseph Eccleshall Dudley was<br />
born at Tipt<strong>on</strong>, 3 May, 1701. There are str<strong>on</strong>g reas<strong>on</strong>s for surmising that<br />
this hnlily was staunchly N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formist, being descended from a Parliamentarian<br />
Dudley and an Independent minister's daughter. The registers<br />
record <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir births, but not <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir baptisms, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> females are<br />
almost Quakerish.<br />
Dr. Evans' List gives CoseIey fort?fzghtZy-Paul RusselZ (an Itilzerant),<br />
George Doz/ghty, qoo henrers, 45 county z~oiers.<br />
Paul Russell was lecturer at Gnosal, Salop, which explains <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> appended<br />
paren<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>sis. According to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Scott MSS. he resided at i'Etfe~zhnll, 7afhere he<br />
died.<br />
Peach must have preceded Russell, and was probably t h immediate<br />
successor to Eccleshall, after whose death in 1692 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society is said to<br />
have assembled in a farm house, at a place still called ' Old End,' Coseley.
William Allard says-<br />
Here, in 1715, some devastati<strong>on</strong> was committed by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> mob, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> room<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n used.<br />
Two years afterwards, during Peach's ministry, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first meeting-house<br />
was built ; not in a secluded spot, but in an open place, still known as<br />
'Old Meeting Road.' It was more str<strong>on</strong>gly built than many o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
that period, and was adorned with-<br />
moulded and even carved woodwork.<br />
The year, 1717, was impressed <strong>on</strong> two bricks, which are still preserved<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> wall, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entrance to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> heating chamber <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present building,<br />
whilst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year was also scratched <strong>on</strong> a pane in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> western gallery<br />
window <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old building, toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a man living at<br />
Bilst<strong>on</strong>, with eighteenth century date.<br />
George Doughty ministered here for twelve years (1720-1732), he being<br />
elected in place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Ne7zshuZ, a y021ng 1ni7zister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Deaa Row, Cheshire, who<br />
was inyited to succeed Mr. Peach, but denfh jprezjel~ted his settlenteut here.++ There<br />
was never a Henshal, 71iinister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dean Row, though <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are still families<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that name <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re. Probably he was a licentiate. When Doughty removed<br />
to Burt<strong>on</strong>-<strong>on</strong>-Trent a uni<strong>on</strong> was made between <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coseley society<br />
and that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nei~ Meeting,' in RfIoor Street, Birmingham.<br />
Samuel Bourn's requisiti<strong>on</strong> had been signed by 111 members from<br />
Coseiey, and by 87 from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham society. By his exerti<strong>on</strong>s, during<br />
his very active ministry at Coseley,-<br />
an estate was purchased for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> benefit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister and charity school,<br />
which was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n founded.<br />
From Dr. Toulmin's Mertioirs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Sa7t~uel Bo~riz we see <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> extent<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> oppositi<strong>on</strong> he encountered from members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Established Church<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish. He sustained two trials at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stafford Quarter Sessi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
originating from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir hostility ; in both, however, he was successful. So<strong>on</strong><br />
afterwards, in December, 1728, he received an order from John Ward and<br />
R. Sedgwick, justices <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> peace at Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>, who tried to remove<br />
him to his last legal settlement, under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pretext that he was likely to<br />
become chargeable to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish ; and alleging that he had icti-uded into<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sedgley without complying with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> laws in such cases-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
"Scott MSS.<br />
place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his last settlement being Adlingt<strong>on</strong>, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Standish,<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> county Palatine <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lancaster-and requiring him to depart, with<br />
his wife and family, before <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 4th <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> followiilg m<strong>on</strong>th, or o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rwise<br />
bring a certificate, showing that he was a parishi<strong>on</strong>er. These proceedings<br />
called forth a dignified and indignant protest from him, and in a letter,<br />
dated 27 December, 1728, he says :-<br />
I caliile i~zto tAe parish apo7z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> z/nani?jzozrs ifzvitnti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a nu~?zerous<br />
co~zg~egnti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Proteskant dissenters, which i/zz~jit~i207~ - zuas slgaed by<br />
abozle a hu?zdred pers<strong>on</strong>s, many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m szrbstatitial yeouzen, farnzers,<br />
and trades~nen, and i~zost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>~~z inhnbil'ants <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish, mzd as this<br />
is agreeable to tAe niost pri~)zitlire =lay <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nlinisters a7zd bishops <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
settling with a pecjle, so I take it to be as h<strong>on</strong>oz./rable a way as any<br />
t/y athich any clergynian in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> courzty came into hZj present settlemelzt.<br />
Bourn forwarded a certificate which satisfied <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> magistrates as to his<br />
legal right to dwell in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish. Many friends in Birmingham sympathised<br />
with him in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> persecuti<strong>on</strong>s to which he had been subjected, and raised a<br />
subscripti<strong>on</strong> to defray <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> expenses which he had incurred in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> various<br />
trials. \<br />
He c<strong>on</strong>tinued to labour actively for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious welfare <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his c<strong>on</strong>gre-<br />
gati<strong>on</strong>s until Sunday, 17 March, 1754, when he was suddenly stricken with<br />
paralysis whilst in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit at Coseley, and died <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following Friday.<br />
William Edwards, who became minister here in 1761, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> termina-.<br />
ti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> between <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coseley and New Meeting societies,<br />
appears as <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> petiti<strong>on</strong>ing ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1772-3. Apparently <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re<br />
was no relati<strong>on</strong>ship between him and John Edwards, Dr. Priestley's<br />
immediate successor at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting.<br />
Richard Amner left Coseley, about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1794, and devoted him-<br />
self to study in Hincliley ; he became a c<strong>on</strong>tributor to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gentlenratv's<br />
Magazine.<br />
In its early years <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> r'M<strong>on</strong>th& Mdztifrg (founded in 1782, its first regular<br />
assembling being at Coseley, <strong>on</strong> 4 June, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that year) exercised<br />
Presbyterial functi<strong>on</strong>s, and <strong>on</strong> 11 October, 1796, Samuel Parker was, at<br />
Coseley, ordained as a Christia;~ nzi7zister. H'. Proctor i~ztrodz~ced f& serzrice with<br />
Prayer, a7zd reading <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> .Ycr@Lzrres; Rev. Samuel Grzfiths ashed some p.r/esti<strong>on</strong>s,<br />
and prayed a genernl and O~ctin,ifl'~~z Prayer; Rev. Radclzfe Scholejeld deliztel-ed
n charge, fozmded <strong>on</strong> 2 Tim. ii., 15 ; Rev. MT. JenRins prbached <strong>on</strong> Hedrezes xiii.,<br />
7; Rev. ?V. HTood c<strong>on</strong>clzm'ed 7e~ith Prayer."<br />
In 1799, during ~illiak Allard's ministry, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday School was<br />
established.<br />
John Cooper was an ardent supporter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Reform when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> agitati<strong>on</strong><br />
for an extensi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> franchise spread through <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> country in 1832. Some<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> principal members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> took an opposite view <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> questi<strong>on</strong>. Cooper's straightforward advocacy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Reform alienated some<br />
members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees asked him to resign. He<br />
declined, and appealed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stafford Assizes, but was n<strong>on</strong>suited <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ground that his positi<strong>on</strong> was not tenable. He was, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>refore, compelled<br />
to leave <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house ; he endeavoured to establish ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r society<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbourhood, but met with insufficient support, and aband<strong>on</strong>ed<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> undertaking. In 1f40 he became minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>g Sutt<strong>on</strong> G.B.<br />
Society, where he remained till his death in 1865.<br />
John Gord<strong>on</strong>'s Coseley ministry is notable for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> work he did here<br />
in resisting church rates. i-<br />
With <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> advent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Eachus, in 1865, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> improved administrati<strong>on</strong><br />
,<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society's estate was undertaken. A new trust was formed, com-<br />
posed <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> gentlemen <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> locality, who had <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> welfare <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cause at<br />
heart. Permissi<strong>on</strong> was obtained from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Charity Commissi<strong>on</strong>ers to lease<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> mines underneath some seven acres <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> land situated at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coppice,<br />
with which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society was endowed. The sale took place in January,<br />
1874, and after a spirited bidding <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> property was bought by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bilst<strong>on</strong><br />
Ir<strong>on</strong> Company for ;E4,ooo. Of this, <strong>on</strong>e half was to be paid in three<br />
m<strong>on</strong>ths, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remainder in two years by annual instalments, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> buyers<br />
also having to pay A60 a year for ground rental.<br />
The proceeds, or part <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>, were devoted to building purposes,<br />
.additi<strong>on</strong>al sums being raised by subscripti<strong>on</strong>. What was not expended <strong>on</strong><br />
re-building <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting-house was invested for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister.<br />
.The new building was opened <strong>on</strong> 10 August, 1875, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preacher being<br />
Geo. Vance Smith, D.D., <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n minister at Sheffield, and a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
New Testament Revisi<strong>on</strong> Committee. This re-building was not accom-<br />
*M.S. Minutes.<br />
+See Evesham for fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r particulars <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his useful life.<br />
piished without great exerti<strong>on</strong> and sacrifice <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Eachus,<br />
who, with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>sent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society, borrowed ;G~,ooo<br />
from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Charity Commissi<strong>on</strong>ers, undertaking to repay that amount by<br />
twenty annual instalments <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A50 each. A large piece <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> adjoining land<br />
has since been added, at c<strong>on</strong>siderable cost, to keep open <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fr<strong>on</strong>tage for<br />
ever, and to provide a site for better school buildings whenever <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y may<br />
be required.<br />
In May, 1886, a draft scheme was submitted to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Charity Com-<br />
missi<strong>on</strong>ers for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> management <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coseley Old Meeting-house, minister's<br />
house, and trust property in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sedgley. The approved scheme,<br />
dated 10 August, named seven instruments affecting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> property, viz : -<br />
(I) Indenture, 28 August, 1722, between Henry Wainwright and<br />
George Douglas, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs ;<br />
(2) Indenture <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 18 July, 1735, John Whitehouse and Richard Wain-<br />
wright, with o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs ;<br />
(3) Indentures, 12 and 13 February, 1779, Job Maullin and Richard<br />
Amner, with o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs ;<br />
(4)<br />
Indentures, 26 and 27 May, 1790, Isaac Whitehouse, and TlPomas<br />
Worrall Grazebrook, and Joseph Maullin, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> third part, with<br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs ;<br />
(5) Indentures, 27 and zS January, 1820, Daniel Whitehouse and<br />
Henry King, Joseph Maullin, &c. ;<br />
(6)<br />
(7)<br />
Indentures, 10 and I I May, 1882, Joseph Parkes, Richard Smith,<br />
George Elwell Jacks<strong>on</strong>, James Adshead and Joseph Maullin,<br />
with eleven o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fifth part ;<br />
The ~vill <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Enos Stanley, dated 15 June, 1874.<br />
The property is vested in trustees, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are various clauses for<br />
regulating <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> filling up <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> vacancies, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meetings and proceedings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficers, for general management, particularly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> real<br />
estate, and for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> applicati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> income.<br />
The history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting Charity School, which dates from 1753,<br />
when Samuel Timins, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury, Sarah, his wife, and her sister, Jane<br />
Turt<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cotwall End, widow (both sisters and CO-heirs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Smith,<br />
deceased), endowed it with four tenements, is fully detailerby Mr. Hack-<br />
wood in his SedgZey Researches, p. 88.
The register be1<strong>on</strong>gir:g to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society is a fine thick volume, bound in<br />
rough brown lea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, and has two embossed brass clasps fastened <strong>on</strong> with<br />
vellum hinges, which evidently bel<strong>on</strong>ged to an earlier book. The register<br />
was printed and ruled by-<br />
Wm. NIaurice, High Street, Dudley,' MDCCC.<br />
At <strong>on</strong>e end is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> / Register 1 <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I Baptisms / bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> I Old<br />
Meeting House I Coseley I Begun in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year / ; and at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r is<br />
a l Register / <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> / Burials. I<br />
These entries are by William Allard, Evan J<strong>on</strong>es, Richard Fry, and<br />
John Cooper. Unfortunately <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are n<strong>on</strong>e by John Small. On 15 April,<br />
1824, Joseph Maullin, ret. 84, brass founder, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ettingshall, was buried,<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entry is signed by Johtl SnzaZL, as <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>liciating minister. Then comes<br />
this significant note :--This is a com~zflete forgery by John Sianlej~, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tile<br />
trrtstees. St;zalZ neveu r~gist8red ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r bnjtisnls or bzrrinls. John Coojer.<br />
Many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> earliest entries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptisms, from 1779 to 1800, have been<br />
carefully copied into this register from ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r record, possibly that to<br />
which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> clasps originally bel<strong>on</strong>ged.<br />
The two-handled chalice, 5xin. tall, is interesting, as being a gift to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Thomas Thornely, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Liverpool, who, for twenty<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tinuous years represented <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> borough <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> House<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Comm<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
JOSEPH ECCLESHALL, min. Sec!gley, 1654-ej. 1662 ; Coseley, 1662?-1692 ; 71Z. Rlartha ((f.<br />
1670) ; Issue, Martha (nz. Thomas Dudley).<br />
bur. 22 Decetl~ber, 1692, at Sedgley.<br />
c - N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>. hIem. ii., 401.<br />
BOURN, PICKARD, BLYTHE, HAWKES, see Birmingham, New Meeting.<br />
WILLIARI EDWARDS, ecl. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres. Coll., mill. Tisbury, Wilts., 1734-1761 ; Caseley,<br />
1761-1775.<br />
c/ Hackwood's .SeLklcj; p. 71.<br />
RICHARD AMNER, 6. 1736, at Hinckley, B. 26 April, 1737 ; ed. Daventry Academy, by<br />
Caleb Ashworth, D.D., 1755-1762 ; ord. 21 July, 1762, at Great Yarmouth ; min. Great<br />
Yarmouth, 1762-1764 ; Haillpstead, 1765-1777 ; Coseley, 1777-1794 ; Hinc!iley, zuithout<br />
chnrge.<br />
d. 8 June, 1803 ; bur. Hinckley, Great Meeting Yard.<br />
cf; Dic. mat. b'io,..<br />
SAMUEL PARKER,<br />
6. 1774-5 ; ed. Northampt<strong>on</strong> Academy ; ord. 11 October, 1796, at Caseley<br />
; min. Coseley, 1796-1797 ; Ipswich, 1797-1803 ; Lewes, 1803-181 I ; Stockport,<br />
1811-1834 ; m. (I) RIIargaretta Maria Wright (d. 1825)~ <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ipswich ; (2) (1831) Mary<br />
(d. 1880, zet. 81), eldest daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Abraham Bennett, Manchester; Issue by<br />
(I) Samuel Wils<strong>on</strong> (b. 24 December, 1812, (I. 20 April, 1832) ; Joseph Toulmin (b. 23<br />
May, 1816), aiid three daughters.<br />
a'. 19 January, 1838, zet. 63 ; bur. Stockport, High Street Chapel Yard.<br />
cf. i?~.o~lJ, p. 175 ; Registers iv. and v., Stockport, High Street Chapel.<br />
WILLIAM ALLARD, 6. 1767 ; ed. Daventry Academy, 1783- , by Rev. Thomas Belsham ;<br />
min. Ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rham, 1787- ; Stockport, 1793 ; Great Hucklow and Peak, 1793-1798 ;<br />
Coseley, August, 1798-September, 1803; Bury, Lancs., 1803-1831 ; ?)I. Susannah (d.<br />
1831, zet. 63), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Bingley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rham ; Issue, Elizabeth (d. 1830,<br />
zet. 36), Thornas Barnes (b. 1798, d. 1813) and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs.<br />
d 10 June, 1831 ; bur. Bury, Bank Street Chapel Yard.<br />
cf. Xeco7*ci, p. 29, corrected by Baptismal Register.<br />
EVAN OWEN JONES, b. [1781], ed. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres. Coll., 1800-1803 ; min. Coseley,<br />
1804-1807 ; Belper, 1807-1810 ; Duffield, 1807-1867 ; 772. Elizabeth (A 1822) ; Issue, s<strong>on</strong><br />
((E. 1837) and daughters. \<br />
d. 2 January, 1867, zet. 87.<br />
cf. Notes pcilrs author.<br />
RICHRRD FRY, see Kidderminster.<br />
JOHN SMALL, 6. at Dundee ; ed. Homert<strong>on</strong> Coll., 18~4-1810 (<strong>on</strong> foundati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> King's Head<br />
Society, and fellow student with William Johns<strong>on</strong> Fox) ; min. Hinckley, szgpl'y, 181 I ;<br />
Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>, 181 1-1812 ; Coseley, 1812-1826 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, York Street, 1826-1827.<br />
d. 21 June, 1827 ; bur. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Worship Street G.B. Chapel Yard.<br />
cf. M.R., 1827, p. 612 ; C.R., 1833, p. 534.<br />
JOHN COOPER, b. [1783] ; Nantwich, Wesleyan local preacher and class leader; G.B.<br />
New C<strong>on</strong>nexi<strong>on</strong>, 1812-1822, which society joined G.B. Assembly, 1S24; min. Nantwich<br />
G.B., 1823-1827 ; Coseley, 1827-183s ; L<strong>on</strong>g Sutt<strong>on</strong>, 1840-1865 ; thrice married, had<br />
issue, John Thomas (min. Buxt<strong>on</strong>, Diss, &C., d. 1877), Abraham, Mary (m. Ky. Beard-<br />
more), Eliza.<br />
d. 21.May, 1865, zet. 82 ; bur. L<strong>on</strong>g Sutt<strong>on</strong> G.B. Chapel Yard.<br />
cf; C.R., 1823, p. 170 ; U.I-I[., 1865, p. 324; G.B. Assembly Proceedings, 1865, p. 28.<br />
JOHN GORDON, see Evesham.<br />
WILLIAM WHITELEGGE, b. 30 Nilarch, 1819, in Manchester ; ed. Glasgow, 1836-<br />
Manchester, M.N.C. ; M.A. GZas. ; min. Coseley, 1840-1842 ; CookF1S;13-18gg-<br />
Married and has issue, Henrietta (d. 1875), William Arthur, 6.3.<br />
cf. Notes Yenes author.
JOHN FIFE MANDERSON, b. [1797], min. Newcastle-under-Lyn~e, 7 August, 1837-6 February,<br />
1842 ; Coseley, 1842-1847.<br />
d. 13 May, 1847, xt. 50, at Coseley.<br />
cf. C.R., 1847, p. 633 ; minute book, Newcastle, Old Meeting-house.<br />
JOHN CALBRAITH LL-XN, see Evesham.<br />
JOSEPH EEDES FLETCHER, b. [180g], min. Selby, 1848-1849 ; Coseley, 1851-1854 ; Crewkerne,<br />
1854-1857 ; 7/7. (4 April, 1850) Elizabeth (d. 1871), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 'CVilliam Mo<strong>on</strong>, min.<br />
Deptford ; had issue.<br />
d. 28 September, 1858, aet. 49; bur. Crewkerne.<br />
C - C.R., 1858, pp. 711, 769.<br />
WILLIA~T ORR RICGOWAN, b. [ISIS], min. Greyabbey, assistmzt, 1844-1848; Raloo, 1848-<br />
1852 ; Coseley, 183-1863 ; Ravara, 1863-1885.<br />
d. 7 February, 1885, zet. 70.<br />
cf; Notes prvlcs author.<br />
HENRY EACHUS, ed. Manchester, U.H.M.B., 1857-1859 ; min. Belfast, minister to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
poor, 1859-1862 ; Pudsey, 1862-1865 ; Coseley, 1865-1899- ; nr. Mary (d. 18g;),<br />
daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Samuel Platt, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chapel en le Frith ; Issue, Samuel Henry, and three<br />
daughters.<br />
TOPOGRAPHY.<br />
MS. Historjl <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> CradZey Preshyienb?~ Church, James Scott, 1800, p. 132.<br />
No~~.--T~his valuable folio, enriched with drawings, engravings, and portraits, is<br />
;n <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time being <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Park Lane Chapel, We<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rend,<br />
Cradley.<br />
nls. Records cif <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> P~esbjtcr*inn Chzwdz, Siotlrfi~~Zge, Mr. William Scott,<br />
vol. iii. [about 18001, p. 347.<br />
NOTE.-These three valuable volumes are in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> mitlister for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
time being <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Chapel, Stourbridge.<br />
MS. Copy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptismal and Burial Register, made by and penes<br />
author, 1899.<br />
M.S.C., p. 165,<br />
Inq., 1875, p. 538 ; 1883, p. 749.<br />
The Pnralos, F. L. Beet<strong>on</strong>, Lye, July, 1888, p. 2.<br />
Seedsower, 1893-94, p. 196.<br />
Yestzke~, p. 56.<br />
SedyZey Resen~ches, Fred. Wm. Hackwood, J.P., F.R.His.S., 1898,<br />
var. pp.
CRADLEY.<br />
PARK LANE CHAPEL, FORMERLY PENSNET MEETING-HOUSE,<br />
Present building, opened 15 May, 1796.<br />
First Meeting-house, in Pensnet Meadow, opened 1707, burnt 1715.<br />
Sec<strong>on</strong>d Meeting-house, same site, opened 1716, closed 8 May, 1796.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
Josiah Basset ...<br />
Joseph Fownes ...<br />
Noah J<strong>on</strong>es ... ...<br />
Joseph Baker ..<<br />
James Scott ...<br />
Benjamin Carpenter ...<br />
Thomas Warren, assistant ...<br />
William Bowen, M.A. ...<br />
William Cochrane ... ...<br />
John James Wright, assistant<br />
James Crossley ...<br />
Arthur Ellis O'C<strong>on</strong>nor, B.D. ...<br />
Edward Potter Hall ...<br />
The two men principally instrumental in founding this society were,<br />
according to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Richard Witt<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> West Bromwich (1735)~ <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev.<br />
Henry Oasland, M.A., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bewdley, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. H. Hickman, who resided at<br />
Birmingham, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Henry Hickman, B.D., <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ejected<br />
ministers, who lived for some time privately in Worcestershire, and was<br />
afterwards minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> English c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> at Leyden.<br />
In 1704 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. John Godley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Walsall, bought from John Mansel,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ne<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rend, a field called Pensnet Meadow, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kingswin-<br />
ford, Stafford, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> &24, raised by voluntary c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s, for<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> express purpose <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> erecting a place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship. The building was
completed in 1707, and, toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> land, was c<strong>on</strong>veyed to trustees,<br />
viz :-<br />
John Spilsbury, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidderminster ;<br />
John Warren, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coventry ; Dissenting<br />
George Flower, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prestwood ;<br />
1 Ministers.<br />
J. Basset, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham ;<br />
J. Turt<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> West Bromwich, ir<strong>on</strong>m<strong>on</strong>ger :<br />
H. Hunt, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley, yeoman ;<br />
N. Hancox, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kingswinford, scy<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>smith ;<br />
J. Homer, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley, ir<strong>on</strong>m<strong>on</strong>ger ;<br />
S. Forrest, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley, ir<strong>on</strong>m<strong>on</strong>ger ;<br />
W. Deeley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley, carpenter ;<br />
W. Parkes, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kingswinford, yeoman ;<br />
J. Bague, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kingswinford, glassmaker ;<br />
J. Pearsall, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Halesowen, yeoman ;<br />
W. Parkes, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pedmore, ir<strong>on</strong>m<strong>on</strong>ger ;<br />
J. Coley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rowley Regis, ir<strong>on</strong>m<strong>on</strong>ger.<br />
The indenture specifies that four dissenting ministers should always<br />
c<strong>on</strong>stitute a part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust, that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> choice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pastor should be<br />
vested in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> majority <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees, with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> approbati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ministers ; and if at any future time <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building should not be permitted<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> laws <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> land to be used as a place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious worship, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
trustees shall dispose <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same to such charitable purposes as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y may<br />
think most proper.<br />
The society being now formed, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship completed, and<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> premises vested in trustees' hands, Josiah Basset, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Josiah Basset,<br />
ejected from Exhall, in Warwickshire (who died in 1695, when his boy<br />
was but 12 years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> age), was chosen minister, and accepted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> invitati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
He was educated at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> expense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Hickman, and first began to preach<br />
at Cradley in 1704. He was ordained by Mr. Flower, Mr. spilsbury, Mr.<br />
Godley, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r ministers in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbourhood, in 1707. So<strong>on</strong> after he<br />
married Mrs. Allen, a lady <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> excellent character and c<strong>on</strong>siderable property. He<br />
statedly lived in Birmingham, and c<strong>on</strong>tinued to <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiate at Cradley for<br />
upwards <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 30 years, though his salary never exceeded ;G20 per annum.<br />
The roads at that time were frequently impassable in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> winter seas<strong>on</strong>.<br />
In 1715, when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rioters destroyed many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> places <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
dissenters in this locality, Pensnet Meeting-house was burnt down. The<br />
c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, however, c<strong>on</strong>tinued to assemble for public worship at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Bower; and, in 1716, a new building was erected <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> site <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that which<br />
was demolished, part& at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> expzlzse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gover?zme~zt; &l19 13s. 6d. alas thg<br />
sum panted, and more 7fztght have been obtained zy ajpdied far.<br />
Basset, whose meeting-house was well attended, and who was inde-<br />
fatigable in discharging <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> duties <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice, was hkhlj respected and<br />
much beloved by his people. He died in 1735, <strong>on</strong>e Sunday evening after<br />
his return from Cradley, and was buried in St. Martin's Churchyard,<br />
Birmingham. *<br />
A list is still extant <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> seat-holders in Pensnet Meeting-house in<br />
1735, from which it appears that 230 sittings were occupied.<br />
During <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vacancy between <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Basset and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> settlement<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Joseph Fownes <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregatio?~ was sz~$plicd by fWr. Witt<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> West BYOYIImich<br />
; Mr. Ha ??cox, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley ; Mr. Edge, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge ; Mr. Bussel, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong><br />
; AFT. Stokes, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcester ; Mr. Cardale, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham ; iMr. Burret,<br />
probabGy a student; and MT. Eoze~nes, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n a stz~de~zt at fidern.<br />
Joseph Fownes settled at Cradley as minister to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society oy 20<br />
June, 1736. He was ordained at Dudley, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same time as James<br />
Hancox, to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> full discharge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pastoral <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>z 20 April, 1743, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> genflenzen<br />
who assisted ruere Dr. Latham, his fur?fze~ tator, afzd Messrs. KenricJ, Witt<strong>on</strong>,<br />
NolZarzd, Car-enter, and Mattocks : all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m respectable nzirristers iiz that part<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ki~zgdouz. Fownes removed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shrewsbury c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, in 1748,<br />
at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> particular solicitatiolz <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Job Ort<strong>on</strong>, and it was with gregt reluctance<br />
that his friends at Cradley and Stourbridge, where he usually resided, c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
sented to part with him. During <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his ministry at Cradley<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society c<strong>on</strong>tinued in a flourishing state. So<strong>on</strong> after his settlement a<br />
gallery was erected in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting-house, and, in 1746, a charity school<br />
was established under his auspices. Fownes died at Shrewsbury in 1789,<br />
and was buried in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chancel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> old St. Chad's Church.<br />
Noah J<strong>on</strong>es immediately succeeded Fownes at Cradley. He was born<br />
in 1725, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Betlals, in Caerma?~thcnshire, and early placed z~nder<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> care <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. S. Jolzes, at Pentwyn, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish oJ Llanver, who, for 22<br />
*I am indebted to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Arthur J. Robins<strong>on</strong>, M.A., rector <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham, for<br />
this extract from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Burial Register :-Buriea its <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ymr, 1735: Octode7 16, ~WY. 3'osinh<br />
Rassett. G.E.E.
years, taz~ght a good grammar school <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 40 boys. Here he remained five years,<br />
and in 1742 entered <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> academy at Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Samzcel<br />
Thornas was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> princ$al, and Nli-. Evan Bavies <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> assistant tutor. One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first books which Mr. Thomas put into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Noah J<strong>on</strong>es was<br />
Dr. Watts' Logic, which he read with great pleasure twice over. This treatise,<br />
toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r with Mr. Lockels Essay <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Understanding, taught him to think<br />
free@, and put him up<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> r&ht scent in his enquiries after truth. At Midsummer,<br />
1745, he left <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> academy to sz@pZy a small co7zgregati<strong>on</strong> at Newtown,<br />
in iM<strong>on</strong>&<strong>on</strong>zeryshzi-e. Here he remained until Midsummer, 1748, when he<br />
removed to Cradley. In 1750 he was ordained in Pensnet Meeting-house,<br />
iz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> presence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> above 700 people. Carpenter, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcester, preached a<br />
serm<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ,ministerial <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice ; Hancox, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley, proposed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> questi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
; Bourn, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coseley, prayed ; and Reynolds, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bewdley, delivered<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> charge. The following copy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> certificate <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> J<strong>on</strong>es' ordinati<strong>on</strong> is<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest :-CmaYey, September 12t.4, 1750.- We, whose nanzes are underwritten,<br />
Protestant /3issenti?zg Ministers, havi~zg received fu Zl satisfacti<strong>on</strong> with regard to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> a8idities and moral clamctev <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. N J<strong>on</strong>es, did <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year and day above<br />
specz)'ied, proceed to ordai~z Aim as Christian ??zinister, ly prayer and itnposittZbn<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands, and we rec<strong>on</strong>zmend him to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> blessi~tg <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God wherevcr he shaW have<br />
u$porfumity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ez+@loying hiS labours.-S. Bourn, Jas. Carpenter, J. Reynolds, Jas.<br />
Nancox, S Phi&$, J. Jinter, Jos. I;aw~zes, J. Jenkins, Job Ort<strong>on</strong>.<br />
During J<strong>on</strong>es' ministry at Cradley <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society was more numerous<br />
than in any previous period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its existence ; though it somewhat declined<br />
during his last year here in c<strong>on</strong>sequence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> attempts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Methodists<br />
to form a society in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbourhood. He was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first resident minister,<br />
and in 1753 a c<strong>on</strong>venient pars<strong>on</strong>age house, and a commodious building<br />
for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> accommodati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> two schools were erected. In September, 1762,<br />
he removed to Walsall, where he c<strong>on</strong>tinued to labour until failing health<br />
caused him to resign his pastoral care <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that society in 1784. He died<br />
.<strong>on</strong> 14 December, 1785, his funeral serm<strong>on</strong> being preached in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old<br />
Meeting-house, Walsall, by Samuel Griffiths, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>, from St.<br />
Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w xxv., 2 I. J<strong>on</strong>es gave certain volumes to Cradley, particulars <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m being preserved in this entry in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Register :-Me??zorandum, A.B.,<br />
1785. Five volumes folio <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> PooleJs Synopsis Criticorunz, Leigh's Critics Sacra,<br />
and Lillzborch's Christians Theologia were given by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Neah J<strong>on</strong>es for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenting Minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time being.<br />
~n 1762 Joseph Baker (minister from 1750 at Beckingt<strong>on</strong>, Somerset)<br />
succeeded J<strong>on</strong>es at Pensnet Meeting-house. For some years he had a<br />
numerous nudieme, but zmriozrs circu~?~stances c<strong>on</strong>tributed a fterzuards to diminish<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> number. The Methodists erected a place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship in Cradley in 1768.<br />
An E'iscojal ChnpeZ was 6uiZt at BrierZey Uilll in 1767, nlrd several famil'ies,<br />
who resided i?z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pnrish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ki?zgswit$ord, were threatened wjitiz expulsi<strong>on</strong> fro%<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir far??zs and Cotdag~S zjC <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y c<strong>on</strong>tinued to wors/l$ 7e~& fie dissenters ; and,<br />
in 1783, some \xrho had embraced <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opini<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Countess <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hunting-<br />
d<strong>on</strong>, formed a separate society in Cradley. Baker resigned his pulpit <strong>on</strong><br />
14 June, 1789, when his c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> presented him with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 25<br />
guineas. . He c<strong>on</strong>tinued to preach occasi<strong>on</strong>ally at Cradley and to supply<br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r societies in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbourhood ; and died <strong>on</strong> 21 January, 1805, and<br />
at his particular request was buried in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ground bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present<br />
Chapel in Park Lane, which had been erected during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> early years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his successor.<br />
On 2 May, 1789, a letter was sent <strong>on</strong> behalf <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society to James<br />
Scott, who had nearly co?@leted his stzm'ies at Daverztry, inviting him to succeed<br />
Joseph Baker, as minister at Cradley. Ufzder a fuM c<strong>on</strong>victi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pro$rie$y<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> measure, Scott cheerfully c<strong>on</strong>sented to comply with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> invitati<strong>on</strong>, and<br />
preached for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first time as minister here <strong>on</strong> 21 June, 1789. His ordinati<strong>on</strong><br />
took place in Pensnet Meeting-house, <strong>on</strong> 11 May, 1790, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> presence<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a numerous audience, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society at this time c<strong>on</strong>sisting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> some 70<br />
families. L&. Grzfiths, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> CVolverha~r@tolz, i?ztrodz~ced <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> serzlice wiz% a short<br />
prayer ; Mr. Carpelzter, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge, proposed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> questi<strong>on</strong>s ; Mr. Cole, forl~zerZy<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> WoZverhn ~tzpto?~, c<strong>on</strong>ducted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ordinati<strong>on</strong> prayer ; Mr. SchoZe$eld, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Binningham,<br />
delivered <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> charge from Tli(s ii., I ; Afr. Gentlemall, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidder~zi~zster,<br />
preached fr<strong>on</strong>t R<strong>on</strong>zans xvi., 3 ; MY. Amner, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coseley, c<strong>on</strong>clz~ded 7e~ith prayer ;<br />
and Mr. Proctor, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury, read <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hy~~~~zs. The o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r ntinij.ters present were<br />
Mr. IVood, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> DudZey ; Mr. A7nyZorJ <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shefield; MY. Ctbod, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> RothzelelZ, and Mr.<br />
Best, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley. On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following Sunday standing to sing in public<br />
worship, a custom just <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n introduced at Stourbridge Presbyterian Chapel,<br />
was recommended and adopted at Pensnet, where formerly :-<br />
Sit to sing and stand to pray,<br />
Was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> true old Presbyterian way.<br />
Early in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spring <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1794, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, c<strong>on</strong>templating <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
erecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a new place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship, bought <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. John Brecknal <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> south
angle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> field situated in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> middle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> village <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ne<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rend. The<br />
sum paid for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> land was 630. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> course <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ensuing summer<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> bricks were made up<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spot, and Mr. Brecknal dying so<strong>on</strong> after-<br />
wards, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society availed itself <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an opportunity, which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n occurred,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> buying <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remaining part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> field, for which an additi<strong>on</strong>al sum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
;G100 was paid. This land was c<strong>on</strong>veyed to and vested in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pensnet Meeting-house. On 24 April, 1795, Scott<br />
preached to his people from Nehemiah ii., 18 :-(' Let us rise up and build."<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> course <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this serm<strong>on</strong> he observed that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place in which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y<br />
were assembled, though not <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> great antiquity, was very slightly c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
structed. The pews in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir decayed state could not be repaired without<br />
much expense. The society was frequently incommoded, and sometimes<br />
its worship disturbed by floods in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> winter seas<strong>on</strong>, and c<strong>on</strong>venient accom-<br />
modati<strong>on</strong> could not be obtained by all who wished to procure it. On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
following Tuesday, 26 April, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first st<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present building was<br />
laid in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> presence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees and all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> children <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> charity<br />
schools. The minister said, " May God prosper this humble attempt to<br />
promote His glory," after which all present resp<strong>on</strong>ded, " Amen."<br />
The building operati<strong>on</strong>s were pers<strong>on</strong>ally and carefully superintended<br />
by Mr. Pargeter, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Foxcote. The closing service in Pensnet Meetinghouse<br />
was held <strong>on</strong> Sunday afterno<strong>on</strong>, 8 May, 1796 ; and <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following<br />
Sunday " <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissenters, denominated Presbyterians, lately<br />
assembling at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel <strong>on</strong> Pensnet Chace, adjoining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hamlet <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley,<br />
opened <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir newly-erected place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship, a structure in which elegant<br />
simplicity and c<strong>on</strong>venience are judiciously united."+ Scott c<strong>on</strong>ducted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
services, numerous c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s assembled, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord's Supper was administered<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> morning, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> after?zao;rz service 7~as introduced by szk baptisms;<br />
and notice given that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel was d~dy registered. The Grrner Meetinghouse<br />
at Pensnet was sold for A160 to a society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. JVesley's Methodists,<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ey appropriated by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Park Lane<br />
Chapel. The first subscripti<strong>on</strong> list in 1795 realised A312 OS. 6d. towards<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building fund ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d and final <strong>on</strong>e in 1806 raised 6247 15s. 6d.,<br />
which, with &loo legacy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> date Mr. Zl Parget6r, Sen., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Foxcote, Aroo<br />
saved fr<strong>on</strong>z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> income <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stalling's Estate, A160 jc~rchase m<strong>on</strong>ey <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pensfzet,<br />
and some few o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r items made a total <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A1,020 3s. 6d., which Ziql~i~hzted<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building debt, thanks to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> actizfe exertio~zs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it7~. 1. Pargeter artd tAe liberal<br />
t<strong>on</strong>tribz~tio?zs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> members alzd friends <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society.<br />
From Scott's account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> The Schools bel<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>zgiag to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pres(!yteria~z Church,<br />
we learn that a Charity School was founded in 1746 for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> educati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
30 poor children. Mr. John Creswell, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge, was at that time<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> principal benefactor ; he annually subscribed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A4 16s. od.<br />
for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> educuti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 12 ~hiZdf*c?z in &is charity. This school was for some<br />
time c<strong>on</strong>ducted in a private house in Light Green. In 1753 a c<strong>on</strong>venient<br />
building was erected for its accoinmodati<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> village <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ne<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rend,<br />
pr~ainly th~oz~g/~t <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> befzevo/e?zt exertiorzs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Ab. Cmne, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> filesozelen, a nzember<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Established Chz~~ch, which, in 1791, was registered as a place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
religious worship, occasi<strong>on</strong>al services being held <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re <strong>on</strong> Sunday evenings.<br />
In c<strong>on</strong>sequence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> various subscribers and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r circumstances<br />
it was judged expedient to suspend this instituti<strong>on</strong> in 1788. It was revived<br />
in 1790, when two day schools were opened for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> educati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 30 boys<br />
and 20 girls. A Sunday school had been established in 1788, in which 30<br />
boys received instructi<strong>on</strong> ; in 1790 a Sunday school was opened for 20 ,<br />
girls. An annual serm<strong>on</strong> was preached <strong>on</strong> behalf <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se schools ; at .<br />
that 011 8 May, 1803, John Kentish preached, when an unusual colzcourse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
jeoyle' .re~e?*e jrese?zi. The Rev. Jli: Sutt<strong>on</strong>, z~icar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> filesowen, atten.ded, after an<br />
ear& serz~ice at his chtlrch, arzd exjressed hi71iself nlz/ch pleased.<br />
In 1807 Benjamin Carpenter succeeded Herbert Jeiikins as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> at Stourbridge, and at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same time became<br />
CO-pastor with Scott at Cradley ; an arrangement which c<strong>on</strong>tinued with<br />
mutual satisfacti<strong>on</strong> to ministers and people until Carpenter's death <strong>on</strong> 23<br />
November, 1816. He <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiated alternately with Scott at Cradley and<br />
Stourbridge.<br />
An entry by Thomas Warren in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Alcester Register (see p. 16) states<br />
that he was aboz~t 1817 assista?zt ~niniszister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Chapel at Cradley,<br />
azd <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> zelhich I am a trz~stee. This corresp<strong>on</strong>ds with his ministry from 1817<br />
to 1821 at Stourbridge Presbyterian Chapel, where he succeeded Carpenter<br />
as CO-pastor with Scott, who was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re from 1807<br />
until his death.<br />
Scott's l<strong>on</strong>g and happy c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> cf 38 years with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley society<br />
was <strong>on</strong>ly severed by his death <strong>on</strong> 19 December, 1827. As will be seen,<br />
when we come to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> story <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lye society, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Scott's chief labours
was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> successful establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious worship in that village.<br />
From 1807 until his death he was secretary to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meetikg <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenting Ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Warwickshire and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbouring<br />
counties, which held its first recorded Cradley meeting <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his ordinati<strong>on</strong> in May, 1790, and its sec<strong>on</strong>d meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re <strong>on</strong> g Novem-<br />
ber next, when Richard Amner, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coseley, preached from St. Luke xvi.,<br />
I, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> assembled brethren afterwards discussed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> questi<strong>on</strong>-<br />
Whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is sufficient evidence that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gift <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> inspirati<strong>on</strong> was given<br />
to a pers<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a bad character?<br />
For many years past <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> kfo;lzthZy fieting has been regularly held at<br />
Cradley <strong>on</strong> Easter Tuesday. In recording Scott's death in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir minute<br />
book <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers express <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir sense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his disti~tgztished excelle?zcies as a<br />
Christian and a Christian pastor, and hope <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y shall never forget his kzizdness<br />
and candour to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m pers<strong>on</strong>al&, his faith which wroztght by lose to God and<br />
man, and his ferve~zt and perseverfig, his well-regulated and well-directed zeal.<br />
Scott was a born antiquary and historian, he never seems to have let<br />
" even <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most trivial events in his c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s' histories pass unrecorded,<br />
with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> result that as time goes <strong>on</strong> his manuscripts and records become<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> greatest value. Had all old and modern societies been so fortunate<br />
as to own great, heavy, substantial volumes such as are <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> priceless<br />
treasures <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley in its MS. <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley Presbyterian Church, by<br />
James Scott ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge in its 3 MS. vols. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Records <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterhn<br />
Church, by James and William Scott ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Liverpool in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Orzgin and Nistory<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Unitarian Chrktians assembliizg in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chapel in Refzshaw Street,<br />
by Henry Taylor; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Whitchurch in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Record Book, c<strong>on</strong>taining a<br />
copy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nigh everything printed or issued <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Savioztr,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> task <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> historians would be far easier than it generally is.<br />
The extremely valuable volume, owned by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley society and<br />
deposited in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> care <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time being, is enriched with<br />
water colour drawings, engravings and portraits, as well as c<strong>on</strong>taining<br />
important notes by Scott <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> histories <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbouring societies.<br />
The volumes c<strong>on</strong>taining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley baptisms, 1789-1817,<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first porti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register, 1818-1837, bear silent testim<strong>on</strong>y like-<br />
wise to Scott's minute care and exactness. From <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his entries<br />
<strong>on</strong> 23 May, 1790, to his last <strong>on</strong> 12 December, 1827-but <strong>on</strong>e week before<br />
his death-he records <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptisms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> some 1,930 infants at his hands.<br />
His Remarks <strong>on</strong> Ancieat Registers are here transcribed from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first page <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> earlier <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two registers :-<br />
Registers were fist ordered to be kept in Great Britain and Ireland in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
year 1538, ziz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> re&n <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Henry V/l% Their utilzty is mangest. They great0 ,<br />
assist at any time in ascertaining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> populati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kingdo~z, or <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any particglar<br />
district, They are in many cases appealed to as valz~abk evidcnce i ~ z<br />
courts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Jzt dicature ; and frepuently c<strong>on</strong>tribzrte to tAe satisfacti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> indiviu'dals. It must<br />
indeed be acknowledged that in some parishes and dissenting co?zgregatio;rzs <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se<br />
Records have not been unzj"or~zly kept with that regularity azd exactness which<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir iwortance demands.<br />
This remark is exenzplzjfed i?z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hfitory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Chapel in Cradley.<br />
Mr. Basset, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> jrst stated minister, settled A.B. 1707, and died 1735. No<br />
Register during this period has yet been found. Mr. Isbwnes succeeded him in<br />
1736; <strong>on</strong> his ren~oval to Shrewsbury, Mr. J<strong>on</strong>es setz'ded at Cradley in 1748, who<br />
was succeeded by Mr. Baker in 1762. During <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se ~?zinistrati<strong>on</strong>s nzost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
children bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society were baptized by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenti~zg Ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
, \<br />
Stou rb ridge.<br />
[Between 1736 and 1777 inclusive, 63 Cradley children, 37 m.<br />
and 26 f. are entered in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge Register. G.E.E.]<br />
It appears that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> numbcr nctz~al@ registered is very inco?zsiderabZe, and that<br />
for several lo?zg intervals rzo baptisms are recorded. Rr<strong>on</strong>z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1777 to<br />
1790 a chasm remains, which cannot yet be jlled up. But it is ako a fact that<br />
during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> whole <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> period under c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> CradZey baptized<br />
many children, and i?zserted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir names <strong>on</strong> detached papers. Should any <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se be rescued franz obZivio?z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y will be tra?zscrz'bed in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following pages.<br />
-- Scott.<br />
I<br />
The interval between Scott's death and William Bowen's settlement as<br />
minister was filled by Alexander Paters<strong>on</strong>, whose entries in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register<br />
extend from 6 January to 14 Segtember, 1828 ; John Sinclair Hyndman<br />
(minister at Billingshurst, 18-30), whose first entry in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register is dated<br />
28 September, 1828, and his last <strong>on</strong> 20 September, 1829 ; and by Robert<br />
Kell, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n resident without charge in Birmingham, from 20 September to<br />
27 December, 1829. Hyndman was first preacher at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Double<br />
Lecture, <strong>on</strong> Tuesday, g June, 1829, his subject being " On Man's Intellectual<br />
and Moral Resemblance to God," James iii., g.
William Bowen, who married a daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Priestley's s<strong>on</strong>, Joseph,<br />
came to Cradley in 1828, and was for 22 years minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society ;<br />
when, after a few years at Kingswood Chapel, he emigrated to Australia.<br />
His s<strong>on</strong>, Aubrey (d. 1893)-<br />
acquired a great reputati<strong>on</strong> as an opthalmic surge<strong>on</strong>, and became <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> recognised leaders in that speciality in Australia, his practice not being<br />
c<strong>on</strong>fined to his own col<strong>on</strong>y, but extending to Tasmania and New South<br />
Wales."<br />
The sweet memories <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Cochrane, and- <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his l<strong>on</strong>g, happy<br />
ministry here, are still fresh in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place.<br />
The pewter communi<strong>on</strong> plate c<strong>on</strong>sists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-Chalices (2), pewter, s%ins.<br />
tall, bell, stem, foot ; inscripti<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> bell, between handles :-<br />
PARK LANE CHAPEL,<br />
CRADLEY.<br />
1 796.<br />
Patens (2)) pewter, gins. diameter; same inscripti<strong>on</strong>. Flag<strong>on</strong> (I), pewter,<br />
~ogins. tall, lid, beak, handle ; same inscripti<strong>on</strong> under beak.<br />
I. Births and Baptisms<br />
11. Births and Baptisms<br />
JOSIAM BASSET, b. 1683 ; ord. 1707 ; min. Cradley, 1701-1735 ; m. Mrs. Allen.<br />
bur. 16 October, 1735, in St. Martin's Church Yard, Birmingham.<br />
cf; Seerisowev, 1894, p. 11 ; St. Martin's Ch. Register.<br />
JOSEPH FOWNES, see Shrewsbury.<br />
NOAH JONES, b. 1725, in parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bettws, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nshire, ed. Pres. Coll., Caer-<br />
mar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, 1742-1745 ; min. Newtown, M<strong>on</strong>tgomeryshire, 1745-1748 ; Cradley, 1748-1762 ;<br />
Walsall, I 762- 1784.<br />
d. 14 December, 1785 ; bur. at Walsali.<br />
cf. M.S.C., p. 165 ; Se.edsoz,er, 1894, p. 12.<br />
JOSEPH BAKER, min. Beckingt<strong>on</strong>, Somerset, 1750-1762 ; Cradley, 1762-1789.<br />
d. 21 January, 180; ; bur. Park Lane Chapel Yard.<br />
cf. Sezdsozuer, p. 894, p. 12.<br />
*British Medical Journal, 1893.<br />
JAMES SCOTT, b. 4 March, 1768, in Stourbridge ; ed. Daventry Academy, by Thomas<br />
Belsham, 28 August, 1784-1789; ord. 11 May, 1790; min. Cradley, 21 June, 1789-<br />
19 December, 1827 ; Stourbridge, 1807-1827.<br />
d. 19 December, 1827 ; bur. Stourbridge, Presbyterian Chapel Yard.<br />
C$ C.R., 1828, pp. 39, 98; 1830, p. 130.<br />
BENJAMIN CARPENTER, see Stourbridge;<br />
THOMAS WARREN, see Alcester.<br />
WILLIAM BOWEN, b. 18 July, 1800, at Walsall; ed. Glasgow ; York, M.C., 1821-1823 ;<br />
M.A. Clas., 1821 ; min. Coventry, 1823-1828; Cradley, 1828-1850; Lye, 1828-1850;<br />
Kingswood, 1851-1857 ; school at Edgbast<strong>on</strong> [1851-18571 ; emigrated, Australia ; m.<br />
daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Joseph Priestley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley ; Issue, Aubrey (d. 1893).<br />
cf. Roll <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Students ; See~lsozuer, 1893, p. 157 ; Walsa11, Old Meeting-house Register.<br />
WILLIAM COCHRANE, b. [181g] at Radem<strong>on</strong>, Co. Down ; ed. Radem<strong>on</strong> Academy, by<br />
Arthur Nels<strong>on</strong>, Belfast Royal Academical Instituti<strong>on</strong> ; min. Wisbeach ; Aberdeen,<br />
1846-1847 ; Cradley, 1850-1885 ; Lye, 1850-1 866 ; ??I. Jane (11. 1887), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Fletcher<br />
Blakely, M.A. (min. M<strong>on</strong>eyrea, 1809-1862) ; Issue, William Blakely, M.R.C.S. (d. 1873).<br />
and a daughter.<br />
d. 18 October, 1890, aet. 71 ; bur. Cradley, Park Lane Chapel Yard.<br />
cf. Inq., 1890, p. 706.<br />
JOHN JAMES WRIGHT, b. 29 May, 1854, at Churchtown, nr. Southport ; ed. U.H.M.B.,<br />
1874-1876 ; ord., 1876 ; min. Leicester, Wellingt<strong>on</strong> Street, 1876-1879 ; Belfast, Mount<br />
Pottinger, 1879-1883 ; Cradley, 1883-1884 ; Bolt<strong>on</strong>, Commissi<strong>on</strong> Street, 1884-1890 ;<br />
A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rt<strong>on</strong>, Chowbent Chapel, 1891- ; nt. (20 April, 1876) Annie, eldest daughter<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John-Sandham, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Newchurch in Rossendale ; Issue, Agnes Ellen, Charles Moore.<br />
c/ Recorti, p. 14.<br />
JAMES CROSSLEY, see Birmingham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah.<br />
ARTHUR ELLIS O'CONNOR, ed. Geneva University ; B.D. ; min. Halstead, 1889-1891 ;<br />
Cradley, 1891-1894 ; Moira, CO. Down, 1894-1898 6 Torquay, 1898- ; m. and has<br />
issue.<br />
6 pers6nal knowledge.<br />
EDWARD POTTER HALL, b. 17 September, 1855, at Wortley, Leeds ; ed. St. Joseph's<br />
Colleges (Order <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Schools), St. Louis and Memphis, U.S.A.,<br />
1872-1875 ; ord. August, 1876 ; min. Loughborough, 1880-1883 ; Lancaster, 1883-1887 ;<br />
Trowbridge, Wilts., 1889-1893 ; Cradley, 1894- ; TIZ. (March, 1884) Alice Marian,<br />
daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Frank White, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Loughborough ; Issue, Edward White, Winifred Turner,<br />
Frank Sharman, Alice Evershed.<br />
cf. Rzcord, p. 84.
MS. <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley Presbyterian ChurcA, James Scott, 1800.<br />
NOTE.-This valuable folio is in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> custody for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time being <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
this society.<br />
M.R., 1817, p. 6.<br />
Early <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, Staurbridge, A. W. Worth-<br />
ingt<strong>on</strong>, B.A., 1888, ii., pp. 4, 12.<br />
Seedsower, 1894-95, pp. I I, 25.<br />
Yestees, p. 60.
Opened, 1702 ; burned by rioters, 18 July, 1715 ; re-built, 1717, with<br />
Government aid.<br />
Restored and re-opened, 12 December, 1869.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
John Southwell<br />
William Willetts<br />
Joseph Stokes<br />
a.. a..<br />
James Hai~cox ...<br />
William Denny Wood<br />
James Hews Bransby<br />
Samuel Bache<br />
John Palmer, B.A. .,<br />
Richard Shaen, M.A. ...<br />
Samuel Coulter Davis<strong>on</strong>, Ph. D.<br />
John Thomas, M.A. . . .<br />
Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Gibs<strong>on</strong><br />
...<br />
Harold Rylett ...<br />
John Briggs Lloyd ...<br />
Arrowsmith Hyde Shelley<br />
Immediately after, and in c<strong>on</strong>sequence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> passing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Act <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Uniformity in 1662, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Double Lecture was instituted by certain<br />
ejected ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this neighbourhood, in comnlemorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that event,<br />
and with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> view <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> maintaining and extending <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> principles <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissent.<br />
No minister, be it remembered in passing, was ejected for c<strong>on</strong>science sake<br />
from Dudley. James Scott in his MS. Hisfory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> CmdZey PresZyterinlz Church,<br />
in alluding to some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbouring societies, says, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley :--The<br />
Rev. J. [ WPL.] WiZZtts pre'ei~cIztd in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hoztse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> MY. Jos. YIII~~~, sitzrated 012 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
turnpike road ieadi~zg to I.I~olzierhn vrpt<strong>on</strong>. Here a recp ~rlnr society alas for~zed, and<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ejected ministtrs ii~ <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ne&hbozrri'iood ag~ccd fo preach CL doltfile Zccture <strong>on</strong><br />
JYhitsun Tuesday, which, afhr <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> reuloval <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chnjei in DztdZe~~,<br />
has been ever since c<strong>on</strong>ti~zued <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re.
It was not until 1866 that this Double Lectur.e was disc<strong>on</strong>tinued, and<br />
Dudley was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n included as <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> regular places <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly<br />
Meeting. The minutes are complete from 1776, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
scattered references so far back as 1723.<br />
The first meeting-house for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley society was built in 1702. It<br />
had but a short life, being destroyed in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sacheverell Riots, <strong>on</strong> 18 July,<br />
1715, so<strong>on</strong> after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> accessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> George I. An old account* relates how<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> mobbe came <strong>on</strong> to Dudley <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 17 July, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town mobbe<br />
joined <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m, crying, ' downe with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Roundheads ' and ' for Highe Church<br />
and Dr. Sacheverall.' The mobbe brake downe <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gatts. . . and about<br />
eleven a'clock at tlighte sett fire to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two great pillars that beare up<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>e, which fell at two a'clock."<br />
The meeting-houses so destroyed had to be replaced with Government<br />
aid, A340 12s. 4d. being granted by Parliament for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rebuilding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
that at Dudley, which was finished in 1717 at a cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 6299 17s. 2d.<br />
James Scott says that at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same fiz~te as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel 71,as rebuilt by Gozlerzz-<br />
menf a pars<strong>on</strong>age was erected, which has beelz t0Ke;lz dowtz and nzrotAer purchased.<br />
Mr. Am~phlet, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ifeywood Hall, was a f~ilzc@aZ c<strong>on</strong>tributor to tAe erecli<strong>on</strong> b<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>h<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel a d house. After <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rebuilding expenses <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house<br />
had been paid, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r damages made good, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re remained a balance<br />
in hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> AIS I 5s. 4d., which sum set <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
building <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this first pars<strong>on</strong>age. It was afterwards c<strong>on</strong>verted to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> purpose<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>, and was used for many years as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>General</strong> Post Office for Dudley.<br />
The old pars<strong>on</strong>age house is now occupied as <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fices. Part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> site <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting-house property was formerly occupied by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old school<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> industry pupils and cottages ; <strong>on</strong> which site were built Pars<strong>on</strong>s' Schools<br />
and two messuages.<br />
Some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old families in Dudley possess relics and curiosities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> burnt meeting-house, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> shape <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> oaken stands and curious boxes<br />
made from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> p<strong>on</strong>derous timbers, which were not entirely c<strong>on</strong>sumed in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>flagrati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
The meeting-house remained as rebuilt until 1869, when it was closed<br />
for more than six m<strong>on</strong>ths to allow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> complete alterati<strong>on</strong>s and general<br />
renovati<strong>on</strong>. Not a single feature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interior <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house<br />
*Reprinted, Inquirer, 11 December, 1869.<br />
remained; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> high box-like pews gave way to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present <strong>on</strong>es, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
former organ was replaced by a new <strong>on</strong>e, built by Messrs. Bishop and<br />
Starr, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>. The original walls were left and cemented at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same<br />
time ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> total cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> resto~ati<strong>on</strong> being about 61,000, towards which<br />
amount a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society had bequea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d A400. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> re-opening<br />
services, <strong>on</strong> Sunday, 12 December, 1869, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preacher was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late kvilliam<br />
James, minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lewin's Mead, Bristol.<br />
John Southwell, first minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society, came to Dudley from<br />
Kidderminster, and in 1688 removed to Newbury, where he remained, till<br />
his death about 1694, minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society now worshipping in Toomer's<br />
Court. He was nephew <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Richard Southwell, ejected from Baswick in<br />
StaEordshire, who, after his ejecti<strong>on</strong>, lived at Dodding-t<strong>on</strong>, between A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r-<br />
st<strong>on</strong>e and Leicester.<br />
William Willetts, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> next minister, died <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a decline <strong>on</strong> g March,<br />
---- . According to an old manuscript, alluded to by Mr. Arthur A.<br />
Rollas<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Budley Uerald, 30 April,- 1898, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following epitaph was<br />
to be seen many years ago in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Parish Church Yard, but has<br />
since disappeared :-<br />
The Rev. Mr. William Wilietts, an hospitable faithful minister in Dudley,<br />
who, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> age <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 36, fell asleep, 1700.<br />
So sleep <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> salints-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> body's kill'd,<br />
The soul with vast enjoyments fill'd ;<br />
But know, vain soul and sleepy sot,<br />
Thy judge and judgment sleepeth not :<br />
Then wake from sin.<br />
Joseph Stokes, ordained in 1691, is "our ~lrimzister" (in original agreemet~t)<br />
in October, 1701, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house was built for him in 1702, he<br />
was blind from 1733, and died in 174;. Mr. Rollas<strong>on</strong> thinks that <strong>on</strong><br />
fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r research it will b-e found that Nathaniel Stokes followed Willetts<br />
as minister. The Dudley Parish Registers record <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> burial <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nathaniel<br />
Stokes, dissenting minister, <strong>on</strong> 15 April, 1712, but, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r hand,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> generally accurate kISS. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jalnes Scott make no reference to him as<br />
minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society, nor does his name appear in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presl,yteria7z,<br />
I~tdepenabzt, a?zd Bajtist Co7igregnti<strong>on</strong>s i~z England, prepared for Dr. John<br />
Evans, 1714-1729, whilst Dr. Toulmin* says " Mr. Jcseph Stokes, who<br />
"Historical View, 1814, p. 561.
succeeded Mr. Willetts at Dudley," &c. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> face <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this direct reference,<br />
and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> absence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any respecting Nathaniel Stokes being minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author feels no difficulty in dismissing him and in<br />
saying he was not minister to this society.<br />
The Stokes family must have c<strong>on</strong>tinued <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
meeting-house for many years, as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> bilrials, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ground<br />
c<strong>on</strong>nected with it, am<strong>on</strong>gst o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs records that Joseph Stokes, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley,<br />
aged 21 years, died 4 January, 1815 ; Belljamin Stokes, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley, died<br />
21 May, buried 26 May, 1837; Fanny Stokes, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley, aged 64, died<br />
28 September, buried 2 October, 1857 ; whilst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are numerous entries<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptismal register referring to families <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this name.<br />
James Hancox, who had ministered to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> societies at Bloxham and<br />
Milt<strong>on</strong>, in Oxfordshire, from 1726, removed to Dudley in 1733 <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
occasi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<br />
his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r dying and leaving a wife and family, that he might be near <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m<br />
to assist his mo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r in carrying <strong>on</strong> his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's busiiless for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> benefit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> family.*<br />
He was ordained in Dudley, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same time as Joseph Fownes, <strong>on</strong><br />
20 April, 1743, having been appointed minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society-ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r as<br />
assistant to or CO-pastor with blind Joseph Stokes-in 1733. He died <strong>on</strong><br />
27 September, 1769, aet. 67. His daughter, Anne, became <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d wife<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Benjamin Carpenter.<br />
One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hancox's entries in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptisms is to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> effect<br />
that Berzja~zi?~ Ha?-1-isou, Fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> above registered S~Y~/L Harrzj-<strong>on</strong>, 7e?as<br />
baptized 14 April, 1745, it not bei?zg known He had not been baptized itz his<br />
Irtfaan~y till aftey <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptism <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his child.<br />
The silver chalices, still used by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worshippers, were given to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
society during his ministry in 1751 by "Mr. I.*F.*," most probably John<br />
Finch, a successi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that name being prominent in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society from 1722<br />
to 1840.<br />
After a short vacancy, supplied by Mr. Tindall, William Denny Wood<br />
was appointed minister in 1771, and held <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice until 1804, when he was<br />
paralysed. Judging by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his entries in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bap-<br />
tisms his ministry was an active <strong>on</strong>e. It was also <strong>on</strong>e which covered a<br />
period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> various notable events in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> district. The year 1782 saw <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
OLD MEETING-HOUSE, DUDLEY.
establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fourth ga<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ring <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which was<br />
held at Dudley, <strong>on</strong> 6 August, when Samuel Griffiths, minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
society in John Street, Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>, preached from Romans i., 16; and<br />
at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> seventh, <strong>on</strong> 3 December following, at Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>, Wood was<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preacher, his text being Psalm xxxvii., 3. The minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly<br />
Meeting show that Wood preached no fewer than I; times at its ga<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r-<br />
ings between 1782 and 1804, in additi<strong>on</strong> to delivering <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> charge <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
occasi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ordinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Bowen and Wm. Tullideph Procter<br />
at Walsall, <strong>on</strong> 9 June, 1802. He was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury Double Lecturers<br />
<strong>on</strong> three occasi<strong>on</strong>s. During his ministry some notable men preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Dudley Double Lecture, viz., Dr. Priestley in 1780, who, it is especially<br />
recorded, was also am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers present in 1787 when certain<br />
regulati<strong>on</strong>s as to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>ducting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lectures were agreed up<strong>on</strong>, and<br />
who prayed at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lecture <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1788 ; Thomas Belsham, "late <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcester,"<br />
in 1782 ; and Thomas Barnes, D. D., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Manchester, in 1799.<br />
Referring to this lecture by Dr. Priestley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Wm. Sunderland<br />
Smith, minister at Antrim, and uncle to Mrs. Rollas<strong>on</strong>, writes, as follows,<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author :- 31 October, 1898.<br />
An old Coseley friend <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> l<strong>on</strong>g, l<strong>on</strong>g ago-Dalziel Whitehouse--told me<br />
several ti~tzes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his going over to DudZey with his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r to hear Dr. Priesthy<br />
at this time. And he could describe <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> appearance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> doctor zlery nzinutely<br />
fr<strong>on</strong>z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> zinpressi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n made up<strong>on</strong> him, very yozdng as he was; for as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
preacher ascended <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pu&it steps <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, with much pria'e, directed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> attentioz<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chil'dren to him, and said, ' See, that is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> great and good Dr. Pyiestley.'<br />
An uncle, or a cousziz <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 13. Whitehouse, liz~ed for some time in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ho;tlle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Priestley when i ~ z Birminghanz. An account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this appeared in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian<br />
Lfe a couple <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> years ago, or <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>reabouts.<br />
The Priestley Riots in Birmingham took place in July, 1791 ; a few<br />
weeks after, <strong>on</strong> g August, Wood preached at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting at<br />
Oldbury from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> text, Acts xx., 24 :-<br />
But n<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se things move me, nei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r count I my life dear unto myself,<br />
SO that I might finish my course with joy, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry, which I have<br />
received <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord Jesus, to testify <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gospel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> grace <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God.<br />
James Hews Bransby was s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Bransby (d. 1837), <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ipswich,<br />
an instrument maker, a fellow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Royal Astr<strong>on</strong>omical Society. He<br />
was educated in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> academy maintained at Exeter from 1799 to 1804 by
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Revs. Timothy Kenrick and Joseph Bretland. At Moret<strong>on</strong> Hampstead,<br />
where he was minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Society from 1804 to 1805, he<br />
kept a school, am<strong>on</strong>gst his first pupils being John Bowring, afterwards<br />
Sir John Bowring. At Dudley, where he c<strong>on</strong>tinued to keep a preparatory<br />
school for boys, he was by no means unpopular, but his eccentricities<br />
gradually excited c<strong>on</strong>siderable remarks, particularly as he developed a<br />
tendency which is perhaps best described as kleptomania. At length he<br />
committed a breach <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust, involving forgery, which was c<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>ed <strong>on</strong><br />
c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his quitting Dudley for ever in 1828. He retired to Wales,<br />
and supported himself by teaching, by editing a paper, and by odd jobs<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> literary work. His peculiarities accompanied him in this department,<br />
for he would borrow a manuscript and after improvements send it to a<br />
magazine as his own. An irresistible impulse led him, <strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong>e occasi<strong>on</strong>,<br />
to revisit Dudley for a few hours ; as he stood gazing at his Old Meeting-<br />
house he was recognised, but spared. Late in life he occasi<strong>on</strong>ally preached<br />
again. He died very suddenly at Br<strong>on</strong>'r Hendref, near Carnarv<strong>on</strong>, <strong>on</strong> 4<br />
November, 1847, zt. 64. He left behind him a mass <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> very compromising<br />
papers, which fell accidentally into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Franklin Baker, minister<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bank Street Chapel, Bolt<strong>on</strong>, 1823-1864, and were probably destroyed.*<br />
Bransby, <strong>on</strong> eighteen occasi<strong>on</strong>s, preached before his brethren at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly<br />
Meeting, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last time being <strong>on</strong> 7 August, 1827, at Tamworth, when, from<br />
St. John ix., 18, he delivered a92 app~ujriate testi??zotzy to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> nzenzory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev.<br />
Joh~t Small, 1.4 years uzi~ister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cosel'ey . -l-<br />
Satnuel Bache (see p. 56) remained here but a few years, being called<br />
to Birmingham in 1832 as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting.<br />
John Palmer, whose ancestor-<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kentish family <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palmer-<br />
came over to Ireland with William, Prince <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Orange, was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> eldest s<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Henry Palmer, Esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Court, Killotteran. Here, within three<br />
miles <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Waterford, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> banks <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> river Suir, his early days<br />
were passed, and, in due course, he proceeded to Trinity College, Dublin,<br />
whi<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r he used to ride from Waterford ; <strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong>e occasi<strong>on</strong> his mo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
accompanied him, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two being seated <strong>on</strong> a pilli<strong>on</strong>. Palmer's <strong>on</strong>ly s<strong>on</strong>,<br />
in a letter to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author <strong>on</strong> 10 September, 1898, says :-l see in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> L6Dudl~y<br />
Herald" that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is a doubt as to whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r my fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r real@ took his degree <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
"Dic. Nut. Biog., article by A.G.<br />
+MS. Minutes, M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting.<br />
B.A. Afy fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r was far too h<strong>on</strong>ozrrable to have adopted a degree to which he<br />
had ?so cZai?fz. He zelas prepared to lake hoZy orders in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> EngZand<br />
a d IreZa~zd, bz~t threw up all hzj- prospects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> advancenzent from his c<strong>on</strong>scientious<br />
scraples ns to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nasian Creed; he co~rld not S@ his name to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> danz~zn-<br />
tio?z clause.<br />
On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> death (5 February, 1831) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Hincks, minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Renshaw<br />
Street Chapel, Liverpool, Palmer accepted an engagement as locum tellens<br />
with that society. John Hamilt<strong>on</strong> Thom having been appointed minister,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worshippers presented Palmer with a piece <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> silver plate "as a mark<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir esteem for his character, and gratitude for his services during a<br />
temporary sojourn <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> four m<strong>on</strong>ths in which he fulfilled <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> duties <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir<br />
pastor."<br />
Being an excellent ma<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>matician and scholar he was elected tutor<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian College, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, where he lived until his appoint-<br />
ment at Dudley <strong>on</strong> 18 February, 1833. At Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, in additi<strong>on</strong> to<br />
his duties at College, he also discharged those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n worshipping in Dark Gate, but since removed to Parkyvelvet Chapel,<br />
Manse1 Street. He was also <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> founder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Welshman, a weekly paper<br />
still regularly issued, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which he was first editor.<br />
1<br />
In Dudley he so<strong>on</strong> made his power felt-<br />
as a good and pleasant preacher; and during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 19 years he held <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
appointment he secured <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> esteem and regard <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all good citizens."<br />
He kept a school, to which many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> leading families <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dis-<br />
trict-Dix<strong>on</strong>, Hodgetts, Holcr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>t, Wood, J<strong>on</strong>es, &C., sent <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir s<strong>on</strong>s. He<br />
was a frequent and acceptable lecturer at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mechanics' Institute, and<br />
entered heartily into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> life <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> working men <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town, who, to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir h<strong>on</strong>our, be it recorded, raised by a penny subscripti<strong>on</strong> am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m-<br />
selves a sufficient sum to give him a golden snuff box, inscribed :-Presented<br />
to John Palmer, Esq., A.B., by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Freehold<br />
Land Society, as a testim<strong>on</strong>y <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> respect, and in acknowledgment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> .his<br />
valuable services as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir chairman-12 April, 1852. And "warmly-attached<br />
friends, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his leaving this country," presented him with a<br />
service <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> silver plate <strong>on</strong> 15 April, 1852.<br />
*Dz/dley HL'~~I~J, 23 April, 1898.
During his Dudley ministry he twice preached at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury Double<br />
Lecture ; in 1835 with William Bowen, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley, and in 1848 with James<br />
Cranbrook, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting he preached <strong>on</strong> six<br />
occasi<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
He left Dudley and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry <strong>on</strong> his appointment as Her Majesty's<br />
Treasurer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dominica, which <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice he held until failing health-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> result<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a sunstroke-compelled his retirement in 1866. His power <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> versifica-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong>, which had shewn itself early in his Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n days, asserted itself<br />
again in Dominica, when, <strong>on</strong> g March, 1861, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was printed <strong>on</strong> blue<br />
broadsides, " Prince Alfred's Welcome to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> West Indies. " The Prince<br />
sent his tutor, Sir John Cowell, to compliment Palmer <strong>on</strong> his " Welcome,"<br />
and to say he would present <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> verses to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Queen.<br />
PRINCE ALFRED'S WELCOAIIE*<br />
To <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Welc<strong>on</strong>~e, young Prince-our sec<strong>on</strong>d Hope-up<strong>on</strong> whose brow we trace<br />
The f<strong>on</strong>d familiar lineaments <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> England's Royal race.<br />
Most welcome for thy Mo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's sake-in whom each grace is seen,<br />
In <strong>on</strong>e combined-that best become-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, Wife, and Queen.<br />
And welcome for thy h<strong>on</strong>our'd Sire-beneath whose fostering care<br />
Science and arts approach <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> thr<strong>on</strong>e and find a Patr<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re.<br />
Welcome for him, Imperial Britain's foremost boast and pride,<br />
The promise to a future age, by favoring Heaven supplied.<br />
A thousand welcomes, gentle Prince,-not for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir sakes al<strong>on</strong>e,<br />
Accept from Tropic hearts and t<strong>on</strong>gues, thou'rt welcome for thy own.<br />
Thy Ships hold c<strong>on</strong>verse with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sound <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ocean's loudest cries,<br />
Their meteor Pennants float al<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>t-communing with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> skies.<br />
Say, whi<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r can <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y bear <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>e, S<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> England's Royal race,<br />
Where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> wild cry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> joy is hushed and gratulati<strong>on</strong>s cease ?<br />
Sail you thro' Britain's Tropic Isles, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se Cyclads <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> earth,<br />
Ten thousand t<strong>on</strong>gues salute <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re, with shouts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> loyal mirth.<br />
Sail you thro' alien lands-e'en <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re, no alien heart you find,<br />
Your Mo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's virtues <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are felt, and rule each willing mind.<br />
In love and reverence for her, do all with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>e combine,<br />
And <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> great heart <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nati<strong>on</strong>s throbs in syn~pathy with thine.<br />
*From <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> original blue broadsides, petzes, G.E.E.<br />
4<br />
Born for thyself thou art not Prince,-thy faith thy Mo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r plights,<br />
Thy energies, thy life, thy all-to man-to human rights ;<br />
But still, thy lov'd, thy native land-her interests claini <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>e first,-<br />
Where our heroic Sires <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> old, saw Infant Freedom nurs'd ;- a<br />
Watched patient by her rugged couch,-till <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y beheld arise-<br />
An Angel Form-to earth espoused-tho' Gtted for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> skies.<br />
Aid her bright missi<strong>on</strong> to mankind-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> task is all divine-<br />
A greatness looms before her path-0 ! be that greatness thine.<br />
Glorious <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prince, who makes her cause his care, his boast, his pride ;<br />
Glorious <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Queen, who reigns o'er lands, by Freedom sanctified.<br />
Alfred ! 0 Prince, a name is thine-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> watchword <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> free-<br />
Promise and pledge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> future things, thy country seeks from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>e.<br />
Like <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> great Sax<strong>on</strong>, from thy mind cast <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f successless sloth ;<br />
Rival his patriot life and let <strong>on</strong>e halo wrea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> you both.<br />
Shape thy young manhood to his type,-and may thy aims sublime<br />
Prove that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> greatness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> past survives <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lapse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> time.<br />
Be Alfred, virtue's syn<strong>on</strong>ym-0 ! let <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> word express<br />
The exalted soul-and deeds achieved for human happiness,-<br />
Like him-let virtue's rugged path, be that al<strong>on</strong>e to Fame,<br />
Till our lov'd land beholds revived-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> glory with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name.<br />
JNO. PALMER.<br />
Dominica, 9th March, 1861.<br />
During his residence in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> island, yellow fever carried <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f his two<br />
daughters, Aphra and Mary. On his return he settled at Waterford, where<br />
he died in his house <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mall <strong>on</strong> 8 March, 1869, having a short while<br />
before become a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Church in Ireland, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which his<br />
s<strong>on</strong> is rector <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kilnaliue parish, CO. Wexford. Palmer was twice married,<br />
his sec<strong>on</strong>d wife, who still (1898) lives hale and hearty with her s<strong>on</strong> at<br />
Hollyfort rectory, being sister to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Rev. John Gord<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Samuel Coulter Davis<strong>on</strong> was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> eldest s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> David Davis<strong>on</strong>, M.A.<br />
(d. 1858), <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> successor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Abraham Rees, D.D., as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jewin<br />
Street, or Old Jewry Chapel, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>. From 1847 to 1856 he was Hebrew,<br />
German and English tutor at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian College, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
annual examinati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which had been c<strong>on</strong>ducted by his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r for a<br />
quarter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a century with great ability, and with marked advantage to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
College. On resigning his post at Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n Dr. Davis<strong>on</strong> entered <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ministry, received Presbyterian ordinati<strong>on</strong> in Ireland, and ministered at<br />
Dudley from 1857 to 1860, when he resigned, and, without tak,ing active<br />
charge again, died in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, <strong>on</strong> 23 January, 1874.
John Thomas was <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cornish extracti<strong>on</strong> though born in Stockport,<br />
where he became head boy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Grammar School, and gave signs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
that natural taste for music, which remained <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> passi<strong>on</strong> and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> recreati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his life. He graduated at Cambridge, after which he travelled for two<br />
years <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>tinent, his violin being his c<strong>on</strong>stant compani<strong>on</strong>. He <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n<br />
took Anglican orders, and was for two years curate at St. George's Church,<br />
Manchester, and afterwards <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Irsden, in Northumberland. His <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ological<br />
views, always rati<strong>on</strong>alistic, led him to aband<strong>on</strong> his positi<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> England, and after preaching with much acceptance in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Gravel<br />
Pit Chapel, Hackney, and Clarence Road Church, Kentish Town, where he<br />
left a very favourable impressi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his piety and his pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong>al ability,<br />
he became minister at Dudley in 1860. In 1862, after six m<strong>on</strong>ths' ministry<br />
at Hastings, he settled at Huddersfield, where he remained in charge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Fitzwilliam Street society until his lamented death <strong>on</strong> 25 October,<br />
I 884.<br />
Of Richard Shaen, Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Gibs<strong>on</strong> and John Briggs Lloyd-in his<br />
boyhood <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> scholars <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author's fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, first at Bridgend and<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n at Colyt<strong>on</strong>, Dev<strong>on</strong>-who have but so recently passed into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nearer<br />
Presence, let not <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir gentle shades be disturbed.<br />
An interesting and important record came to light through <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> recent<br />
publicati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old n<strong>on</strong>-parochial registers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Old Meeting-house is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptism <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> George<br />
Parker, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William and Elizabeth Bidder, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Moret<strong>on</strong> Hampstead, <strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 6th July, 1806, with a note that in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 8th year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his age George ParAer<br />
Bidder discoz~ered sztrprisi?zg skill i ~ z mental arithmetic. This George Parker<br />
Bidder was no o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r than <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> great civil engineer and partner with George<br />
and Robert Stephens<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> railway fame, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late George<br />
Parker Bidder, Q.C. The history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entry in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Old Meetinghouse<br />
register is not at all surprising when it is remembered that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr.<br />
Bransby, minister at Dudley at that time, was previously minister at Cross<br />
Chapel, Moret<strong>on</strong> Hampstead, in Dev<strong>on</strong>shire, where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was no settled<br />
minister, after Mr. Bransby, for about ten years. It was <strong>on</strong> Mr. Bransby's<br />
occasi<strong>on</strong>al visits to Moret<strong>on</strong> Hampstead that he baptized several infants<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re and entered <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m in his register at Dudley. Whoever would have<br />
thought in those pre-civil-registrati<strong>on</strong> times <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> searching <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> registers at<br />
Dudley for a baptism <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a child in Dev<strong>on</strong>shire ? The Registrati<strong>on</strong> Acts<br />
were passed n<strong>on</strong>e too so<strong>on</strong>.<br />
BAYLIES'S CHARITY SCHOOL.<br />
By indenture, dated 6 and 7 September, 1732, Robert Baylies, a lime<br />
burner, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley, his bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r Samuel, and his sister Anne,- c<strong>on</strong>veyed to<br />
John Finch and six o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs various lands and messuages in trust, which,<br />
after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir deaths, should enable <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees to "establish and set up a<br />
free charity school in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St. Edmund, in Dudley, for teaching,<br />
instructing, and clothing 50 poor boys, to be elected and chosen out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parishes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town and foreign <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley from such whose parents<br />
should not be able to give <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m learning." The boys were to be taught<br />
in "<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new building <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n lately erected by Samuel Baylies at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lower<br />
end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his garden, next to Pease Lane "; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> master to be elected "should<br />
be <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sober life and c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a great government <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> himself and<br />
passi<strong>on</strong>s, capable <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> teaching, and <strong>on</strong>e that should understand well th.e<br />
grounds and principles <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian religi<strong>on</strong> "; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> boys were to be<br />
taught spelling, English, reading, writing-, vulgar arithmetic, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> knowledge<br />
and practise <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian religi<strong>on</strong>, and such o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r things as should be<br />
most suitable to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Just above <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> signatures <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pious bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs and sister is written<br />
this final memorandum :-XB. It is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> will <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> snid Robert Baylies,<br />
Samuel Bnylies, and sln~ze Bnyli~s, that all such poor boj~s ztho enjoy <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> betzejz'<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school before-~ventt'<strong>on</strong>ed, called Baylies's Charity School, shall a lways give<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir attendance every Lord's Day at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meetifig-house i7z DudZey, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> times<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bivzize service, and to that e?zd it is held proj~r for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>llt to ?tieet at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school<br />
at nize O'CZOGK in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> morniq- afzd at o7ze in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> afe~no<strong>on</strong>, afzd so to attend <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
master thi<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r; and, last@, ozrr 7uiZZ is that each and every perso~t elected for a<br />
trustee shall be <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissenting party, or a low chiirc/'11za7z, and PZO~<br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rzoise. "<br />
On I I September, 1733, Robert, Samuel and Anne Baylies, seeing that<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> yearly income <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lands and houses "was likely to be <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>sider-<br />
ably greater amount than would suffice for teaching and clothing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poor<br />
boys and defraying o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r incidental charges, were minded " by a deed<br />
poll to give <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees power to "put out some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> charity boys<br />
apprentices in such trades, and with such sums <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ey and at such ages<br />
as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees should think fit "; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r ordered that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees<br />
were to have an annual meeting " <strong>on</strong> Tuesdzy in Easter-week," when " a<br />
sum not exceeding 10s. should be laid out for a collati<strong>on</strong>."
On 16 and 17 June, 1736, Robert Baylies c<strong>on</strong>veyed more property to<br />
John Finch for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> benefit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school; and again, <strong>on</strong> 24 and 25 May,<br />
1739, in order to make some better provisi<strong>on</strong> for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> charity scho01,'~ he<br />
c<strong>on</strong>veyed to John Finch <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> house and gardens " fr<strong>on</strong>ting to Castle Street,<br />
Dudley, in which Robert Baylies <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n lived."<br />
By his will, dated 23 May, 1739, and proved 22 February, 1745, good<br />
Robert Baylies was fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r mindful for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> welfare <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school he had<br />
so dearly at heart, and, in additi<strong>on</strong> to bequests to its trustees and to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
trustees "<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant<br />
Dissenters called Presbyterians," he directed his executors to pay A50 to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house trustees, who were to expend <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it "yearly<br />
in providing a dinner for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers who should attend <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> annual<br />
lecture <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society in Dudley, comm<strong>on</strong>ly called <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Double Lecture."<br />
By degrees <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school rose in numbers, so much so that about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
year 1820 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> improvement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> funds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> charity was such as to<br />
permit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> educating <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> over 200 boys, "though <strong>on</strong>ly 50 were clo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d<br />
from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> bounty."<br />
New premises became necessary, and in 1824 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> familiar building,<br />
with its two costumed boys in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> .niches over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> doors, was built, at a<br />
cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> about AI, 200, in Tower Street-formerly Pease Lane-" <strong>on</strong> part<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> property originally settled by Samuel Baylies." This new school-<br />
house was formerly opened <strong>on</strong> M<strong>on</strong>day, 22 March, 1824, <strong>on</strong> which occasi<strong>on</strong><br />
an address was delivered by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. James Hews Bransby, which was<br />
subsequently printed by John Bransby, at Ipswich, and filled 36 pages 8vo.<br />
At this time it was stated that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re were " between 230 and 240 boys<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school, all supplied with books and stati<strong>on</strong>ery, instructed <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Lancasterian system, and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian religi<strong>on</strong>. Although required to<br />
attend <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel <strong>on</strong> Sundays <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y are by no means all children <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> mem-<br />
bers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>. Fifty boys are clo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d annually, each receiving<br />
a cap, coat, trousers, two shirts, two pairs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> stockings, and two pairs<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> shoes, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which amounts to about A2 <strong>on</strong> an average for each.<br />
There are generally about five or six boys bound apprentice annually<br />
without premium, but <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees give each boy a suit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> clo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>s, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which is about 50s. each."<br />
On 8 February, 1831, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> surviving trustees were James Hews Bransby,<br />
Joseph Hodgetts, Booth Hodgetts, and John Twamley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> elder ; who<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n c<strong>on</strong>veyed all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> valuable trusts to Mark Bolt<strong>on</strong> Hughes, Henry Hunt,<br />
Thomas Yate Hunt, William Morris, John Twamley <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> younger, Oliver<br />
Newey, Charles Twamley, Michael Hemming, and, Richard Nicklin.<br />
Later than this date it is not necessary to pursue <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this<br />
important trust, so admirably administered for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> educati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> successive<br />
generati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley youths by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister and members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old<br />
Meeting.<br />
I<br />
One or two details are worthy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> record. In 1781 John Finch gave<br />
A400 to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> charity, which sum <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees accepted for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> purposes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust. The master <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school has also been, from early years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
nineteenth century at least, secretary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Book Society (p. 116) ;<br />
which it is surmised may be coeval with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> enlightened family <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baylies.<br />
A school <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> industry for girls was built <strong>on</strong> land purchased by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
meeting-house trustees ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ey necessary for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building, amounting<br />
to upwards <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A500, was supplied from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> funds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baylies's Charity.<br />
This school was entirely supported by voluntary subscripti<strong>on</strong>s, and <strong>on</strong>ly<br />
ceased its operati<strong>on</strong>s when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> " Daniel Pars<strong>on</strong>s' Schools " were founded.<br />
DANIEL PARSONS' CHARITY.<br />
By his will, dated 23 December, 1814, and proved in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prerogative<br />
Court <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Canterbury <strong>on</strong> 19 March, 1821, Daniel Pars<strong>on</strong>s, nailmaster, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Dudley, gave to his sister, Mary Pars<strong>on</strong>s, and his friends, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. James<br />
Hews Bransby, Charles Finch (<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cambridge), and Henry Hunt (<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> West<br />
Bromwich), all his houses, lands and real estate up<strong>on</strong> trust to sell <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m<br />
and to invest <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> proceeds, paying <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest to his sister Mary, for her<br />
life, and after her death and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> payment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> certain legacies, including<br />
<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> "LIOO to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissenting academy in York," to pay<br />
"out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ey <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L~o,ooo <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> lawful<br />
British m<strong>on</strong>ey," to 24 trustees* towards sz@jorti?zg or establishing a school i?z<br />
or near WoZver/la??@to~z Sireet, i ~ z Budley, for tile edz~cal'ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> boys and girls,<br />
"They were in order named in will :-Thornas Webb Hodgetts, James Hunt, Francis<br />
Finch, Joseph Wainwright Hodgetts, James Whetst<strong>on</strong>e, Mark Bolt<strong>on</strong> Hughes, Benjamin<br />
Stokes, Peter Homer, Robert Wallace, Major Parkes, John Lee, James William Cann<strong>on</strong>,<br />
James Cooksey, Stephen Grainger, James Brettell, John Robins<strong>on</strong>, Henry Woodhouse,<br />
Peter Anth<strong>on</strong>y Downing, Joseph Fletcher, James Gord<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> younger, William Mi~urice,<br />
all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley ; William Kicklin, William Nicklin <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> younger, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tipt<strong>on</strong>;<br />
and James Graft<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Brettell Lane.
cing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chil'dren <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> poor pers<strong>on</strong>s, who, frotlt time to tzine, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time beilzg,<br />
should at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> tinze <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> admissz<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir cAiZd~en upo;tz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> foztndatzbn <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
school to be established under that his wild, fie parishi<strong>on</strong>ers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> and inhabitants<br />
wifiziz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> paris/z <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Budley, or witt'ti~z oqze mile and a hag <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>, iz writing,<br />
reading, sewzizg, and arit/zmetic, and in clothing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same boys and girls. The<br />
trustees were also to elect some proper pers<strong>on</strong>s bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenters in Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong> Street, Dudley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> good<br />
character, to be <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> master and mistress, who, after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir appointment,<br />
should <strong>on</strong> every Sunday "attend <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> boys and girls to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> said dissenting<br />
meeting-house to hear divine worship "; and " every morning and evening<br />
prayers should be read to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> boys and girls." The trustees were to be<br />
"men <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> integrity and h<strong>on</strong>est reputati<strong>on</strong>, and also members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> said<br />
c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenters attending <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> said meeting-house ;<br />
and trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a certain piece <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> land [Inhedge] lately given by Daniel<br />
Pars<strong>on</strong>s for burial ground." Attached to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> will are two memoranda,<br />
stating am<strong>on</strong>g o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r things "that every child bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> schools<br />
should have given <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m every Sunday <strong>on</strong>e penny loaf and a small piece<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cheese "; that A20 should " be given in bread and herrings every<br />
Christmas to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley and adjoining parish "; and that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Sunday school, "taught by Mr. Hallard be given 10s. per week to buy a<br />
dinner for 50 children every Sunday," and he "gave <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> table cloths,<br />
spo<strong>on</strong>s, knives, and cups, &C., to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir use."<br />
15'1311~ years had to elapse before <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school could be established. Miss<br />
Mary Pars<strong>on</strong>s died <strong>on</strong> 28 April, 1849, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> advanced age <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 96 years, in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> house in Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong> Street, and was buried in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting-<br />
house <strong>on</strong> 4 !Jay, where, it is said, her bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, Daniel, was also buried.<br />
After her death litigati<strong>on</strong> followed, and it was not ui~til 29 October, 1863,<br />
that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> scheme for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> management and regulati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Daniel Pars<strong>on</strong>s'<br />
Scl~ools and for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> applicati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> income <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> was directed by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
vice-Chancellor, Sir Richard Torin Kindersley, by order made at Chambers<br />
in certain suits: entitled ' Hunt V. Pars<strong>on</strong>s,' ' Hunt v. Isaac,' and Hunt<br />
v. Hought<strong>on</strong>.' The full number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees is fifteen.* These were to<br />
7YThe first set named in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> scheme, in order as printed, were :-" James Hunt,<br />
William Nicklin <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> younger, Rev. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Gibs<strong>on</strong>, William Chrysostom Wood, Samuel<br />
Hoiden Blackwell, Edward Grainger, John Finch, George Thomps<strong>on</strong>, Henry Wood,<br />
Charles Wood, Josiah Southall, Henry Wright, Henry Bodin, John Williscr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>t, and<br />
George Blunt, all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley, and members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenting Meeting-house<br />
in Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong> Street, Dudley."<br />
remove so much <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> premises <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n recently purchased by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m from<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting as was necessary, and erect suitable resi-<br />
dences for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> master and mistress, and to make <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> alterati<strong>on</strong>s and<br />
additi<strong>on</strong>s necessary to collvert <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Girls' School <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Industry, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n established<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re, into schools for boys and girls. The foundati<strong>on</strong> boys and girls, not<br />
less than 20 <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> each, were to be clo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d yearly at an expense not exceed-<br />
ing A2 10s. od. per boy, and L2 per girl.<br />
Suitable prayers, to be approved by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees, are read every morning<br />
and evening in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> respective schools by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> master and mistress, and all<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> boys and girls are present <strong>on</strong>ce every Sunday at Divine worship in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting.<br />
No c<strong>on</strong>gregatioil menti<strong>on</strong>ed in this book enjoys anything like so great<br />
educati<strong>on</strong>al trusts as does this <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Old Meeting, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baylies's<br />
and Pars<strong>on</strong>s' charities. L<strong>on</strong>g may <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees c<strong>on</strong>tinue to discharge <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
resp<strong>on</strong>sibilities cast up<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se pious benefactors, and that with-<br />
out fear or favour <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir fellow townsmen, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir endeavour to train<br />
aright <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> children committed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir charge in "<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> knowledge and<br />
practice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Religi<strong>on</strong>."<br />
INHEDGE BURIAL GROUND.<br />
On I January, 1811, Daniel Pars<strong>on</strong>s c<strong>on</strong>veyed to James Whetst<strong>on</strong>e<br />
and 23 o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r trustees certain shrubbery and pleasure grounds <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n in his<br />
occupati<strong>on</strong>, and known as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Inhedge, Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong> Street, Dudley, to<br />
be used and e?ybyed as a burial ground by a certain c<strong>on</strong>g~egati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prot~stanf<br />
Dissenters in Dztdley now atzd hereafter assembZi~zg for zelorshz2 at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meetinglzouse<br />
i?z Wolverha~~2pt<strong>on</strong> Street. The extent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> land was some 41 yards<br />
l<strong>on</strong>g and 21 yards broad, and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> whole 861 square yards. This trust<br />
has been regularly kept up ; at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> appointment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees <strong>on</strong> 29 June,<br />
1847, James Whetst<strong>on</strong>e, Major Parkes, and William Nicklin, were <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>ly<br />
survivors <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> original trustees ; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n elected in 1847,<br />
Charles Twamley, Edward Grainger, John Finch, and John Hodgetts Smith<br />
were left to pass <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust, <strong>on</strong> 19 September, 1881, when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y elected<br />
as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir successors, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Gibs<strong>on</strong>, dissenting minister; George<br />
Thomps<strong>on</strong>, maltster and hop merchant ; Henry Wood, grocer and provisi<strong>on</strong><br />
merchant ; William Partridge Greenway, ir<strong>on</strong>master ; Edward Harper, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
elder, ir<strong>on</strong> merchant ; George Frederick Thomps<strong>on</strong>, maltster and hop
merchant ; John Williscr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>t, hatter ; John Richards, butcher ; George Talbot<br />
Gibs<strong>on</strong>, bank cashier ; William Bodin, plumber and painter ; William<br />
Summerhill, glass cutter ; James Whyte, insurance agent ; William Halkin<br />
Nightingale, ir<strong>on</strong> merchant ; William Henry Child, deputy town clerk ;<br />
Charles Timings Finch, range knob manufacturer ; Edward Harper, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
younger, merchant's clerk, all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley ; John Whitehouse, solicitor, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Tipt<strong>on</strong> ; and Henry Hughes, ir<strong>on</strong>master, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sedgley.<br />
DUDLEY BOOK SOCIETY.<br />
Intimately bound up with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting is that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Book Society, which emanated from it. Mr. Joseph Ridgway,<br />
in his interesting article <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Book Society's history," says that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> exact<br />
date <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its origin, and how it was brought about, are matters mostly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
deducti<strong>on</strong> from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following train <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> reas<strong>on</strong>ing :-As our forefa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs had<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir social evenings at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most respectable hostelry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> towns in which<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y resided-am<strong>on</strong>g kindred spirits-so we find Dudley no excepti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
The chief tradesmen <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that time met at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saracen's Head, at least <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
n<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>forming porti<strong>on</strong>, where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y smoked <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir pipes over a quiet tankard<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> home-brewed ; talking over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> events <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> day, business, politics,<br />
and religi<strong>on</strong>. It was in such a regi<strong>on</strong> and under such circumstances that<br />
this society germed. This c<strong>on</strong>jecture bears str<strong>on</strong>g c<strong>on</strong>firmati<strong>on</strong> from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
fact that from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this century-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> nineteenth-to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present<br />
day this society has been located in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hotel menti<strong>on</strong>ed, with <strong>on</strong>ly some<br />
small interims-<strong>on</strong>e at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Arms and again at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bush I-Iotel.<br />
Their meetings were m<strong>on</strong>thly. Of <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> age <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society, it may be coeval<br />
with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baylies's family. Why we may be allowed to think so is this :<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first decade <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this century it flourished as a society that had<br />
existed a l<strong>on</strong>g time before. The ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting have gener-.<br />
ally been presidents. The society, however, is not a close <strong>on</strong>e, it has<br />
received into its company most sorts and c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> men. The circu-<br />
lati<strong>on</strong> list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> members comprehends every shade <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> creed and politics. In<br />
that cosy meeting room <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society many schemes for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> advancement<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> educati<strong>on</strong>, reforms-municipal and parliamentary-have been hatched.<br />
Church rates were opposed and some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> members suffered <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir goods<br />
"Dudley Herald, 15 October, 1898.<br />
to be sold <strong>on</strong> principle. The change in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> representati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> borough<br />
was effected through <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> return <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. H. B. Sheridan. The Mechanics'<br />
Institute was floated in premises <strong>on</strong>ce occupied by Mr. John Finch, merchant,<br />
who gave to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting its silver communioil chalices. The library<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting was lent as a nucleus <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present library; and <strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> School Board and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Council Chamber members have d<strong>on</strong>e much<br />
h<strong>on</strong>ourable work.<br />
Its secretaries in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> nineteenth century include-Mr. Wm. Maurice,<br />
elected at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> annual dinner in 1805 ; Mr. Joseph Pitchfork, elected in 1836 ;<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late town clerk, Mr. W. H. Brooke, 1856-1860 ; Mr. Joseph Ridgway,<br />
1860-1892 ; and Mr. H. A. Lewis, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present master <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baylies's Charity<br />
School. The health <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society has been well maintained through <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
century, and shows no signs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> age nor decadence. Its membership has<br />
been maintained-circling round twenty. More members have been tried,<br />
but <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> books were too l<strong>on</strong>g in circulating. Floreat !<br />
THE DUDLEY DOUBLE LECTURE.<br />
The late James Scott, minister, Park Lane Chapel, Cradley, (p.v.),<br />
1789-1827, says, in his illS. history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that society, TAe Rev. J. WiGlets<br />
preached in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dzouse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> &IT. Jos. Smith, situated <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> tz~r@iit.e road kading to<br />
~.t'oZverhal~@to~z [fro;l?z Dudley]. Here a replar society wns fomted; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ejected nzinisters in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ne~hbourhood agreed to preach a double lecture <strong>on</strong> Whitsun<br />
Tz~esday, which, after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> re??zoval <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chapel ziz Dz~diey, has been<br />
ever since c<strong>on</strong>ti?zued <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re."<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> original minute book (now in keeping <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> secretary for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
time being <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenting Ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Warwickshire and neighbouring Counties, established 1782) <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is this<br />
note <strong>on</strong> p. 4 : -"lj~d that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Double Lectz~re took place i?npnediate&<br />
after, and in colzsepueitzce <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Act <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>for~nity being passed, i.e., 1662. That<br />
it atas established by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ejected ;r;lzi?zisters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dt~riley [no minister was ejected<br />
from Dudley] and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighboz~rhood in c<strong>on</strong>tnze;lltorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that event, and with<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> view <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nzairztaini7zg nnd extending <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pri~zc@les <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissefzt. We have no<br />
account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> milzutes beJo~pe 1723, but I have ascertnined <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> folloz~ing-1723, 4'758,<br />
1769, 1770, 1773."-J [ohn] P [alnier].
Also this note under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1787, '< At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting at DudZey Doz~bZe<br />
Lecture, May 29th, 1787, present :-MY. BQ<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>, Mr. Hazedes, Mr. BaJer, Dr.<br />
Priestley, Mr. SchoZejeZd, Mr. E~mans, MY. Cole, Mr. Anzner, IMr. H%od, Mr.<br />
Gentleman, 1Mr. Procter, Mr. Severn, Mr. Carpenter, Mr. GrzBths, &!r. BeasZey.<br />
Resolved :-<br />
G That ye Pers<strong>on</strong>s who preach shall have ye N<strong>on</strong>tinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Preachers for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
year fo!lozoing.<br />
That ye Senior <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Preachers shall pray <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> yea? foZlowi?zg, klzless absent, itz wch<br />
case ye o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r shall jerfornz ye same duty.<br />
" That every lMinister nttendinz ye Lecture $?*od'uce a Ser?)t<strong>on</strong> at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Minister's hottse<br />
'a qztartrr before eleven o'clock, and that he be censzc7-ed in case he do not, by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Senio~ Preacher.<br />
" That ilz case ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ye appointed Prenche?.~ be absent, he zuho has not preached<br />
for ye l<strong>on</strong>gest time shZ tab his tztrn. This ntle to apply, if both Preachers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last year be absent, to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> devoti<strong>on</strong>al Semice.<br />
" That <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se rules be read over by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ye place nt mevy Lectlrg*e.<br />
" It is je wish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> us here present that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se rules be rend over a d adopted at<br />
Oll'bury."<br />
In 1866 this lecture was disc<strong>on</strong>tinued, and Dudley was included as <strong>on</strong>e<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> regular places <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting.<br />
A list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lecturers, fragmentary from 1723, but complete from 1777,<br />
is given in Yestkes, pp. 344-351.<br />
Chalices (2)) silver, Gxins. tall, bell, stem, foot.<br />
handles :-<br />
GIVEN<br />
FOR THE USE OF DUDLEY MEETING,<br />
BY MR. I*F*<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> date letter, 1751-52.<br />
Paten (I), electro, gins. diameter, stem, round foot.<br />
centre :-<br />
OLD MEETING HOUSE, DUDLEY,<br />
Inscripti<strong>on</strong> between<br />
Inscripti<strong>on</strong> in<br />
1853-<br />
Flag<strong>on</strong> (I), electro, ~oyins. tall, plain body, band round lower half,<br />
lid, handle, beak ; same inscripti<strong>on</strong> and date as paten.<br />
I. Baptisms ...<br />
11, Births and Baptisms<br />
Burials .. . a..<br />
JOHN SOUTHWELL, ed. Sheriff Hales Academy, by John Woodhouse ; chaplain to Philip<br />
Foley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prestwood, Esq. ; assistant to Mr. Woodhouse ; master <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an academy at<br />
Kidderminster, which he removed to Dudley ; min. Dudley, -1667?; Newbury,<br />
1688-1694 ; d. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong> about 1694, at Newbury, zt. about 32.<br />
cf; Historical View <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenters, Joshua Toulmin, D.D., 1814, p. 567;<br />
C.R., 1832, p. 276.<br />
J<br />
WILLIAM WILLETTS, b. [1664] ; ed. Sheriff Hales Academy by John Woodhouse; min.<br />
Dudley, -1700 ; nz. Anna, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Humphry Colborne ; Issue, John, William<br />
(min. Newcastle-under-Lyne, 1727-1769).<br />
d 1699-1700, a=t. 36. Entry in Dudley Parish Register reads :-W7?2. Willetts, cle~ke,<br />
burietl 1699: and his s<strong>on</strong>, Johrz.<br />
cf. Toulmin's Historical View, p. 560.<br />
JOSEPH STOKES, b. [Dudley] ; ed. Sheriff Hales Academy, by John Woodhouse; ord.<br />
1691 ; min. Dudley, I~OI?-1742.<br />
d. 1742.<br />
c$ Toulmin's Historical View, p. 561.<br />
JAMES HANCOX, b. [1702] at Hurcott, nr. Kidderminster ; ed. Findern Academy, by Dr.<br />
Lathanl ; ord. zo April, 1743 ; min. Gt. Appleby and Snarest<strong>on</strong>, Leicestershire; Bloxham<br />
and Milt<strong>on</strong>, Oxfordshire, 1726-1733 ; Dudley, 1733-1769 ; m. Martha - ; Issue,<br />
Elizabeth (cl: 1813, zet. 72, m. (I) William, bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r to Rev. Timothy Laugher, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Hackney, (a) John Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Altrincham), Anne (b. 1743, W. Rev. Benj.<br />
Carpenter, g.v.), Phebe (b. 1745), James (b. 1747), Martha (b. 174g), Es<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r (b. 1751).<br />
d. 27 September, 1769, aet. 67.<br />
c$ Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptisnls ; Toulmin's BOZ~Y~Z, pp. 278, 284 ; M.R., 1813, p. 347, 1824,<br />
p. 26~.<br />
WILLIAM DENNY WOOD, ed. Daventry Academy, by Caleb Ashworth, D.D., 1762- ;<br />
min. Dudley, 1771-1804, when paralysed ; m. Mary - ; Issue, John Whitehouse,<br />
Mary (B. 24 November, 1778), William Andrew (b. 22 April, 1781).<br />
c/ M.R., 1822, p. 195 ; Oldbury Chapel Register iii. ; Tamworth, Cole Hill Register.<br />
JAMES HEWS BRANSBY, b. 1783, in Ipswich; ed. Exeter Academy, by Timothy Kenrick<br />
and Joseph Bretland, 1799-1804 ; min. Moret<strong>on</strong> Hampstead, Cross Street, 1804-1805 ;<br />
Dudley, 1805-1328; North Wales, withoz~t charge, 1828-1847; nz. Sarah (d. 18411, daughter<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jacob Isaac, min. Moret<strong>on</strong> Hampstead, <strong>General</strong> Baptists, 1780-1818.<br />
d. 4 November, 1847, at Br<strong>on</strong>'r Hendref, nr. Carnarv<strong>on</strong>.<br />
cf Dic, Nat, Biog.
SAMUEL BACHE, see Birmingham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah.<br />
JOHN PALMER, b. 1801, in Killotteran, Co. Waterford ; ed. Trinity Coll., Dublin ; B.A.<br />
Dublin ; tutor, Presbyterian Coll., Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, 1831-1832 ; min. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Darkgate,<br />
1831-1832 ; Dudley, 1833-1852 ; Col<strong>on</strong>ial Treasurer, Island <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dominica, 1853-<br />
1866; m. (I) (1825) Jessie, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Dowse Langley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ballyduff, Co.<br />
Waterford ; Issue, Aphra (d. 1854) ; (2) Jane, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Alexander Gord<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Straits, nr. Dudley ; Issue, Henry Gord<strong>on</strong> (B. 16 March, 1838, B.A., rector <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Kilnahue, Co. Wexford), Mary (d. 1854).<br />
d. 8 March, 1869, at Waterford.<br />
cf; Notes by Rev. Henry Gord<strong>on</strong> Palmer, 1898; Dudley, Old Meeting-house Register.<br />
RICHARD SHAEX, b. I November, 1817, at Crix, nr. Cheln~sford ; ed. Glasgow, York,<br />
M. C., 1838-1840 ; M.A. Gins., 1837 ; min. Lancaster, 1842-1845 ; Edinburgh, 1845-<br />
1852 ; Dudley, 1852-1854 ; Royst<strong>on</strong>, 1855-1894 ; nz. (3 June, 1850) Janet, daughter<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> James Cunningham, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> B<strong>on</strong>ningt<strong>on</strong>, Edinburgh (widow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wm. Hutchins<strong>on</strong>).<br />
d. 24 January, 1894; bur. Royst<strong>on</strong> Cemetery.<br />
SAMUEL COULTER DAVISON, b. [1823] ; ed. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, University Coll., Heidelberg, Berlin ;<br />
B.A. L<strong>on</strong>d, Ph.D. Neirtelberg; tutor, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n Pres. Coll., 1847-1856 ; min.<br />
Dudley, 1857- 1860.<br />
d. 23 January, 1874, zt. 51.<br />
cf. Inq., 1874, p. 78 ; Jeremy, p. 75.<br />
JOHN THOMAS, G. 14 June, 1833, at Stockport ; ed. Cambridge, St. John's Coll. ; M.A.<br />
Cantab. ; curate, St. George's, Manchester, and Irsden ; min. Dudley, 1860-1861 ;<br />
Hastings, February-September, 1862 ; Huddersfield, 1862-1884.<br />
d. 25 October, 1884.<br />
cf; C.R., 1860, p. 584; U.A., 1885, p. 29.<br />
MATTHEW GIBSON, b. 23 October, 1819, at Antrim ; ed. Belfast, -1841 ; min. Kidder-<br />
minster, 1842-1854; Swansea, 1854-1858 ; Sale, 1858-1861 ; Dudley, 1861-1886 ; Evesham,<br />
without charge, 1886-1894; nz. (26 July, 1844) Sophia, third daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> George Talbot,<br />
junr., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidderminster; Issue, Sophia Louisa, Eleanor (m. Philip Arthur Cliff),<br />
George Talbot and Edward Talbot.<br />
d. 6 August, 1896; bur. Evesham.<br />
cf. Record, p. 167.<br />
H~~ROLD RYLETT, b. 4 February, 1851, at Horncastle ; ed. U.H.M.B., 1871, 1874-1877 ;<br />
Owen's Coll., 1876-1877 ; min. Reading, November, 1877-December, 1878 ; M<strong>on</strong>eyrea,<br />
1879-1884 ; Maidst<strong>on</strong>e, 1884-1887 ; Dudley, 1887-1889 ; Hyde, Flowery Field, 1889- ;<br />
m. (I) (3 September, 1872) Annie ((2. 1873)) daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Charles Martin, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hay<br />
Mills ; (2) (7 June, 1880) Louisa, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> David Boucher, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>eyrea, Co.<br />
Down ; Issue, Ashby Theodore (b. 1881)) Gertrude Sabina (6. 1882)) Stopford Harold<br />
(6. 1884).<br />
cf; Record, p. 73 ; Reyrzold's Newspape?., 16 May, 1897.<br />
JOHN BRIGGS LLOYD, b. 6 March, 1836, at Nottage, S.W. ; ed. Bridgend and Colyt<strong>on</strong>,<br />
Dev<strong>on</strong>, by David Lewis Evans (min. Colyt<strong>on</strong>, 1850-1863), Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres. Coll.,<br />
1851-1856 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, M.N.C., 1856-1859 ; min. Moret<strong>on</strong> Hampstead, 1859-1862 ; Sid-<br />
mouth, 1863-1868 ; Wareham, 1868-1873 ; Allostock, 1873-1885 ; Knutsford, 1873-7885 ;<br />
Halstead and High Garrett, f886-1889 ; Dudley, 1890-1892 ; Bournemouth, 1893-1895 ;<br />
Liverpool, Toxteth Park Chapel, 1895-1897 ; nr. (17 September, 1868) Enlma Yeates,<br />
daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nicholas Samuel Heincken (min. Sidmouth) ; Issue, Titus Lee (b. 1869).<br />
d. 27 May, 1897 ; cremated in Liverpool.<br />
cf: Record, p. 7.<br />
AR~~OWSMITH HYDE SHELLEY, 6. 1862, at Newbury ; ed. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres. Coll ; Oxford,<br />
St. Mary's Hall, matric., 22 October, 1883- ; min. Templepatrick, 1884-1890, 1890-<br />
1893 ; Dudley, 1893- ; m. (21 January, 1885) Gertrude Isabel Margaret, daughter<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Francis Shelley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lewes ; has issue.<br />
Trzlstees' JIi~zute Book.<br />
&IS. Records <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Church, Stourbridge, Mr. William Scott,<br />
vol. iii. (about I~OO), p. 351.<br />
NOTE.--^^ custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time being <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Chapel,.<br />
Stourbridge.]<br />
Inq., 1869, p. 802.<br />
M.R., 1824, p. 626.<br />
Bic. Nat. Biog. for J. H.<br />
-<br />
Bransby.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Renshaw Street Chapel, Liverpool ; Geo. Eyre Evans, 1888,<br />
p. 33, for J. Palmer.<br />
Vestees, pp. 344 et. seq. for Dudley and Oldbury Double Lectures.<br />
BudZey firaZd, 23 April, 1898, 'L The Old Meeting-house and its<br />
Ministers," Arthur A. Rollas<strong>on</strong> ; and 30 April, 1898, "The Old Meetinghouse<br />
Ministers."<br />
" The Old N<strong>on</strong>-parochial Registers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley," Arthur A. Rollas<strong>on</strong>,<br />
1899, weekly in Dudley Herald, and since published in book form.
EVESHAM.<br />
OAT STREET MEETING-HOUSE.<br />
First meeting-place in room "back <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> High Street," <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust deed <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
which is dated 1696.<br />
Present Meeting-house opened, 1737.<br />
Restored and reopened, I I April, 1875.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
John Higgs ...<br />
Francis Blackmore . . .<br />
Paul Cardale<br />
David J<strong>on</strong>es . . .<br />
Henry Procter . . .<br />
Charles Lloyd, LL. D.<br />
Benjamin Kingsbury<br />
Benjamin Davis ...<br />
Peter Charles . . .<br />
Thomas Davis ...<br />
William Williams, supply ..<br />
John Evans ... ...<br />
Timothy Davis . . . ".-<br />
John Calbraith Lunn, F. R. A. S.<br />
John Gord<strong>on</strong> ... . .<br />
Charles Henry Wellbeloved ..<br />
John Collins Odgers, B.A.<br />
Benjamin Lepard Green ..<br />
Michael Smith Dunbar, M. A.. . .<br />
Rudolf Davis, B.A. ...<br />
Shortly before his death (28 November, 1893), Mr. Herbert New, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Evesham, who had l<strong>on</strong>g been chairman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society in Oat Street, put<br />
toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r a few valuable notes respecting its history, and sent <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
author for use whenever he required <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m. They are here printed from<br />
his manuscript for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first time :-<br />
In 1696 a co~gregatzbn <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenteys in Eveshanz (now ~@resented<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oat Street coigrqati<strong>on</strong>, and called Presfiyterian) was 2:n possessi<strong>on</strong>, as
lessees, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a bar72 a72d adjoini~zg room, situate behzild a house, now nzmzbered 17,<br />
in H~?z Street, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St. Lazeprence : and this barn had been for some<br />
time aud was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n used as a meeting-hozcse. The trustees purchased <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> freehold<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se prenzises in 1701. In 1730 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pre??zises were c<strong>on</strong>z)eyed to a set <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> new<br />
trzkstees, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> whom tAe Rev, Praancis BZackmore was <strong>on</strong>e. The trzcsts were declared<br />
szhtfdy as for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ~o~zg~egati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pratestant Dissent~rs assetnbling for<br />
Uziti7te worshz$ ; szcch having bcen <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> or@i?zal trzcsts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> property. In 1738<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees sold <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> above premises ; a new sz'te ziz Oat Street, Z'B <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> paris/z <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
All Saiqzts, hazling beta purchased for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> erecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a new meeting-house.<br />
B' deed, dated 3 October, 1737, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oat Street site was settl%d ziz tmstees,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ze)hom <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Paul Cardale was <strong>on</strong>e, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trusts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new deed declared<br />
that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vzeeting-house intended to be, and shortly ajterwards erected <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oat<br />
Street pretrzises, should be used by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenters, ' c<strong>on</strong>t??z<strong>on</strong>ly called<br />
Presbyterialzs,' as a nzeeting-house or place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ?-elzgzbus worship. i"/ze introducti<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> additiozal words, ' c<strong>on</strong>zm<strong>on</strong>& called Presbyterians,' joints to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fact that<br />
szizce <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Heh Street Meeti~zg-hoztse had been opened o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r dissenters had built<br />
places <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worsh$ in Eveshanz, and it became necessary to distinguish <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oat Street<br />
colzgregatzbn from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> later relkiozts bodies. The descr$tzbn, ' P?-esbykrian,' had<br />
an historim l mea7ring, but involved nothi~zg in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> nature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian discz2line<br />
or doctri~ze. 22e Oat Street c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> in Eveshant, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>reJore, was, fmnz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sevefzteentlz century, and has been ever silrce, based z@<strong>on</strong> a je?fect& opelz<br />
fozcndatin, free for such doctrilzal develojments as were actztaZZy realized from<br />
time to time dz~nhg its whole history.<br />
Of <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> prez~adence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Puritanisnt in Eveshavz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are many pro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>s. Perhaps<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ~tzost important is that, in 1600, Lezvzj. Bailey, author <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ' The Practice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Piety,' and aferwards Bishop <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bangor, was rector <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> All Saints. He was tutor<br />
to Prince Henry o/' lVaZes, and broz~ght about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> i~zcorporati<strong>on</strong> oJ <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> borough <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Eveshant in 1605 i7.z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prilzce's nawze.<br />
At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> passit2.g <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Act <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> U7zzJformi@, in 1662, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> nzi?zistsrs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> both <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Eveshanz parishes were ejected. One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se, Mr. George Hojkins, when ejected<br />
from All Zalizts, we?zt to reside in a ~zezghboziri~zg village, and very probab4 kejt<br />
ap some i?ztercourse zuith <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham dissenkrs.<br />
The jrst nzinister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meetifzg-house in Nzg/z Shvet was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. John<br />
Higps, supposed to be t?ze s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Daniel H&gs, a H~orcestershire man,<br />
qkcted fr<strong>on</strong>z a living ifz Sozcth Wales, and afterwards a ;~lzi~zister at Swansea.<br />
John N&gs died at Ez~eshanz in 1728.
To <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se notes by Mr. New it is <strong>on</strong>ly necessary to add, c<strong>on</strong>cerning<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house, that in 1875 it underwent extensive alterati<strong>on</strong>s, which<br />
included <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> taking down <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> east wall, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an apse for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
recepti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a new organ, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> removal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gallery (erected 1820), <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
cutting down <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> high seats, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> additi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> three rows <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> free<br />
.seats in fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> organ chamber. The ground required for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> exten-<br />
si<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building, and also a plot <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> adjoining land for burial purposes<br />
were <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gift <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. New to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society. The reopening services were<br />
held <strong>on</strong> Sunday, 11 April, 1875, when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong> was taken to com-<br />
memorate <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hundredth anniversary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Paul Cardale, whose<br />
life and labours formed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>me <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Gord<strong>on</strong>'s serm<strong>on</strong> that morning.<br />
Was it in this restorati<strong>on</strong> that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> figure <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a dove, bearing an olive<br />
branch--a device <strong>on</strong>ce not uncomm<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> situati<strong>on</strong>-disappeared from<br />
its positi<strong>on</strong> over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit?<br />
An engraving, originally executed for May's <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting-house, uTas given in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christiajz Reformer, September, 1852 ;<br />
'which, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following m<strong>on</strong>th, c<strong>on</strong>tained ' A brief history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian<br />
c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> at Evesham,' written by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> editor, Robert Brook Aspland,<br />
M.A., with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> assistance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Timothy Davis.<br />
Francis Blackmore, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chewning Blackmore, minister at Worcester,<br />
1688-1737, received his academical educati<strong>on</strong> first at Findern, under Dr.<br />
Latham, and afterwards at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> University <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Glasgow; his c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society at Evesham was happy, though brief, and it terminated in 1730<br />
by his removal to Coventry as successor to John Partingt<strong>on</strong>, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Great<br />
Meeting. The choice by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Blackmore is a pro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its decided leaning, at this early period, to liberal sentiments. From<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first, Dr. Latham's pupils were distinguished by a spirit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fearless<br />
inquiry and by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir indifference to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> reputati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> " orthodoxy."<br />
Paul Cardale was also educated at Findern Academy, where he formed<br />
friendships, which terminated <strong>on</strong>ly with life, with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two s<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev.<br />
Chewning Blackmore and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs, and here he laid a solid foundati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ological learning, and acquired those habits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> free enquiry and unre-<br />
served publicati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> opini<strong>on</strong> which distinguished him in after life. Very<br />
early in life he was assistant minister am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterians in Kidder-<br />
minster. His manuscripts show that he preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re as early as 29<br />
R4ay, 1726. At that time his views, in accordance with his educati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
were Calvinistic.<br />
He was invited by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham society in 1733, and probably became<br />
at <strong>on</strong>ce its minister. It must have increased in both zeal and numbers,<br />
for within five years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his settlement, as noted by Mr. New, measures<br />
were taken for obtaining a site for a new meeting-house (licensed I I Octo-<br />
ber, 1737. Cardale's first series <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> serm<strong>on</strong>s, after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opening, was circulated<br />
in manuscript, and ultimately published. It is clear that he had now got<br />
rid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his Calvinism. He married a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, Sarah,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Suffield, an original trustee <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house.<br />
Portraits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cardale and his wife were l<strong>on</strong>g preserved at Dudley by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Hughes family, and are now <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> property <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham society. Judging<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> portrait, Cardale had a good presence, his physiognomy expresses<br />
great tenacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> purpose.<br />
On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> evening <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 28 February, 1775, he put <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last stroke to his<br />
' hzpuiry whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r we have any Scr@ture Warrant for n direct nddress <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sz~pdica-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong>, Praisz, or Thanksgivill,q ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> S<strong>on</strong>, or to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uoo Ghost'; went<br />
to bed, and died in his sleep before <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dawn 011 Wednesday, I March,<br />
1775. He was buried in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> north aisle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> All Saints', Evesham, where<br />
is a remarkable epitaph, written by his friend, John Ralvlins, M.A., an<br />
orthodox divine <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> catholic sympathies, as his writings prove, who, am<strong>on</strong>g<br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r preferments, held <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> perpetual curacy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Badsey, two miles from<br />
Evesham. The epitaph describes him ' as a Christian, pious and sincere ;<br />
as a minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gospel, learned and indefatigable'; and adds that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
virtue <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> charity ' gave a lustre <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> grace and goodness to all his acti<strong>on</strong>s.'<br />
Anth<strong>on</strong>y New (d. 2 February, 1838, aet. 84) wool-stapler, who, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his death, was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> oldeft members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society, attended <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cardale, with his parents, and well remembered him.<br />
David J<strong>on</strong>es, a Cardigan man, and a fellow student <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> David Davis,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Castellhywel, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian College, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, was Cardale's<br />
immediate successor. He came to Evesham in 1776 from Bere Regis,<br />
Dorset, and in 1783 settled at Prescot, as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rt<strong>on</strong> Street<br />
society, where he remained until his death. He was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preacher at<br />
Llwynrhydowen, in 1779, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a funeral serm<strong>on</strong> for David Lloyd, who had<br />
been minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re from 1742.
The five years' ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Henry Procter was not attended with success.<br />
Disputes arose between him and his flock, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> numbers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which were<br />
diminished by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Huntingd<strong>on</strong>ian Methodists.<br />
A separati<strong>on</strong> took place in 1788, but for some time Procter c<strong>on</strong>tinued to<br />
reside in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town, holding, however, no intercourse with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
His successor describes him as-<br />
a man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> very decent manners, with too much <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> courtliness, to<br />
use no o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r word, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last age. He had some know-<br />
ledge, and a great deal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> anecdote, and he had a c<strong>on</strong>siderable library <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
useful books.<br />
He afterwards removed to Stafford, taking charge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> small Pres-<br />
byterian societies <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbouring town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St<strong>on</strong>e. After<br />
nineteen years' ministrati<strong>on</strong> to declining c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s he died at St<strong>on</strong>e,<br />
and Presbyterian worship ceased in both towns. Thomas Jenkins, who<br />
followed Procter as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian society in Whitchurch,<br />
Salop, says <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> him in a manuscript note in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptismal Register bel<strong>on</strong>ging<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re, that he 7210s so z~mfortirnate as to orftliz)e hzi faculties,<br />
a?zd is now a very pitiable olyect, <strong>on</strong>@ <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rzcim?s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a nzaqz.<br />
Charles Lloyd was elected minister, with a stipend <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A40, in August,<br />
1788, through <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> influence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nathaniel Philipps, Presbyterian minister<br />
at Derby. He started a Sunday school and an evening service, and in-<br />
creased his c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> from forty to two hundred. He wished, however,<br />
to administer <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sacraments without being ordained ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong><br />
objected ; he c<strong>on</strong>sulted Dr. Priestley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n at Birmingham, who, to his<br />
surprise, urged him to be ordained. At length <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> yielded,<br />
in c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> expense attending an ordinati<strong>on</strong>. Shortly afterwards<br />
he began to have doubts about infant baptism, and <strong>on</strong> 3 April, 1790, pro-<br />
posed to omit <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rite or resign. His resignati<strong>on</strong> was at <strong>on</strong>ce accepted.<br />
Through Joshua Toulmin, D.D., he was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n put in charge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a <strong>General</strong><br />
Baptist c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> at Ditchling, Sussex. He is distinctly remembered<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author's octogenarian fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, who described him in 1899 as a man<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> w<strong>on</strong>derfill abiZi&, bad tengel; jealous to a degree, and alzerays in hot zrratzr <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
his 07umz boili~~g. An interesting and well-preserved relic <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lloyd's Evesham<br />
ministry is still extant, being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> licence and authority given him <strong>on</strong> 12<br />
August, 1788, under Royal Arms "to enter and write, or cause to be<br />
entered and written, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Register Book or Books <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian<br />
C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> within <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Borough <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham, all entries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any Burial,<br />
Marriage, Birth or Christening, without any Stamps or Marks affixed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>reto<br />
or <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>reup<strong>on</strong>."<br />
The next minister, Benjamin Kingsbury, is more fully alluded to in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapter <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Warwick society. He left Evesham and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry<br />
in 1791.<br />
Benjamin Davis was uncle to Timothy Davis (ut infra) and bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r to<br />
David Davis, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Castellhywel, by whom he was in part educated before<br />
entering Daventry Academy. After being classical and ma<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>matical tutor<br />
at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian College, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, he undertook <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tutor<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> family <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>' Rev. John Yates, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Liverpool ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nce he removed<br />
to Walsall, as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian society in that town, removing<br />
to Evesham in 1791, where he remained until his death <strong>on</strong> New Year's<br />
Day, 181 I. Joshua Toulmin, D.D., who preached his funeral serm<strong>on</strong> at<br />
Eveshain, describes him-<br />
as a man whose understanding was str<strong>on</strong>g ; whose taste was truly correct;<br />
whose dispositi<strong>on</strong>s were most amiable ; and whose c<strong>on</strong>duct towards all men<br />
was upright and benevolent.<br />
His successor, Peter Charles-also a Welshman-ministered here but<br />
a short while, when he became librarian to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> public circulating library<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town.<br />
Thomas Davis was bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r to Timothy Davis (z~t infra) and s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
David Davis, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Castellhywel. As we have seen, he was minister at A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e<br />
for a short time after leaving Evesham. He was more or less <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
an invalid, and died in 1825.<br />
For a short period <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> services were taken by William Williams, a<br />
Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n student, who died so<strong>on</strong> afterwards, just at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
his first settlement at Ilminster. Thomas Rees, LL.D., F.S.A., notes him<br />
as-<br />
a young man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> high promise in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong> to which he had devoted<br />
himself, distinguished by his natural talents, by his extensive acquirements,<br />
and by his early pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>iciency in Christian piety and virtue.<br />
Ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r minister from Wales came next at Evesham, for three m<strong>on</strong>ths,<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pers<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Evans, who left to take charge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dark Gate<br />
society, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, where he remained till his death in 1825.
After this rapid and painful successi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> changes <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham society<br />
had <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> good fortune to secure <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> services <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Timothy Davis, a s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
David Davis, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Castellhywel, who settled here in June, 1819, and remained<br />
its attached minister until his retirement in 1854. His first years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ministry were devoted to his native country, being CO-pastor with his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r ;<br />
after which he servecl tllz society assembling in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Great Meeting, Coventry,<br />
from 1810 till his call to Evesham, where, in 1811, he had been married<br />
to Elizabeth, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Anth<strong>on</strong>y New, wool-stapler.<br />
A memoir <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this excellent man and minister was c<strong>on</strong>tributed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Christian R~OYITZPI; 1861, by his s<strong>on</strong>, David Davis, B.A. (died at Evesham,<br />
30 September, 1897)) n-ho worthily maintained <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministerial traditi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> family, at Whitby, Stockport, Lancaster, and Norwich, and was fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rudolf Davis, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham society.<br />
John Gord<strong>on</strong>, who succeeded John Calbraith Lunn at Evesham, was<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>ly s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Alexander Gord<strong>on</strong> (d. 7 January, 1848) and Maria (Loxt<strong>on</strong>)<br />
(d. 13 January, 1833), <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley. " Educated at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Grammar<br />
School, under Proctor Robins<strong>on</strong>, his name was placed <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> books <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Queen's College, Oxforcl, with a view to his entering <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Established Church. But he shrank from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> subscripti<strong>on</strong>, which met him<br />
at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> threshold <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> collegiate life, and in place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> going to Oxford, studied<br />
at home for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Weslej-an ministry. He began life as assistant to Henry<br />
Moore, John Wesley's executor, at City Road Chapel, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, and filled<br />
various appointmeilts as a Wesleyan minister from 1827 to 1835, when<br />
C<strong>on</strong>ference expelled him, al<strong>on</strong>g with Samuel Warren, LL.D., and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> reform. For nearly three years he left <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry, and during<br />
this period <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> writings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Channing and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> influence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Kentish,<br />
minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting, Birminghsm, led him into Unitarianism.""<br />
He was, as we have seen (p. 84)) miq ,at Coseley, 1838-1840, next<br />
at Coventry, 1840-1854, where he was an acknowledged leader in public<br />
work, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n at St. Mark's Chapel, Edinburgh, 1854-1858, whence he removed<br />
to Dukinfiqd Chapel, 1858-1862. In October, 1863, he entered <strong>on</strong> his last-<br />
stated ministry, and coiltinued at Evesham for nine years, when he retired<br />
from active duty in pursuance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a l<strong>on</strong>g-formed resoluti<strong>on</strong> to do so at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
age <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 65. His coming to Evesham was an advantage to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> social life <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> little borough. The political platform, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> institute, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> local charities<br />
~~~~~~~~~al Accolr~rt qf L)riX.i?zfiel~i Chapel, Alexander Gord<strong>on</strong>, M.A., 1896, p. 83.<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> private circle were streng<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ned by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> influence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his character,<br />
his moral power, and his genial manners. The last few years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his life<br />
were spent at ICenilworth, where he died in April, 1880; from 1850 to,<br />
1854 he had been minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian society here, in additi<strong>on</strong> to<br />
his Coventry ministry.<br />
Gord<strong>on</strong> was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> active founders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Uni<strong>on</strong>,<br />
and a man whose services to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cause <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious liberty, and especially<br />
to Liberal Christianity, must always call for grateful remembrance.<br />
Benjamin Lepard Green was educated for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptist ministry, but he<br />
experienced a change <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> views, and in 1876 became minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> High<br />
Street society, at Newport, Isle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wight, whence he removed to Evesham.<br />
He was always in delicate health, and died at his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's house at Bowd<strong>on</strong>,<br />
<strong>on</strong> 17 May, 1882, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 32nd year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his age.<br />
The register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> births, baptisms, and burials is a well-preserved, thick,<br />
square volume, bound in vellum, and c<strong>on</strong>tains entries from 1778 to 1837,<br />
when it was deposited with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Registrar-<strong>General</strong>. The following table<br />
was compiled from it by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author in July, 1898 :-<br />
~IINISTER.<br />
--<br />
David J<strong>on</strong>es ... ...<br />
Henry Procter . . ...<br />
Charles Lloyd ... ...<br />
Benjamin Davis . . .<br />
Peter Charles .. ...<br />
Timothy Davis ... ...<br />
FIRST ENTRY. ----<br />
17 November, 1778 ...<br />
16 January, 1783 ...<br />
14 June, 1789 ... ...<br />
I August, 1791 . ..<br />
6 December, 1811 ...<br />
20 November, 1819 ...<br />
LAST ENTRY.<br />
One entry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> burial <strong>on</strong>ly we reproduce :-<br />
Elizabeth, dazrghter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Titzothy Davis, and Elizabeth, his ulzjre, May<br />
16, 1822, aged 8 years, Rev. W71~ 'l;&, Warwick, osciated <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Qwiescat in Pace.<br />
Chalice (I), silver, ins. tall, plain bell. Inscripti<strong>on</strong> between handles-<br />
PRESENTED TO THE COMMIJNICANTS IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHAPEL,<br />
OAT STREET, EVESHAM, BY THE FAMILY OF THE<br />
LATE ANTHONY NEW, 1838.<br />
-. -W-<br />
10 March, 1783<br />
30 October, 1787<br />
6 December, 1789<br />
I January, 181 I<br />
17 May, 1812<br />
8 January, 1837
Patens (2), pewter, 8sins. diameter, plain. Inscripti<strong>on</strong>-<br />
T.<br />
R. E.<br />
A. R.<br />
Flag<strong>on</strong> (I), electro, gins. tall, beak, lid, handle ; no inscripti<strong>on</strong>, but<br />
was gift <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> widow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Charles Wallace, M.A.<br />
JOHN HIGGS, 6. at Swansea?, where ed. by Daniel Higgs? ; min. Evesham, -1714-1728 ;<br />
nz. (I) Mary --, buried 1714, (2) wife died, October, 1728 ; Issue, Hannah (m. John<br />
Alexander, M.A., and had issue, John, (2. 1765).<br />
d. September, 1728 ; bur. All Saints' Church, Evesham.<br />
c$ C.R., 1852, p. 609 ; Dic. Nit. Biog. for Alexander.<br />
[NOTE. In a letter to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author, 27 September, 1898, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. G. Napier Whitting-<br />
ham, vicar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> All Saints', referring to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Higgs' memorial, says, " T have searched All<br />
Saints' Chuych a& am sor?-y to say that I can jnd no menti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Geoqe Nihvgs."]<br />
FRANCIS BLACKMORE, b. 18 April, 1703, at Worcester; ed. Findern Academy, by Dr.<br />
Latham, Glasgow ; min. Evesham, 1728-1730 ; Coventry, 1730-1742 ; Worcester, 1744-<br />
1745 ; 172. Mary, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Robert Wilkes, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bromsgrove ; Issue, William Wilkes,<br />
Mary, Rebecca.<br />
d. December, 1760; bur. St. Andrew's Church, Coventry.<br />
cf. C.R., 1858, pp. 532, 535 ; N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity in MTorcester, Willian~ Urwick, M.A.,<br />
1897, P- 97.<br />
PAUL CARDALE, b. 1705 [at Dudley?] ; ed. Findern Academy, 1720- by Dr. Latham ;<br />
mill. assistant to Presbyterians at Kidderminster ; Evesham, 1733-1775 ; m. Sarah,<br />
sister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Suffield, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham ; s.p.<br />
CL. I March, 1775 ; bur. All Saints' Church, Eveshani.<br />
c/: Dic. Nut. Biog.<br />
DAVID JONES, 6. [1740] at Cardigan ; ed. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres. Coll., 1762-1766; min. Bere<br />
Regis, Dorset, -1768-1776 ; Evesham, -1778-1783 ; Prescot, 1783-1798 ; nz. Jane?<br />
(d. 1800).<br />
d. 27 December, 1798, aet. 58; bur. Prescot, A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rt<strong>on</strong> Street Chapel Yard.<br />
d. i?ecoyd, p. 151, also Evesham Register Fook, and Yr. Ym<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ynnyd, 1851, p. 198.<br />
HENRY PROCTER, b. 1733 ; ed. Daventry Academy, 1752- by Caleb Ashworth, D.D. ;<br />
min. Whitney, Stamford, Whitchurch, Salop, -1783 ; Evesham, 1783-1788 ; Stafford.<br />
and St<strong>on</strong>e, 1789-1808.<br />
d. 1808.<br />
c- Evesham and Whitchurch Register ; M.R., 1822, p. 163 ; Seedsower: 1894, P. 118.<br />
CHARLES LLOYD, 6. 18 December, 1766, at Castellhywel, Cardiganshire ; ed. Castellhywel<br />
by fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, David Davis, 1779-1784; Pres. Coll., Swansea, 1784-1788 ; LL.D., Glas.,<br />
1809 ; min. Evesham, 1788-1790 ; Ditchling, G.B., 1790-1793 ; Exeter, without charge,<br />
schoolmaster, 1793-1799 (lived in parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St. Mary Arches) ; Pantdefaid and Cape1<br />
Groes, Cardiganshire, 1801-1802 ; Palgrave (now Diss), 1803-181 I ; schoolmaster, Keppel<br />
Street, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>; nt. (I) (summer, 1792) Ann Knight (d. 11 December, 1808), <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pul-<br />
borough, Sussex; Issue, Ann (6. 12 May, 1793), Charles (b. 28 April, 1795 ; d. 16<br />
September, 1796), Charles (6. 14 August, 17g7), Richard (B. 5 March, 1799), Lucinda<br />
(G. 22 March, 1801), Thomas (b. 19 June, 1803), James (b. 5 September, 1806), Elizabeth<br />
(b. I November, 1807) ; (2) Sarah Maria Smith ; Issue, Francis Vaughan (6. 14 October,<br />
181 I).<br />
d. 23 May, 1829, at Lampeter ; bur. Llanwenog Church Yard.<br />
C/: Uic. n;2t. Biog. ; supplemented and corrected by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> registers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Palgrave and<br />
Exeter, Mint Meeting.<br />
BENJAMIN KINGSBURY, see Warwick.<br />
BENJAMIN DAVIS, 6. 23 October, 1756, at Coitre, nr. Lampeter; B. by Philip Pugh,<br />
Cilgwyn, 3 November, 1756 ; ed. Daventry Academy, 1775-1779, by Rev. Thomas<br />
Robins ; assistant tutor, Pres. Coll., Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, 1779-1783 ; tutor in Liverpool ;<br />
min. Walsall, 1789-1790 ; Evesham, I 791-181 I ; bachelor.<br />
d. I January, 1811 ; bur. All Saints' Church Yard, Evesham.<br />
cf. M.R., 1811, p. 251, 1822, p. 198 ; informati<strong>on</strong> from author's fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, Rev. David<br />
Lewis Evans, and from Rev. Rees Jenkin J<strong>on</strong>es, M.A., Aberdare, 1899.<br />
PETER CHARLES, min. Evesham, 1811-1815 ; librarian in Evesham.<br />
cf: C.R., 1852, p. 620.<br />
THOMAS DAVIS, 6. at Castellhywel, Cardiganshire ; ed. Pres. Coll., Caern~ar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n ; min.<br />
East Lambrook, Somerset, 1809-[1815] ; Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, 1815-1816 ; Evesham, 1816-1818 ;<br />
A<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rst<strong>on</strong>e [ISIS]-1823.<br />
d. 1825.<br />
cf. M.R., 1810, p. 286 ; C.R., 1S52, p. 620 ; informati<strong>on</strong> from Rev. David Lewis Evans,<br />
1899, who remembers him.<br />
WILLIAM WILLIAMS, B. [17g7] in Cardiganshire ; ed. Lloyd Jack, Cardiganshire, by Rev. John James ; Pres.<br />
Col]., Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n [1814]-1818 ; min. Evesham, suj$&, 1818 ; Ilminster, 1813-1819.<br />
d. 18 June, 1819, zt. 22; bur. Ilminster, East Street Chapel Yard.<br />
cf. M.R., 1819, p. 510 ; M747z72, p. 237.<br />
JOHN EVANS, b. [178z] ; ed. Pres. Coll., Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n ; min. Ilminster, 1809-1816 ; Caer-<br />
mar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, 1816-1825, except <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> three m<strong>on</strong>ths, 1818-1819, when at Evesham ; Rhydy-<br />
park, -1816-<br />
d. 24 June, 1825, zet. 43.<br />
cf; M.R., 1825, p. 419 ; MzL?'CIZ, p. 237 ; C.R., 1852, p. 620 ; informati<strong>on</strong> from Rev.<br />
David Lewis Evans, who remembers him, 1899.<br />
TIMOTHY<br />
DAVIS, b. 20 November, 1779, at Ciliau Aer<strong>on</strong>, Cardiganshire ; ed. Pres. Coll.,<br />
Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, 1798- ; ord. 19 August, 1802, in Llwynrhydowen Chapel; min.<br />
CO-pastor with his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, David Davis, 1799-1810 ; Coventry, 1810-1819 ; Evesham,
1819-1854, zlithout charge, 1854-1860 ; nz. (19 September, 1811) Elizabeth ((1: 1882), <strong>on</strong>ly<br />
daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Anth<strong>on</strong>y New, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham ; Issue, Caroline, (b. 1813, d. 1886), Elizabeth<br />
(b. 1814, d. 1822), Anth<strong>on</strong>y New (b. 1815, d. 1828), David (b. 1821, d.1897) Elizabeth<br />
(b. and d. 1822), Elizabeth Anne (b. 1824, d. 1880, nz. Wm. Hy. Herford), Jane (b. and<br />
d. 1826), Jane (b. 1827, d. 1891, nz. Saml. Bart<strong>on</strong> Worthingt<strong>on</strong>), Sarah (b. 1829, d. 1889),<br />
and two o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs.<br />
d 28 November, 1F6o; bur. Evesham, Oat Street Yard.<br />
cf. C.R., 1861, var. pp ; Evesham Register Book. ; tablet in meeting-house ; pers<strong>on</strong>al<br />
reminiscences <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. David Lewis Evans, 1899, who stayed with T.D. at<br />
Eveshatn in 1839.<br />
JOHN CALBRAITH LUNN, b. 1823, at Carlingford ; ed. Belfast; F.R.A.S. ; min. Coseley,<br />
1847-1851 ; King's Lynn, 1851-1854 ; Evesham, 1854-1863 ; Lancaster, 1863-1877 ;<br />
Loughborough, 1878 ; Leicester Free Church, 1879-1881 ; Warrenpoint, withozrt charge;<br />
nz. (10 December, 1851) Caroline Sophia (d. 1893), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Joseph Grundy, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Fenny Drayt<strong>on</strong>, Leicestershire.<br />
d. 29 December, 1891, at Leamingt<strong>on</strong> ; bur. Milvert<strong>on</strong> Cemetery.<br />
c$ A'ecord, p. 83.<br />
JOHN GORDON, b. I March, 1807, at Dudley ; ed. Dudley Grammar School ; min. WesIeyan<br />
Methodists, 1827-1835 ; Coseley, 1838-1840; Coventry, 1840-1854; Kenilworth, 1850-<br />
1854 ; Edinburgh, 1854-1858 ; Dukinfield, 1858-1862 ; Evesham, 1863-1872 ; Kenilworth,<br />
withozrt cAn?.ge; m. (I) (1832) Sarah King, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Murnford, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Amberley ;<br />
Issue, Hurd Mumford (d. 1866) ; (2) (1840) Anna Maria (d. 1896), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas<br />
Hodgetts, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bristol ; Issue, Alexander, John (cl. 1864), Thomas Hodgetts, Walter.<br />
d. 24 April, 1880 ; bur. Coventry Cemetery.<br />
cf. Recorrt, p. 53.<br />
CHARLES HENRY WELLBELOVED, b. 23 October, 1835, at Leeds ; ed. Belfast, Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essors<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> N<strong>on</strong>-Subscribing Associati<strong>on</strong>, 1871-1873; min. Evesham, 1873-1875 ; York, 1875-<br />
1880 ; Mansfield, 1880-1883 ; Southport, 1883- ; vz. (29 August, 1865) Ellen M<strong>on</strong>tgomery,<br />
third daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wm. Orr, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ballym<strong>on</strong>ey ; has issue.<br />
cf. Record, p. 168.<br />
JOHN COLLINS ODGERS, B. 27 January, 1847, at Plymouth; ed. Bath Grammar School,<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> University Coll., L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> M.N.C., 1864-1871 ; B.A. L<strong>on</strong>d., 1870 ; ord. February,<br />
1872 ; min. Bury, assistant, 1872-1873 ; Leeds, nssistmzt, Mill Hill, 1873-1875 ; Evesham,<br />
1876-1878 ; Dean Row and Styal, 1885-1891 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Kentish Town, 1892-1894 ;<br />
Bury, 1895- ; m. (I) (August, 1876) Sarah Elizabeth (a'. 1884), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wm.<br />
Arthur J<strong>on</strong>es, M.A., Taunt<strong>on</strong>; Issue, Harold Arthur (d. 1890) ; (2) (September, 1889)<br />
Sarah Maria, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Alfred Fryer, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wilmslow.<br />
cf: Record, p. 29 ; tablet to s<strong>on</strong>, Oat Street Meeting-house.<br />
BENJAMIN LEPARD GREEN, b. 1851 ; ed. Rawd<strong>on</strong> Baptist Coll. ; min. Newport, I. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> W,,<br />
1876-1879 ; Evesham, 1879-1882.<br />
d. 17 May, 1882, at Bowd<strong>on</strong>.<br />
c$ Inq., 1882, p. 331 ; Disc$Ze, 1882, p. 187 ; U.A., 1883, p. 27.<br />
MICHAEL SMITH DUNBAR, ed. Glasgow; M.A. Ghs.; min. Horsham, 1873-1877 ; Leeds,<br />
Hunslet, 1878-1883 ; Evesham, 1883-1893 ; Downpatrick, 1st Presbyterian, 1894- ;<br />
nz. (22 December, 1887) Jessie, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jan~es McAlley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Falkirk.<br />
c - pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge.<br />
RUDOLF PARISIUS NEW DAVIS, ed. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, University Coll. ; B.A. L<strong>on</strong>d ; assistant<br />
master <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Castle Howell School, Lancaster; min. Evesham, 1893- ; nt. (7 January,<br />
1896) Jessie Caroline, elder daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wm. Lucas, St. John's Wood ; has issue.<br />
M. S. Memoranda by Herbert New, 1893, pelzes author.<br />
A Descriptive Account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham, George May, 1845,<br />
p. 205.<br />
C.R., 1852, p. 607.<br />
Inq., 1875, p. 267.<br />
Vcst%es, p. 81.<br />
Bic. fit, Biog. for Cardale and Lloyd.
Rebuilt, 1846.<br />
First Meeting-house built, 1705.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
Samuel Turt<strong>on</strong><br />
John Bassett<br />
Samuel Philips ...<br />
John Kirkpatrick, M.A.<br />
Josiah Corrie ...<br />
Thomas Burkitt<br />
John Ludd Fenner ..<br />
Samuel Wood, B.A. ...<br />
William Field<br />
John Gord<strong>on</strong> . . . . . .<br />
Daniel Davies Jeremy, M.A. ...<br />
George Heaviside, B. A.<br />
John Mrilliam Lake ...<br />
According to a manuscript entry made in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptisms by<br />
William Field, this society was founded about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 2700. The ejected<br />
minister from Kenilworth was William Maddocks, who, when cast out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Kenilworth, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> country was too hot for him, hid himself in a wood,<br />
and made his way to L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, where he was so<strong>on</strong> noticed for his useful<br />
preaching, and chosen pastor by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian society in King John's<br />
Court, where he remained for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his days. It is unlikely that<br />
Maddocks had any direct part in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> founding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society, though<br />
doubtless <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> effects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his preaching in Kenilworth were such as helped<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> movement ; which resulted in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a small meeting-house in<br />
1705. The <strong>on</strong>ly descriptioils <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this building which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author has yet met<br />
with are those given in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Refor~?zeq 1845, p. 845 :-"The old<br />
Presbyterian meeting-house being in a dilapidated state, scarcely admitting<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> repair, some time ago <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> came to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> determinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
taking it down "; and in Robert Spears' (d. 1899) U?zil'nria;rz PVorthies, p. 90,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old chapel was in a dilapidated, forlorn c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>-heavy, dark and<br />
unsightly, within and without."
In this meeting-house, Patrick Sims<strong>on</strong>, M.A., first minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vicar<br />
Lane Church, Coventry, was ordained, <strong>on</strong> 8 July, 1875. The event is thus<br />
noted it1 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church records :-<br />
'' Thursday, Ju& 8. This day Mr. Pafrick Sillzso~z was sokm7zly set apart<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> work <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ?ni7zistry and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pastoral' <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ice at Ke?ziZzttort?z."<br />
After <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> passing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenters' Chapels Bill (1844) <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> intenti<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> rebuilding this place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship assumed form, but an unexpected occurrence<br />
led to an eiltire change in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first projected plan. The legislative<br />
measure just menti<strong>on</strong>ed owed its success, against a most formidable oppositi<strong>on</strong>,<br />
in no small degree to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> exerti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edwin Wilkins Field (d. 30<br />
July, 1871, by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> upsetting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a boat <strong>on</strong> Thames), solicitor, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>. In<br />
recogniti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> large services rendered by him, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his untiring efforts<br />
to secure <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> passing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this Bill, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A530 was subscribed, which,<br />
in place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> accepting for his own use-he being earnestly desirous that<br />
his services <strong>on</strong> that important measure should be received as entirely<br />
gratuitous-he requested should be added to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fund <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n being raised<br />
for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rebuilding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this meeting-house, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, William Field,<br />
had l<strong>on</strong>g been minister, so that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building might stand as a reminder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> great victory which had been gained in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interests <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious freedom.<br />
The especial c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> grant were that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> whole sum should<br />
be exclusively expended in giving to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building a higher architectural<br />
character, so as to render it, in its form and finish, worthy to stand as a<br />
memorial <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that event whi~h is justly regarded as forming an epoch in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> civil and religious liberty.<br />
In pursuance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> design thus stated, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> plan adopted was that by<br />
Mr. Horace Field, architect, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a small Gothic chapel, built <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same<br />
st<strong>on</strong>e as that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kenilworth Castle, rough hewn, with tooled<br />
jambs and quoins. The cectre <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interior is occupied with movable<br />
benches, all worshippers being so seated as to face <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit, which is<br />
raised some three steps above <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> level <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> floor. Above <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit,<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> east end wall, is a rose window, and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opposite wall is a large<br />
Gothic window, with tracery, which faces Rosemary Hill. The site is a<br />
gently-rising ground, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building stands up<strong>on</strong> a terrace, five feet in<br />
height, ascended by a flight <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> broad steps, commanding a fine view <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Castle ruins. The space between <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> terrace and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> road, measuring<br />
some forty feet, is occupied by a well-wooded burial ground.
The following inscripti<strong>on</strong> (extant in 1871) was placed <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interior<br />
walls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel :-<br />
Under happy auspices this chapel, dedicated to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e God and<br />
Fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all, originally erected 1705, was rebuilt in its present form, 1846,<br />
as a memorial <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> great act <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> public justice by which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> unrestricted<br />
right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> private judgment in matters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religi<strong>on</strong> is established, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> peace-<br />
ful possessi<strong>on</strong> secured to n<strong>on</strong>-subscribing Dissenters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all property transmitted<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir ancestors. Added to a voluntary subscripti<strong>on</strong> for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
rebuilding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this chapel, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r was minister, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L530<br />
was appropriated at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> request <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edwin Wilkins Field, solicitor, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>,<br />
to whose acceptance it had been <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> n<strong>on</strong>-subscribing Dissenters<br />
in England and Ireland as an acknowledgment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> services rendered in aid<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir exerti<strong>on</strong>s to obtain <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> legislative recogniti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir right, as n<strong>on</strong>-<br />
subscribing c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s, to hold trust property in accordance with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
laws <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> land.<br />
This inscripti<strong>on</strong> has, since 1871, given place to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following, now <strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> wall over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> inner door :-<br />
This chapel was rebuilt during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. William Field, by<br />
voluntary c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> friends, in additi<strong>on</strong> to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> E530, which<br />
was generously devoted to that purpose by Edwin Wilkins Field, Esqre.,<br />
solicitor, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, to whom it had been presented as an acknowledgment<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his services in c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> passing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenters' Chapels<br />
Act.<br />
Samuel Turt<strong>on</strong>, who died in 1728, was doubtless <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first regular<br />
minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society. The author has a note, for which, however, he<br />
has failed to find c<strong>on</strong>firmati<strong>on</strong>, to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> effect that Turt<strong>on</strong> was minister here<br />
in 1700. He was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Turt<strong>on</strong> (see p. 45), first minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, Birmingham ; his name and year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> death are given in<br />
Dr. Evans's List, also that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his successor, John Bassett, who may have<br />
been related to his c<strong>on</strong>temporary, Josiah Bassett, minister at Cradley (see<br />
p. go). In a letter from Joseph Carpenter, minister at Warwick, dated<br />
Warwick, July 19, 1735,"* we meet with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following communicati<strong>on</strong> :-<br />
G' Mr. PhiZ@s is engaged [as r?zi?zister] to Ke?ziZ7oort/z for a year from Mid-<br />
sumllzer. I wish he may do as 7?zzuh good as his Predecessor has d<strong>on</strong>e hurt, who<br />
is now worki~zg ozct his ow?z ruin as fast as he can."<br />
Was this " predecessor," Bassett ?<br />
*Pvot. Diss. Afag., vol. v., p. 284.<br />
Mr. Philips " was Samuel Philips, who ministered (1736-1768-<br />
Bromsgrove, where he lived.<br />
Francis Blackmore was <strong>on</strong> friendly terms with him ; when minister<br />
in charge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Bissenters in Worcester,* he<br />
baptized three s<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Philips, at Bromsgrove, in hk house <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re.<br />
John Kirkpatrick, says <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. George Fox, in his charming and<br />
entertaining volume, G C The <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Park Lane Chapel, 1897 "-<br />
was born at Ir<strong>on</strong>gray, three miles from Dumfries. When Hezekiah [his s<strong>on</strong>]<br />
was but a little child his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r removed to Kenilworth, to take charge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Chapel <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re.<br />
In a foot note to this paragraph, A.G. says-<br />
He removed from Bedworth, where he was assistant to Julius Saunders, before<br />
1730, perhaps before 1724. He was M.A., probably <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Glasgow, and educated<br />
ministers at Bedworth.<br />
C<strong>on</strong>tinuing his story, Mr. Fox writes-<br />
From informati<strong>on</strong> kindly supplied by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>ly living representative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Kirkpatricks, Mrs. Alice Green, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Southport [<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> great grand-daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
John Kirkpatrick], her granclfa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r [Hezekiah], and a little sister travelled<br />
all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> way from Scotland in panniers <strong>on</strong> a d<strong>on</strong>key's back. It is probable,<br />
in those days <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> scanty stipends and imperfect means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> locomoti<strong>on</strong>, that<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parents made <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> journey <strong>on</strong> foot. The Rev. John Kirkpatrick, at Kenil-<br />
worth, preached and printed a serm<strong>on</strong> in memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a little daughter, aged<br />
ten years and four m<strong>on</strong>ths, who died February 11, 1746-7, from virulent<br />
smallpox, after an illness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>ly eight days. It appears that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> child was<br />
a prodigy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> learning for her age, and possessed <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most attractive<br />
moral qualities. .. But <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chief interest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> serm<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>sists in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> absence<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> anything like orthodoxy in it. The discourse is pervaded by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spirit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Scriptures, and abounds with scriptural references ; but it is entirely free<br />
from anything savouring <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> doctrines <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> popular <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ology. Thus, in<br />
an inc<strong>on</strong>spicuous instance, is found an example <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> way in which, so early<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 18th century, orthodoxy had begun to disappear from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old chapels.<br />
Sibree (pp. 163-166) gives an account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers educated<br />
by Kirkpatrick, at Bedworth, where-<br />
he appears to have c<strong>on</strong>tinued in his work till about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1750, when<br />
he ceased to labour and to live ; and, it is said, he was interred near <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
grave <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his predece~sor,<br />
"Angel Street, Worcester, Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptisms, 1699-1759.
i.e., Julius Saunders, who was buried-<br />
in a vault beneath <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> table pew<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bedworth Meeting-house.<br />
Josiah Corrie came to Kenilworth from Frome in 1755. He was a<br />
student at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian College, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, which he left in 1747.<br />
His s<strong>on</strong> John (see p. 50), born at Kenilworth, in 1769, was minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Old Meeting, Birmingham. According to Sibree (p. 219)-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> declined in number during Corrie's ministry. In June,<br />
1787, an old barn, situated <strong>on</strong> Abbey Hill, was opened for Divine worship<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Independents, under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> directi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. James Moody, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Warwick, who, in 1792, was able to see <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> formati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a little church,<br />
which was supplied by neighbouring ministers, am<strong>on</strong>g whom was Mr. Joel<br />
Maurice, minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Strett<strong>on</strong>-under-Fosse, 1768-1797. He was at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pres.<br />
Coll., Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, 1763-1767, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> foundati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Fund Board, from 1797 till his death, 27 December, 1807, he was minister<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, West Bromwich. As no pastor had been settled with<br />
this newly-formed society, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was a partial return in 1804 <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
gregati<strong>on</strong> to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> services in which, after Corrie's death,<br />
had been c<strong>on</strong>ducted by Benjamin Carpenter and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r supplies.<br />
111 1804-<br />
Thomas Burlritt, from Bedford, who was an orthodox preacher* began his<br />
ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society. He was ordained as pastor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an Independent<br />
Church at Buckingham in 1783, and c<strong>on</strong>tinued till 1797, when he removed<br />
to Bedford. It appears that he remained at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting in that town<br />
until 1804, when he removed to Kenilworth. He was an excellent man,<br />
much respected by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vicinity, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> agreeable manners, and<br />
distinguished by his power and fervour in supplicati<strong>on</strong>. He <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ordinati<strong>on</strong> prayer when Mr. Percy was set apart to his work at Warwick,<br />
and was in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> habit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> exchanging pulpits with Mr. Jerard, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coventry,<br />
and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs. His preaching appears to have been too evangelical for some<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his hearers; for up<strong>on</strong> delivering, <strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong>e occasi<strong>on</strong>, a discourse <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
influences <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Holy Spirit, he received a c<strong>on</strong>~municati<strong>on</strong> which illuch grieved<br />
him, and so<strong>on</strong> embittered his c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m. Eventually it led to<br />
his resignati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pastoral <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice am<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m in 1816. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year<br />
following he left Kenilworth, where he had not laboured in vain, esteemed<br />
and regretted by many.<br />
Burkitt may have ceased his c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society in 1816, but<br />
he took occasi<strong>on</strong>al services in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house after that year, for his<br />
last entry in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptisms is dated <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 22 July, 1821, his first<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> book, which was begun in his time, being <strong>on</strong> 20 March, 1811.<br />
This register is a thin quarto volume, lea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r back, and marble paper sides.<br />
On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first page is this inscripti<strong>on</strong> :-Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptisms I solemnized<br />
with Water, I in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I The Fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> S<strong>on</strong>, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Holy Ghost, I by-Ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> I <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I Dissenting Protestants<br />
I in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I Kenilworth I in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> county <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I Warwick I . There are<br />
entries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> seven baptisms by Burkitt, six by Fenner, and ten by Wood.<br />
The exact time when John Ludd Fenner began his ministry here is not<br />
known to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author ; certain, however, is it that he signs <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Register<br />
<strong>on</strong> 19 February, 1819, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first time, and that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his six entries<br />
is dated 25 June, 1820. Fenner, wh-o was born in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, and baptized<br />
by Thomas Gibb<strong>on</strong>s, D.D., minister 1743-1785, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Haberdashers' Hall,<br />
Independent Society, was a student at Daventry Academy, under Caleb<br />
Ashworth, D.D. Kenilworth was his last settled ministry ; he died at<br />
Taunt<strong>on</strong> (where he had ministered to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian society, in Tancred<br />
Street, 1795-1815), in November, 1833, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 83rd year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his age.<br />
Samuel Wood, always <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a delicate c<strong>on</strong>stituti<strong>on</strong>, somewhat peremptory,<br />
but ever good-hearted, was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Ottiwell Wood, a well-<br />
known Liverpool resident ; before proceeding to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> University <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Glasgow,<br />
and eventually to Macchester Coll., York, he had been a pupil <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William<br />
Johns, minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cross Street, Cheshire, 1805-1845, who had his school<br />
in Manchester, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Broadbent, minister at Cairo Street, War-<br />
ringt<strong>on</strong>, 1792-1822, and for a short time <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Shepherd, minister at Gate-<br />
acre, 1791-1847. Some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his happiest days were spent at Kenilworth,<br />
where he manifested that particular predilecti<strong>on</strong> for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> intellectual and<br />
moral improvement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poorer classes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> community, which dis-<br />
tinguished him through life. Ill-health compelled him to retire for a period<br />
from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> active duties <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong> he loved, and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> autumn <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
1826 he left Kenilworth for Geneva. His first entry in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Register is<br />
dated 7 April, 1822, his last, 13 July, 1826. His habit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> qualifying all he<br />
said with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> words I believe," or cc I think," and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r interesting re-<br />
miniscences <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> him, were described to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author in 1898 by a lady who<br />
knew him intimately during-. his residence at Bridport.
William Field is more fully alluded to under Warwick ; from 1826 to<br />
1843 he was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> regular afterno<strong>on</strong> preacher at Kenilworth ; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> feelings<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society towards him found expressi<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gift <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a silver inkstand<br />
inscribed :-<br />
KeniZwori%, March, 1843.<br />
Presented<br />
To <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. William Field<br />
By his affecti<strong>on</strong>ate C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
In Testim<strong>on</strong>y<br />
Of <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir Gratitude for his highly-valuable<br />
Services,<br />
As <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir Pastor,<br />
Through <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last Seventeen Years ;<br />
And <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir Venerati<strong>on</strong><br />
Of his Fidelity and Zeal,<br />
From early Manhood to h<strong>on</strong>ourable Age,<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cause<br />
Of Christian Knowledge, Liberty and<br />
Virtue.<br />
In his letter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> acknowledgment, addressed to John Jacks<strong>on</strong>, Esquire,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wroxal, an Elder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, Field says he will have much<br />
pleasure in c<strong>on</strong>tinuing to c<strong>on</strong>duct <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday services till his successor is<br />
chosen and ready to enter <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> duties <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice. This he did until<br />
1850, when John Gord<strong>on</strong>, who had recently settled in Kenilworth, became<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> stated minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society. Field's " Final Address <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir late<br />
Minister to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kenilworth C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>" was dated, Leam, April 25th,<br />
1850. At that time <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> included am<strong>on</strong>gst its worshippers<br />
members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> families <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Aitkin, Beesley, Burberry, Carter, Chaplin,<br />
Girling, Hodgetts, Lampray, Pace, Powell, Russell, Stokes, and Wilmott.<br />
Towards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1891 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel was closed.<br />
Prior to closing <strong>on</strong>ly five pers<strong>on</strong>s attended. Mr. J. H. Burbery had almost<br />
entirely supported <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel for some years, and <strong>on</strong> his death, early in<br />
1892, all fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r effort was aband<strong>on</strong>ed. There are <strong>on</strong>ly two former members<br />
living in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbourhood, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y are both very old. For many years<br />
it appears that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> attendance did not exceed a dozen, including <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> choir."<br />
In closing this brief account <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author can but express his str<strong>on</strong>g<br />
hope that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> day is not far <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f when Divine worship will <strong>on</strong>ce more be<br />
*Essex Hall Year Book, 1897, p. 10.<br />
regularly c<strong>on</strong>ducted in this most interesting, well-cared for, and substantial<br />
edifice.<br />
SAMUEL TURTON, min. Kenilworth, -1700-1728.<br />
d. 1728.<br />
c$ Evans's List ; Sibree, p. 218.<br />
JOHN BASSETT, min. Kenilworth.<br />
c$ Evans's List.<br />
SAMUEL PHILIPS, min. Bromsgrove, 1736-1768- ; Kenilworth, 1735-1736 ; Issue, Samuel,<br />
B. 1743 ; Thomas Mann, B. 1745 ; Samuel (2) B. 174718.<br />
cf; Worcester, Angel Street Register (extracts in N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity in Worcester, Wm.<br />
Urwick, M.A, 1897, pp. 197-8) ; M.R., 1817, p. 6 ; notes penes author.<br />
JOHN KIRKPATRICK, b. at Ir<strong>on</strong>gray, near Dumfries ; ed. Glasgow? ; M.A. Glas.? ; min.<br />
Bedworth, Warwickshire, assistant to Juliug Saunders, Kenilworth, [1739]-1747-[1750] ;<br />
Issue, Hezekiah (d. 1779, zet. 61), daughter (d. 11 February, 174617, zet. 10).<br />
cf. <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Park Lane Chapel, George Fox, 1897, pp. 52, sq. ; Sibree, p. 163, sq.<br />
i<br />
JOSIAH CORRIE, b. L17251 ; ed. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres. Coll.,<br />
Kenilworth, 1755-1800 ; Issue, John (q.v. p. 50).<br />
d. 1800, zt. 75.<br />
c$ Wreford, p. 44 ; Sibrez, p. 219 ; Beale, p. 49.<br />
-1747 ; min. Frome, 1747-1755 ;<br />
THOMAS BURICITT, ed. Daventry Academy, 1775- , by Rev. Thos. Robins ; ord. 1783 ;<br />
min. Hinckley, 1779-1783 ; Buckingham, 1783-1797 ; Bedford, 1797-1804 ; Kenilworth,<br />
1804-1816.<br />
cf; M.R., 1822, p. 198 ; Siblper, p. 220 ; Kenilworth Register.<br />
JOHN LUDD FENNER, b. [1751] in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>; ed. Daventry Academy, 1766- , by Caleb<br />
Ashworth, D.D. ; min. Bicester, -1774 ; M<strong>on</strong>t<strong>on</strong>, 1774-1779 ; Devizes, 1779-1795 ;<br />
Taunt<strong>on</strong>, 1795-18 15 ; Kenilworth,<br />
Ludd (d. 1840).<br />
-I 819-1 820 ; Taunt<strong>on</strong>, .icrit/rozrt charge ; Issue, John<br />
c?. November, 1833, ~ t 82. .<br />
cf; i2e*co1-~?, p. 133 ; Kenilworth and Kidderminster Registers.<br />
SAR~UEL WOOD, b. I January, 1797, in Manchester ; ed. Glasgow ; York, M.C., 1815-1818 ;<br />
B.A. Ghs. ; min. Kenilworth [1820]-1826 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Stoke Newingt<strong>on</strong>, 1832-1836 ; Bridport,<br />
1840-1841 ; Lewes, 1843-1848 ; m. (3 April, 1843) Elizabeth, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jos.<br />
Stanley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham.<br />
d 23 August, 1849.<br />
cf. C.R., 1849, p. 698 ; Kenilwo@h Register.<br />
WILLIAM FIELD, see Warwick.<br />
JOHN GORDON, see Evesham.
DANIEL DAVIES JEREMY, see Warwick.<br />
GEORGE HEAVISIDE, b. at Rochdale ; ed. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, M.N.C., 18 j4-1860 ; B.A. Lottd, 1857 ;<br />
F.R.G.S. ; F.R.Hist.S. ; min. Coventry, 1860has<br />
issue.<br />
; Kenilworth, 1860-1865 ; 112. and<br />
c$ Roll <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Students.<br />
JOHN WILLIAM LAKE, see Warwick.<br />
M.S.C., p. 157.<br />
C.R., 1843, p. 325.<br />
C.R., 1845, p. 845.<br />
Inq., 1845, p. 681.<br />
Inq., 1850, p. 303.<br />
Inq., 1871, p. 517.<br />
Sibree, p. 215, sq.
Date <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, 24 Feb., 1782.<br />
Opened 18 Oct., 1782.<br />
Enlarged, restored and re-opened, 13 Dec., 1883.<br />
MINISTERS,<br />
George Osborn<br />
Robert Gentleman<br />
William Severn<br />
John Lane<br />
Joseph Smith<br />
Richard Fry<br />
John Taylor<br />
Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Gibs<strong>on</strong><br />
Edward Parry . . .<br />
Abraham kunn ...<br />
William Henry Fish, B.A. .<br />
William Edward Mell<strong>on</strong>e<br />
William Carey Walters<br />
James Hall ... ...<br />
Evan David Priestley Evans<br />
... . . . 1782-1784<br />
1784-1795<br />
I 797- I 806<br />
I 806-<br />
I 870- I 874<br />
,1875<br />
I 876- 1879<br />
I 880- I 887<br />
I 888- 1 &go<br />
I 890-<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1781 forty-six members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> " Old Meeting" refused, <strong>on</strong><br />
doctrinal grounds, to sign <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> invitati<strong>on</strong> to John Barrett to become successor<br />
to Benjamin Fawcett, M.A., as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tliat society, and decided to<br />
withdraw and to form ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>. They asked to be allowed<br />
to bid <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir services iil tk- meeting-house during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> intervals <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> public<br />
worship, and were requested, in return, to resign z@ <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>pars<strong>on</strong>age houses<br />
for whic?z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y 7t.tere if2 trust, agreeabb fo <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> i?zte?zti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust reposed in<br />
th~uz by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>grzgnti<strong>on</strong>, ad 7e1hose expense <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> said houses had been built. This<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> seceders refused to do, and were <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>refore denied <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meetinghouse<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 71zajor part qx <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> tri~~tees.<br />
The separati<strong>on</strong> took place, and <strong>on</strong> 24 February, 1782;'<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first worship<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new society was held in Mr. Lediard's wa~2house <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> banks <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
canal, being c<strong>on</strong>ducted by William Broadbent, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n a student zt Daventry<br />
Academy. The first committee was appointed <strong>on</strong> 26 December, 1781. It
c<strong>on</strong>sisted <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Daniel Best, Serjeant Crane, John Jeffreys, Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Jeffreys,<br />
Nicholas Pearsall, Nicholas Penn, and John Richards<strong>on</strong>. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> matter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
choosing a minister and drawing up <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> articles <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust deed, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
committee was instructed to particz~larZy c<strong>on</strong>sult <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Revs. Job Ort<strong>on</strong>, Sj+ilsbz/ry,<br />
Thorns<strong>on</strong>, Urioick, Robins, Tayler, and Belsham. Just A500 were raised before<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1781 towards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> building a place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship.<br />
Nicholas Pearsall gave <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> site and L50 in cash; Serjeant Crane, Serjeant<br />
Hornblower, and Nicholas Penn gave A50 each ; acd Joseph Broome and<br />
Richard Wats<strong>on</strong> A40 each.<br />
According to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> writer (Nicholas Pearsall?) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> valuable M.S. Churclz<br />
Book, bel<strong>on</strong>gizizg to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Chappel, Kidder~ninster, from which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author<br />
quotes freely, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Neze~ Meetin,. was opened zeiiilt peat decency and becoming<br />
solentnity <strong>on</strong> Rriday, 18 October, 1782, by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> folloze~ing ge?ztZeme?z :-Rev. MY.<br />
Carpenter, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge, zedo <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ered prayer and read <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Scr@tures ; Rev. iMr.<br />
Wood, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> UudZey, who ntade <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> general prayer; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Mr. Belshaf7z, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Daventry; who ?nude <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> particz~lar or dedicati<strong>on</strong> prajler ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Mr. Tajder,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Carter Lane, L<strong>on</strong>dot?, who preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sernz<strong>on</strong> ; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Mr. Gum~ner,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcester, who c<strong>on</strong>cluded with a short prayer and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Blessing; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev.<br />
MY. Osborn, our te?;lzporary preacher, perforj?zed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> o@ce <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> clerk, in reading <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
jsal7ns and hymns <strong>on</strong> fie said occasi<strong>on</strong>. Hi<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rto has fie Lord hc&ed us, and<br />
blessed be <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord.<br />
Invitati<strong>on</strong>s were given by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> newly-formed society, first to Thomas<br />
Tayler, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Carter Lane, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, and next to Samuel Fawcett, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bed-<br />
minster, to become its minister, but both <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se gentlemen were, with<br />
much regret, obliged to decline <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> numerously-signed invitati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> summer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1783 Robert Gentleman, principal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian<br />
College, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, preached to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society for a few Sundays, and in<br />
September an invitati<strong>on</strong>, signed by Nicholas Pearsall, Serjeant Crane,<br />
Nicholas Penn, Richard Wats<strong>on</strong>, and 48 o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs, was sent to Gentleman,<br />
asking him to become its first regular minister. He accepted in January,<br />
1784, and settled at Kidderminster, preaching his first serm<strong>on</strong>, as minister<br />
in charge, <strong>on</strong> 25 July following."<br />
*The trust deed, executed <strong>on</strong> 6 August, 1784, has a clause to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> effect that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
minister L'shall be elected and chosen by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Men Communicants who shall have been<br />
Communicants for twelve calendar m<strong>on</strong>ths next preceding such vacancy, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sub-<br />
scribers to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, who shall have been subscribers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 6s. at<br />
least for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last twelve m<strong>on</strong>ths next preceding such vacancy, and shall have paid <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
same subscripti<strong>on</strong>."<br />
At this time, says <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> writer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> above-menti<strong>on</strong>ed " Church Book,"<br />
No bitterfzess or ani?nositys remain between <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 2 socieQs, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> princz2aZ members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
each unite toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir friend4 meetings, and carry <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir charitable deskns<br />
with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same har?notzy as befare <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> separati<strong>on</strong> took PZrrct'. The yninisters are<br />
<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ?nest friend& terms with each o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, both <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> places are welZjfZZed, especial&<br />
<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord's Day, afternoo7z and evenii7zg. Nor is this <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>ly yecord <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
fraternal relati<strong>on</strong>ships, for Mrs. Sherwood tells us that her fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, George<br />
Butt, D.D., vicar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidderminster, used to dispense with serm<strong>on</strong> at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
parish church <strong>on</strong> " Charity Serm<strong>on</strong> Sundays," and go in his robes to hold<br />
a plate at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> doors <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two meeting-houses. He was very friendly with<br />
GentLeman, and wrote <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Latin lines and English Versi<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> Richard<br />
Baxter, which now hang by his pulpit in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vestry, and which were pro-<br />
nounced to be good' Latinity by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Dean Stanley, who, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> occasi<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his unveiling <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baxter's statue in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bull Ring, visited <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vestry to<br />
inspect <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit, and delivered a short address from it.<br />
LINES ON BAXTER, by George Butt, D.D., vicar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidderminster. j<br />
From <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> original framed Copy hanging in New Meeting Vestry. I<br />
Here let <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> nume <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baxter l<strong>on</strong>g be Known;<br />
Here let his glory live, whom n<strong>on</strong>e excelL7d<br />
In all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> duties <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pastor's Care,<br />
Whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r his mental faczdties you we&h<br />
Or, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> yet nobbr virtaes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his heart.<br />
Vain pomp, and w/orldZy riches he desjis'd;<br />
That fame which strenuous virtue gives <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> few,<br />
He saw, he sought, he seized, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n raised his head,<br />
Tow'ring szQerior, like some cloud-capt clzf<br />
Which scorns <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jfry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> stormy witzds,<br />
. Whence rr~s7ze's fol-th <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fertiliiing stt-ea~~t<br />
To which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pknteous harvest owes its birth<br />
(An harvest l<strong>on</strong>g re~?zembered thmz~gh <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se plains).<br />
Thus Baxter stood, anzid st~rrouading foes.<br />
By his exanzple fir'd-go, banish sloth ;<br />
Pour forth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> strea~~zs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sacred eloquence,<br />
hzstrz~ct, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n add exav@le7s cltarer l&ht,<br />
And gain a harvest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> inznzortal souls.<br />
Go, banish sloth, and strive to equal hiftz.
But vaziz th' atte??zjt. Let this at least be thine<br />
( Whoe'er thou art, whate'er thy strength can do),<br />
With pure be?zevok?zce to serve ~fzankind<br />
And, thro' a Saviour, gain ivz?tzortad bliss.<br />
Rev. G. BUTT<br />
On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> back <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> framed Latin versi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> above, which hangs adja-<br />
cent, it is written :-<br />
Rd. Baxter,<br />
Born at Rowt<strong>on</strong>, nr. U&hercaZ, Shroj.,<br />
Nov. 12, 1615.<br />
fizvited to Kidder., 1640 ;<br />
Went to L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, 1660 ;<br />
Died, Dec. 8, 1691.<br />
From time to time various additi<strong>on</strong>s and alterati<strong>on</strong>s have been made<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house, which assumed its present handsome appearance in<br />
1883, during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Walters, when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building was leng<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ned<br />
25ft., <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fr<strong>on</strong>t elevati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> brown and white st<strong>on</strong>e erected, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chancel<br />
and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r parts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interior entirely renovated. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same time also<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> extensive school buildings were enlarged.<br />
The stained glass window <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> rare beauty, over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> communi<strong>on</strong> table,<br />
represents "Jesus, as Teacher, Friend, and Risen Lord," and was placed<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re in 1890 by Miss Stooke, in memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> her niece, Annie Stooke, a<br />
devoted worker in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, who died <strong>on</strong> 26 December, 1885.<br />
O<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r coloured windows have since been added to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William<br />
Talbot, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Whitville, who died 2 July, 1887 ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mrs. Notcutt (nc2 Ida<br />
Talbot), <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ipswich ; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mrs. William Talbot, by her s<strong>on</strong>, Laurence<br />
Talbot, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stratford-<strong>on</strong>-Av<strong>on</strong>. The brass eagle lectern is a memorial to<br />
Mrs. Talbot, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oakland, who was for 60 years a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society.<br />
Tablets, in marble or brass, commemorate Idant Carpenter, LLD. (d. 1840)~<br />
Richard Fry (d. 1842), Charles Talbot (d. 1844), George Talbot (d. 1868),<br />
Henry Talbot (d. 1573), and Caroline, his wife (d. 1889), George Willey<br />
(d. 1875)~ and Nicholas Pearsall (d. 1798).<br />
There are many valuable relics and objects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vestry,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chief <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> unique Baxter pulpit and sounding board. It<br />
originally stood in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidderminster Parish Church, where Richard Baxter<br />
was vicar from 1640 to 1660. About <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1785, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> "rubbish " was<br />
being removed from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church, and am<strong>on</strong>gst it was this pulpit ! Nicholas<br />
Pearsall was not <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> man to let slip an opportunity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> acquiring such a<br />
treasure as this pulpit, so he bought it for iE;5 ! ! and thoughtfully gave it<br />
into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> keeping <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting. They placed it in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vestry, and during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> alterati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1883 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present recess in'which<br />
it stands was built for it. The late Sir James Allans<strong>on</strong> Pict<strong>on</strong>, F.S.A.,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Liverpool, told <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author that this pulpit was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> finest speci-<br />
mens <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jacobean carving he had ever seen. The panels are inscribed :-<br />
Mrs. I Alice I Dawks, I Widow, I gave I this I pulpit.<br />
Above <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se are <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> words :-<br />
Praise <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord.<br />
The fine sounding board is attached to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit by a carved panel.<br />
bearing date :-<br />
Anno.<br />
1621.<br />
Attached also to this panel, and right above <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> back <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preacher's<br />
head, is a wooden cushi<strong>on</strong>, bearing a movable crown elaborately carved<br />
and coloured.<br />
O<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r interesting objects stored in this spacious vestry are :-<br />
(a) Baxter's Works, folio, 1707, given by Robert Gentleman.<br />
(fi) Lines in Latin and in English <strong>on</strong> Baxter, composed by George Butt,<br />
D.D., vicar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidderminster, 1787, and given by Dr. Butt to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
trustees. Hand printed, in two black frames.<br />
(c) An engraving <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baxter, by J. Spilsbury, August I, 1763, "from an<br />
original painting in _<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> possessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Mr. Benjamin Fawcett,<br />
at Kidderminster."<br />
(d) Extract from serm<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Princess Charlotte <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wales,<br />
November 19, 1817, by Richard Fry, in his minute and exquisite<br />
penmanship.<br />
(e) Chair formerly owned by Job Ort<strong>on</strong>.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chancel are <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two chairs bequea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d by Dr. John Hall, Bishop<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gloucester and Bristol, to his kinsman, Mr. Spilsbury, through whom<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y passed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting trustees.<br />
The year 1897-that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Diam<strong>on</strong>d Jubilee <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Queen Victoria-was<br />
marked by <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most munificent gifts made to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society since its
foundati<strong>on</strong>. On Friday, 26 February, Miss Stooke, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> d<strong>on</strong>or <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
above-menti<strong>on</strong>ed window, signed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>tract which made her <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pur-<br />
chaser <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> house in Shor<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ath-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n called Arden House-which from<br />
that time became <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> property <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society, to be used as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister's<br />
house. This gift <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Manse was fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r pro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Miss Stooke's love<br />
and devoti<strong>on</strong> to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church, recalling, as it does, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> munificence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> pious<br />
d<strong>on</strong>ors in byg<strong>on</strong>e days, but which differs widely in that that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> former<br />
times was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fruit so largely <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fear, whilst that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> to-day is prompted<br />
by love.<br />
Knowing that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present minister, Mr. Priestley Evans, has been for<br />
some time at work <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> full history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society, and which, it is hoped,<br />
may ere l<strong>on</strong>g be published, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author refrains from entering as largely<br />
as he might have o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rwise d<strong>on</strong>e <strong>on</strong> any details <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers who<br />
have served it.<br />
George Osborn, our te?n$orary preacher, oddly enough was "a highly<br />
'orthodox Baptist." His portrait and memoir are given in Urwick's N<strong>on</strong>-<br />
c<strong>on</strong>formity in Worcester, in which city Osborn laboured as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Angel Street society from 1791 until his death in 1812.<br />
Robert Gentleman, who was-<br />
brought up under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Job Ort<strong>on</strong> (q.v.), who encouraged him in<br />
his studies. . . . was a popular preacher, arianising in his <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ology,<br />
but <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> evangelical sentiment. . . . Ort<strong>on</strong>, who died at Kidderminster,<br />
in 1783, made Gentleman his literary executor, and this circumstance probably<br />
recommended him to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidderminster seceders, who chose him as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir<br />
first minister in 1784. His ministry was very successf~il.*<br />
Severn, who was a native <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nottingham, became, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> age <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 16,<br />
.'(a c<strong>on</strong>vert to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> doctrines and disciplines <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Methodism ; a circumstance<br />
which, since he arrived at years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> maturity, he never ceased to deplore.<br />
On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> declarati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his determinati<strong>on</strong> to follow Mr. Wesley, he was<br />
,expelled from his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's house and obliged to take refuge with Mr.<br />
Warwick, fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Doctor Warwick, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rhain [Thomas Oliver War-<br />
wick, M.D., min. Ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rham, 1795-1816, d. 18 March, 18521, and under<br />
his protecti<strong>on</strong>, became, not <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most popular preachers, but<br />
a friend and c<strong>on</strong>fidential compani<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Wesley himself. For two years<br />
he was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> travelling associate <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that extraordinary pers<strong>on</strong>, who appears,<br />
*Die. Nat. Biog,<br />
from letters to Mr. Severn, to have greatly admired his talents, zeal and<br />
intrepidity. Of <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> period when Mr. Severn began to waver in his attach-<br />
ment to his pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong> as a teacher <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> doctrines <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Methodism, no<br />
satisfactory informati<strong>on</strong> can be obtained, but, from a short journal now<br />
in existence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his daily labors, during part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his twentieth year,. it is<br />
manifest, in every fresh memorandum, that his mind was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n very little<br />
at ease, and that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was a something in his situati<strong>on</strong> which rendered<br />
it very irksome. . . . This journal is c<strong>on</strong>tinued <strong>on</strong>ly for a few m<strong>on</strong>ths,<br />
but it is ascertained that so<strong>on</strong> after that period he went to Edinburgh to<br />
study divinity. . . . It must have been during his residence at Hinckley<br />
that his Unitarian propensities took a decided t<strong>on</strong>e, for from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nce he<br />
was invited to a c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> at Norwich under that denominati<strong>on</strong>."*<br />
At Norwich Severn succeeded Belljamin Hart (who afterwards became<br />
a Chancery pleader) as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> short-lived society-a secessi<strong>on</strong><br />
from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Qld Meeting (C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al)-which built a meeting-house in<br />
Bridge Street, "but <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cause did not flourish l<strong>on</strong>g and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building was<br />
pulled down." Several <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its members, "who had for some time doubted<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> truth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Calvinistic system," joined <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Octag<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Parker, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Coseley (q.v.) succeeded Severn in this Bridge Street ministry<br />
for a brief peri0d.t Icidderminster had <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> benefit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his ministerial ser-<br />
vices some years before his translati<strong>on</strong> to Hull, where he lived between<br />
five or six years.<br />
Of Joseph Smith (or John Smith as it has sometimes been given) <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
author has no particulqrs, and in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> absence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any documentary evidence<br />
he is not inclined to identify him as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same man as John B-- Smith,<br />
poet, composei <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Seat<strong>on</strong> Bench, and minister at Reading, 1819 ; Maidst<strong>on</strong>e,<br />
182 1-1822 ; and Colyt<strong>on</strong>, 1830-1832 ; who did not leave <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Independent<br />
body until 1816 or 1817. Specimens <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poet Smith's writing and<br />
signature are given in CoZyt<strong>on</strong>ia, 1898, p. 31 ; if <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidderminster Smith's<br />
handwriting could be recovered and a comparis<strong>on</strong> made, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> soluti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> matter might be arrived at.<br />
*In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> treasurer's book <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting, Kidderminster, October, 1796, is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
entry :-A~Y. Sever~z's ~xpetzses to nnd from Norzuich, &ro 10s. od.<br />
'pc$ M.R., 1809, p. 239; Browne, p. 271.<br />
ZM.R., 1813, p. 550.
The M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting minutes record that <strong>on</strong> 8 May, 181 I, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> members<br />
met at Lye Waste, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preacher being Jos. Smith, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidder~ninster.<br />
Richard Fry was a frequent c<strong>on</strong>tributor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> original poetry to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
M<strong>on</strong>th@ Repository, from. <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> columns <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which valuable journal, 1820, p.<br />
245, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se lines <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his wife are reproduced :-<br />
THE MEMORY OF CATHARINE.<br />
Beside thy sorrow'd grave, departed Worth !<br />
Affecti<strong>on</strong> glows, reminded <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> form<br />
And lineaments from nature, f<strong>on</strong>dly dear,<br />
Of mental purity, more valued still,<br />
Meek goodness that c<strong>on</strong>cealment lov'd. The worm<br />
May witness doom'd return to kindred earth,<br />
But character <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> mind knows no decay.<br />
While absence felt renews <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parting tear,<br />
Thy virtues, cherish'd by sincere belief,<br />
Sweetly remember'd, hopes inspire that thrill<br />
With pensive solace through <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> soul <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> grief,<br />
Changing this mortal gloom to glimpse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> day,<br />
Dawn <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> morn when all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> faithful heart<br />
With perfect joy shall meet and never, never part.<br />
Kiddeyminster, ApiZ ro, 1820.<br />
R. F.<br />
The first occasi<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting was held at Kidderminster<br />
was <strong>on</strong> 8 August, 1786, when Rev. Mr. Beesley preached otz P?. xxxi.,<br />
23, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. IMr. Wood led <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> devotio7zaZ service, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Messeurs<br />
Baker, Cle?tzents and Nodgkzks favoured with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir co~q9a?zy.<br />
A few words must be said about Nicholas Pearsall, whose name is so<br />
frequently met with in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society's life ; he was its<br />
first warden, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> writer, in all probability, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> '(Church Book" previously<br />
menti<strong>on</strong>ed, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> able administrator <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its affairs, and, above all, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> founder<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Grarrimar School, which bears his name, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> d<strong>on</strong>or <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> day<br />
school buildings. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> obituary notice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> him given in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant<br />
Dissenters' Magaxzize, 1798, p. 359, he is spoken <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> as <strong>on</strong>e-<br />
whose solid and sublime piety, singular prudence, active benevolence, and<br />
well-directed zeal will embalm his character in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> memories <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his acquaint-<br />
ance. C<strong>on</strong>vinced <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> inculcating good principles up<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
minds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> children and youth, he not <strong>on</strong>ly afforded pecuniary assistance to<br />
instituti<strong>on</strong>s which had <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir object, but c<strong>on</strong>tributed his pers<strong>on</strong>al<br />
instructi<strong>on</strong>s. He attended for many years weekly up011 a class <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> children,<br />
who, with paternal affecti<strong>on</strong>, were formed to habits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thought and enquiry,<br />
industry and virtue. . . . To prevent as much as possible <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> good<br />
cause in which he strenuously engaged suffering by his removal, he erected,<br />
at his sole expense, two schools-neat and c<strong>on</strong>venient edifices adjacent to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new meeting-house, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> educati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 35 poor boys and as<br />
many girls, in reading, writing, and accounts, which is supported by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting Society. The o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, which in - his life-<br />
time, he handsomely endowed for grammar learning. Part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his design<br />
in erecting and endowing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> latter was to provide a seminary for young<br />
men intended for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry, preparatory to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir entering up<strong>on</strong> an<br />
academic course.<br />
Pearsall was for some years before his death retarded in his sphere<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> utility by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gradual loss both <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sight and hearing, which threatened<br />
to become total. He died <strong>on</strong> 2 July, 1798, and was, by his own wish,<br />
buried in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> yard <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his beloved school, an upright headst<strong>on</strong>e marking<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spot, which now forms a part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> green ('close" in fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
meeting-house. Severn buried him, it being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first instance known in<br />
Kidderminster <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a funeral service being performed by a n<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formist<br />
minister. The MS. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> funeral serm<strong>on</strong> delivered by Severn <strong>on</strong> this<br />
occasi<strong>on</strong> is still owned by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society.<br />
The register, gins. tall and gins. broad, is bound in rough brown<br />
lea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, and is lettered-<br />
Register I bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> I New Meeting House, I Kidderminster. I<br />
It was deposited with o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r n<strong>on</strong>-parocl~ial registers by John Taylor, <strong>on</strong><br />
24 January, 1837, i?z zdose ct~stody Z't had been from April, 1836. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its being sent to L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fri?zcz$al trz~stees are IVtlz. Hopki?zs: Sr., Geo.<br />
Talbot, Sr., He~zry Talhot, H7?~z. NopKi?zs, Jr., Edward Broadjeld, Janzes Badland,<br />
and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs. ,<br />
Gentleman's first entry is )L&, 1783, Johz, s<strong>on</strong> uf Richa~d and Mary<br />
Watso?z, b. 7 April, 1783 ; his last, 25 Afay, 1795, /Vary, daz~ghter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William<br />
, and Rhoda Ho$Ai~zs. In all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are entries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 131 baptisms by him. On<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cover he has written, Alter my settleme~zt at Kidder1ni7zster in June, 1784.<br />
After Gentleman's last entry and before Severn's first is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> note :-The<br />
Baptisms inserted i?z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two folloz~ing pazes were by occasio;lzal mi~zisters who<br />
supplied thc c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> ireta~een <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rob t. Gziztleuian, li;& I 79 j, and<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> settlement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> WilZiam Severfa, Jalzuary 6, I 797.
These entries are :-<br />
7 Septenzber, I 795, 7. L. Fenner, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Devizes.<br />
2 5 October, I 795, Sauzuel Grz3ths, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> WcZverhanzpt<strong>on</strong>.<br />
3 I Alay and I g Azdgust, 1796, WilZia71z BZaKe, yr.<br />
23 A~I~zcs~, 1796, Rd. Bowden. .<br />
I 8 Arovenrber, I 796, Herbert -ye7zki7zs, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge.<br />
Severn's first entry is <strong>on</strong> 17 :?anuary, 1797, Elizabeth, daz~ghter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> yosiah<br />
and yane Grzfin, b. 16 December, I 796 ; his last is <strong>on</strong> 2 Afarch, 1806, Mary,<br />
dazlghter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Yohn aad Sarah Wrzkht, b. 14 Decenzber, 1805. There are 52<br />
entries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptisms by him.<br />
Herbert Jenkins, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge, again supplied <strong>on</strong> 16 February and<br />
8 March, 1807, <strong>on</strong> which latter date he baptized WiZZiaant, sorc <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> He;rzry afzd<br />
Rosa TaZbot, b. 4 YaZy, 1806.<br />
John Lane had 15 baptisms, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first <strong>on</strong> 27 Decenzber, 1807, Edward, s<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> yohn and Sarah Mfr&ht, b. 23 October, 1807 ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last <strong>on</strong> g Az~gust, 1809,<br />
John, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edzelard and Mary Broadjeld, b. I March, 1809.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> years 1810 and 1811 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptisms recorded are by James Scott<br />
(4), Benjamin Carpenter (4), and Thomas Tayler (2) ; n<strong>on</strong>e are entered as<br />
by Joseph B. Smith.<br />
Richard Fry's baptisms numbered 100, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first <strong>on</strong> 17 November, 1813,<br />
Elizabeth, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> He7zry and Rosa Talbot, b. 8 April, 1812 ; his last <strong>on</strong>.<br />
5 yanuary, 1836, Caroline, b. 7 October, 1818, Emnra, b. 8 October, 1820,<br />
Gcorge, b. 19 October, 1823, a7zd Edward, b. g Febrz~ary, 1827, children <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Edward and Mary Broadfield.<br />
John Taylor's first entry is <strong>on</strong> 5 7u7ze, 1836, ~/,orias, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ralnes a d<br />
Phebe Cowell, b. 23 Mlzy, 1836, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last by him, prior to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register<br />
being deposited in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, I I October, 1836, ElZen, daz~ghter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ne7zry a72d<br />
A7zn Hawkeswood, b. 3 I August, I 836.<br />
The trustees have in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir possessi<strong>on</strong> a book, " An Account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptisnzs<br />
in fie Co7zgrtgati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Disse7zter.s i7z Kidder77zi7zster," c<strong>on</strong>taining, wrote<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Mr. George Hopkins in 1888.-<br />
a nicely-written list from 1727, by various Ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting,<br />
Rev. Mr. Bradshaw, Benjamin Fawcett, R. Parminter, J. Barrett, to July 25,<br />
1782. There are many well-known Kidderminster names, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last being<br />
John and James, s<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saml. and Ann Stockall, born May 5. Then<br />
comes a register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> pers<strong>on</strong>s Baptized in Kidderminster by Robt. Gentleman.<br />
The first being John, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Richard and Mary Wats<strong>on</strong>, ' ~~ril 7, 1783, and<br />
he says, th~se were Rafltized before nzjl settldntent at KinlZer7?zinster, and 60th Jefo~e<br />
ntztl' aftev this tinze some 7oe~e B+tizert C?y o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r Alinisters occnsi<strong>on</strong>alZy here, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wh<strong>on</strong>r<br />
no reg.isier zuns made. Afte~ nzy settlement were Baptized, 1784, 27, William,<br />
s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wm. and Rho& Napkins; 1785, Maj! 30, Richard, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Richnl-d and<br />
Mary lflats<strong>on</strong>, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs. The~z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is a nzenzorandzc?~~ :--Az~gz~st 4, 1785,<br />
N.6. &<strong>on</strong>2 this time <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Register is c<strong>on</strong>tiflued <strong>on</strong> Stnnlrps and kept (as bel<strong>on</strong>ging<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Society) itt <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vestry.<br />
This is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> volume now in Somerset House, where also is deposited<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> original Register from 1727, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> copy (was it made by careful<br />
7<br />
Nicholas Pearsall?) is in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees' possessi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
PEARSALL'S SCHOOL.<br />
In an indenture <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> bargain and sale, dated 15 June, 1795, between<br />
Nicholas Pearsall, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e part, and Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Jefferys and eight o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d part, Pearsall recites how that being desirous <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> promoting<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> welfare <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his fellow creatures, and persuaded that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir welfare, both<br />
in this world and ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, depended, under Almighty God, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir being<br />
taught to practise virtue and abstain from vice, he had resolved to estab-<br />
lish a school to teach youth this important truth in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first place, and<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d place, so much <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> arts and sciences as might enable<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m to fill up with advantage <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir respective stati<strong>on</strong>s in life. To establish<br />
such a school at Kidderminster for boys, he c<strong>on</strong>veyed to Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Jefferys<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> eight o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs certain two houses situated near <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>-protestant dis-<br />
senting new meeting-house, and lately erected by him <strong>on</strong> ground bel<strong>on</strong>ging<br />
to a house in a street called "Behind Shopps," and known by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> " The Adam and Eve," who were to hold <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same <strong>on</strong> trust, to permit<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two houses to be used as a school for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> educati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> boys, subject<br />
to such rules as he, by writing, should appoint.<br />
On 30 September, 1795, Pearsall, in order to make some provisi<strong>on</strong><br />
for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> master and tutor, c<strong>on</strong>veyed to Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Jefferys and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs a house<br />
in Church Street, adjoining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting, to apply <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> clear rents for<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> master and tutor.<br />
By his will, dated 24 June, 1797, and proved at Canterbury, 20 October,<br />
1798, Pearsall made fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r provisi<strong>on</strong> for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> master, for repairs, and for<br />
providing proper books, by giving his executors &~,ooo, to be raised and
paid out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his pers<strong>on</strong>al estate ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest <strong>on</strong> Lgoo to be paid to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
master, and that <strong>on</strong> g100 to be paid to a standing fund for repairs and<br />
books. He also bequea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d to Thomas, John, and Samuel Read (whom<br />
he appointed his executors), after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his wife [she died 1806,<br />
G.E.E.] L300, to be vested in seven respectable pers<strong>on</strong>s regularly attending<br />
Divine service in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new meeting-house, who were to apply <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A200 towards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> public worship <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 650 towards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday Schools ; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ,G50 towards instructing and training<br />
poor children in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> borough and foreign <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidderminster, whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
parishi<strong>on</strong>ers or not, in piety, industry, and useful learning.<br />
An early reference to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> charity school, established very so<strong>on</strong> after<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> foundati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society, is that in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church Book, when, <strong>on</strong> 26<br />
December, 1786, it was resolved :--That <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cloathing shall be dark brown<br />
and a red Cape for Boys, and dad broze~n ayzd red binding for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Girls, to be<br />
ready against <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chario Serm<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Pearsall, by certain regulati<strong>on</strong>s made, and entered in a book, and<br />
signed by him, expressed his desire that, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> choice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a master, his<br />
trustees should give a preference to <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an academical educati<strong>on</strong> am<strong>on</strong>g<br />
Protestant dissenters, if such could c<strong>on</strong>veniently be had. He limited <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> scholars to 25, a preference always being given to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> children<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissenters, as his design was "to make this a proper Protestant dissent-<br />
ing school, if it could be effected."<br />
The first master <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school, appointed evidently by Pearsall himself,<br />
was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. William Blake, who held <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice from 1795 to 1797,<br />
when he left to succeed his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same name, as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
society worshipping in Hermitage Street, Crewkerne. He was educated<br />
at Northampt<strong>on</strong> Academy, 1790-1795, and died at Crewkerne <strong>on</strong> 18 Feb-<br />
ruary, 1821. The next master was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Roger Ward, who had been<br />
a student at Daventry Academy under Belsham, which he entered in 1782.<br />
After completing his studies, he settled for two years with a society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Protestant dissenters at Sherborne, in Dorsetshire. Thence he removed<br />
to Blackburn, where he remained seven years. " In 1798," says his bio-<br />
grapher* "he succeeded <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Rev. William Blake, as Master <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr.<br />
Pearsall's Grammar School, at Kidderminster, which he c<strong>on</strong>ducted with<br />
*M<strong>on</strong>thly Repository, 1825, p. 499.<br />
credit to himself as a man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> learning, and was also, for about sixteen<br />
years, minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a small c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> at Bromsgrove." He died at Stour-<br />
port, 24 July, 1825, zt. 60. He was a native <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Walmsley, in Lancashire.<br />
To him succeeded <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Evan J<strong>on</strong>es (q.v.), minister at Bewdley. In<br />
1833 he was reported by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Commissi<strong>on</strong>ers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Inquiries C<strong>on</strong>cerning<br />
Charities as "<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school master appointed by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees ; he teaches in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> foundati<strong>on</strong> school such children as have previously been approved by<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees. They are admitted when able to read fluently, and are taught<br />
writing, accounts, history, geography, surveying and mensurati<strong>on</strong>, and, if<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir parents require it, Latin and Greek. They are principally <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> s<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tradesmen or pers<strong>on</strong>s employed as clerks or superintendents in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
different manufacturing establishments. They pay to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> master <strong>on</strong>e guinea<br />
per an. ; for firing, &C., IS. per quarter ; and provide <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir own books and<br />
stati<strong>on</strong>ery. The master is allowed to take a few scholars, for whom he<br />
is paid, but he does not avail himself <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> privilege, nor does he exceed<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 25 scholars, fixed by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> founder."<br />
The subsequent history and developments <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this beneficial foundati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> excellent day schools, still carried <strong>on</strong> under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> auspices <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting, are left to be told by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> future historian <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society.<br />
Cup (I), silver, plain bell, foot, 4ins. tall, <strong>on</strong>e handle. On shoulder :-<br />
P.<br />
H. E.<br />
On bell, opposite handle :-<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> date letter, 1721-22.<br />
N. M.<br />
K.<br />
Cup (I), silver, plain bell, foot, 4sins. tall, <strong>on</strong>e handle.<br />
opposite to handle :-<br />
S. R.<br />
Coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arms.<br />
N. M.<br />
K.<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> date letter, 1726-27.<br />
On bell,
Cup (I), silver, plain bell, foot, 4Bins. tall, <strong>on</strong>e handle, and opposite<br />
to it <strong>on</strong> bell :-<br />
N. M.<br />
K.<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> date letter, 1793-94.<br />
Patens (a), pewter, plain. On base :-<br />
NOTE. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> absence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any evidence to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>trary, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author<br />
inclines to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> belief that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first two cups were used in his household<br />
by Nicholas Pearsall, who ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r gave or bequea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society,<br />
which, about 1793, found it necessary to purchase <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> third. In 1863 an<br />
electro-plated flag<strong>on</strong> was added to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r vessels.<br />
GEORGE OSBORN, b. 13 November, 1757, in Cork ; ed. Daventry Academy, 1777- , by<br />
Thomas Robins ; ord. 1787 ; min. Kidderminster, te?tz$orul;y, 1782-1784 ; West Bromwich,<br />
1784-1791 ; Worcester, 1791-1812 ; m. and had issue.<br />
d. 10 November, 1812 ; bur. Worcester, Angel Street burying ground.<br />
cf. M.R., 1822, p. 198; Joseph Reeve's <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> and Topography, West Bromwich,<br />
1836, p. 16; W. F. Hackwood's West Bromwich, 1895, p. 78; Wm. Urwick's<br />
N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity in Worcester, 1897, P. I 13.<br />
ROBERT GENTLEMAN, 6. 1746, in Shrewsbury ; ed. Daventry Academy, 1763- , by Caleb<br />
Ashworth, D.D. ; ord. 6 April, 1768 ; min. Shrewsbury, Swan Hill, 1767-1779; Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n,<br />
Lammas Street Chapel, 1779-1784, and principal, Presbyterian College,<br />
1779-1784 ; Kidderminster, 1784-1795.<br />
cE.J~uly, 1795 ; bur. 12 July, in St. Mary's Church Yard, Kidderrninster.<br />
cf: Dic. Nut. Biog. ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>alism in Shropshire, Ernest Elliot [18g8],<br />
P. 23'<br />
WILLIAM SEVERN, 6. [I7551 at Nottingham ; studied divinity at Edinburgh ; min. Weed<strong>on</strong>beck,<br />
Northampt<strong>on</strong>shire; Welford ; Hinckley, 1783-1796; Norwich, Bridge Street;<br />
Kidderminster, 1797-1806 ; Hull, 1806-1813 ; wife d. 15 February, 1819, zt. 64.<br />
d. 22 June, 1813, ~ t 58 . ; bur. Hull, Bowl Alley Lane Chapel.<br />
c$ M.R., 1813, p. 550 ; Shann<strong>on</strong>'s Sketch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bowl Alley Lane Chapel,<br />
Hull, n.d. p. 5 ; Kidderminster Register, New Meeting M<strong>on</strong>thly Paper, August,<br />
1888.<br />
JOHN LANE, 6. [1773] at Woodbridge, Suffolk; ed. Northampt<strong>on</strong> Academy, by John<br />
Horsey ; min. Hinckley, 1796-1806 ; Kidderminster, 1806-1809 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Hanover<br />
Street, 1809-1819 ; school at Bristol, afterwards at Hackney, where died.<br />
d. 13 April, 1831, zt. 58.<br />
c$ C.R., 1832, p. 131 ; Jeremy, p. 188.<br />
JOSEPH SMITH, min. Kidderminster, 1811-1812.<br />
C$ Treasurer's Book, Kidderminster New Meeting ; M<strong>on</strong>thly Paper, August, 1888.<br />
RICHARD FRY, 6. November, 1759, at Plymouth Dock (Dev<strong>on</strong>port) ; ed. Homert<strong>on</strong> College;<br />
min. Warminster ; Billericay, Cirencester, 1803-1807 ; Coselep, 1807-1812 ; Nottingham,<br />
1812-1813 ; Kidderminster, 1813-1835 ; zt~ithoz~t charge, 1835-1842 ; uz. Ca<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rine (7'. 1819),<br />
daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Humphry Buckler, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Warminster ; had issue.<br />
d. 12 March, 1842 ; bur. Kidderminster.<br />
C.R., 1842, pp. 251, 317.<br />
JOHN TAYLOR, 6. 18 February, 1812, at Sunderland ; ed. Highbury College ; min. Leicester,<br />
Gallow Tree Street, end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1834-30 November, 1835 ; Kidderminster, April, 1836-<br />
29 August, 1841 ; Glasgow, Uni<strong>on</strong> Street, September, 1841-March, 1844; Glasgow,<br />
services in a hall, "short time "; emigrated U.S.A., where landed 10 October, 1845 ;<br />
returned to England, 3 September, 1846 ; Sheffield, Mechanics' Institute, September,<br />
1846-June?, 1849 ; Manchester, teacher and journalist, June, 1849-death ; m. and had<br />
issue, youngest daughter, Clara, nz. (28 April, 1866) John Arthur Kenrick.<br />
n'. 4 June, 1853.<br />
c$ Christian Teacher, 1836, p. 191 ; informati<strong>on</strong> from E. D. Priestley Evans, Kidder-<br />
minster, 18 February, 1897.<br />
MATTHEW GIBSON, see Evesham.<br />
EDWARD PARRY, min. Battle, 1849-1854 ; Kidderrninster, 1854-1869 ; Bewdley, 1858-1867 ;<br />
Mayor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidderminster, 1898-1899; m. (6 October, 1848) Elizabeth, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John<br />
Richards, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham ; Issue, Edward (min. Todmorden, 1889-1897), Helen (d.<br />
1883), Margaret E<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>l (nr. Pembert<strong>on</strong> Ernest John Talbot).<br />
ABRAHAM LUNN, b. 1825, at Carlingford, Co. Down ; ed. Belfast Academical Instituti<strong>on</strong> ;<br />
min. King's Lynn, September, 1848-June, 1851 ; Bostotl, Lincs., 1851-1854 ; Blackley,<br />
1854 ; Failsworth, Dob Lane, 1854-1858 ; Chorley, 1860- 1864 ; Newt<strong>on</strong>limavady, 1864-<br />
1866 ; Chatham, 1867-1869 ; Icidderminster, 1870-1874 ; Yeovil, 1886-1891 ; 711. (10<br />
December, 1851) Fanny, sec<strong>on</strong>d daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Joseph Grundy, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Drayt<strong>on</strong> ; Issue, Estlin<br />
((1. 30 March, 1889).<br />
C$ Reco~d, p. 57.<br />
WILLIAM HENRY FISH, ord. 1871 ; min. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Carter Lane Missi<strong>on</strong>, 1873-1874; Kidderminster,<br />
1875, also September, 1885-March, 1886, te~lzp<strong>on</strong>z~y ; returned, U.S.A. ; m.<br />
and has issue.<br />
WILLIAM EDWARD MELLONE,<br />
b. 15 November, 1835, at Headingt<strong>on</strong>, Oxford ; ed. King's<br />
Coll., L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> ; min. Toledp, Ohio, 1869-1871 ; Portsmouth, High Street, 1871-1874 ;<br />
Liverpool, Hamilt<strong>on</strong> Road, 1874-1876 ; Kidderminster, 1876-1879; Melbourne, 1880-<br />
1881 ; Dev<strong>on</strong>port, 1881-1884 ; Bissell's Green, 1885-1893 ; Tunbridge Wells, I 894-1895 ;<br />
Warrenpoint, 1896- ; nz. (1868) Elizabeth Amelia, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Samuel Meeds<br />
Bell ; Issue, Sidney Herbert, M.A., L<strong>on</strong>d., D.Sc., Erlitt. (b. 1869), Dora (6. 1873).<br />
cf; Record, p. 88.
WILLIAM CAREY WALTERS, b. Newcastle-<strong>on</strong>-Tyne ; ed. Rawd<strong>on</strong> Coll. ; ord. 16 March, 1875,<br />
at Whitchurch, Salop ; min. Whitchurch, Green End, Baptists, March, 1875-December,<br />
1876 ; Whitchurch, Free Christian (now Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour), January, 1877-December,<br />
1879 ; Kidderminster, January, 1880-September, 1887 ; Kensingt<strong>on</strong>, Essex Church,<br />
October, 1887-June, 1891 ; Manchester, without chnfze.<br />
JAMES HALL, ed. U.H.M.B., 1880-1883 ; ord. 1883 ; min. Glenarm, 1883-1888 ; Kidder-<br />
minster, June, 1888-May, 1890 ; Crumlin, 1890-<br />
EVAN DAVID PRIESTLEY EVANS, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Owen Evans (d. 1865), min. Cefncoed-y-Cymmer,<br />
1837-1865 ; ed. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, M. N.C. ; min. Loughborough, 1889-1890 ; Kidderminster,<br />
September, 1890- ; nz. (16 August, 1890) Emmie, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> T. Franks, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nottingham<br />
; has issue.<br />
MS. Church Book, probably in handwriting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nicholas Pearsall ; 3<br />
chapters. This volume, l<strong>on</strong>g lost, was recovered in 1893, and is now in<br />
custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wardens, in church safe. Seen by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author, 1894.<br />
New Meeting Record, Feb.-Aug., 1888. Notes by George Hopkins.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kiddermi~ster, John Richard Burt<strong>on</strong>, B.A., 1890, pp. 134, 143.<br />
Seedsower, I 893-94, p. I 83.<br />
Vestzges, p. 117, where also engraving <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baxter's pulpit, with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> por-<br />
trait, folios, and Ort<strong>on</strong>'s chair.
Opened October, 1793 ; restored 1874.<br />
First chapel built 1708? Burnt in Sacheverell riots, 1715.<br />
Sec<strong>on</strong>d chapel burnt in Priestley riots, 17 July, 1791.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
" By several, especial& by - Witt<strong>on</strong>."* Evans's Lists.<br />
" Many ytars sz@jlied 6y nzinisters resi&;lzt i ~ z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ne&hbourhood, viz., Rev.<br />
Messrs. Elcox, Blich, To;~zKs,t Tilzdal, Cle~~zents, PhiZli$s."<br />
in earliest minute book <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting.<br />
J ames Scott 'S note<br />
David Lewis . . . ...<br />
George Lewis, assisin~zt<br />
John Hobs<strong>on</strong> ...<br />
John Tingcombe<br />
Thomas Moore<br />
Rees Lloyd . .. . , .<br />
Thomas Evans ...<br />
William Mountford, Ph.D.<br />
William Bowen, M.A.<br />
Joseph Heywood ..<br />
.<br />
John Birks<br />
James Taplin . . Lindsey ~a~lin, M.A. ...<br />
Joseph Hardinge Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ws ...<br />
"Richard Witt<strong>on</strong>, A.M., d. 28 Deccmber, 17k5, ~ t 82. . Toulmin's Bourn, 1808, p. 283.<br />
?John T<strong>on</strong>cks, b. at Harborne; ed. Shrewsbury, by Rev. Samuel Beni<strong>on</strong>, M.D. "His<br />
private fortune enabled him to render, in a measure, gratuitous services in his ministerial<br />
character to small c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbourhood <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham ; particularly at<br />
Kingswood, where he preached a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> years, receiving from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> people what was<br />
barely sufficient to keep his horse. He was a man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> polite and hospitable manners,<br />
generous and beneficent, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> liberal and Catholic principles. He died g July, 1757,<br />
aged seventy years. His <strong>on</strong>ly daughter, Mrs. Scott, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birn~inghan~ (and he had no<br />
s<strong>on</strong>), still survives."-Toulmin's Bourn, 1808, p. 280. Mrs. Ann Scott, widow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William<br />
Scott, Esq., and <strong>on</strong>ly child <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. J. T<strong>on</strong>cks, died in Birmingham, <strong>on</strong> 8 January, 1813.<br />
-M.R., 1813, p. 129.
The first meeting-house, said to have been built in 1708, suffered in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> riots <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1715, when, writes James Scott, an attenvt zuns nlnde by three<br />
Za6ourer.s to bur~~ damn <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel. The flanzes, howez~er, were exti~zgz~zkhed, two<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> men were i17z~zediately taken, and <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m sz~fered caPital $cur ishr~zent<br />
at Worceste?:<br />
William Hutt<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham historian, alluding to this attempted<br />
destructi<strong>on</strong>, says that-<br />
this solitary place had fallen by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hand <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> violence in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
George I. (in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sacheverell agitati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1714)) for which a pers<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dollax was executed, and from whom it acquired <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St.<br />
Dol!ax, which it still bears. Three hundred yards bey<strong>on</strong>d <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y arrived at<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pars<strong>on</strong>age house, which underwent <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same fate.<br />
The meeting-house was restored, and left in peace, until destroyed at<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham Riots. The writer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> AN AUTHENTIC ACCOUNT<br />
. , . RIOTS IN BIRMINGHAM, SAYS :-<br />
Sunday, 17 July, 1791, nine o'clock at night. The rioters have been all day<br />
busy in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> country. Dollox (sic) Chapel, five or six miles from Birmingham,<br />
and Sorhole Mills, are said to have been this day burnt to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ground.<br />
Birmingham, Tuesday, July 19. Three quarters past Nine in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Morning.<br />
The fires seen from Birmingham, <strong>on</strong> Sunday, were at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> houses <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr.<br />
Harwood, Mr. Russell, Mosley HalI, several hayricks, a farmhouse, Dollox<br />
Chapel (better known by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> King's-wood or King's-heath Chapel),<br />
and some o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs ;<br />
whilst we get references to Mr. Hobs<strong>on</strong> in A LIST OF THE PRINCIPAL HOUSES<br />
ONLY THAT HAVE BEEN SET ON FIRE AND PULLED DOWN, viz. :-<br />
Rev. Mr. Hobs<strong>on</strong>'s, Balsol Heath. The house <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Hobs<strong>on</strong>, a Presby-<br />
terean (sic) Pars<strong>on</strong>, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dwellings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messrs. Budd, Hawkes, Harwood,<br />
and a farmhouse in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbourhood <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mosley, were also demolished.<br />
These pers<strong>on</strong>s were marked as principal applauders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> French Revoluti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Every obstacle was placed in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sufferers' way, from claiming com-<br />
pensati<strong>on</strong> for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir losses at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rioters' hands, and even when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sums<br />
were awarded by Government two years elapsed before payment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m.<br />
This society claimed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> modest figure <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A198 8s. gd. for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meetinghouse<br />
and A267 14s. II~. for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pars<strong>on</strong>age ; it received A139 17s. 6d.<br />
and A200 respectively.<br />
Building operati<strong>on</strong>s were so<strong>on</strong> begun <strong>on</strong> a site close to that <strong>on</strong> which<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> burnt meeting-house had stood. By October, 1793, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place was<br />
finished, and <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 28th <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that m<strong>on</strong>th a memorial was printed and circu-<br />
lated by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society, stating that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rebuilding was accomplished, giving<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dimensi<strong>on</strong>s-<br />
39 feet by 33 in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> exterior,<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> expense as g461, exclusive <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> members' own manual labour.<br />
C<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s were requested to supply deficiencies and to raise a fund for<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rebuilding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pars<strong>on</strong>age. The memorial also stated that since <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
new place had been opened, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> was c<strong>on</strong>siderably larger, and<br />
had a more numerous attendance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> stated hearers than was customary<br />
before <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> riots. Four bricks, which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author saw ziz sifu <strong>on</strong> 20 Septem-<br />
ber, 1896, were built into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> outer side wall <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
corner next to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pars<strong>on</strong>age, bearing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se names and dates :-<br />
THOS. GREVES, I<br />
Kingwood, 1792. John Bardill. I<br />
In 1874, during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. James Taplin, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building was<br />
thoroughly restored ; his s<strong>on</strong> Russell, a musician <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> no mean order, being<br />
mainly resp<strong>on</strong>sible for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> organ improvements.<br />
Situated in <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most pleasant and retired spots in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> county<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcester, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel, school house, and pars<strong>on</strong>age have still an old-<br />
world look and charm, remote from all city noise and smoke. The burial<br />
ground, with its many associati<strong>on</strong>s and memories, stands in much <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same
elati<strong>on</strong>ship to Birmingham people as does that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ancient Chapel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Toxeth to Liverpool.<br />
David Lewis seems to be <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first resident minister whose name has<br />
.come down <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> stream <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> time. Mrs. Hutt<strong>on</strong> Beale includes his gravest<strong>on</strong>e<br />
am<strong>on</strong>gst those facsimiled in her sumptuous MEMORIALS OF THE OLD<br />
MEETING. On it he is described aspastor<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenters assembling at King's Wood,<br />
near this Town.<br />
George Lewis, his s<strong>on</strong>, who, for some time assisted him here before he<br />
became afterno<strong>on</strong> preacher at Carter Lane, Doctors' Comm<strong>on</strong>s, is described<br />
by Belsham, in his list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Daventry students, as-<br />
eminently acceptable ; quitted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry ; and became a merchant.<br />
John Hobs<strong>on</strong>'s name is twice met with in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> MS. Minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Double Lectures for 1787, when he was sec<strong>on</strong>d preacher at Dudley and<br />
first at Oldbury.<br />
Tingcombe, says his biographer*-<br />
was characterized by benevolence, good sense, delicacy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> feeling, and<br />
particularly by humility.<br />
His closing years were passed in Bristol, and it was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re, whilst <strong>on</strong><br />
his way to attend service at Lewin's Mead, that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> illness came <strong>on</strong> him,<br />
which, in a few hours, proved fatal. He preached a Dudley and an Old-<br />
bury Lecture in 1794.<br />
Moore was also a student at Daventry Academy ; alluding to it a few<br />
m<strong>on</strong>ths before his death, he said :-<br />
There were, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time I was at Daventry, upwards <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fifty students in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Academy ; indeed, it was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most flourishing period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that instituti<strong>on</strong> ;<br />
and I <strong>on</strong>ce heard Mr. Robins (Mr. Belsham's predecessor) say that he never<br />
knew so many young men, respectable, both for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir talent and good<br />
c<strong>on</strong>duct, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> establishment at <strong>on</strong>e time.<br />
For some time prior to his relinquishing his c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kings-<br />
wood society, he lived in Birmingham-<br />
where he kept a day school, which he c<strong>on</strong>tinued for many years in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>,<br />
whi<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r he removed with his family about 1810, in which year was printed<br />
his " Serm<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sin and Folly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cruelty to Brute Animals, preached<br />
at Kingswood, and also at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting, Birmingham.<br />
Rees Lloyd was a man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sterling excellence, and to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last had, to<br />
use his own words-<br />
a str<strong>on</strong>g faith in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> mercy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God to penitent man, as that mercy is<br />
revealed through His S<strong>on</strong> Jesus."<br />
The story <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> " Euthanasy " Mountford's life was tenderly and touchingly<br />
told in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Inquirer, <strong>on</strong> 10 December, 1887, by Russell Lant Carpenter,<br />
B.A., who had entered Manchester College, York, with him in 1833. His<br />
best work was d<strong>on</strong>e .in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Icing's Lynn. 'Martyria,' a Legend,<br />
wherein are c<strong>on</strong>tained Homilies, C<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong>s and Incidents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Reign<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edward <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sixth, first appeared in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Pi<strong>on</strong>eeq and after it<br />
had been collected into a volume was republished by Dr. Huntingd<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n<br />
a very popular Unitarian minister at Bost<strong>on</strong>, U.S.A., and <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> editors<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ReZzgioz~s Magazifze, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Register. In King's Lynn he<br />
also wrote " Christianity, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Deliverance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Soul and its Life." Dr.<br />
Sadler says :--&Yr. Edwin Field thoz~ght very high& <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>' Martyria,' and from<br />
some things in it was a?zxious that 2fountford should wyife a book <strong>on</strong> death. The<br />
suggesti<strong>on</strong> was c<strong>on</strong>znzunicated, I think, throz~gh ~nyseg and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rep4 was that<br />
'Euthanasy' was al~eady in pre$araz'i<strong>on</strong>. This work was first published in<br />
Bost<strong>on</strong>, its full title being " Euthanasy ; or Happy Talks towards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> End<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Life." It comprises forty-three chapters, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> form <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
between <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> aged Marham and Aubin, his nephew, who had not l<strong>on</strong>g to<br />
live. It c<strong>on</strong>tains many passages <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> rare beauty, and--<br />
brea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>s a singularly thoughtful and elevated spirit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> piety.<br />
He could not have written it but for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> great trials and sorrows<br />
through which he had passed, while it bears evidence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his varied studies.<br />
It cost him dear,<br />
What with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> writing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that book and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> wretched climate, I was near<br />
dying last autumn (1847).<br />
He suffered from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<br />
aguish intermittent fever, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> peculiar product <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> swamps<br />
near King's Lynn, and though lie was greatly attached to many friends<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re, he did well to remove to Kingswood. At that time <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Post Office<br />
was three miles <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re were hardly twenty houses within a mile <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> him,<br />
and almost all his acquaintances were farmers, and men who did not read<br />
books.<br />
"C.R., 1839, p. 631.
Almost quite al<strong>on</strong>e in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> wilderness I am, but without <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptist's liking<br />
for solitude.<br />
He <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten suffered from-<br />
horribly low spirits-a dreadful business is that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a thinker.<br />
Here, in 1849, he published " Beauties <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Channing, with an Essay prefixed."<br />
It ends thus :-<br />
And now his simple name is a nobler thing than even <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> books <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>mselves<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> most o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r writers.<br />
In November, 1849, by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> aid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a free passage obtained for him by<br />
Dr. Huntingd<strong>on</strong>, he sailed for Bost<strong>on</strong>, where he arrived after a wretched<br />
voyage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> six weeks. He preached at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thursday lecture, <strong>on</strong> 17 January,<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> First Cliurch, to a great crowd, many had to stand; am<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
audience were L<strong>on</strong>gfellow, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r Cambridge pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essors and literary<br />
men. Dr. Rufus Ellis writes :-<br />
' Euthanasy ' had g<strong>on</strong>e before him, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> delighted readers were eager<br />
to see and hear a writer by whom <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y had been so attracted.<br />
Intending to return, he had not resigned his ministry at Kingswood,<br />
but circumstances made him decide up<strong>on</strong> remaining in America, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nceforth<br />
to be his home, where he married, wrote " Miracles, Past and Present "<br />
(<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first editi<strong>on</strong> (1870) was sold in twelve days), lost his loved wife,<br />
suffered financial difficulties, and quietly passed into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Silent Land, valuing<br />
greatly <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cordial kindness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Brooke Herford, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n minister in<br />
Bost<strong>on</strong>, a successor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Channing and Dr. Gannett, who c<strong>on</strong>ducted his<br />
funeral service, a sad c<strong>on</strong>trast between <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> enthusiasm which had greeted<br />
him <strong>on</strong> his arrival in America and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> l<strong>on</strong>eliness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his departure.<br />
The Rev. James Taplin devoted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last twelve years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his active life-<br />
to making Kingswood better than he found it.*<br />
The main features in his l<strong>on</strong>g life are given in Co&t<strong>on</strong>ia, pp. 34-39.<br />
For all who would know about his s<strong>on</strong> and successor here, Lindsey<br />
Taplin, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Todmorden, its magnificent church, its Taplin fountain,<br />
and, above all, its inhabitants, will give <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> answer.<br />
It was not until Tuesday, 15 June, 1869, that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting held<br />
its first ga<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ring at Kingswood, <strong>on</strong> which occasi<strong>on</strong> a serm<strong>on</strong> was preached<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Benjamin Wright <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christianity.<br />
*Tablet in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chapel, pity that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> medalli<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> it is not a better portrait <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this<br />
devoted minister ! G.E.E.<br />
No early register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptisms nor burials is forthcoming ; if any existed<br />
it possibly perished in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rioters' burning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house in 1791.<br />
The communi<strong>on</strong> vessels, <strong>on</strong>e cup and four patens are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> pewter, all<br />
marked, K. W. M."<br />
DAVID LEWIS, b. [172g] min. Kingswood, 1766-1783; m. Ann (d. 1797) ; Issue, George,<br />
Dorothy (d. 1816).<br />
d. 18 December, 1783, zt. 54 ; bur. Birmingham, Old Meeting Yard, and removed,<br />
1882, to Witt<strong>on</strong> Cemetery.<br />
C$ P.D.M., 1798, P. 322 ; Wils<strong>on</strong> ii., p. 164; Beale, plate, 124 ; Tombst<strong>on</strong>e at Witt<strong>on</strong>,<br />
seen by author, 1897.<br />
GEORGE LEWIS, h. Kingswood; ed. Dnventry Academy, by Thomas Robins, 1779- ; min. Kingswood, assistant,<br />
-1785; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Carter Lane, afterno<strong>on</strong> preacher, 1785-1796; when resigned <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry; living 1823.<br />
cf. Wils<strong>on</strong> ii., p. 164 ; M.R., 1822, p. 198 ; Jeremy, p. 175.<br />
JOHN HOBSON, min. Kingswood, 1787-1791.<br />
cf. C.F., 1870, p. 25 ; Minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley and Oldbury Double Lectures.<br />
JOHN TINGCOMBE, b. [l7711 at Plymouth ; ed. Daventry Academy, 1787-1789, and Hackney<br />
Coll., 1789-[17gz] by Th<strong>on</strong>ias Belsham ; min. Kingswood, 1792-1795 ; Dev<strong>on</strong>port,<br />
[17g5]-1798 ; Plymouth, 1798-1806 ; Newport, I. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> W., 1806-1815 ; Bridgwater, 1815-<br />
1826 ; Frenchay, 1829-1835 ; Bristol, without charge.<br />
d. g October, 1848, zt. 77.<br />
cf: Mzrrch, var. pp. ; C.R., 1848, p. 703 ; Esti,nes, var. pp. ; Minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Double Lectures.<br />
TKOMAS MOORE, b. [l7671 in Leicester; ed. Daventry Academy, by Thomas Belsham,<br />
1785-1789 ; min. Dartmouth, nssistant, <strong>on</strong>e year; Walsall, 1790-1791; Kingswood, 1795-<br />
1809 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, where kept school ; nz. Frances (d. 1848) ; Issue, Frances (m. William<br />
Edwards), Elizabeth (b. 26 June, 1791).<br />
d. 23 August, 1842, zt. 75 ; bur. New Bunhill Fields, Islingt<strong>on</strong>.<br />
4 M.R., 1822, p. 286; C.R., 1842, p. 729; WaIsa11, Old Meeting-house Register.<br />
REES LLOTD, b. Cardiganshire ; ed. Castellhywel, by David Davis ; Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres.<br />
Coll. ; min. Risley, few years [ -181o?] ; Kingswood, 1810-1839 ; m. and had issue,<br />
Rees Lewis (min. Belper, 1845-188~3, Mary (d. 1844).<br />
d. 7 July, 1839 ; bur. Kingswood Chapel Yard.<br />
C$ C.R., 1839, p. 630; Nightingale iv., p. 259 ; pers<strong>on</strong>al recollecti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> author's<br />
fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, 1899.<br />
THOMAS EVANS, min. Kingswood, 1839-1848.<br />
d. 21 June, 1848, at fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's house, Lampeter.<br />
cf. C.R., 1848, p. 512.
WILLIAM MOUNTFORD, b. at Kidderminster ; ed. York, M.C., 1833-1838 ; M.A.? ; Ph.D.,<br />
Giessen, 1843 ; min. Manchester, Strangeways, 1838-1841 ; Hinckley, 1842-1843 ; King's<br />
Lynn, 1843-1848 ; Kingswood, 1848-1850 ; min. at large, U.S.A. ; m. (10 March, 1853)<br />
Elizabeth Boardman (d. 1884), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Benjamin W. Crowninshield.<br />
d. 20 April, 1885.<br />
cf; Record, p. 126 ; Inq., 1887, p. 795.<br />
WILLIAM BOWEN, see Cradley.<br />
JOSEPH HEYWOOD, b. 1826, at Bolt<strong>on</strong>; ed. U.H.M.B., -1857; min. Kingswood, 1857-<br />
1865 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> Domestic Missi<strong>on</strong>, 1865-1879 ; m. (27 August, 1859) Elizabeth Platt, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Newcastle-under-Lyme.<br />
d. 2 March, 1879 ; bur. Abney Park Cemetery.<br />
cf; Inq., 1879, p. 158.<br />
JOHN BIRKS, b. at St<strong>on</strong>ey Middlet<strong>on</strong>, Derbyshire ; ed. U.H.M.B., 1861-1864 ; min. Idle,<br />
1865-1866 ; Kingswood, 1866-1870 ; Taunt<strong>on</strong>, 1870-1883 ; Derby, 1883-<br />
JAMES TAPLIN, b. 12 December, 1799, at Portsea, Hants ; ed. Portsmouth, by William<br />
Means ; Stoke Newingt<strong>on</strong> Baptist Academy ; min. Battle, 1823-1831 ; H<strong>on</strong>it<strong>on</strong>, 1831-<br />
1840 ; Colyt<strong>on</strong>, 1834-1846 ; Jersey, 1847-1851 ; Tavistock, 1851-1858 ; Credit<strong>on</strong>, 1859-<br />
1870 ; Warminster, 1859-1860 ; Kingswood, 1870-1882 ; m. (27 December, 1825) Jane<br />
(d. 1895, zet. 88), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Francis Johns<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hempt<strong>on</strong>, nr. Fakenham; Issue,<br />
Lindsey, Plll.il., Russell ((l. 8 November, 1886, musician), Julian Pascal (d. Singapore,<br />
g October, 1867, chief engineer, H.M.S. Rz$eman), James Francis, M.D. (Birmingham),<br />
Anne Laetitia Barbauld (nr. Samuel Bromhead), Sarah Jane.<br />
d. 19 December, 1882 ; bur. Kingswood Chapel Yard.<br />
cf; Co&to~zia, p. 34.<br />
LINDSEY TAPLIN, b. 18 February, 1829, at Battle ; ed. Glasgow ; M.A. Glas., 25 April,<br />
1850 ; min.. Gloucester, 1852-1856 ; Todmorden, 1856-1880 ; Kingswood, 1883-1887 ;<br />
bachelor.<br />
d. 6 November, 1887 ; bur. Kingswood Chapel Yard.<br />
c$ Record, p. 178.<br />
JOSEPH HARDINGE MATTHEWS, b. 18 January, 1843, at Newbury; ed. U.H.M.B., 1864-<br />
1867 ; Owens' Coll., 1867-1869 ; min. Walmsley, 1871-1878 ; Nantwich, 1878-1886 ;<br />
Kingswood, 1888- ; nr. (28 March, 1872) Mary Faulkner, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> David Brown,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gort<strong>on</strong> ; Issue, Ernest Hardinge (d. 1882), Walter Hardinge (d. 1882)) Herbert<br />
Hardinge, Frances Hardinge, Alfred Hardinge.<br />
cf. Record, p. 140.<br />
An Au<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ntic Account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dreagul Ziots in Bi~~tzingham, occasi<strong>on</strong>ed by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
celebrati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> French RevoIutio?z 0l.c <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rg yub, 1791. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, I 79 I.<br />
The riots at Birntingha~t~, JaZy, 1791. Birmingham : published by Arthur<br />
Bache Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ws, 1863.<br />
C.F., 1870, p. 25.<br />
Seedsower, 1894, p. 56.
Opened 10 December, 1861.<br />
First Meeting-house, opened 5 January, 1806.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
James Scott ... ...<br />
William Bowen, M.A. ...<br />
William Cochrane ... ...<br />
James Kedwards ... ..,<br />
Thomas Bennett Broadrick ...<br />
Thomas Pipe ... ...<br />
Isaac Wrigley, B.A. ... ..,<br />
The name, ' Lye,' is derived from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sax<strong>on</strong> word Zey, meaning a pasture<br />
farm, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place is so called in old writings and in county histories.<br />
Up to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> middle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> seventeenth century it was an open comm<strong>on</strong>, with<br />
a few scattered houses. On this comm<strong>on</strong>, or Waste, a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> mud<br />
huts were built by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> nailmakers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> district about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1750-<br />
whose rights to separate freeholds were substantiated when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wnste was<br />
enclosed in 1781."<br />
The habits and manners <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se people were perhaps as rude and<br />
barbarous as those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r district in England. On this neglected<br />
spot <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was no accommodati<strong>on</strong> for public worship previously to 1790,<br />
when James Scott, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n recently settled at Cradley, determined that he<br />
would, if possible, be <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> remedying such an undesirable state <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
things. From 1790 to 1792 he c<strong>on</strong>ducted services in licensed dwelling-<br />
houses. Dr. Priestley, in his 'Appeal to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Public,' 1792--this date should<br />
be carefully recollected-speaking <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Scott and his Lye labours, says :-<br />
The minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley waited up<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rector <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish and assured<br />
him that he had no intenti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> disseminating any peculiar doctrines, that<br />
his <strong>on</strong>ly motive was to serve <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> best interests <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his neighbours, and that<br />
if <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Establishment would subscribe towards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
a church, he would aband<strong>on</strong> his design and assist <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>irs; but this<br />
good young man has been unable to accomplish ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r.<br />
"Scott's " Stourbridge and its Vicinity."
In c<strong>on</strong>sequence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Priestley Riots <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1791, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spirit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
hostility against dissenters at that time, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lye lecture was for a short<br />
while disc<strong>on</strong>tinued, <strong>on</strong>ly, however, to be resumed-though under inauspicious<br />
circumstances-<strong>on</strong> 24 July, 1792, when also <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday School was revived.<br />
James Scott, writing about this period, says :- WzYz cal71t res&7zati<strong>on</strong>, I tmst<br />
with f<strong>on</strong>d expectati<strong>on</strong>, I cherish <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> $basing thought that in a few years <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
dissenters 7alill, ifz a great nzeaszrre, live down prgi~dice ; that ze<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>7z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lozuering<br />
storm shall 6low over, which now casts a deep gloom over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> afairs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> churches<br />
and empires; when He who stilleth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> waves <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ocean shall still <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> tumults<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> peo$Ze, Christialzs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dzferent h7z0~1zinati<strong>on</strong>s forgetting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> little dz3incti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sect or party, and chiepy ~zindfzitl <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir high or+i?z, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir intimate reZatio7z<br />
to each o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, a d <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir glorious desti~zati<strong>on</strong>, shall enzBrace each o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r i7z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> bo7zds<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fraternal afecti<strong>on</strong>, and witlz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ardour <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian benevolence.<br />
The little society-<br />
assembled in a private house till it increased from thirty to seventy stated<br />
hearers, and, assuming a more regular and serious aspect, it was c<strong>on</strong>sidered<br />
highly desirable that a place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship should be erected for its accom-<br />
modati<strong>on</strong>. *<br />
The .scheme was carried into effect, Scott advancing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ;G200<br />
towards its erecti<strong>on</strong>, which amount his aunt, Mrs. Ann Scott (d. 8 January,<br />
1813)~ liberally reimbursed to him, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remaining sum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A63 8s. od.<br />
was raised by himself and his friends. The little chapel was opened <strong>on</strong><br />
Sunday evening, 5 January, 1806, when Rev. Dan. Mercer, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bilst<strong>on</strong>, c<strong>on</strong>ducted<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> devoti<strong>on</strong>al service, and Scott preached from Psalm xcvi., g :-<br />
0 worship <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beauty <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> holiness.<br />
Here, <strong>on</strong> Sunday evenings, and at o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r times, Scott c<strong>on</strong>tinued preach-<br />
ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gospel to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poor until <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his life. In additi<strong>on</strong>, he defrayed<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> purchase <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r land, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> expenses <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> repairing<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building, and bequea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d L200 for its future support. Shortly after<br />
his death a st<strong>on</strong>e tablet was placed in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel to his memory, by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
trustees appointed in 1820. The full inscripti<strong>on</strong>, stating this to be <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<br />
first place ,<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> public worship ever erected in this village,<br />
will be found in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ch?istia?z Rdornzer, 1830, p. 408.<br />
"Inq., 1861, p. 912, which quotes from " Memoir <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. James Scott."
Kentish, in his funeral serm<strong>on</strong>, described <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Scott's labours<br />
at Lye as-<br />
a moral creati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
His successors at Cradley-Bowen and Cochrane-regularly c<strong>on</strong>ducted<br />
services here. About 1859 neighbouring friends <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society determined<br />
to erect a new place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship. A subscripti<strong>on</strong> was privately made, a<br />
plot <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> land immediately adjoining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> original chapel was bought and<br />
given by a friend, and a-<br />
small but beautiful and carefully arranged early English church commenced,<br />
from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> designs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> F. Smalman Smith. While it was in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> course <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
erecti<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> villagers, reverencing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Scott, who had been<br />
termed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Apostle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lye Waste, determined to add a clock to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
building, and as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> funds collected did not allow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> extra expense, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y<br />
subscribed, in sums varying from a penny upwards,*<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> amount <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A40, which sum was more than doubled by friends. A<br />
clock tower four stories in height, crowned with a bell spire <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wood and<br />
slate, was, in c<strong>on</strong>sequence, added at <strong>on</strong>e corner <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building. A<br />
stained glass window, by Heat<strong>on</strong> and Butler, was given by <strong>on</strong>e friend ; it<br />
represents-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> crucified Saviour, with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> three Marys at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> foot <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cross.+<br />
Ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r friend c<strong>on</strong>tributed a carved chair, by Cox and S<strong>on</strong>, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> com-<br />
muni<strong>on</strong> table, whilst ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r friend gave <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> f<strong>on</strong>t, composed <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e solid<br />
carved block <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Caen st<strong>on</strong>e, inscribed round <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> margin with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> words :-<br />
I indeed have baptised you with water, but He shall baptise you with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Holy Ghost.<br />
The opening service was held <strong>on</strong> Tuesday, 10 December, 1861, Cochrane<br />
c<strong>on</strong>ducting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first porti<strong>on</strong> and S. Bache preaching from Psalm xxvi., 8 :-<br />
Lord, I have loved <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> habitati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thy house, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place where Thy<br />
h<strong>on</strong>our dwelleth.<br />
In 1866 Mr. Kedwards became <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first minister solely in charge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society, and under him and his successors it has grown to its present<br />
flourishing and healthy state.<br />
The first occasi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> iM<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting being held here was <strong>on</strong> 5<br />
August, 1806, when it met for relzgious services nt ye disse~ltifzg chapel at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Waste. Ten ministers were present, and Benjamin Carpenter preached from<br />
Jeremiah vi., 16 :-<br />
Stand ye in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ways, and see, and ask for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old paths, &c.<br />
JAMES SCOTT, see Cradley.<br />
WILLIAM BOWEN, see Cradley.<br />
WILLIAM COCHRANE, see Cradley.<br />
\<br />
JAMES KEDWARDS, b. [I~ZO] at Cradley ; min. Lye, 1866-1877 ; Raloo, 1877-1885 ; m. (31<br />
August, 1866) Ann, 3rd daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Amos Taylor, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham.<br />
d. 2 January, 1891, zt. 71 ; bur. Cradley, Park Lane Yard.<br />
c$ pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge.<br />
THOMAS BENNETT BROADRICK, b. 18 October, 1846, at Dukinfield ; ed. U.H.M.B., January,<br />
1869-December, 1872 ; min. Burnley, 1872-1874 ; Nantwich, 1875-1877 ; Lye, April,<br />
1877-November, 1879 ; Ipswich, 1879-1 891 ; ~ ewsbur~, 1891-1893 ; District Minister<br />
for Western Uni<strong>on</strong>, 1893- ; m. (26 March, 1873) Annie Asht<strong>on</strong>, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Joseph<br />
Moores, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Manchester; Issue, Harold Asht<strong>on</strong>, (b. 1874)) Theodora Julie (b. 1876),<br />
Mabel Annie (b. 1879).<br />
cf; Record, p. 26.<br />
THOMAS PIPE, ed. Metropolitan Baptist Coll. ; min. Lye, 1880-1891 ; Birmingham, Fazeley<br />
Street Missi<strong>on</strong>, 5 July, 1891- ; Tate Lecturer, Manchester Coll., Oxford, 1899-1900.<br />
ISAAC WRIGLEY, ed. Rawd<strong>on</strong> Coll. ; Yorkshire Coll., Leeds ; B.A. L<strong>on</strong>d. ; min. Ports-<br />
mouth, High Street, 1889-1891 ; Lye, 1891-<br />
TOPOGRAPHY.<br />
James Scott's MSS. at Cradley (q.v,) and Stourbridge (q.v.)<br />
M.R., 1806, p. 52.<br />
C.R., 1828, p. 102.<br />
C.R., 1830, p. 405.<br />
Inq., 1861, p. 912.<br />
U.H., 1861, p. 162.<br />
Vestiges, p. 160.
Opened 12 July, 1807.<br />
First, built 1708.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
"Occasi<strong>on</strong>al Ministers, Revs. Messrs. Turt<strong>on</strong> (ejected from Rowley), Russell, and<br />
-Tanks; settled Ministers, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same as Birmingham Old Meeting from Greenwood to<br />
C1arke."-MS. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> REV. JAMES SCOTT, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley.<br />
Daniel Greenwood . . Edward Brodhurst<br />
Daniel Mattock<br />
Joseph Wilkins<strong>on</strong> . . .<br />
William Howell ...<br />
Samuel Clark . John Bradford . . .<br />
William Procter . . .<br />
Herbert Jenkins ...<br />
James Fordyce, suppl'y<br />
Samuel Griffiths ...<br />
Samuel Goode, sz5@~?y<br />
Timothy Davis ...<br />
William McKean ...<br />
Henry McKean ...<br />
In 1890 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong> (dissolved 1896) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> various branches <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Guild <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good Shepherd held its annual festival service in this chapel,<br />
and, in accordance with its custom, a short account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
its buildings and its ministers was included in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hand-book, printed for<br />
use <strong>on</strong> that occasi<strong>on</strong>. From it <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following quotati<strong>on</strong>s are taken :-<br />
The c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> was originally c<strong>on</strong>nected with an earlier building in Old-<br />
bury, which was superseded by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present Parish Church in 1841. This<br />
building, called Ol'dJztry Chapel, appears to have been in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Presbyterians, before <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Act <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uniformity [1662], and for many years<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y were left in undisturbed possessi<strong>on</strong>. It was built by subscripti<strong>on</strong> in<br />
1529, and licensed-but not c<strong>on</strong>secrated- by Jerome de Ghinuciis, Bishop<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcester, an Italian, who was afterwards deprived <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his See by Act .<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Parliament for n<strong>on</strong>-residence. This Chapel, with certain adjoining proper-<br />
ties-still in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> possessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> School Trustees-was surrendered in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>
Court <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lord <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> manor in 1659, and this is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its<br />
written history. Subsequent surrenders took place at each renewal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trustees. Dr. Nash, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> historian <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcestershire, says <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bishop<br />
Lloyd, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> seven bishops committed by James II., and who held <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
See from 1699 to 1717, that he ousted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissenters from this Chapel, and<br />
notwithstanding <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pretence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its standing <strong>on</strong> copyliold ground, c<strong>on</strong>secrated<br />
both Chapel and Cemetery. The present meeting-house n7as, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>refore, a<br />
substitute for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chapel 'from which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> had be'en ejected.<br />
The building was erected <strong>on</strong> land given in 1708 by John Turt<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Brades. In 1715, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tory mob, which had set <strong>on</strong> fire <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting,<br />
Birmingham, and destroyed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel at West Bromnrich, came to Oldbury,<br />
and set fire to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building while <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister was preaching. The amount<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> damage d<strong>on</strong>e is now unknown. In 1806, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. William Procter was<br />
instrumental in getting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house rebuilt at a cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> about E3oo.<br />
The c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> must have been very small as those resident in Oidbury<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly c<strong>on</strong>tributed AI~. One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> subscribers is still represented by three<br />
generati<strong>on</strong>s in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Dr. Toulmin preached at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> reopening, <strong>on</strong> Sunday, 12 July, 1807, his<br />
text being I Chr<strong>on</strong>icles, xxix., g :-<br />
Then <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> people rejoiced, for that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered ~.villingly, because with perfect<br />
heart <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered willingly to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord : and David, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> King, also rejoiced<br />
with great joy.<br />
In 1862, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building was remodelled and refitted at a cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Egoo ; and<br />
last year [1889] fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r alterati<strong>on</strong>s were effected at a cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ;Gzoo. The<br />
walls are, however, chiefly <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1806, and a small porti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
original fabric <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1708 still remains. The lectern and c<strong>on</strong>~n~uni<strong>on</strong> table are<br />
made <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> oak, which formed part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pews <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first building, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
pulpit is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same that was used in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d.<br />
From a short article in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Freer;lta?z: 1870, p. 13'7, which also<br />
gives an engraving <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> premises, we ga<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r that in 1728 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees<br />
came into possessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 5% acres <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> land near Oldbury, devised two years<br />
before by John Price, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Halesowen, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poor, and fur support-<br />
ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house. In 1784 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building was purchased<br />
in which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> free school was begun three or four years previously ; also,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cottage and land adjoining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house, but how <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> funds (,Gr40)<br />
were obtained is not stated. In 1790, five acres more came to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees<br />
for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> poor from <strong>on</strong>e Richard Nock, but whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r by gift or<br />
purchase is not known. In 1817, Henry Hunt, Esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> The Brades,<br />
handed over to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> house and garden adjoining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> school,<br />
purchased by his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister.
The free school, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister had always been master, was<br />
originally, and even till 1845, <strong>on</strong>ly a small institutioc with 20 free scholars.<br />
but it has since rapidly developed, by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> increasing value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> property from<br />
mines and minerals. The large schoolroom was built in 1851 with fur~ds<br />
lent by Thomas Hunt, Esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Handsworth, who, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> close <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his<br />
l<strong>on</strong>g treasurership, presented his successor -with L400, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> balance due to<br />
him. Class-rooms were subsequently added, making <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> establishment very<br />
complete for educati<strong>on</strong>al or c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al purposes.<br />
No records are known to exist <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday<br />
School. Mrs. Wm. Hunt, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Brades, whose husband became a trustee<br />
in 1780, was a teacher in it, and <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> teachers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1816 was living<br />
in 1890. The charitable character <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> early Sunday Schools lingered<br />
l<strong>on</strong>g, for up till about 1850 new b<strong>on</strong>nets, all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e pattern, were given to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> girls <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> recurrence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> each anniversary. Till a still more recent<br />
date <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Superintendent was a paid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficer.<br />
The first settled minister, after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> uni<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting,<br />
Birmingham, was over, was John Bradford, a Daventry student, who, says<br />
Belsham*-<br />
left <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f preaching and became a schoolmaster near Coventry.<br />
His ministry at Oldbury was from 1772 to 1775 ; his name does not appear<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Double Lecture ; whilst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury Lecture<br />
minutes <strong>on</strong>ly begin in 1776.<br />
Good ' William Procter came to Oldbury in January, 1776, from Oak-<br />
ham, in Rutlandshire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> scene <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his first ministry, and remained <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
active minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society until laid aside by a paralytic stroke <strong>on</strong><br />
6 March, 1807. I11 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> notice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his death in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly<br />
Meeting, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which he was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first secretary for nearly 30 years, it is<br />
recorded that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dktinguishing traits in his cAaracter were a72 artless si~~@lici~,<br />
and kindness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> defortme?st, and cheerfz~l piety. The registers are witness to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fact that he baptized some 1,010 children during his ministry, his last<br />
entry bearing date <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> S January, 1810. He died at his s<strong>on</strong>'s house in<br />
Market Drayt<strong>on</strong>, <strong>on</strong> Sunday, 3 April, 1814. To his pen we owe <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> many<br />
interesting, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten quaint notes, to be found in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first 30 years :-<br />
Stourbridge, 4 March, 1783, prevented meetin,.- 6y <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> zilclenzency <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tAe seas<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Oldbury, 8 Ju&, I 783, co?tgregatiolz unrtsual& small.<br />
Oldbury, 6 ~ljril, 1784, hurling not 20 herz"rers ate met in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vestry.<br />
Wolver?ianlpt<strong>on</strong>, 7 March, 1756, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> extreme severity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> wea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r prezlented my<br />
brelhretz and ?~ysev ~xeetiflg at Jt"olverhanzpt<strong>on</strong>, according to ajjoi7zt11zef1t ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
cotzseqzrence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which was Bro. Grzfiths was oblked to preach hi~~zself:<br />
KidLzer~tlinster, 8 Azigzist, I 786, <strong>on</strong> accoz~~zt <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Walsnll nzarket 7e,e ijpoi~zted to<br />
meet <strong>on</strong> Jtfedzesahy, 4 October.<br />
t<br />
CoseZey, g Febrz~ary, 1790, b7~ethren a~zd nzysev agreed at C'oseiey to meet toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
at ozrr m<strong>on</strong>thly i~zkrz~ie~os % before eZeuen, or forJeeit 6d7 and in case<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> abse~zce to forfeit <strong>on</strong>e shiZling.<br />
Dz~dley, I o Azrgust, I 790, no public4 service, rz~k <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> g Febrt~nry this day recognized<br />
and c<strong>on</strong>jir111 ed.<br />
14 Jz@, I 79 I, ia <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> evenif~g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old a?zd New Meetings in Bzi.nzi?zgham were<br />
destroyed by a mob, toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> house <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Priesthy, his Goods:<br />
Ajjaratzts, Li6rary and Illnnzrscr@ts; and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> folloze~ing days <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nabitatio:zs<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Zendiug Dissenten were piundered and bztrtzt.<br />
Dr~diey, 7 fGebrz/ag), I 792, 920 pz~blic .seruice. The propriety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> introd~cirrg Liturgies<br />
bzto P~ibliGk zt~orshz) it 7oas jrojoszd to c<strong>on</strong>sider.<br />
Herbert Jenkins is inore fully alluded to in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge<br />
Chapel. Procter being unable to perform his public duties, it was-<br />
a happy and auspicious circumstance, under this afflicting event, that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Rev. Herbert Jenkins, having some m<strong>on</strong>ths since dissolved his pastoral<br />
c<strong>on</strong>nexi<strong>on</strong> at Stourbridge, had been prevailed <strong>on</strong> to accept an unanimous<br />
invitati<strong>on</strong> to <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiate at Oldbury, limiting indeed, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present, his services<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> tern1 <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e year."<br />
His first entry in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>. regis'rei- was <strong>on</strong> 30 August, 1807, his last <strong>on</strong> 26<br />
June, 1808.<br />
James Fordyce supplied in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interval which elapsed before <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> settle-<br />
ment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Samuel Griffiths. His first entry in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register is under date <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
17 July, 1808, his last, <strong>on</strong> 14 November, 1809, though judging from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
writing he <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiated again, <strong>on</strong> 2 August, 1812, probably as supply after<br />
Griffiths left.
Of Samuel Griffiths' ministry here <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author has no particulars, o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
than that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a note in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> II/POIZZ~/Z& Mt'cting minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting at<br />
Cradley, 2 May, 1809, to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> effect that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preacher was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. S Gn$ths,<br />
nephew <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Mr. G. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> lVolverha??z$t<strong>on</strong>; and that his first ertry in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old-<br />
bury registers bears date, 2 January, 1811, his last, 25 March, 1812.<br />
Samuel Goode supplied for a few (three?) m<strong>on</strong>ths in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first half <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1812.<br />
On 14 July, 1812, Timothy Davis removed from Swansea to Birmingham,<br />
and, as recorded in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register, became nzinister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian<br />
Chapel, OIdbu~y, from jiz~b, 1812, which <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice he held until his resignati<strong>on</strong><br />
in June, 1845, just three years prior to his death. He was first cousin to<br />
Timothy Davis (q.v.), <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham, being s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Davis, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pentresi<strong>on</strong>,<br />
who was bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> David Davis, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Castellhywel. He was a frequent<br />
preacher at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> JZ<strong>on</strong>thly fl~feetihg, and was twice Dudley lecturer. In an<br />
early number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Yr. Yilr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ynydd <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is a touching poem from his pen, full<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> reminiscences <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his old home and its associati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
William McKean, a native <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Paisley, was brought up am<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Scotch<br />
Independents, being a lay preacher in that denominati<strong>on</strong>. Being in Glasgow<br />
he heard George Harris preach, when he found, what so many o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs did,<br />
that he had been a Unitarian unawares to himself; and to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his<br />
l<strong>on</strong>g life regarded Harris as his spiritual fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r. In 1835, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> recom-<br />
mendati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Harris, he became minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a small society at Alnwick,<br />
and after about a year's residence <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re moved to Sunderland, where he<br />
remained some two years, when he settled at Walsall. Seven years after-<br />
wards he removed to Oldbury, where, for quarter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a century, he was<br />
minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society and master <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Free School. The last years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
a w<strong>on</strong>derfully active ministry were saddened by blindness, which began<br />
to assert itself in 1862 ; an operati<strong>on</strong> for cataract proving unsuccessful.<br />
On March, 1858, his s<strong>on</strong> Henry, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present esteemed minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
society, became his assistant. He preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley lecture <strong>on</strong> three<br />
occasi<strong>on</strong>s, besides being a frequent preacher at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> MoslzthZy Meeting.<br />
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE OLDBURY DOUBLE LECTURE.<br />
I 776-1865.<br />
C<strong>on</strong>cerning this lecture, Job Ort<strong>on</strong> says (27 June, 1775) :-" 1 w<strong>on</strong>dered<br />
very mz~ciz 7rrherz / was a child that no i~zore notice was taken <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bartholomew's<br />
Day l?y <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissenters, as 1 had head so ntzcch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it fro?;r~ nzy grandfa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r and<br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs, pious rdati<strong>on</strong>s and aged Christiarzs. Ol4bztry Lectzrre in this neigh6ou?*hood<br />
used to be preached in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> week in which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 24th <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Az~gust fell, a7zd atas<br />
ifzstitztted 072 pz~rpose to co?ltnzen~orate <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se enzinent men. 1 <strong>on</strong>ce preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re,<br />
and c<strong>on</strong>sidered <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir case. Bztt <strong>on</strong> accors;lzt 07 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> harvest it was jut <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
middle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Septenzber [sec<strong>on</strong>d Tz~esday i?z S~eptenzber], which I think was zezr<strong>on</strong>g-, as<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> object <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lecture was in time forgootte?. I perszcaded s<strong>on</strong>ze ministers whom<br />
I coztld be free with, ze~hen <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y preached this Zectz~re, to keep in view <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> intenti<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y did so, nzuch to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pleasure and edz$cati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir hearers."<br />
In his MS. history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Park Lane Chapel, Cradley (q.v.), James Scott<br />
says :-Oldbzrry Lectz~re has existed nzore than n centz~ry. Tradiz'io?z reports that<br />
a stack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> chi?~nies fell down at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Brades House, by 70hich <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tztrto~z family were<br />
in i~?zmi?zent danger. To express <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir gratitztde for this deliverance <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y zizvited<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbouring nzinisters to assisl <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m in keeping a day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thanksgivi~zg; wko<br />
from that ti711e annually asse??zbZed in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenting Chapel in Oldbury. I have<br />
since learzt, from z~ndoubted authority, that it was instituted to commenzorate <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
nzi?ziskrs ejected <strong>on</strong> Bartholomew's Day, 1662.<br />
David Maginnis, F. R. Hist. S., minister at Stourbridge (q.v.) 1862-1884,<br />
in his " Historical Sketch," read at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Centenary Celebrati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly<br />
Meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenting Ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Warwickshire and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbouring<br />
Counties, held in Birmingham, 13 December, 1882, says :-" A<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al account attributes <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> origin <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury Lecture to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
following incident-The Turt<strong>on</strong> family, who resided at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Brades, narrowly<br />
escaped serious injury from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> falling <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir house, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y<br />
invited <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbouring ministers to assist <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m in keeping a Day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
~hanks~iving, and it has been stated that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers from that time<br />
annually assembled in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury Dissenting Chapel. The fact seems<br />
to be that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury Lecture, though not coeval with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Lecture,<br />
was founded for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same object by successors <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ejected ministers,<br />
and that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Brades accident occurring about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same time as <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Oldbury Lectures was naturally made a prominent subject <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thanksgiving<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> brethren, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Turt<strong>on</strong>s being an influential and much respected family,<br />
with whom <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> eminent minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that name, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham and Oldbury,<br />
was closely c<strong>on</strong>nected."<br />
The earliest reliable record <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this lecture is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minute book, which<br />
begins in 1776.
A list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lecturers from this year to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> discotltinuance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lecture<br />
in 1864 is given in Vest&es, pp. 353-358. After this year Oldbury was in-<br />
cluded as <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> places visited by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>th& Meeting.<br />
The registers are :-<br />
I. Births and Baptisms ...<br />
11. Births and Baptisms ...<br />
111. Births and Baptisms ...<br />
IV. Births and Baptisms ...<br />
V. Births and Baptisms ...<br />
[NOTE.-Whilst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se pages are going through <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> press <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author has had an oppor-<br />
tunity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> examining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> original registers, now in Somerset House. The first is a thin<br />
volume, 4gin. by rgin. tall, 11% pages, closely written <strong>on</strong> both sides, and enclosed in a<br />
worn brown paper cover. The writing is much faded. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> head <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> p. I is written :-<br />
Children Baptized by JJ Peach in and about Oldbury. The first entry is WiZIiam S. Wm.<br />
Downing, b. 13 Nov., 1715.-Parks. The next, Feb. ye 10th) 17+8, Hannah d. Daniel and<br />
J<strong>on</strong>n Feln. There are 30 entries in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same handwriting as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> heading, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last beiw,<br />
1717, Thomas S. En"Zua?*n' HollicE'~e, oaf Tividale, and A [worn away] his ztle,ife, b. Feb. ye [g<strong>on</strong>e]<br />
Baptized ye 17th. O<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r surnames include those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Byra711, ClzA Cook, Cooper, Grunger,<br />
Harrold, Hill, Hunt, Banks, Pa?,s<strong>on</strong>age, Rose, Sfntdey and YardZey. From 7 April, 1717, to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 229 in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register <strong>on</strong> 29 December, 1745, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entries are in different hand-<br />
writings. On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last page are some indistinct entries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> nature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> memoranda :-<br />
October ye 4, 1722, Then paide to MY. nock towards his $~ores<br />
lea-dej/, I 2 pozrntls and ten shiIZings ... ... E12 10 o<br />
October ye 23, paid Jfi. Nock towara's his Zeavey 2 I0 0<br />
. .<br />
cr'ecevzber ye 17, 1722, pd. MY. Nock towards his 7 nt<strong>on</strong>ths' leavej~,<br />
3 ~ ZLY~S. ..S . a . ..v ...<br />
decc.mber ye 5,jd. ~LY. nock towards his leavey<br />
S..<br />
...<br />
S<br />
..<br />
5 0 0<br />
1 4 0 0<br />
Januarjl ye 18, $d. azr. nock ... ... .,. .. 6 o o<br />
febuvary ye I 3, pd. ... ... ... ... ... 210 o<br />
Aprill ye 18, 1723, reseved <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> henerey hallowway A leven<br />
shillings . . ... ... ... ...<br />
tozaards IOO yenyes' Rent at ladey n'ay last past, AprilZ 25, 1724<br />
[g<strong>on</strong>e], for my. $nsch<br />
25 Bags which is 24<br />
I I Rags which is 10 ... ... ... ...<br />
I 2 Bazs oJ ?tails car?,ied to wells green ye I 2 and I 3 <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> iune<br />
whi~h is 10<br />
7uZy g I, 5 P. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ir<strong>on</strong> brought fiot?z dulll3,, and 10 bags <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nails<br />
corried to birmin.ggam which [g<strong>on</strong>e].<br />
The surname <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nock frequently occurs in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entries.<br />
...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
Register No. ii. is a book <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 32 pp., 8 <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which are closely written <strong>on</strong> both sides,<br />
and 24 blank, ~Xin. by Sin. tall, in a limp marbled paper cover. The heading <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> p. i.<br />
is A X~gister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chi!a'?+erz Baptized at OZa'bzt~y nceeting in ye Plzrish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hales Ozwen, in ye<br />
County <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> SaZo). The first entry is Benjamin 6.. 70s. and ~Pfary @'hi&, bap. 20 Jan., 1771 ;<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 103 in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> book, Snrah d. Jose$/z and Phebc ~ho?~zjs<strong>on</strong>, bo?-1-z 29 Aug., 1813,<br />
\<br />
baptized in RowZey Chzt~ch.<br />
The author has taken copies <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all entries in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se two registers. In sending <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Registrati<strong>on</strong> Commissi<strong>on</strong>ers, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Timothy Davis, writing from Oldbury, 6<br />
May, 1837, says :-A Register has been lost, but it is so loj?g since that L have not been able '<br />
to ascertuirz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> particz~la~s, nor <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time over which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register extendea', <strong>on</strong>ly that it occur7ed<br />
betzt1eel.c I 7 I 5 and 1776. There were two si~h ~egisters in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a pers<strong>on</strong> whose fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
Aad been CZeg-lZ to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chapel, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dzjicully we met with in recovering thcse has, in a measzwe,<br />
1<br />
caused <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> delay.<br />
Is it not yet possible by diligent search in and around Oldbury to recover this<br />
missing register ? G.E.E.]<br />
JOHN BRADFORD, ed. Daventry Academy, 1766- , by Caleb Ashworth, D.D. ; min.<br />
Oldbury, 1772-1775 ; left <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f preaching and became schooln~aster near Coventry.<br />
cf; M.R., 1822, p. 196.<br />
WILLIAM PROCTER, b. near Nuneat<strong>on</strong> ; ed. Hoxt<strong>on</strong> Academy, September, 1765- , by<br />
Drs. Kippis, Rees and Savage ; min. Oakham, -1776 ; Oldbury, January, 1776-<br />
1808 ; nz. Ann - ; Issue, William Tullideph (sic in register), (b. g August, B. 12<br />
September, 1777, by Rev. Wm. Denny Wood, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley ; min. Dean Row, 1803-1814 ;<br />
Prescot, 1814-1826).<br />
c/ M.R., 1814, p. 247 ; Oldbury Register, No. iii.<br />
HERBERT JENKINS, see Stourbridge.<br />
JAMES FORDYCE, min. Oldbury, S?@$&, 1808-1810.<br />
SAMUEL GRIFFITHS, min. Oldbury, January, 181 I-March?, 18 r 2.<br />
SAMUEL GOODE, min. Oldbury, S?@@, April?-July?, 1812.<br />
TIMOTHY DAVIS, b. [1786], at Pentresi<strong>on</strong>, S.W. ; ed. by his uncle, David Davis, Castellhywel;<br />
Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres. Coll., 1805-1807; min. Oldbury, July, 1812-June, 1845;<br />
nz. Ann --; Issue, David Francis (b. at Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, 17 April, I~IO), Maria (b.<br />
28 May, 1813; d. 10 August, 183S), Emnla (b. 22 May, 1816).<br />
cl. 13 April, 1849, zt. 63 ; bur. Cradley, Park Lane Chapel Yard.<br />
c- Oldbury Registers ; tombst<strong>on</strong>e at Cradley ; informati<strong>on</strong> from Rev. Rees Jenkin<br />
J<strong>on</strong>es, M.A., Aberdare, 1898.<br />
WILLIAM MCKEAN,<br />
b. [1787] at Paisley ; min. Alnwick, 1835-1836 ; Sunderland, 1836-1838 ;<br />
Walsall, 1838-1845 ; Oldbury, 1845-1869 ; twice married ; Issue, fourteen children, ten<br />
survived him, Henry (q.v.), Elizabeth Jane (nr. Thomas Timmins, 'Apostle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mercy,'<br />
d. 1898).<br />
d. 28 July, 1869, zt. 82 ; bur. Cradley, Park Lane Chapel Yard.
HENRY ILIcKEAN, ed. U.H.M.B. ; min. Oldbury, 1858- ; nz. (I) (18 October, 1858) NIary<br />
(a'. 1878), eldest daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wm. Probat, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rawley, (2) (2 September, 1879) Julia,<br />
sec<strong>on</strong>d daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Samuel Spruce, F.G.S., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tamworth; Issue, Harry Probat (d.<br />
1862), and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs.<br />
MS. Copy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Registers, made by and penes editor, 1899.<br />
M. R., 1807, p. 500.<br />
Inq., 1857, p. 381.<br />
C.F., 1870, P. 137.<br />
Gz~ild <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good ShEpherd Z;est'ival Book, 1890.
Opened 25 October, 1691.<br />
Restored, enlarged, and reopened, 12 March, 1885.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
John Bryan, M.A. . .. . . .<br />
Francis Tallents, M. A. *<br />
James Owen . . .<br />
Samuel Beni<strong>on</strong>, M.D.<br />
John Gyles, M.D. .<br />
John Reynolds<br />
Charles Berry<br />
Job Ort<strong>on</strong> ...<br />
Francis Boult<br />
Moses Carter<br />
Joseph Fownes<br />
Benjamin Stapp<br />
Ralph Harris<strong>on</strong><br />
Joseph Smith<br />
Pendlebury Hought<strong>on</strong><br />
John Rowe . . . - ... ...<br />
Lewis Loyd, sz.ppZy, summer m<strong>on</strong>ths ...<br />
Arthur Aikin . . . .,.. ...<br />
George Augustus Case ...<br />
Richard Astley ... . . .<br />
James Riddell McKee . . .<br />
Edward Myers, F.G. S. ...<br />
James Christopher Street . . .<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> case <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author does not deem it necessary to<br />
dwell <strong>on</strong> its history prior to 1847, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year in which it appeared from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
pen <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Richard Astley, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Refor~~zer, under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> title <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
" Presbyterian Meeting-house, Shrewsbury." These two valuabIe articles<br />
"Tallents' sister, Mary, ??z. Edward Hitchins<strong>on</strong>, and was mo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Francis Hutchin-<br />
s<strong>on</strong>, 1660-1739, bishop <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Down and C<strong>on</strong>nor.-Dic. Nni. Biog.
were printed separately in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same year ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y c<strong>on</strong>tain large slices <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Job<br />
Ort<strong>on</strong>'s historical Account-Sowe Afe?~zoirs 07 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chz~rcii 01 ChrISt at Sh~vws-<br />
bury, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cozcnty <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Salbp, asse~rzbdifzg at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ChafleZZ i7z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> High 5treet, and<br />
k7zow?z by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prcsl?yteria?z, Aria. ~743-which he inserted in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church<br />
Record Book.<br />
Since 1847, however, much has been written by various pers<strong>on</strong>s about<br />
Job Ort<strong>on</strong>, and as all readers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this book may not have access to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Dicti<strong>on</strong>ary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nati<strong>on</strong>al Biography, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author thinks <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y will be grateful if<br />
he here inserts an extract from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> article by " A.G.," which has recently<br />
appeared in it :--<br />
Ort<strong>on</strong> succeeded Berry <strong>on</strong> 29 September, 1741. The small i'ndependent<br />
c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> at King's Head Chapel (<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r was a member)<br />
was also vacant by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> removal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Dobs<strong>on</strong> to Walsall. Its 23 members<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered to join <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> High Street C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, and it was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> prospect <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> uni<strong>on</strong> that was Ort<strong>on</strong>'s main inducement to leave Northampt<strong>on</strong>. The<br />
King's Head c<strong>on</strong>gregants were admitted to fellowship <strong>on</strong> 5 November, 1741,<br />
being 'unanimously agreed that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old distinguishing names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian<br />
and Independent should be entirely dropped and forgotten, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sacred<br />
name, Christian, al<strong>on</strong>e be used.' The death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ort<strong>on</strong>'s fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r a fortnight<br />
later affected his health, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> work at Shrewsbury was henceforth mainly<br />
carried <strong>on</strong> by his assistants, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> whom <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> third in successi<strong>on</strong>, Joseph Fownes,<br />
became his firm friend. On 18 September, 1715, Ort<strong>on</strong> received Presbyterian<br />
ordinati<strong>on</strong> in High Street Chapel at an assembly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thirty ministers, headed<br />
by Samuel ~ouin, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> younger, and Joseph Mottershea'd. He declined, in<br />
1746, an invitati<strong>on</strong> to be Bourn's colleague in Birmingham. Ort<strong>on</strong> was<br />
pressed, in March, 1752, to succeed Doddridge as minister at Northampt<strong>on</strong> ;<br />
Ca!eb Ashworth, D.D., had already been elected to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Academy in terms<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Doddridge's altered will. He hesitated some time, but eventually (27<br />
April) declined. He refused a synchr<strong>on</strong>ous invitati<strong>on</strong> to succeed Obadiah<br />
Hughes, D.D., at Prince's Street, Westminster ; he had a prejudice against<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, and never visited it in his life. After three refusals he went to Buxt<strong>on</strong><br />
to recruit his health.<br />
Ort<strong>on</strong> preached for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last time <strong>on</strong> 15 September, 1765, which he reck<strong>on</strong>ed<br />
his birthday, owing to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> change <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> style. In 1766 he resigned. Disputes<br />
arose about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> appointment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his successor, and, 011 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> electi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Benjamin<br />
Stapp, an Arian, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was a large orthodox secessi<strong>on</strong> (12 October, 1766).<br />
Ort<strong>on</strong> withdrew (26 October, 1766) intending to settle at Birmingham (where<br />
he had relatives), but could find no quarters. Chance took him to Kidder-<br />
minster for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> winter. He was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re attended by James Johnst<strong>on</strong>e, M.D.,<br />
to whose skill he c<strong>on</strong>sidered that he owed his life. He remained at Kidder-<br />
minster, and bought a house. He encouraged <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shrewsbury seceders in<br />
building a new chapel, and got Robert Gentleman to be <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir minister. At<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same time he kept up his friendship with Fownes. In 1780, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidder-<br />
minster Presbyterian C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> was divided <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> afipointment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a<br />
minister. The seceders this time were more or less heterodox, but Ort<strong>on</strong><br />
again encouraged <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>,formati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a new c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which Gentleman<br />
ultimately became minister.<br />
I<br />
Ort<strong>on</strong>'s positi<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissenting world was peculiar, and not easily under-<br />
stood. Both orthodox and heterodox dissenters have venerated him as a<br />
patriarch. Kippis thought him ' <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most striking preachers ' he ever<br />
heard ; but his repute was not that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a preacher, and his period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> greatest<br />
influence was that which he spent as a valetudinarian recluse at Icidderminster.<br />
He corresp<strong>on</strong>ded with dissenting ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all secti<strong>on</strong>s, and with many<br />
clergymen.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same book <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church records, alluded to above, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
handwriting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Job Ort<strong>on</strong> a list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> High Street society<br />
at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> uni<strong>on</strong>, toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r with a list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those who came over from<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Independents after his settlement as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> former society.<br />
These lists were printed in 'ErEdowes's Shrezusbz~ry Journal, 8 July, 1891, and<br />
are here given, being reproduced from a copy revised by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Rev.<br />
Edward Myers, and now in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author's possessi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
A LIST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST<br />
ASSEMBLED AT THE CHAPPELL IN THE<br />
HIGH STREET, SHREWSBURY, 1741.<br />
Job Ort<strong>on</strong>, pastor [d. at Kidderminster, July 19, 17831<br />
Richarc! Allatt, d. Feb. g, 1766, aged 88. [The fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
founder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Allatt School, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this town.]<br />
Mrs. Allat, his wife, g<strong>on</strong>e to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting [now Swan Hill<br />
Chapel]<br />
Thomas TVright, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bict<strong>on</strong><br />
Mary J<strong>on</strong>es, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ukini<strong>on</strong>, dead<br />
Mrs. Fernehaugh, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prest<strong>on</strong>, d. Oct. 6, 1745, aged 65<br />
Judith Tipt<strong>on</strong>, d. Aug. 20, 1755, aged 96<br />
Edward Tipt<strong>on</strong>, dead<br />
Mary Clark, d. April 17th, 1757, aged 80<br />
Ann Clark, d. Feb. 22, 1756<br />
Elizabeth Cowckley, d. Jan. 14, 1741-2, aged 80<br />
Mary Wood, d. June 6, 1782, aged 79 or 80<br />
Grace Platt, d. June, 1751<br />
Mary Tristram, d. Jan. I, 1748-9, aged 87<br />
Widow Hyth [or Lyth], d. 1741, aged 70
Widow Richards<strong>on</strong>, d. Oct. 19, 1743, aged 74<br />
Martha Catler, removed to L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, d. Oct. 11, 1759, aged 74<br />
Ruth Nichols, d. Sept. IS, 1746, aged 77<br />
Richard Chandler, d. April 15, 1745, aged 81<br />
Thomas Millvard, d. Sept. 17, 1746, aged 76<br />
Grace Gee, removed and since dead<br />
Lydia Gee, now Hunt <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham<br />
Widow Poyner, d. Oct. 22, 1744, aged 82<br />
Elizabeth Beni<strong>on</strong>, d. March, 1752<br />
Ann Beni<strong>on</strong>, d. Nov. S, 1754, aged 78<br />
Sarah Gregory, d. May 10, 1779, aged 83 or 84<br />
Samuel Urwick, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sheltotl, left this c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> and g<strong>on</strong>e to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting<br />
Sarah Urwick, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shelt<strong>on</strong>, d. July, 1788, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 92nd year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> her<br />
age<br />
Mrs. Warter, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cruckt<strong>on</strong><br />
Samuel Kyssin, d. April 2, 1749, aged 76<br />
Mrs. Kyssin, his wife, d. Jan. 10, 1745-6, aged 77<br />
Widow Edwards, d. May 10, 1742, aged 69<br />
Mary Nicholas, now Langford<br />
Mary Reynolds, d. Nov. 25, 1775, aged 77<br />
\ATidow Souter, d. Feb. 7, 1744-5, aged 70<br />
Widow Reynolds, Brazier, d. March 14, 1753<br />
Dorothy Souter, now Hughes, g<strong>on</strong>e to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting<br />
Widow Steene, d. Jan. 8, 1753, aged 92<br />
Jane J<strong>on</strong>es, d. Feb. Ij, 1743-4, aged 92<br />
Mary Chandler, d. July 5, 1776, I think aged 81 or 82<br />
Richard Harris, removed, d. Aug. 21, 1783, near Whitchurch<br />
Jane Harris, removed, d. Jan. 1768, I think near Whitchurch<br />
Elizabeth Harris, d. Feb. 19, 1741-2<br />
John Nichols, d. July 28, 1756, aged 81<br />
Mary Nichols, d. Feb. 13, 1757<br />
Williain Harrold, g<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting<br />
Ann Gittins, now Cott<strong>on</strong>, d. March 5, 1769<br />
Ebenezer Beni<strong>on</strong>, d. Aug. g, 1763, aged 73<br />
Ann Beni<strong>on</strong>, his wife, d. Aug. 5, 1769<br />
Thomas Lawrance, removed to Birmingham<br />
Thomas Berrisford, d. Dec. 31, 1742, aged 72<br />
Mary Dutt<strong>on</strong>, d. June 9, 1760, aged 78<br />
Joshua Sym<strong>on</strong>ds, d. Aug. 2, 1756, aged 66<br />
Jane Sym<strong>on</strong>ds, d. Feb. 4, 1748-9, aged 60<br />
John Fawkener, d. Oct. 13, 1752, aged 74<br />
Mrs. Fawkener, his wife, d. Sept. 30, 1758, aged 91<br />
Sarah Hordley, d. Feb. 21, 1760, aged go<br />
Samuel Fawkenei-, d. May 17, 1756<br />
Mrs. Fawkener, his wife, d. May 10, 1743, aged 66<br />
Edward Arnold, d. Oct. g, 1743, aged 80<br />
Mrs. Arnold, his wife, d. April 29, 1744, aged 74<br />
Elizabeth Clarke, d. April 3, 1745, aged 40<br />
Samuel Morris, d. May 17, 1749, aged 56<br />
Mary Morris, d. July I I, 1757, aged 71<br />
Richard Williams, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Berwick, d. Aug. g, 1762, aged 81<br />
Thomas Bickert<strong>on</strong>, d. Nov. 2, 1758, aged 65<br />
Sarah Bickert<strong>on</strong>, his wife, went <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f with those who attend <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
New Meeting, d. June 8, 1773<br />
Mary Mas<strong>on</strong>, Clarem<strong>on</strong>t, d. May 28, 1761, aged 49<br />
. John Bickert<strong>on</strong>, g<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting<br />
Thomas Mas<strong>on</strong>, d. June 6, 1759, aged 81<br />
Walter Moret<strong>on</strong>, d. March 4, 1760, aged 78<br />
Ruth Barkley<br />
Arthur Daekin, d. July 4, 1743, aged 72<br />
William Hordley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hilley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> oldest member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church,<br />
admitted 1685, d. Oct. 25, 1752, aged 87<br />
Mrs. Hordley, his wife, d. June 8, 1742, aged 73<br />
William J<strong>on</strong>es, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bict<strong>on</strong>, d. Jan. 28, 1769, aged 72<br />
Margt. J<strong>on</strong>es, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bict<strong>on</strong>, d. Oct. 23, 1755, aged 60<br />
Rebecca Evans, d. July 8, 1756, aged 80<br />
Hannah Pugh, d. I think, March 2, 1771<br />
Samuel Sym<strong>on</strong>ds, senr., d. Dec. 21, 1763, aged 67<br />
Mrs. Clarke, d. April 30, 1751, aged 88<br />
James Williams, removed to Ireland<br />
Alexander Griffiths, d. Nov. 22, 1747, aged 81<br />
Abigal Griffiths, d. Oct. 22, 1746, aged 76<br />
Sarah Craig, d. July, 17, 1751, aged 50<br />
William Dalrell, d. January I I, 1750-1, aged 75<br />
Sarah J<strong>on</strong>es, d. April 29, 1743, aged 64<br />
Widow Rogers, d. Jan. 21. 1757, aged go<br />
Widow Walbrook, d. Oct. 29, 1752, aged 82<br />
Agness Owen, d. June, 1752, aged 76<br />
Widow Tovey, d. June, 1756<br />
Elizabeth Daekin, d. March 5, 1742-3, aged 32<br />
Mary Harris, d. Oct. 10, 1754, aged 47<br />
Andrew Marshall, removed to Scotland<br />
Richard Wood, deac<strong>on</strong>, d. April 27, 1752, aged 48<br />
Sarah Williams, now Heath, g<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Meeting<br />
Han. Davis, now Vaughan, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chilt<strong>on</strong>
Han. Milward, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shawbury, d. March 22, 1753, aged 47<br />
Mr. James Mas<strong>on</strong><br />
Abigal Mas<strong>on</strong>, d. Jan. 9, 1778<br />
Jane Mas<strong>on</strong>, d. Oct. 4, I772<br />
Mary Mas<strong>on</strong>, now Fownes, d. Feb. 6, 1788, aged 73<br />
"THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH FORMERLY ASSEMBLING AT<br />
YE KING'S HEAD, BUT UNITED WITH YE OTHER,<br />
NOV. 5, 1741."<br />
Susanna Brown, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prest<strong>on</strong>, d. Xov. 14, 1746, aged 75<br />
Richard Beringt<strong>on</strong>, d. Feb. 16, 1747-8, aged 81<br />
John Bromley, at L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, d. Jan. 1747-8, aged 82<br />
Widow Goddard, d. July, 1753, aged 81<br />
Sarah Vaughan, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edgboult, d. Jan. 1758, aged 89<br />
Peter Morgan, senr., d. Jan. 12, 1741-2, aged 73<br />
Elizabeth Griffith, d. May 13, 1743, aged 78<br />
Job Ort<strong>on</strong>, senr., d. Nov. 18, 1741, aged 52<br />
Mary Ort<strong>on</strong>, d. May 26, 1762, aged 76<br />
James Quarrell, d. Jan. 25, 1765, aged 79<br />
Martha Quarrell, d. Jan. 4, 1746-7, aged 7j<br />
Thomas Gittins, d. Jan. 15, 1767<br />
Hannah Gittins,<br />
Left <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> High Street,<br />
Mary Wall,<br />
and g<strong>on</strong>e to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting.<br />
Brown,<br />
Abigal Brown, New Moor, removed to Manchester<br />
Peter Morgan, junr., <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Watley, d. April 4, 1760<br />
John Beringt<strong>on</strong>, removed, d. May 12, 1760<br />
Peter Hughes, d. Dec. 13, 1742, aged 36<br />
Samuel Hughes, d. July 29, 1765<br />
Joseph Hughes, d. Aug. 28, 1748, aged 33<br />
Theoda. Colley, d. Oct. 18, 1753<br />
Peter Colley, removed to Worcester, d. April, 21, 1757<br />
Richard Astley's biography appeared in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Kefo~mer, 1855,<br />
p. 265. He was much, and deservedly loved in Shrewsbury. His influence<br />
was felt anl<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> general populati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place, so that his death, even<br />
though he had for some time ceased to reside am<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m, caused a general<br />
expressi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> regret and c<strong>on</strong>cern. His funeral, for he was laid near his<br />
sister in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> grave-ground <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St. Chad's, not far from this meeting-house-<br />
was attended with some ra<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r unusual expressi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> regard. The clergy-<br />
man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that parish closed his windows for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> whole <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> day.<br />
James Riddell McKee's early years were devoted to tuiti<strong>on</strong>. In 1833,<br />
he left his native Ireland to occupy <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> positi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> assistant to Dr. Beard<br />
in his school at Manchester. Subsequently he became partner in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
establishment, and for several years <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with Dr. Beard was<br />
maintained with mutual advantage, and was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> basis <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a life-l<strong>on</strong>g friend-<br />
ship between <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two families. When circumstances led to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> retirement<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two partners, McKee undertook <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> management <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a large public<br />
school at Tavistock, Dev<strong>on</strong>, and for four or five years resided in that<br />
pleasant town, engaged chiefly in his scholastic pursuits. But he seemed<br />
to l<strong>on</strong>g for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> especial work <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry, and he returned to Man-<br />
chester <strong>on</strong> an invitati<strong>on</strong> to c<strong>on</strong>duct Unitarian services at Pendlebury ; he<br />
also gave private less<strong>on</strong>s in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> family <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Mr. Aspinall Turner, as<br />
well as in several o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r families and schools in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbourhood. In<br />
1854, he was chosen minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society, where he remained nearly 20-<br />
years. This he regarded as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> happiest period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his life. He entered<br />
heartily into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> works <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> various philanthropic and educati<strong>on</strong>al institu-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> toxvn. After his retirement, c<strong>on</strong>sequent up<strong>on</strong> advancing years,<br />
he removed to L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, where he lived till his death. His wife was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>on</strong>ly child <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Jeffery, minister at Billingshurst, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> compani<strong>on</strong> and<br />
friend <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Miss Harriet Martineau in her American travels, and to whose<br />
sterling worth that noble woman, in her autobiography, bears a cordial<br />
testim<strong>on</strong>y.<br />
Of Edward Myers and his ministry here, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his gracious presence and<br />
well-nigh unique pers<strong>on</strong>ality, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his intense sympathy with, and never-failing<br />
encouragement to his younger brethren in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author dare<br />
not yet attempt to tell. What Mr. Myers was to him pers<strong>on</strong>ally n<strong>on</strong>e will<br />
ever fully know. God grant to him eternal rest, and let light perpetual<br />
shine <strong>on</strong> him. As his successor here has truly said <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> him-<br />
He was <strong>on</strong>e who c<strong>on</strong>secrated himself to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> service <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> man, which is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
highest service <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God. S<br />
The register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> births and baptisms, deposited in Somerset House, by<br />
Richard Astley, covers <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> period, 1692 to 1836.
Cups (2), silver, gins. tall, bell, stem, foot. Hall-marlrs worn. Inscrip-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> bell <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> each :-<br />
DONUM<br />
I S<br />
HUIC ECCLESIW<br />
EX RESIDUO<br />
BONORUM DOMI<br />
IOH~ BRYAN.<br />
1735.<br />
TRANSLATION.--T~~ gift <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I. S. to this church, from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> residue <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> goods <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Bryan. 1735.<br />
NOTE.--Bryan died <strong>on</strong> 31 August, 1699, and was buried in St. Chad's, Shrewsbury.<br />
These fine cups were exhibited in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ecclesiastical Art Exhibiti<strong>on</strong> held at Shrews-<br />
bury, in c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church C<strong>on</strong>gress, 1896 ; also, in 1898, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Exhibiti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Shropshire Antiquities, held in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Music Hall, Shrewsbury, catalogue, No. 64.<br />
Patens (2), pewter, gins. diameter, plain.<br />
JOHN BRYAN, b. at Coventry ; ed. Cambridge, Enlmanuel and Peterhouse; B.A., 1647 ;<br />
M.A., 1651 ; min., chaplain to Earl Statnford ; Loughborough, lecturer ; Didlesbary,<br />
Shrewsbury, Abbey Church (Holy Cross), vicar, September, 1652- ; mitzister, March,<br />
1659-27 March, 1659 ; St. Chad's, milzister, 1659-ej. 1662; preached privately, 1673-<br />
High Street Meeting-house, 169 1-1699.<br />
d. 31 August, 1699 ; bur. Shrewsbury, St. Chad's (Old) Church Yard.<br />
cf: N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>. Mem. ii., p. 331 ; P.D.M., 1795, p. 183 ; C.R., 1847 ; May, p. 249, et. sq.<br />
(error in paginati<strong>on</strong> here).<br />
FRANCIS TALLENTS, b. November, 1619, at Pelsley, nr. Chesterfield; ed. Cambridge,<br />
Peterhouse, 1635- ; Magdalen Coll. ; M.A., Cnntab. ; ord. 29 November, 1648, in<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, by 3rd Classical Presbytery ; president, Magdalen Coll., -1652 ; min.<br />
Shrewsbury, St. Mary's, nominated as minister, 4 January, 165213 ; regularly appointed,<br />
10 October, 1661-ej. I September, 1662 ; Shrewsbury, preached privately, 1687- ;<br />
High Street Meeting-house, 1691-1708; 772. (I) Anne (d. 11 March, 1658), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Gervase Lomax ; Issue, Hildersham (d. infancy), Francis (b. 7 September, 1656) ; (2)<br />
(27 November, 1661) Martha (bur. 21 July, 1663), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Clive, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Walford, nr. Baschurch ; (3) Mary, widow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> - Greenhill, her first husband being<br />
--Robins<strong>on</strong> ; (4) wife bur. I I March, 170112.<br />
d. I I April, 1708, in 89th year.<br />
c$ N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>. Mem. ii., p. 332 ; C.R., 1847, as for Bryan.<br />
JAMES OWEN, b. I November, 1654, at Bryn, parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Abernant, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nshire ; ed.<br />
Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Gr. School, philospphy by Samuel J<strong>on</strong>es, M.A., Brynllywarch Academy,<br />
1672, and by Stephen Hughes, Swansea, whose assistant he was in ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re ;<br />
ord. October, 1677 ; min. chaplain to Mrs. Baker, Sweeney, nr. Oswestry, 1676 ;<br />
Oswestry, 1676-[167g?]-1700 ; Shrewsbury, 1700-1706 ; 971. (I) (17 November, 1679)<br />
Sarah George (d. 1693); Issue, seven, two survived him ; (2) (1693) widow (L 1699),<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Alderman R. Edwards, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oswestry ; (3) (12 August, 1700) ~lizagth, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
John Wynne, and widow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Hough, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chester.<br />
(C. 8 April, 1706.<br />
bic. A7at. Bias. ; Shropshire C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>alism, Ernest Elliot [1898] p. 32.<br />
SA~~UEL BENION, see lJThitchurch.<br />
JOHN GYLES, eldest s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Gyles, silenced 1662 ; M.D. ; min. Shrewsbury, 1708-1730.<br />
d. 23 Markh, 1730.<br />
cf. N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>. Mem. ii., p. 54.3 ; C.R., 1847, as for Bryan, and p. 323.<br />
JOHN REYNOLDS, b. 19 February, 1667, at Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong> ; ed. Stourbridge, Free School;<br />
Oxford ; Pembroke Coll; matr., 9 July, 1684; ord. 30 May, 1699, in Oldbury Chapel ;<br />
min. chaplain to Mr. Foley, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prestwood, 1699-1706 ; Gloucester, 1706-1708 ; Shrewsbury,<br />
8 July, 1708-early 1718 ; Walsall, 1721-1727, wilhoz~t chnqe, but free& assisted<br />
Johu Godlejl.<br />
d. 24 August, I727 ; bur. West 'Bromwich.<br />
c/ Dic. vat. Biog.<br />
CHARLES BERRY, b. [I~OO] ; ed. Tewkesbury Academy, by Sanluel J<strong>on</strong>es ; min. Shrewsbury,<br />
1721-1741 ; nt. -- Mas<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shrewsbury ; Issue, John.<br />
d. 1741, zet. 41.<br />
cf. Dic. IL'trt. Biog. ; Urwick's N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity in Worcester, 1897, p. 104.<br />
JOB ORTON, b. 4 September, 1717, at Shrewsbury; ed. Shrewsbury Grammar School, 8<br />
years ; Northampt<strong>on</strong> Academy, by Dr. Doddridge, March, 1739- ; min. Shrews-<br />
bury, 1741-1766 ; ICidderminster, without chaiye, 1766-1783 ; bachelor.<br />
d. 19 July, 1783 ; bur. Shrewsbury, St. Chad's (Old).<br />
cf; Die. ?Vat. Biog.<br />
FRANCIS BOULT, b. 1712, at Newmarket, Flints ; ed. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres. Coll., -1735 ;<br />
min. Newmarket, 1735-1743 ; Shrewsbury, August, 1743-1746 ; Wrexham, 1746-[1786].<br />
d. 7 April, 1787, at Chester.<br />
cf. P.D.M., 1799, p. 201 ; C.R., 1847, p. 324.<br />
MOSES CARTER, b. [l7141 ; min. Ringwood, Hants, -174.6 ; Shrewsbury, 24 June, 1746-<br />
24 October, 1747.<br />
d. 24 October, 1747, zet. 33.<br />
C$ C.R., 1847, p. 324.
JOSEPH FOWNES, 6. July, 1715, at Andover, Hants. ; ed. Findern Academy, by Dr. Latham,<br />
1730-1735 ; ord. 20 April, 1743, at Dudley ; min., Cradley, 1736-1748 ; Shrewsbury, 24<br />
June, 1748-November, 1789; 972. (1754) hlary, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Mas<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Sh fewsbury.<br />
d. 7 November, 1789 ; bur. Shrewsbury, St. Chad's (Old).<br />
cf; Dr. Kippis's Preface to Fownes's Inpzriry into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Princip/es <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tolerati<strong>on</strong>, third<br />
editi<strong>on</strong>, Shrewsbury, 1790; C.R., 1834, p. 266; 1847, p. 324.<br />
BENJAMIN STAPP, b. L17431 ; ed. Warringt<strong>on</strong> Academy, 1760-1766, nrzd szrb-tutor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its<br />
p~-eparator.y school; min. Shrewsbury, October, 1766-March, 1767.<br />
d. I March, 1767, set. 24.<br />
c$ M.R., 1813, p. 268; 1814, p. 204; C.R., 1847, p. 326.<br />
RALPH HARRISON, b. 10 September, 1748, at Chinley ; ed. Warringt<strong>on</strong> Academy, 6 October,<br />
1763- ; min. Hale, 1767-1769, in chaqe <strong>on</strong>&, not nth. titn-e, Shrewsbury, 1769-1771 ;<br />
Manchester, Cross Street, 29 December, 1771-November, 1810, but did not prencit<br />
after 1809; NZ. (I) (6 March, 1775) Ann, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Touchet ; (2) Rebecca (d<br />
3 November, 1835, ast. 98) ; Issue, Ann (b. 1778, d. I~II), Williatn (b. 21 May, 1779,<br />
min. Blackley, 1803-1853), James (b. I&), Ralph Cooper (b. 1785, d. 1804), John (b.<br />
1786, d. 1853), Sarah (b. 178% James (b. 17g1), Anne (m. Thomas Ainsworth).<br />
d. 24 November, 1810 ; bur. Cross Street Chapel, Manchester.<br />
cf; Recor*~~', p. 114, and Cross Street Chapel Registers.<br />
JOSEPH SMITH, b. [I7551 at Godley, Cheshire ; ed. Warringt<strong>on</strong> Academy, 1769-1774 ; min.<br />
Shrewsbury, 1774-1781 ; Liverpool, Benn's Garden, 1781-1801 ; retired, 1801 ; nz.<br />
Phcebe (d. 1817, ast. 60) ; Issue, James Houlbrooke (d. 1869, set. 74).<br />
d. 8 August, 1815, ast. 60 ; bur. Toxteth Park Chapel Yard.<br />
cf. Record, p. 101.<br />
PENDLEBURY HOUGHTON, 6. 1758, in Gee Cross Pars<strong>on</strong>age, Hyde; ed. Warringt<strong>on</strong><br />
Academy, September, 1773- , zt~here tzrtor*, 1778-1779 ; min. Failsworth, Dob Lane,<br />
1779-1781 ; Shrewsbury, 1781-19 August, 1787 ; Norwich, 1787-November, 1808 ; West-<br />
minster, Prince's Street, Kovember, 1808-181 I ; Norwich (2nd time), February, 181 I-<br />
1812 ; Liverpool, Paradise Street, November, 1812-1823 ; 111. (1799) Barbara (J. 1802),<br />
daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Brooks, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Norwich, and widow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Stewart Taylor ; Issue,<br />
Mary Pendlebury (nz. Henry Gibs<strong>on</strong> Dows<strong>on</strong>).<br />
d. 3 April, 1824; bur. Geldest<strong>on</strong> Church Yard.<br />
JOHN ROWE, B. 17 April, 1764, at Spencecomb, nr. Credit<strong>on</strong> ; ed. Exeter, by Joseph Bretland<br />
; Hoxt<strong>on</strong> Academy, by Drs. Kippis, Rees, and Savage, -1786 ; Hackney<br />
Coll., September, 1786-June, 1787; inin. Shrewsbury, 14 October, 1787-May, 1798;<br />
Bristol, 1798-1832 ; nz. (1788) Mary (li. 1825), sister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Richard Hall Clarke, Esquire,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bridwell House, Dev<strong>on</strong> ; Issue, eight chihlrpen,jivt died itvnncy, J ~hn (b. 30 November,<br />
191<br />
1790, d. 17 December, 1827, in Mexico), Eliza Clarke (b. 25 November, 1792, d. 1829,<br />
?H. Benjamin H. Bright, Esquire), William Tayleur (6. 22 June, 1796).<br />
d. 2 July, 1833, at Sienna ; bur. Leghorn, Protestant Cemetery.<br />
cf. C.R., 1834, pp. 265-273 ; Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Births and Baptisms.<br />
LEWIS LOYD, d. I January, 1767, at Cwrnyto, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nshire; ed. Llanycrwys, by David Price; Swansea,<br />
Pres. Coll., 1785-1789 ; Manchester Academy, Manchester, g September-25 December, 1789 ; assistant classical<br />
tutor at Rla~lchester Academy, 1790-1792 ; min. Shrewsbury, sz~jjZy, st~nrnter, 1789; Failsworth, Dob Lane,<br />
su$jZy, 1790-1792; left ministry, 1792, became banker; nz. (I) Sarah (d. I ctober, 1821), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John<br />
J<strong>on</strong>es, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Manchester ; Issue, Samuel J<strong>on</strong>es Loyd, elevated to peerage, 1850, as Bar<strong>on</strong> Overst<strong>on</strong>e ; (2) daughter<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> -- Campi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
d. 13 May, 1858, at Overst<strong>on</strong>e Park, Northampt<strong>on</strong>shire.<br />
cf. Record, p. 56; C.R., 1847, p. 331.<br />
ARTHUR AIICIN, b. 19 May, 1773, at Warringt<strong>on</strong>; ed. Palgrave, by Rev. Rochem<strong>on</strong>t Barbauld,<br />
Hackney Coll., 1786- ; F.L.S., 1818 ; F.Geo1og.S. ; F.S.A. ; min. Shrewsbury,<br />
29 September, 1793-June, 1795, wAerz Zq4 ?/zinist~y; Secretary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arts,<br />
Manufactures and Commerce, 22 years ; Lecturer <strong>on</strong> Chemistry, Guy's Hospital,<br />
32 years.<br />
a'. I5 April, 1854, in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>.<br />
A ~ze/Aew oj fi1rs. Bnrbazrkti, anti knoz<strong>on</strong> as ' d7ng drthzrr ' in lz'tern?y circles.<br />
cf; Dic. Aizt. Biog. ; C.R., 1847, p. p. 330 ; 1S54, p. 379.<br />
GEORGE AUGUSTUS CASE, soil <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Chas. Case, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Witham, Essex ; ed. Northampt<strong>on</strong><br />
Academy, -1797 ; min. Shrewsbury, 1798-January, 1831 ; 712. Es<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r (d. 1857) ;<br />
Issue, Gertrude Maria (b. 26 February, 1820, ??E. John Dill<strong>on</strong>, Esquire), Emtna Josephine<br />
(b. 6 November, 1821, ll~. Francis Dill<strong>on</strong>, Esquire), Georgiana Ellen (b. 28 March,<br />
1823), Robert Hawkes (b. g January, 1826).<br />
d. 6 January, 1831.<br />
cf. M.R., 1831, p. 205 ; C.R., 1857~ p. 331 ; Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Births and Baptisms.<br />
RICHARD ASTLEY, b. 12 March, at Chesterfield ; ed. York, M.C., September, 1806-<br />
June, 1810; min. Rochdale, 1810-3 February, 1812 ; Halifax, 1812-1826 ; Gloucester,<br />
1826-1831 ; Shrev,.sbury, 3 J~lly, 1831-1853 ; Stourbridge, zuitAout citaqe ; nr. (I I Feb-<br />
ruary, 1812) Ann (d. 1860) ; Issue, Mary Ann (?/I. 1858, Samuel Roberts).<br />
d. 19 March, 1855 ; bur. Shrewsbury, St. Chad's (Old) Church Yard.<br />
c- Rtcorrl, p. 162.<br />
JAMES RIDDELL MCKEE, b. 1805, in parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Drunlbo, Co. Down; ed. Belfast Royal<br />
Academical Instituti<strong>on</strong>, 1825- ; assistant and subsequetitly partner in school <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
John Relly Beard, D.D., Manchester, 1833- ; school at Tavistock, Dev<strong>on</strong> ; min.<br />
Pendlebury ; Shrewsbury, 1854-1873 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, without chafxc,, 1873-1883 ; m. (2 January,<br />
1844) Louisa Caroline (d. 1887), <strong>on</strong>ly child <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Jeffery, min. Billingshurst,<br />
-1815- .<br />
d. 25 August, 1883 ; bur. Finchley Cemetery.<br />
P
EDWARD MYERS, b. 5 April, 1830, in Liverpool ; F.Geo1og.S. ; min. Walsall, 1852-1860 ;<br />
Birinitlgham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour, nssistnt~t to Gi~r~p Dazos<strong>on</strong>, ~51.A.~ 1860-1870;<br />
Shrewsbury, November, 1873-January, 1897 ; 7n. (3 November, 1868) Louisa Matilda,<br />
youngest daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Richard Thomas, Esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham, s.p.<br />
d. 16 January, 1897 ; bur. in Shrewsbury Cemetery, by James C. Street and Geo.<br />
Eyre Evans.<br />
cf. Oswestry Advertizer, 20 January, 1897 ; Inq., 1897, pp. 59, 70 ; pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge.<br />
JAMES CHRISTOPHER STREET, ed. U. H.M.B., 1857-1860 ; ord. 20 March, 1860 ; min.<br />
Missi<strong>on</strong>ary, Manchester District Unitarian Associati<strong>on</strong>, 1860- ; Newcastle-<strong>on</strong>-Tyne,<br />
1863-1870 ; Belfast, 2nd c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, 1871-1889 ; Northampt<strong>on</strong>, 1890-1891 ; Birming-<br />
ham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour, 1891-1895 ; Shrewsbury, 6 June, 1897, but cotzst~/nnt sz~@(y<br />
fr<strong>on</strong>t Ya~zz~n~,y, 1897- ; nz. (I) (28 arch, 1853) Anne Green ; (2) (29 July, 1863)<br />
Laura Jane (d. 1879), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> James Stephens, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Exeter; (3) (28 October, 1887)<br />
Maud McMechan, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> W. Grover, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thornt<strong>on</strong> Heath ; Issue, Christopher<br />
James, M.A., LLB. (6. 1855, min. Bolt<strong>on</strong>, &C.), Sydney Hope, B.A. (B. 1865, min.<br />
Manchester, &C.), and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs.<br />
M.S.C., p. 164.<br />
A is tor^ <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shrewsbury, Owen [H.] and Blalteway (Rev. John Brick-<br />
dale), 1825, ii., 476-481.<br />
C.R., 1847, pp. 250, 323.<br />
Histor~? <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Meeting-house, Slzrezplsbury, Richard Astley, I 847.<br />
Eddowes's Joul-nal, 8 July, 1891, " Notes <strong>on</strong> N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity in Shrews-<br />
bury. "<br />
Inq., 1885, p. 189 ; 1891, p. 728.<br />
NOTES :-The following inscripti<strong>on</strong>, written by Francis Tallents, M. A.,<br />
is placed over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> inner entrance doors :---<br />
This place Was not built for a facti<strong>on</strong> or<br />
a party, but to promote repentance and faith<br />
in communi<strong>on</strong> with all those who love our<br />
Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Our help is<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord, who made Heaven<br />
and Earth.<br />
I93<br />
Am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> numerous tablets <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls is this <strong>on</strong>e :-<br />
To <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
CHARLES ROBERT DARWIN,<br />
Author <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> The Origin <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Species.<br />
Born in Shrewsbury,<br />
February ~zth, 1809.<br />
In early life a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
and a c<strong>on</strong>stant worshipper<br />
in this Church.<br />
Died April ~gth, 1882.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vestry are Job Ort<strong>on</strong>'s chair, and a large oil painting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> royal<br />
arms, formerly suspended over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit.<br />
The fine clock, <strong>on</strong> fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> organ gallery, facing pulpit, is dated 1'724.
STOURBRIDGE.<br />
PRESBYTERIAN CHAPEL, HIGH STREET.<br />
Opened 6 July, 1788.~<br />
First Meeting-house in Coventry Street built circa 1698.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
... ...<br />
...<br />
Benjamin Carpenter . .<br />
Herbert Jenkiiis ...<br />
George Flower<br />
John Edge<br />
Benjamin Carpenter, 2nd dime.. .<br />
James Scott ...<br />
Thomas Warren ... ..<br />
Alexander Paters<strong>on</strong>, M. A. ...<br />
...<br />
...<br />
Alfred William Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, B. A., J. P.<br />
John Dendy, M.A. ...<br />
Robert Henry Gibs<strong>on</strong>, B.A.<br />
David Maginnis ...<br />
Arthur William Timmis<br />
...<br />
.<br />
...<br />
As in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> case <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shrewsbury and Richard Astley, so again this society<br />
and its schools have been fortunate in having had <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir history written by<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> exilerienced hand <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Alfred Wm. Worthingt<strong>on</strong> in 1886-1889-three<br />
pamphlets <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> greatest arch~ological value and interest. It will not<br />
be necessary here to do much more than deal with references to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parts<br />
taken by thi ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Double Lectures and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
&nth& Meetifzg.<br />
The first recorded name, at present, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any Dudley Double Lecturer is<br />
that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> George Flower, who, in 1723, was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two lecturers that<br />
year, his compani<strong>on</strong> being James Tliomps<strong>on</strong>, minister at Bromsgrove,<br />
Stourbridge has, from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> N<strong>on</strong>th9 Meetzizg, in 1782,<br />
always been <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its regular ga<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ring places. The first time was <strong>on</strong><br />
"Inscripti<strong>on</strong> over door :- A. D.<br />
1788.<br />
Hoc TEMPLUM AEDIFICATUM.
g July, 1782, a m<strong>on</strong>th after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first reorganised meeting at Coseley. The<br />
day's proceedings are recorded thus in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> MS. Minutes :-<br />
Rev. Mr. Wells preached fro~~ PhiZ$. iii., 8. The questi<strong>on</strong> menti<strong>on</strong>ed at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
previozts nteeling held at Coseley, viz., What is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> best manner <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>ducting ourselves<br />
when we are called, as minzj-ters, to visit pers<strong>on</strong>s in dying, or apyarently dyifig<br />
circunzstances, whose characters are ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r bad or doubgul? Wood.<br />
The following was proposed for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> next meeting at Dudley, 6 August:-<br />
Whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> historical parts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Testanzelzt, excepting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 5 books <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> JRoses,<br />
were written by ins-irath<strong>on</strong>? Carpenter.<br />
Rev. Mr. Grz.his, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> W. Nanzpt<strong>on</strong>, zeus afloi~tted to preach. W. Procter,<br />
absent.<br />
The sec<strong>on</strong>d <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mo?zth& Meeting's visits to Stourbridge was fixed for<br />
4 March, 1783, but <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> brethren were prevented meeting by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> i?zclemency <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> seas<strong>on</strong>; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y managed, however, to get <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re <strong>on</strong> 6 May following, when<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> secretary, William Procter, preached from I Thess. i., 10-<br />
And to wait for His S<strong>on</strong> from heaven, whom He raised from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dead, even<br />
Jesus, which delivered us from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> wrath to come.<br />
The following list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mo?zth?y Meztz'rgs, held at Stourbridge, from 1784<br />
to 1855, preserves many interesting names and data :-<br />
YEAR.<br />
1784, 3 Feb.<br />
1784,3 Aug.<br />
1785, 8 Mar.<br />
1785, 4 Oct.<br />
1786,4 Apr.<br />
1787, 6 Feb.<br />
1787~6 Nov.<br />
1788, 8 July<br />
1789, 3 Mar.<br />
PREACHER.<br />
Sam. Griffiths<br />
Wm. D. Wood<br />
Wm. Procter<br />
Sam. Griffiths<br />
Wm. Procter<br />
Robt. Gentleman<br />
Wm. D. Wood<br />
Rd. Amner<br />
' Wm. D. Wood<br />
1789, Oct. I Robt. Gentleman<br />
TEXT. 1 No-res IN MINUTES.<br />
St. John i., 17<br />
I Sam. xxiii., 16<br />
Num. xxiii., 10<br />
Eph. ii., 7<br />
PS. xxvii., 14<br />
St. Mat. X., 29-30<br />
St. John iii., 19<br />
Heb. ii., 15<br />
St. Markiv., 26-29<br />
Mr. Procter, at MY. Amner's<br />
request, repeated<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> serm<strong>on</strong> whi~h he<br />
delivered at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>th&<br />
Lecture at Coseley, in<br />
1 December, 1784.
1790,6- Apr.<br />
1791, 5 Apr.<br />
17g1,6 Dec.<br />
PREACHER.<br />
-_---------_--_<br />
Wm. Wells<br />
Sam. Griffiths<br />
John Cole<br />
Rd. Amner<br />
TEXT.<br />
-<br />
PS. cxxx., 3<br />
St. Luke xiv., 15<br />
Acts X., 34-5<br />
J<strong>on</strong>ah iv., 6-9<br />
1792, 3 July<br />
1793, 5 Mar*<br />
No publick service.<br />
[Here comes a gap. Minutes <strong>on</strong>ly record meetings after 4 June, 1793, as in 1796,<br />
Sam. Parker's ordinati<strong>on</strong> at Coseley, <strong>on</strong> 11 October; in 1802, T. Bowen's and W. T.<br />
Procter's ordinati<strong>on</strong>s at Walsall, <strong>on</strong> g June. They begin again with regularity <strong>on</strong> 10<br />
July, 18049 I<br />
--<br />
YEAR.<br />
I 804<br />
1806, 7 Oct.<br />
1807, 4 Aug.<br />
1808, 12 Oct, J. Kentish<br />
1812, g June<br />
1818, 6 July<br />
1823, 15 July<br />
1824, S May<br />
1825, 3 May<br />
1826,6 June<br />
1827, S May<br />
1828,7 May<br />
1829,7 Apr.<br />
J. Kentish<br />
PREACHER.<br />
---p-<br />
Old Swinfoyd<br />
Stourbridge<br />
Dr. Toulmin<br />
Rd. Fry<br />
Robt. Wallace, F. G. S.<br />
Ordinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. A.<br />
J. H. Bransby<br />
J. Yates, M.A.<br />
Rd. Fry<br />
J. H. Ryland<br />
H. Hutt<strong>on</strong>, M.A.<br />
R. Kell<br />
l<br />
TEXT.<br />
St. Mat. X., 34<br />
NOTES IN MINUTES.<br />
---p---<br />
Gal. iv., 19<br />
I Cor. xii., 2<br />
St. Mat. xxvi., 52<br />
PS. cxxxiii.<br />
Paters<strong>on</strong>, M. A.<br />
St. John xviii., 4<br />
Job i., I<br />
St. Mat. vii., 24-21<br />
St. John iv., 24<br />
PS. cxxvi., 6<br />
St. Mark xvi., 2c<br />
No Publick service.<br />
Seven ministers attended<br />
at Old Swinford, service<br />
in Stourbridge Chapel.<br />
At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. B. Carpenter's,<br />
Old Swinfora!, service<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel.<br />
Several ministers being<br />
absent <strong>on</strong> joumies, and<br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs arrivifzg late.<br />
Dined with 1Wr. Car-<br />
penter at Old Swinford.<br />
No publick semice, Mr.<br />
Carpenter received <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
min isters.<br />
Dined atWScott's, Esq<br />
ZGJI S.<br />
YEAR. PREACHER. TEXT. NOTES IN MINUTES.<br />
Hunter PS. xcvii., I --<br />
1831, 10 May Isa. lii., 7 Dined at W. Scott's,<br />
1833,6 Aug.<br />
1834'6 May<br />
1835, 19 May<br />
1838, g Oct.<br />
1839730 Apr.<br />
I 840, I I Aug.<br />
1841, 5 Oct.<br />
1842, 16 Aug.<br />
1843, 15 Aug.<br />
1844, I3 Aug.<br />
1846, I3 Oct.<br />
I 847, PO Aug.<br />
I 848,15 Aug.<br />
1849, 16 Oct.<br />
1851, 12 Aug.<br />
18 52, 10 Aug.<br />
1853, 16 Aug.<br />
18 54, 15 Aug.<br />
1855, I4 Aug.<br />
H. Hutt<strong>on</strong>, M.A.<br />
J. Palmer, B.A.<br />
J. Cooper<br />
Evan J<strong>on</strong>es<br />
Wm. McKean<br />
John Taylor<br />
S. Hunter<br />
Wm. Maccall<br />
Jos. Crompt<strong>on</strong>, M.A,<br />
T. Bowring<br />
Robt. Wallace, F. G. S<<br />
Robt. Wallace, F. G. S.<br />
S. Hunter<br />
J. Palmer, B.A.<br />
R. H. Hutt<strong>on</strong>, M.A.,<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong><br />
J. Cauty Smith<br />
Ordinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A. W,<br />
Charles Berry<br />
D. D. Jeremy, M.A.<br />
Charles Clarke<br />
St. John viii., 19<br />
Prov. iii., 13-14<br />
Acts xvii., 30-31<br />
Rev. xiv., 6-7<br />
St. Mat. v., 6<br />
James ii., 10<br />
Job xxxii., 8<br />
St. Mark viii., 34<br />
Gal. vi., 14<br />
Hosea xi., I<br />
I Tlles. v., 21<br />
Eph. iii., 20, 21<br />
Micah vi., 8<br />
I Cor. xii., 4<br />
Judges v., pt. 31<br />
Wort1iingt011,B.A.<br />
StJohn xviii.37-3E<br />
St. Mat. iv., I<br />
St. Mat. X., 32-33<br />
Esquire<br />
Dined at R. Scott's,<br />
Esquire.<br />
The following list gives <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preachers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Anniversary<br />
Serm<strong>on</strong>s from 1786 to 1874 :-<br />
Benjamin Carpenter<br />
Benjamin Carpenter<br />
Benjamin Carpenter<br />
Thomas Belsham<br />
John Rowe<br />
Hugli Worthingt<strong>on</strong><br />
Stourbridge<br />
Stourbridge<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong><br />
Shrewsbury<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>
Thomas Barnes, D.D.<br />
David J<strong>on</strong>es<br />
James Scott<br />
John Coates<br />
Herbert Jenkins<br />
William Severn<br />
Thomas Barnes, D.D.<br />
James Scott<br />
Hugh Worthingt<strong>on</strong><br />
Robert Winter<br />
Robert Kell<br />
John Kentish<br />
Joshua Toulmin, D. D.<br />
James Scott<br />
James Hews Bransby<br />
Charles Berry<br />
John Lane<br />
Richard Fry<br />
Thomas Pattersoil<br />
Timothy Davis<br />
John Kentish<br />
John Small<br />
James Hews Bransby<br />
Richard Fry<br />
James whitehead<br />
Thomas Warren<br />
Lant Carpenter, LL. D.<br />
Timothy Davis<br />
James Scott<br />
James Hews Bransby<br />
Benjamin Carpenter<br />
Samuel Allard<br />
William Bowen, &lvl. A.<br />
Alexander Paters<strong>on</strong>, M.<br />
Hugh Hutt<strong>on</strong>, M.A.<br />
John Kitcat<br />
Samuel Bache<br />
R4ancllester<br />
Birmingham<br />
Cradley<br />
Birmingham<br />
Stourbridge<br />
Kidderminster<br />
Manchester<br />
Gradley<br />
Lolldoll<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong><br />
Birmingham<br />
Birmingham<br />
.Birmingham<br />
Cradley<br />
Dudley<br />
Leicester<br />
Midderminster<br />
Coseley<br />
Ashby de la Zouch<br />
Coventry<br />
Birmingham<br />
Coseley<br />
Dudley<br />
Kidderminster<br />
Wem<br />
Stourbridge<br />
Bristol<br />
Evesham<br />
Cradley<br />
Dudley<br />
Nottingham<br />
Glasgow<br />
Coventry<br />
Stourbridge<br />
Birmingham<br />
Newbury<br />
York<br />
John Williams<br />
William Bowen, M. A.<br />
Henry Wm. Gardiner Wreford<br />
Stephens<strong>on</strong> Hunter<br />
Hugh Hutt<strong>on</strong>, M.A.<br />
Alexander Paters<strong>on</strong>, M. A.<br />
Charles Wellbeloved<br />
John Owen<br />
John Gooch Robberds<br />
John Palmer, B.A.<br />
Thomas Madge<br />
John Taylor<br />
John Gord<strong>on</strong><br />
Joseph Crompt<strong>on</strong>, M. A.<br />
Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Gibs<strong>on</strong><br />
Geo. Vance Smith, M.A.<br />
John Kentish<br />
Charles Wicksteed, B.A.<br />
William McKean<br />
Thos. Lethbridge Marshall<br />
Samuel Bache<br />
John Hamilt<strong>on</strong> Thom<br />
William Cochrane<br />
Alfred Wm. Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, B.A.<br />
Charles Berry<br />
Richard Shaen, M. A.<br />
John Dendy, B.A.<br />
Jolin Relly Beard, D.D.<br />
Samuel Coulter Davis<strong>on</strong>, Ph.D.<br />
Samuel Martin<br />
Robert Hy. Gibs<strong>on</strong>, M.A.<br />
John Eettis Short<br />
James McFerran<br />
David Maginnis<br />
William James<br />
Charles Glarke<br />
David Maginnis<br />
Mans field<br />
Cradley<br />
Coventry<br />
Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong><br />
Birmingham<br />
Stourbridge<br />
York<br />
Tamworth<br />
Manchester<br />
Dudley<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong><br />
Kiddernlinster<br />
Coventry<br />
Norwich<br />
Kidderminster<br />
Macclesfield<br />
Eirmingham<br />
Leeds<br />
Oldbury<br />
Warwick<br />
Birmingham<br />
Liverpool<br />
Cradley<br />
Stourbridge<br />
Leicester<br />
Dudley<br />
Stourbridge<br />
Manchester<br />
Dudley<br />
Trowbridge<br />
Stourbridge<br />
Bridport<br />
Stourbridge<br />
Bristol<br />
Birmi~lghan~<br />
Stourbridge
John Orr<br />
Robt. Brook Aspland, h1.A.<br />
Hy. Wm. Crosskey, F.G.S.<br />
James Drumm<strong>on</strong>d, M.A.<br />
Peter Wm. Clayden<br />
Geo. Vance Smith, Ph.D.<br />
John Frederick Smith<br />
Charles Wicksteed, B.A.<br />
Wm. Hy. Channing<br />
Belfast<br />
Hackney<br />
Glasgow<br />
Manchester<br />
Kentish Town<br />
York<br />
Chesterfield<br />
Bost<strong>on</strong>, U. S. A.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> grave yard adjoining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house are st<strong>on</strong>es to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> memory<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> various members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Scott family, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs closely c<strong>on</strong>nected with<br />
this society.<br />
The interior <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house also has many memorial tablets <strong>on</strong><br />
its walls, and affixed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gallery are tables recording bene-<br />
facti<strong>on</strong>s to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society.<br />
The carved oak screen was placed in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chancel, in 1897, by Mr. A. W.<br />
Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, as a memorial <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his wife ; it was designed by his nephew,<br />
Mr. Percy S. Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Manchester, and bears appropriate inscripti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
The f<strong>on</strong>t is in memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Anna Laetitia Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, b. <strong>on</strong> 23 February<br />
and died <strong>on</strong> 21 March, 1863. .<br />
This society is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> few which did not deposit its original register<br />
in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> volume is in shape and size-l<strong>on</strong>g, thick and narrow-much<br />
like that at Gort<strong>on</strong> Chapel-now Brookfield Church-&Ianchester, which<br />
also did not deposit it in Government keeping.<br />
Had it not been for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> marvellous and caretaking manner in which<br />
William Scott and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. James Scott compiled <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir various books <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
records, and for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> safety and security given to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> various<br />
ministers here, and at Cradley, mnch that is now known <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> life and<br />
growth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worshipping societies in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g>s, during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
18th century, would, by this time, be lost.<br />
GEORGE FLOWER, b. [l6741 at Burt<strong>on</strong>-<strong>on</strong>-Trent ; ed. Sheriff Hales Academy, by John<br />
Woodhouse ; ord. 14 April, 1698 ; min. chaplain to Philip Foley, Esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prestwood,<br />
1696- ; Stourbridge, December, 1698-1733.<br />
d. I June, 1733, aet. 59 ; bur. Burt<strong>on</strong>-<strong>on</strong>-Trent.<br />
cf. Toulmin's Bourn, p. 275 ; 'I;Vorthingt<strong>on</strong>ls Early <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g>, p. 5.<br />
JOHN EDGE, b. 1708, at .Caldwell, nr. Kidderminster; ed. Bridgnorth Academy, by John<br />
Richard Fleming, min. <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re ; ord. 2 October, 1734; min. Stourbridge, 1734-1777;<br />
m. -- Spilsbury.<br />
d. 12 July, 1777, ~ t 69 . ; bur. Kidderminster Church Yard in Spilsbury Vault.<br />
c$ Toulmin's Bourn, p. 277 ; Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, p. 7.<br />
BENJAMIN CARPENTER, b. April, 1752, at Woodrow, nr. Bromsgrove ; ed. Daventry<br />
Academy, 1768-1773, by Caleb Ashworth, D.D., where classical lecturer for few<br />
m<strong>on</strong>ths; ord. 1774; min. Bloxham and Milt<strong>on</strong>, 1773-1775; West Bromwich, 1776-<br />
1778 ; Stourbridge, June, 1778-December, 1795, 2nd time, March, 1807-November,<br />
1816; Clapham, 1795-1798 ; Bromsgrove, 1798-1807; nt. (I) Eliza, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> W.<br />
Wright, min. Oundle ; (2) Anne (d. 17g4), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> James Hancox (q.v.), min.<br />
Dudley ; (3) Sophia (d. 184o), widow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Lewis, and daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> -- Wells, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, s.p.<br />
d. 23 November, 1816.<br />
cf; M.R., 1816, p. 733 ; 1817, p. 4; Worthingt<strong>on</strong> ii., p. 10.<br />
HERBERT JENKINS, b. [l7611 at Maidst<strong>on</strong>e ; ed. Mile End Academy, by Stephen Addingt<strong>on</strong>,<br />
D.D. ; ord. 1793, at Banbury; min. Banbury, assistant, 1792-1796 ; Stourbridge,<br />
June, 1796-October, 1806 ; Oldbury, 1807-1808 ; Hinckley, 1808-1811 ; Leicester, withozit<br />
cltaqe; m. a Banbury woman.<br />
d. 23 October, 1814, zet. 53 ; bur. Leicester, Great Meeting Yard.<br />
cf. M.R., 1815, p. 70; Worthingt<strong>on</strong> ii., p. 8.<br />
JAMES SCOTT, see Cradley.<br />
THOMAS WARREN, see Alcester.<br />
ALEXANDER PATERSON, b. November, 1799, at [D<strong>on</strong>ningt<strong>on</strong>, nr. Leicester?] ; ed. Birmingham,<br />
by Robert Kell (q.v.) ; Glasgow, 1816-1821 ; M.A. GZas. ; ord. 15 July, 1823, at<br />
Stourbridge ; min. Stourbridge, 1822-1852 ; Cradley, 1822-1827 ; m. (1823) Louisa<br />
Sweet, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley.<br />
d. 3 April, 1852 ; bur. Stourbridge Chapel Yard.<br />
cf. M.R., 1823, p. 424 ; C.R., 1852, p. 322 ; Inq., 1852, p. 237 ; Worthingt<strong>on</strong> ii., p. I I ;<br />
Minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting.<br />
ALFRED WILLIAM WORTHINGTON, ed. Manchester, M.N.C., 1844-1849 ; Berlin ; B.A., Land.,<br />
1848 ; J.P. CO. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worcester ; ord. 10 August, 1852, at Stourbridge ; min. Stourbridge,<br />
1852-1855 ; Bridgwater, 1856-1858 ; Mansfield, 1858-1879 ; Stourbridge, zuitA.oz~t charge ;<br />
nz. (I) (19 March, 1861) Mary Laetitia ((I. 31 May, 1863), sec<strong>on</strong>d daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Robert<br />
Scott, Esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge ; Issue, Anna Laetitia b. 23 February, a'. 21 March,<br />
1863) ; (2) Mary (d. 3 February, 1896), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Walter Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, Esquire ; (3)<br />
(21 September, 1899) Marian, <strong>on</strong>ly daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Cochrane (q.v.), min. Cradley,<br />
1850-1885.<br />
c$ Roll <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Students ; C.R., 1861, p. 256 ; 1863, p. 447 ; Inq., 1896, p. 106; Minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting.
JOHN DENDY, b. 11 June, 1828, at Horsham ; ed. Manchester, M.N.C., 1845-1850 ; Berlin ;<br />
B.A., L<strong>on</strong>d., 1849 ; min. Cheltenham, 1851-1854 ; Stourbridge, 1855-April, 1858 ; Newport,<br />
I. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> W., 1884-1894 ; left ministry, 1858-1884 ; nz. Sarah, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Relly<br />
Beard, D.D., min. Manchester ; had issue.<br />
d. 31 March, 1894; bur. M<strong>on</strong>t<strong>on</strong> Church Yard.<br />
cf; Roll <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Students ; Inq., 1894, p. 215.<br />
ROBERT HENRY GIBSON, B. 1833, at Sidmouth; ed. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, M.N.C., September, 1855-<br />
June, 1858; B.A., L<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>an'., 1853 ; min. Stourbridge, 1858-1860 ; Failsworth, Dob Lane,<br />
1874, supl5:iea' 6 mo?zths; private tutor, 1860- ; emigrated, New Zealand, 1878 ; nz.<br />
(23 June, 1859) Elizabeth, third daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edward Dunn, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Highbury; Issue, 2<br />
s<strong>on</strong>s, 3 daughters ; Alice (12'. 1883, aet. 22), Amy Lisa (ni. 1887, Christopher Richm<strong>on</strong>d,<br />
Wellingt<strong>on</strong>, N.Z.).<br />
d. 14 July, 1894; bur. New Plymouth Cemetery, N.Z.<br />
cf; Record, p. 58.<br />
DAVID MAGINNIS, b. 6 February, 1821, at Downpatrick; ed. Belfast, Queen's Coll., Pu'ovember,<br />
1836-1841 ; F.R.Hist.S., 1882 ; ord. September, 1842, by Rem<strong>on</strong>strant Presbytery<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bangor ; min. Belfast, York Street, 1842-1861 ; Stourbridge, 1862-1884 ; tlz. and had<br />
issue, Fanny Ellen (d. 1865, aet. 18).<br />
d. 11 August, 1884.<br />
[In December, 1883, he compiled a "Supplement (42 hymns) to Martineau's Hymns<br />
, . . for use in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian Chapel, Stourbridge."]<br />
cf. Inq., 1884, var. pp. ; U.A., 1885, p. 27.<br />
ARTHUR WILLIAM TIMMIS, ed. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Regent's Park ; M. N.C., -1883 ; min. Stourbridge,<br />
1884- ; m. (10 June, 1886) Annie, sec<strong>on</strong>d daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> J. T. Short, Esquire,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge ; has issue.<br />
TOTOGRAPHY. .<br />
The Scotf MSS., 3 vols., in custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister for time being <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
this society (see a reference to Wm. Scott (d. 5 December, 1834), and his<br />
valuable manuscripts, in Christian Refor?~zer, 1835, p. 82, where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> editor<br />
truly says- A turn for methodical classificatioll was very c<strong>on</strong>spicuous in Mr. Scott).<br />
M.R., 1817, p. 6.<br />
Ear.$ <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Preslyterz'an C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, Stowbridge, A. W. Worthing-<br />
t<strong>on</strong>, B.A., 1886.<br />
Ear9 <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian C<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>lgregatian, Stoz~r6yZ'dge, part 2, A. W.<br />
Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, B.A., 1888.<br />
Notes as to Schools, A. W. Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, B.A., 1889.
Built 1724.<br />
Restored 1879-80.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
Edmund Taylor ...<br />
Henry Roughley ...<br />
J<strong>on</strong>ah Malkin ...<br />
John Byng ... ...<br />
John Owen ... , . .<br />
William Parkins<strong>on</strong> . . .<br />
Thomas Bowring ...<br />
Charles Frederick Biss<br />
John Dean ... . . .<br />
Richard Elliott Birks<br />
William Robins<strong>on</strong> . . .<br />
Frederick Teasdale Reed<br />
John Howard . . .<br />
Before speaking about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> men who have ministered to this society,<br />
let us see what is known respecting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house. On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> outside<br />
wall <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present building, above <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> porch, is a st<strong>on</strong>e inscribed :-<br />
THIS HOUSE WAS BUILT 1724.<br />
That this is not <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting is evident from various entries in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interesting Baptismal register, to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pages <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author is largely<br />
indebted, indeed had it not beeii for a perusal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this volume in Somerset<br />
House it would have been impcssible to have found <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> informati<strong>on</strong> else-<br />
where, owing to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> very scanty topography which seems to be forthcoming.<br />
On 14 November, 1702, it is recorded that John Naseldzize, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John<br />
HaseZdi~ze, was baptized in yyc nzeeti~zg-hoz~se <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tai?~worth by MT. Thomas Bladen.<br />
Here, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, is reference to a former meeting place and a record <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bladen<br />
-who was ejected from Alderwas, lived many years in Birmingham, preached<br />
at many places <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>reabouts, and died at Tamworth-<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiating in it. Two<br />
or three similar entries also menti<strong>on</strong> this meeting-house, but whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r it<br />
stood <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same site as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present <strong>on</strong>2 is not known. If me may be
permitted to judge from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> very retired positi<strong>on</strong> in Cole Hill occupied by<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present place and its adjoining burial ground, it does not seem unlikely<br />
that this was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spot.<br />
No reference is made in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building operati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1724.<br />
The meeting-house <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n erected retained its original features until <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
restorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1879-80, when a new ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> was put <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sturdy old walls,<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> whole <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interior-<br />
refitted and modernised<br />
at a cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L~OO. Sir Robert Peel, in his speech <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d reading<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> House <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Comm<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenters' Chapels Bill, 1844, alluding<br />
to this place, said :-<br />
For myself I represent a town. There is a Unitarian Chapel <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re. It was<br />
founded in 1724. It was founded by Unitarians. There never was a suspici<strong>on</strong><br />
that it was founded for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> promoti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trinitarian doctrines. For fifty-<br />
three years <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was a minister holding anti-Trinitarian doctrines. I<br />
recollect <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> close <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his life. There was but <strong>on</strong>e single bequest for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
endowment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that chapel, which was left by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that Unitarian<br />
minister. There is religious peace in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>stituency I represent.<br />
The registers, however, which c<strong>on</strong>tain entries by J<strong>on</strong>ah Malkin and<br />
John Byng, bear witness that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y were not <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first two ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this<br />
society. The first book begins with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> heading :-<br />
A Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> such pers<strong>on</strong>s as were baptized by Mr. Ed~~zund Taylor, a n<strong>on</strong>-<br />
.co?Yfanl;i/zg minister in ye parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tanzworth, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs. The first entry is<br />
dated 25 Dece?nber, I 695, James, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Joh?z A~~nshaw, Wil?zcoate ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last, by<br />
Taylor, <strong>on</strong> 20 March, 170112. Then we have fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r menti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his name<br />
in A Xoul <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> commu7zica?zts in Ta~/rzeto?,th at nty c0nzi~z.g thi<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r October 5,<br />
1703, and places adjacent bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenting Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re ad~~zitted by<br />
Mr. Taylor and MY. Blad<strong>on</strong>. Henry Roughly.<br />
Edmund Taylor <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n must surely be looked <strong>on</strong> as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first minister<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society ; in all probability Thomas Bladen assisted him in his work.<br />
An entry <strong>on</strong> 11 April, 1704, makes menti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiat-<br />
ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re :--Elizabeth, dazghter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Robert Sh@t<strong>on</strong>, was baptized by MY, Robert<br />
Travers, <strong>on</strong> 5 October, 1703/4.<br />
Henry Roughley twice records that he came to Tamworth, <strong>on</strong> 5 October,<br />
1703/4, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are frequent entries by him until his last in 1708. His<br />
was evidently an active ministry here. Under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> heading, Admitted by me,<br />
Neary Roz~ghley, since nzy c<strong>on</strong>zing, October 5, 1703, are <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 108 communicants.<br />
He is careful to record <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dates <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir admissi<strong>on</strong>s, and<br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r items, such as Julze 24, 1705, Th<strong>on</strong>zas Langham and Elizabeth, his wzjre,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Midlet<strong>on</strong>, by certzj2cate from Hinckley ; and December 30, Sz~ssa~zah Lench, by<br />
cert~jt'cate frotlt <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> loze~er meeting in Bimzinghanz. It is his hand which has<br />
entered :-<br />
A C<strong>on</strong>fessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> faith to be made by szfch as are to be admitted to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord's<br />
Sapper accordifzg to GospelZ rule,<br />
/ believe in God <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r allvzzkhty, maker <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heaven and earth, and in Jesus<br />
Christ his 0124 S<strong>on</strong> OILY Lord, who was co?zceived by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> No& Ghost, born <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
virgin IClnry, sufered z~ndel- P<strong>on</strong>tius Pilate, was crz~czjied, dead, alzd buried, and<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tirzz~ed in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> state <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dead, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> third day he arose ugailz from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dead,<br />
and siteth at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> r&ht hand <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r Allnz@hty, from whence he shall come<br />
to judge <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> quick and dead. I believe in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hob Ghost, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> h04 Catholick Church,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>tuni<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saints, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> forgiveness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> silzs, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Resurrectio?~ <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> body, and<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lfe everlastin.g. A men.<br />
His first baptism is thus entered :-23 JzlZy, 1704, Sarah, Daz~ghter to<br />
William Latham, beiug broz~ght to our public.4 ~neetifzg place, Lord's Day, ye 23<br />
July, I 704, ze~as baptized by me, Henry Xoz~,g,hley.<br />
Ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r entry reads :-June 21, 1705, being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pr@aratio?z day, Mary,<br />
Daz~xhtev to .yohn Hazeldine, nzas<strong>on</strong>, was baptized in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vieeting place by me,<br />
UJJ. Roz~gkdey.<br />
The baptism <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his own daughter is recorded so :--On 27Jz~ne, 1706,<br />
~l/nry, dazrghter, zrlas pz/blickZy carried to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rnzeeti12.g place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tant7elort/l, being<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 7hanksgiz~ing for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> frten2orable victory obtained by his Grace <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Duke<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> A~arlborozgh oztor <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> frelzch at Xathnzile, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re baptized: before <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> whole<br />
co~zgrc'gnti<strong>on</strong>, by nze, Hen. Xoug kley.<br />
His last entry runs :--April 25, I 708, Thomas, vty so~z, was carried to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
publick nzeetit~g, being Lord's Day, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re Baptized by ?rze, Hen. Roughley.<br />
A copy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Communicants' ' Roul ' <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Taylor and Bladen, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Ordinati<strong>on</strong> Certificate <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Flavel, entered c11 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first leaf <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this<br />
register, follow :-<br />
A Rozhl <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Comnzunicants in. Tamworth at nzy* coming thi<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r October 5,<br />
*i.e., Henry Roughley.
I 703 : and places a@atiefzt belorcgi?zg to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Disse?zfi~~g<br />
MY. Taylor and Mr. BZad<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Richard Wans<strong>on</strong><br />
Elizabei'h Nanso~t<br />
Samuel Ha7zs<strong>on</strong><br />
Mrs. Bawes<br />
yohn Swane<br />
Elizabeth Swane<br />
Sarah Cha7tzberZane<br />
1Vr.r. Cha72trey<br />
Mr. Riclia~d Battman<br />
Elizabeth Baitnzan<br />
Harznah Hazeldi?ze<br />
Mr. Wellingt<strong>on</strong><br />
Mrs. Hunt<br />
Mrs. BicJley<br />
Robe@ Mbusley<br />
Shusa?znah Mousley<br />
Mrs. lVright<br />
Mastar Vought<strong>on</strong><br />
Mrs. Yoz~gh t<strong>on</strong><br />
Kargcry Gortolz<br />
Yohn GiZba7.t<br />
Mary Gilbart<br />
MY. yoseph Blood<br />
Thot;lzas Ort<strong>on</strong><br />
iMrs. Sarah Orto?z<br />
Mary Har~is<br />
Elizabeth Haire<br />
Tho?tlas Bolt<strong>on</strong><br />
yohn Hazeldine<br />
Mary Hazeldine<br />
Mr. Haden<br />
Mrs. Hadetz<br />
Christopher Haze lditze<br />
JoAannah Hazeldilze<br />
Sarah Grascome<br />
g~hz~rch <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re, adttzitted by<br />
&IYs. Ashnzzd<br />
nfrs. PVhite<br />
Mr. Ha rditlg<br />
Mrs. Harding<br />
yohn Byrch<br />
Sz~sa?znah Wright<br />
H~iddow Yale<br />
Richard Bli<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
K7illZ'a7n Fletclier<br />
and<br />
his W@.<br />
M&. Randal<br />
d4r. Ensor<br />
Mrs. Ensor<br />
Mrs. Fzdgham<br />
Gudy S?~zart<br />
Out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> town.<br />
Yosepiz Lakin<br />
Mary Laki~z<br />
Robert L<strong>on</strong>g<br />
~Wury L<strong>on</strong>g<br />
Wida'ow JVinter<br />
Widdo W Clay<br />
Gudy WilKins 1<br />
yosejh TayZor, yr.<br />
a?zd <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Whittingt<strong>on</strong>.<br />
his wzye
George Read<br />
Elenor Read<br />
Elisabeth Read<br />
Ann Read Wid".<br />
Samuel Hz~nt<br />
Widow jllarshadl<br />
Josiah Marshall<br />
yohn Pozrlt?zey<br />
Mary Poultney<br />
William Cott<strong>on</strong><br />
Nathaniel Cott<strong>on</strong><br />
Mr. Ford<br />
Mrs. Ford<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Secki~~g 1 t<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Mary Ling<br />
William La thanz<br />
Mary Lathanz <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stafordshire Moor.<br />
JosQh Heath<br />
Gudy Ueafh<br />
Shusannah PassaI~t<br />
Mary Bro7un <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bodettzore Heath.<br />
Richard Rord's Wz;fe<br />
as entered <strong>on</strong> first page <strong>on</strong> Tamworth Register, now in Somerset House,<br />
This is ta certqy that whereas Mr. Thornas Rlavel, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Daventry, hath afilyd<br />
hilnseGf for Ordinatzbn to us, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ?tzi?zisters whose names are underwritten, We having<br />
examined <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> said Mr. TAo. flavel foz~nd him in our jz~&vtt. well Qz~alged far<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> work <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ministry, and havifrg Recd. satisfying testi~?t<strong>on</strong>iaZs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his good C<strong>on</strong>-<br />
versati<strong>on</strong> did propose to set him apart to that work by liasti~tg and Prayer, and<br />
Inzpositi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands at Mount Sorrel, i?z Leicestershire, <strong>on</strong> 2le I 5th Sept., I 708, And<br />
do recomnzend him and hk minishy to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Acce?tance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> aM those who may be<br />
disposed to attend it,<br />
Edm. Spenser<br />
?Vi'L7iaam Bill?)/<br />
Alich. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ws<br />
F. Shaw, M A.<br />
Ab. Chambers<br />
yohn Norrzs<br />
30hn Vans<br />
B. Some<br />
3h5n yacks<strong>on</strong><br />
Jos. Rogers<strong>on</strong><br />
The date <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Malkin's settlement is preserved in this entry :-<br />
Children baptized by me, J<strong>on</strong>ak Malkin, since 7ny coming to ~a;riltWo~th, 18<br />
A~g'z/~t, 1713.<br />
His list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> briefs in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> regipter c<strong>on</strong>tains many interesting items :-<br />
Recd. a brieJ'for a new Church nt Sz~nderland, October 24, 1715, read it and<br />
collected up<strong>on</strong> it A3 3 o, October 30, I 7 I 5 ; returned it OctoBer 20, 17 16 (sic).<br />
&Iay I 6, I 7 26, recd. a brief for a $re at Buckingham, collected up<strong>on</strong> this brief<br />
sixteen shillings and 7d., Septenzber 5, I 7 26.<br />
Recd. a brief for Pershore Church, Worcestershire, August 29, I 729. Collected,<br />
September 28, 1729, A o 4 6.<br />
Recd. a briefSor St. John Baptist Ch., Gloster, August 29, I 729. Collected 3s.<br />
John Byng's settlement is also noted in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register :-<br />
Chil'dren baptized by me, John Byng, from ?yv coming to Ta??zwort/z, JZL~ 3,<br />
I 768.<br />
He remained here until his death in 1827 ; he is buried in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> adjacent<br />
ground, and his many virtues are commemorated <strong>on</strong> a mural tablet in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
meeting-house; close to it being <strong>on</strong>e to his daughter, Henrietta, whose-<br />
life was a picture <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian piety and acts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Benevolence.<br />
The register states that she gave A200 in shares <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ashby Road, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> to be aflrojriated towarais <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> nlaintenance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> public worsh$ in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cole<br />
Bill Chapel.<br />
Particulars <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lives and labours <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> more recent ministers here are<br />
easily available, and need not be alluded to at any length in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se pages.<br />
Owen was a Dudley lecturer in 1823, and an Oldbury <strong>on</strong>e in 1836. At<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fV<strong>on</strong>th& Meeting- he preached <strong>on</strong> four occasi<strong>on</strong>s. His name is seen <strong>on</strong><br />
this inscripti<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> an upright st<strong>on</strong>e in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> burial ground here :-<br />
Here 1 lie <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I Alfred Worthingt<strong>on</strong> I s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I Hugh Worthingt<strong>on</strong> I<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Altrincham I Cheshire I who died Sept. ~sth, 1827 1 at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. John<br />
Owen's I Freasley Hall i Warwickshire I aged IS. I
Parkins<strong>on</strong> was Dudley lecturer in 1839, and Oldbury lecturer in 1838<br />
and 1839. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jf<strong>on</strong>thZy Jfeeting he preached <strong>on</strong> 6 March, 1838, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
New Meeting, Birmingham. He is buried in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> yard ; a discoloured tablet<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house, close to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ceiling, and a flat st<strong>on</strong>e over his grave<br />
record his name and dates ; also those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his daughter, Marianne (d. 1841),<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<br />
Susanna Dethick, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Jerm. Dethick, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bard<strong>on</strong> Chapel,<br />
who died March 15th, 1853, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 86th year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> her age.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> burial ground is a st<strong>on</strong>e to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-<br />
Elizabeth Grundy, Sister to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Rev. John Grundy, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Manchester ; she<br />
died December aoth, 1856, aged 78 years.<br />
The exterior walls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house at back and sides are covered<br />
with ivy, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> whole place outside and inside shows <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> care and attenti<strong>on</strong><br />
now paid to it. There is <strong>on</strong>e centre aisle with seats <strong>on</strong> ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r side ; at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
top <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> aisle, immediately opposite to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> well-curtained inner door,<br />
stands <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> communi<strong>on</strong> table, in fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit, to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> right <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which<br />
is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> organ with its gilt pipes, placed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re in 1879-80,<br />
The registers, which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author saw in July, 1898, cover <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> period<br />
from 1695 to 1837 for baptisms, and from 1822 to 1836 for burials.<br />
The M<strong>on</strong>thly Meetitigs held in Tamworth during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first half <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
19th century were :-<br />
1832, g Oct.<br />
1833, 16 July<br />
1835, 18 Aug.<br />
1836, g Aug.<br />
1837, 3 Oct.<br />
1838,28 Aug.<br />
1854, Oct.<br />
A. Paters<strong>on</strong>, M.A.<br />
J. Kentish<br />
C. Wellbeloved<br />
J. Kenrick, M. A.<br />
J. Kentish<br />
J. Gord<strong>on</strong><br />
John Roberts<strong>on</strong><br />
Heb. xiii., 8<br />
St. Luke xxiv., 47<br />
St. John xiv., 6<br />
Isa. liii., 2<br />
Titus, ii., I<br />
St. John xviii., 37<br />
An approprzitte testi-<br />
17zorzy to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ~~zemory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Rev. John Small, 14<br />
yenrs mirzister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cose-<br />
Zey. Ditzed at ho. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Rev. MY. Owen.<br />
Dipzed at Mr. Hard-<br />
ing's, Bole flail.<br />
Dined zuit/z C. Hardzizg.<br />
9 > >I > 9<br />
> > 7 2 29<br />
'<br />
ED~XUND TAYLOR, min. Tamworth, -1695-1702-<br />
CA Tan~worth Chapel Register, No. i.<br />
HENRY ROUGHLEY, min. Tamworth, 5 October, 1704-25 April, 1708- ; Issue, Mary<br />
(B. 27 June, 1706), Thomas (B. 2; April, 1708).<br />
cf; Registers i., ii., Tamworth Chapel.<br />
JONAH MALKIN, ed. Shrewsbury Academy, by Samuel Beni<strong>on</strong>, M.D. ; min. Tamworth,<br />
18 August, 1713-1766 ; 111. Mary (cl. 17 November, 1805, aet. go) ; Issue, Robert.<br />
cf. C.R., 1828, p. 39 ; Register ii., Tamworth Chapel ; Register i., Chesterfield, Elder<br />
Yard ; Noah J<strong>on</strong>es' (Walsall) MS. List <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Academies, as abstract in James<br />
Scott's MSS.<br />
JOHN BYNG, b. [1746] ; ed. Daventry Academy, 1763- , by Caleb Ashworth, D.D. ;<br />
min. Tamworth, 3 July, 1768-1827; m. Charlotte ----- ; Issue, Mary (b. 11 December,<br />
1772), Thomas (b. 26 October, 1775, (E. 1 December, 1822), Ann (b. 27 August, 1777),<br />
Henrietta (b. 7 May, 1779, d. 25 November, 1827), and two o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs.<br />
d. 11 September, 1827, zt. 81 ; bur. Taniworth Chapel.<br />
cf. M.R., 1822, p. 195 ; C.R., 1828, p. 39 (says, died 4 September) ; Mural Tablet in<br />
Chapel (says, died 11 September); Register ii., Tanlworth Chapel.<br />
JOHN OWEN, b. [17gg] ; ed. York, M.C., 1816-1821 ; min. Yeovil, 1820-1821, szgjly; Tamworth,<br />
18 November, 182 1-2 j March, 1837 ; Credit<strong>on</strong>, 1837-1841 ; Shept<strong>on</strong> Mallet,<br />
1841-1844 ; Warminster, 1844-1846 ; Lydgate, 1846-1861 ; Whitby, 1861-1882 ; 772. (I)<br />
Elizabeth ((l. 23 April, 1863); (2) Louisa ; Issue, John Richard (d. 1877, zt. 42), Emma<br />
Teed ((I! 1843).<br />
(1. 23 November, 1883, et. 83 ; bur. Lydgate Chapel Yard.<br />
cf; Roll <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Students ; Inq., 1883, p. 765 ; U.A., I 885, p. 29 ; Yestip, var. pp. ; Register,<br />
ii., Tamworth Chapel.<br />
W-ILLIAM PARKINSON, b. 1792, in Dukinfield ; ed. Glasgow, 1814-1815 ; min. Chesterfield,<br />
szqpe 3 ~rz<strong>on</strong>ths ; Loughborough and Mount Sorrell, 1817-1826 ; Quornd<strong>on</strong>, witkozrt<br />
c/In~:,y, 1826-1837; Tamworth, 24 May, 1837-3 June, 1857 ; ?7r. (15 January, 1828)<br />
Marianne (b. 26 November, 1801, (1: 22 May, 1871)~ daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Owen (min.<br />
Loughborough, 1791-1816) ; Issue, Marianne (cl. 8 May, 1841).<br />
d. 3 June, 1857 ; bur. Chapel Yard.<br />
c$ M.R., 1817, p. 376 ; C.R., 1857, p. 592 ; Dukinfield Chapel, Alx. Gord<strong>on</strong>, M.A.,<br />
1896, p. 68 ; Antiquarian Notes, 1899, p. 45 ; memorial st<strong>on</strong>es at Tarnworth. .<br />
THOMAS BOWRING, b. 18 August, 1802, at Exeter; min. Birmingham, Domestic Missi<strong>on</strong>,<br />
1840-1853 ; Nantwich, 1853-1857 ; Tamworth, June, 1857-1862 ; Belfast, Domestic<br />
Missi<strong>on</strong>, I July, 1862-11 May, 1871 ; Issue, Gilbert (d. 1847, at. 4), Emily (cl. 1866,<br />
~ t 17), . Tertius, Edmund Thomas (d. 1865, zet. 18), and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs;<br />
d. 13 December, 1882, at Maidst<strong>on</strong>e.<br />
cji Record, p. I 39 ; Disciple, 1883, p. 10.
CHARLES FREDERICK BISS, see Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>.<br />
JOHN DEAN, min. Tarnworth, 1868-1878 ; Tamworth and Halifax, without charge, 1878-1886.<br />
d. 22 May, 1886, at Lightcliffe.<br />
cf. Inq., 1886, p. 366.<br />
RICHARD ELLIOT BIRKS, b. I3 February, 1846, at St<strong>on</strong>ey Middlet<strong>on</strong>, Derbyshire; min.<br />
Topsham and Gulliford, 1872-1875 ; Northampt<strong>on</strong>, 1875-1879; Tamworth, 1879-1882 ;<br />
Chichester, 1883-1885 ; Gloucester, 1885-1886 ; Douglas, I. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> M,, 1887-1889 ; Rawtenstall,<br />
1889-1892; Bernarclst<strong>on</strong>, Mass., U.S.A., April, 1896- ; m. (11 September,<br />
1867) Margaret Ann, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Andrew Lang, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bost<strong>on</strong>, U.S.A.) ; has issue.<br />
c$ Record, p. 157.<br />
WILLIARI ROBINSON, b. 24 February, 1828, at Padiham ; ed. U.H. M. B., 17 February,<br />
1857-25 January, 1860; min. Accringt<strong>on</strong>, 1860-1862 ; Burnley, 1860-1862 ; Newbury,<br />
1863-1865 ; Crewkerne, I 865-1883 ; Tamworth, 1883-1885 ; Nantwich, 1889-1890, sztyplj, ;<br />
Torquay, 1890, stipjly; m. (25 June, 1848) Susanna ; Issue, Oberlin (d.), Thomas,<br />
Chrysostom (d.)<br />
cf. Record, p. I.<br />
FREDERICK TEASDALE REED, b. 1836 ; ed. Bristol, Baptist Coll. ; min. Over Darwen, 1881 ;<br />
Poole, 1882-1885 ; Tamworth, 1885-1887 ; Birmingham, Lower Fazeley Street, March,<br />
1887-December, 1890 ; Moret<strong>on</strong> Hampstead, 1890- ; m. and has issue, Minnie (nz,<br />
1899, Thomas Harris, Abbotsford, British Columbia).<br />
cf. Vestiges, var. pp.<br />
JOHN HOWARD, ed. Metropolitan Baptist Coil. ; min. L<strong>on</strong>g Sutt<strong>on</strong>, 1877-1887 ; Tarnworth,<br />
1887- ; 112. and has issue.<br />
M.S.C., p. 165.<br />
Debates <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenters' Chapels Bill, 1844, pp. 197, 452.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> litigati<strong>on</strong> and legislati<strong>on</strong> respecting Presbyterian Chapels<br />
and Charities, T. S. James, 1867, p. 537.<br />
Inq., 1879, p. 286 ; 1880, p. 25 5.
Opened g November, 1827.<br />
First Meeting-house destroyed by rioters 1710.<br />
> 9<br />
restored 1753.<br />
MINISTERS,.<br />
John Godly ... .a.<br />
James Warner ...<br />
John Dobs<strong>on</strong> . . .<br />
John Winter<br />
David J O ~ ~ S ...<br />
Noah J<strong>on</strong>es . . .<br />
Thomas Ebenezer Beasley<br />
Benjamin Davis . ..<br />
Thomas Moore ...<br />
' Thomas Bowen ...<br />
Abraham Manley ...<br />
Thomas Bowen, 2nd time<br />
William McKean ...<br />
James Cauty Smith ...<br />
Edward Myers, F. G. S.<br />
John Omer Squier ...<br />
Chapel closed . . .<br />
William Wynn Robins<strong>on</strong><br />
Peter Dean ... ...<br />
The original meeting-house, which seated 400 pers<strong>on</strong>s, stood in Bank,<br />
or Cox's Court, High Street, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> north side, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> back <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> premises<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n occupied by <strong>on</strong>e Cox, a grocer, and which, in 1877, were in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
possessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Overt<strong>on</strong>. The windows had heavy outside shutters, a<br />
sounding board hung over <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pews, which were six feet<br />
high, had locks to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> doors ; whilst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit stood with a curtain ready<br />
to be drawn before <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preacher, and a door behind him leading <strong>on</strong> to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>, to facilitate his escape, should spies or informers intrude up<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> service.
This meeting-house was destroyed in <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> riots, about 1710,<br />
during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> reign <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Queen Anne. John Godly, who was its minisier at<br />
this time, harangued <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> mob, and sought to dissuade <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir<br />
purpose. The rioters assured him that, from pers<strong>on</strong>al respkct, he should<br />
not be injured-a good testim<strong>on</strong>y-and pressed him earnestly to depart,<br />
to avoid a scene <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y knew would be so painful to him.<br />
The place was restored by 1715, and appears to have again been<br />
damaged during <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> stormy scenes c<strong>on</strong>nected with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first visit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John<br />
Wesley to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town in May, 1743 ; and in 1751 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house was<br />
partially pulled down by a mob, hounded <strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is too much reas<strong>on</strong> to<br />
fear, by some in a higher walk <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> society, whose public positi<strong>on</strong> and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ice<br />
would have led us to expect better things from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m. The rioters were<br />
tried at Stafford, but for want <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sufficient evidence were <strong>on</strong>ly fined LIO ; .<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house was ordered to be again rebuilt, but ,Ji/7-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rfroi11 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
parish chzrrch-an ominously significant injuncti<strong>on</strong>. It seems, however, to<br />
have been restored, for it was not until 1827 that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society removed to .<br />
its new building-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n called Christ's Chapel-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present <strong>on</strong>e in Stafford<br />
Street, which, sacred to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 7oorship <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>4 true God and erected by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old<br />
Meeting Society, was opened <strong>on</strong> Friday, g November, 1827, <strong>on</strong> which occasi<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>th& Me.eti~tg was also held here. In its MS. minutes <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> event is<br />
thus recorded : - The 7~67~) chapel in Stafod Street, kvalsail, 70as opened <strong>on</strong><br />
Friday, A7oztember 5, 18-37. Rev. R. Pate~~s<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stou7.bria'qc~, colrducted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
deztoti<strong>on</strong>al services i7z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ~:~or~.zing, afzd Xez~. J. Scodt preached, PS. xxzti.. 8. Iiz<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> afternoo?~ Rev. J. X. U'rEford efzgaged in $myer, &C., and Re:!. J. Kentish<br />
preached, Eccles. ZJ., I. The 71u'~zister.s ('(14) and j~iends dilled at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> haztse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> i127:<br />
H. Cox, PVaZsaZZ.<br />
This was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last serm<strong>on</strong> preached by Mr. Scott before his bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
ministers, for he died <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 19th day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following m<strong>on</strong>th, being seized<br />
with apoplexy in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> house he had loved and served at Cradley<br />
for more than 38 years.<br />
At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its erecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present building in Stafford Street was<br />
stated to be in an eligible situati<strong>on</strong>, no o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship being near,<br />
and accommodates 300 pers<strong>on</strong>s. The debt which l<strong>on</strong>g remained up<strong>on</strong> it<br />
was eventually cleared <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> exerti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> James Cauty Smith, who,<br />
during his ministry here, visited Birmingham and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r places in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> district<br />
to enlist m<strong>on</strong>etary aid. At that time (1851-52) many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> leading men<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society were engaged in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> harness-making trade.<br />
In September, 1881, after being closed for a few weeks to permit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> necessary alterati<strong>on</strong>s and restorati<strong>on</strong> being accomplished, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building<br />
was reopened for public worship, John Page Hopps, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n minister in<br />
Leicester, preaching <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> serm<strong>on</strong> from Isaiah Ix., 20 ; and <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following<br />
Sunday, Benjamin Wright, chaplain <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mas<strong>on</strong> Orphanage, Erdingt<strong>on</strong>,<br />
and Edward Parry, editor and proprietor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Kidderminster Shuttle, and<br />
formerly minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting in that town, were <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preachers.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this-<br />
improvement*<br />
we read that-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old tub-like pulpit (part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> double-decker <strong>on</strong>e which formerly existed<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel, and which is thought to have previously d<strong>on</strong>e duty in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ancient Presbyterian Meeting-house <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f. High Street) has been dismissed,<br />
and in its place (and that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> filled-up doorway that used to lead into it)<br />
a greatly-improved arrangement has been made.<br />
There are three mural tablets <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> memories <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Joseph<br />
Bates (d. 1888)-<br />
for 33 years a deeply-attached member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this church ;<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Emma Harris<strong>on</strong> (d. 1895)-<br />
for 50 years deeply attached to this c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> ;<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Homer (d. 1893)-<br />
for 30 years a devoted member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
The society possesses a minister's house in Rushall Street-devised to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees c;f <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> High Street Meeting-house by Thomas Walker, 21 July,<br />
1737-which was occupied by James Warner. A certificate, signed by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Clerk <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Quarter Sessi<strong>on</strong>s, <strong>on</strong> 25 July, 1737, legalises this house as a<br />
public meetiag-house for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious worship <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant dissenters.<br />
From this fact it is ga<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>red that an oppositi<strong>on</strong> toward his preaching was<br />
manifested by a porti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his hearers, and that Warner c<strong>on</strong>sequently with-<br />
drew, and opened his house for worship. Warner, who died in 1741, was<br />
<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees, and held <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust deeds. Referring to this period, it<br />
is recordedi that-<br />
a Mr. Warner, an Orthodox minister, was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir pastor for some years. A<br />
Mr. J<strong>on</strong>es [David], who was also orthodox, ceeded him ; during his
ministry a gentleman <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>siderable influence borrowed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> title deeds,<br />
and retained <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m in his possessi<strong>on</strong>, who, with his friends, procured <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
electi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a sec<strong>on</strong>d Mr. J<strong>on</strong>es [Noah], whose religious principles were not<br />
esteemed correct by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church and pious part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> which<br />
account <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y were compelled to leave <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old meeting-house.<br />
James Scott, in his MSS., says :--In Sejte??zber, 1762, Mr. [[Noah] Jo,res<br />
removed to WaZsaZl, by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> desire and i?tvitati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ?7tajority <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Disselzters.<br />
This, he was so<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>vinced, was an error irz cnndztct for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>factioz/s party zealots in<br />
that to7u?z, who had before separated i7z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Mr. Winter's tiute, afer caailli~zg<br />
and jndifzg faz~lt about a year, e?-ected a nzeeiifzg -house and exerted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ntselz~es<br />
strenuously to sz@fort it. This secessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 28 members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society and two<br />
deac<strong>on</strong>s, <strong>on</strong> doctrinal grounds, took place in 1763. The first meeting-house <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
this new society was in a court in Dudley Street, which, in 1791, gave place to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> large chapel in Bridge Street.<br />
Shortly after <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> decisi<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong> Chapel (q.v.) case, an<br />
attempt was made by this society in Bridge Street to take possessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pars<strong>on</strong>age house in Rushall Street bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parent society in<br />
Stafford Street, which at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time happened to be empty, it being an in-<br />
terval between two pastorates. An entrance was forced, and a man put<br />
in possessi<strong>on</strong> with bedsteads and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r furniture. Up<strong>on</strong> this reaching <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ears <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Dr. John Day, afterwards a justice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> peace, and a<br />
leading member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stafford Street c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, he at <strong>on</strong>ce repaired to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> house and turned out <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> intruder, and threw his furniture into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
street after him ! The Bridge Street people threatened <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y would prosecute<br />
Dr. Day for rioting, but <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y never did, and, as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> doctor used to add<br />
when telling <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> story-<br />
so<strong>on</strong> after me a magistrate.<br />
And so <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pars<strong>on</strong>age <strong>on</strong>ce more was saved by its rightful owners.<br />
Unfortunately for our purpose <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> early register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting<br />
is not forthcoming. Its disappearance is thus accounted for by an entry<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> later <strong>on</strong>e, now in Somerset House :-Of <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dates fror~z 1752 to 1788<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this Walsall Old Meeti~zg-hozlse is lost or ntislaid. It was slpposed to have<br />
p been plnced i?z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. S??~it/l, clerk to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church, by Rev. Aroah J<strong>on</strong>es, 7e<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n<br />
he was ill and retiring from his o8ce <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> pastor, about <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1767. If not so, it was<br />
€<strong>on</strong>sidered that a fifr..Jefries, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thr! o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r nzeeting-house, ??z&ht have had it intrusted<br />
to his care, This latter pers<strong>on</strong> died <strong>on</strong> a ranzbZingjour~zey to get szdbscribers to a large<br />
-<br />
7e)ork which he proposed to pltblish ; afzd no elzquiry coz~ld be mode nboztt <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
register from hiuz, nor any frz'end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his.<br />
The book from which this extract was taken by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author, in July,<br />
1898, is headed :--The I Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptisltls I nt I The Old Jfeeti?zg-house I<br />
WalsalZ. I A?B.-I$ <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>. ever break I@, this Register is to be sent to<br />
Dr. WilZia?~zs's Library, Red Cross Street, Lolzdo?z. It is a thin octavo volume,<br />
in marble papered sides, and covers <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> period from 1788 to 1837.<br />
Thos. Ebenezer Beasley<br />
Benjamin Davis<br />
Thomas Moore<br />
Thomas Bowen<br />
Abraham Manley<br />
Thomas Bowen<br />
27 April, 1788<br />
21 Nov., 1789<br />
13 July, 1791<br />
4 Feb., 1798<br />
22 Oct., 1820<br />
26 June, 1823<br />
11 Oct., 1'189<br />
27 June, 1790<br />
1 1 Aug. , I793<br />
11 June, 1820<br />
16 July, 1821<br />
26 Feb., 1837<br />
In 1699, George Fowler bequea<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>d a sum, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> interest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which was<br />
to be devoted to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> teaching and instructing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> poor children <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Walsall. This bequest, now known as "Fowler's Sunday School<br />
Charity," is still administered by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister and members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society.,<br />
It is also worthy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> record that this society gave <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Anti-Corn Law<br />
League its secretary, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pers<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> .James Hickin, who was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its<br />
and a teacher in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sunday school.<br />
FWL&W 3<br />
Godly was voluntarily assisted in his ministerial duties by John Rey-<br />
nolds (q.v.), who, after resigning his Shrewsbury ministry and spending a<br />
short time in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, lived at Walsall for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remainder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his life.<br />
No particulars have yet been found which give <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Winter's<br />
ministry, nor <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year in which his successor, David J<strong>on</strong>es, settled here.<br />
Noah J<strong>on</strong>es, from what is stated before, could not have had a very<br />
pleasant ministry here. Perceiving <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> disc<strong>on</strong>tent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a porti<strong>on</strong>- <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his<br />
hearers, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> perfidy and unsteadiness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many who had signed his<br />
invitati<strong>on</strong>, he endeavoured to preserve a proper temper. Not wasting his time ziz<br />
f~uilless co?@Zaints he II&-OMZLS& aMied himself to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>@ositz'<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sernzolzs, to<br />
his school, and to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> per?~sal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a great zjariety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> valz~able aztthors, by which he<br />
acqzihed a ntuch larger stock <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Knowledge and experience than he would have
d<strong>on</strong>e g this divisi<strong>on</strong> had not happened.* He c<strong>on</strong>tinued to <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiate so l<strong>on</strong>g<br />
as he was able, hzghly esteemed 6y his flock and ttzz~ch respected ziz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> towlz,<br />
resigned in 1784, and died <strong>on</strong> 14 December, 1785, zt. 60, being interred<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new burying ground neari WaZsal2, where a tomb covered ajit/l a flat st<strong>on</strong>e<br />
was e~ected to his memory.<br />
Belsham, in his list <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Daventry Academy students,.i- notes Beasley as<br />
at Uxbridge-<br />
where he keeps a very respectable school.<br />
During his short ministry at Walsall he preached three times at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thZy<br />
Meeting, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first being at Kidderminster <strong>on</strong> 8 August, 1786, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minutes<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting held <strong>on</strong> 4 April previously at Stourbridge recording that,<br />
I?z c<strong>on</strong>lpliance with Rev. Mr. Gentlema;tz's request me agreed fo meet at Kidder-<br />
tttimter in Aztgust, and at Kidderminster <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minutes say :--0tz account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
WaZsaZZ market we appointed to meet <strong>on</strong> Wedfzesday, 4 October, which was<br />
accordingly d<strong>on</strong>e <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> date fixed, it being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first occasi<strong>on</strong> for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
M<strong>on</strong>th& Meetiflg to be held at Walsall. He was present with Dr. Priestley .<br />
and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r ministers at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Double Lecture <strong>on</strong> 29 May, 1787, and<br />
<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its preachers in 1789.<br />
Bowen was-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> founder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> general library at Walsal!, and established <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first Sunday<br />
School at that place.$<br />
With <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> excepti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a very brief period at Ilminster, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> whole <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his<br />
l<strong>on</strong>g active ministry was devoted to Walsall. He preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley<br />
lecture in 1795 and in 1806, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury lecture in 1798, 1816, and<br />
1830. He preached several times at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> JhntAL7y Meetijzg, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first being<br />
<strong>on</strong> 4 November, 1823, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, Birmingham, when, after service,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers adjaurned to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> habitatio~z <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Ja~ties Yates.<br />
A memorial <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edward Myers' ministry here is to be found in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
WakaZZ Free Press, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> oldest Walsall newspaper now existing, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which<br />
he was originator and first editor.<br />
John Omer Squier was an Oldbury lecturer in 1861.<br />
*James Scott's MSS.<br />
J.M.R., 1822, p. 285.<br />
SC.R., 1852, p. 324.<br />
Mr. Dean, prior to entering <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry, was lecturer (1861-64) for<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> East Cornwall Temperance Associati<strong>on</strong>, and (1864-70) for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Worth<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> England Temperance League. During his l<strong>on</strong>g residence in Walsall he<br />
has taken an active part in all movements for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> advancement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town,<br />
outside <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> more immediate sphere <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> duties c<strong>on</strong>nected with his c<strong>on</strong>grega-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong> ; for eleven years he has been a member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> School Board; is a<br />
member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Executive Committee <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Walsall Hospital-<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> scene <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Sister Dora's well-known labours ; <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formist chaplains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cemetery ; and it1 close touch with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> work <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> temperance and<br />
liberal associati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
JOHN GODLY, ed. Layden University ; min. Walsall, -1710-171 j-[1727- 1.<br />
(1. 1729.<br />
cf. <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Walsall, Thomas Pearce, 1813, 13. I 12 ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Walsall, Frederic<br />
W. Willmore, 1877, p. 351 ; Seedsowe7; 1894, p. 40.<br />
JAMES WARNER, ed. Sheriff Hales Academy, by John Woodhouse ; min. Tewkesbury,<br />
Walsall, -1737-1741.<br />
d. 1741.<br />
c$ Toulmin's, Protestant Dissenters, 1814, p. 561 ; Seen'sozveer, 1894, p. 40 ; Noah J<strong>on</strong>es'<br />
MS. List <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Academies, as abstract in James Scott's MSS.<br />
JOHN DOBSON, ed. Sheffield Academy, by John Wadsworth; min. Ross, -1720- ;<br />
Shrewsbury, King's Head Passage, -1741 ; Walsall, 1741-1743 ; "2. (18 August,<br />
1720) Hannah, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Timothy Wood, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Little Town.<br />
d. 3 March, 1743.<br />
cf. MS. note by Edward Myers, 1896; Noah J<strong>on</strong>es' List <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Academies, as above ;<br />
Dickens<strong>on</strong>'s Register, pp. 215, 333 ; C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>alism in Shropshire [18gS], p. 18.<br />
JOHN WINTER, ed. Sheffield Academy, by John Wadsworth ; min. Walsall.<br />
cf. Noah J<strong>on</strong>es' List <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Academies, as above ; James Scott's MS. ; Seedsower, 1894,<br />
P. 40.<br />
DAVID JONES, min. Walsall, -1762.<br />
d. 1762.<br />
cf. M.S.C., p. 165 ; James Scott's MSS.<br />
NOAH JONES, see Cradley.<br />
THOMAS EBENEZER BEASLEY, 6. [1763] ; ed. Daventry Academy, 1780- , by Thomas<br />
Robins ; min. Walsall, 1786-1789 ; Uxbridge, where kept school.<br />
d. 1824, aet. 61, at Uxbridge.<br />
cf. M.R., 1822, p. 285 ; 1824, p. 425 ; Walsall, Old Meeting-house Register.<br />
BEN~AMIN DAVIS, see Evesham.
THOMAS MOORE, see Kingswood.<br />
THOMAS BOWEN, b. 1766, nr. Lampeter; ed. Swansea, Pres. Coll. ; min. Walsall, 1794-<br />
1818, 2nd time, 1823-1838 ; Ilminster, 1820-1823 ; 7 ~ . Elizabeth [Awbrey?] ; Issue,<br />
Elizabeth Awbrey (b. 6 May, 1797, d. 25 June, 1814), William (b. 18 July, 1800, see<br />
Cradley), John Fenel<strong>on</strong> (b. 7 May, 1802), Caroline (b. 15 April, 1805, 'L 18 January,<br />
1822).<br />
d. 25 January, 1852, zet. 86.<br />
cf; M.R., 1822, p. 187 ; MUYC~, p. 237 ; C.R., 1852, pp. 258, 324 ; Walsall, Old Meetinghouse<br />
Register.<br />
ABRAHAM MANLEY, b. [17go] ; ed. Glasgow, 1807-1809 ; York, M.C., 1809-1810, and 181 I-<br />
July, 181 3 ; min. Hindley, 1813-1818 ; Dukinfield, 26 March-19 July, 1819 ; s~@]&,<br />
Walsall, 1820-1822 ; m. (June, 1817) Ann France ; Issue, James France (b. 14 Decem-<br />
ber, 1820, d. I December, 1842).<br />
L/. 19 May, 1822.<br />
cf; Recard, p. 69 ; Walsall, Old Meeting-house Register.<br />
WILLIAM MCKEAN, see Oldbury.<br />
JAMES CAUTY SMITH, b. [I~IO] ; min. Walsall, 1851-1852 ; D<strong>on</strong>caster, 1852-1854 ; Thorne,<br />
1854-1860 ; nt. Sarah Garland (d. g April, 1860) ; Issue, Edwin, M.A. (b. 1832, d. 1895 ;<br />
min. Manchester, Up Brook Street), Sarah Garland (d. 28 October, 1854, zet. 15).<br />
d. 12 April, 1860, zet. 50.<br />
cf. Infornlati<strong>on</strong> by Edlvin Smith, 1894.<br />
EDWARD MYERS, see Shrewsbury.<br />
JOHN O~ER SQUIER, b. 1798, at Margate ; ed. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, <strong>General</strong> Baptist Academy, 1820-<br />
1822 ; Edinburgh ; min. Edinburgh, 1823-1827 ; Saffr<strong>on</strong> Walden, 1827-1832 ; Deptford,<br />
1833-1853 ; Headcorn, 1854-1861 ; Walsall, 1861-1867 ; Cullompt<strong>on</strong>, 1867-1870 ; Dover,<br />
'itli:hozit charge; m. (I) daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Mo<strong>on</strong> ; min. Deptford, 1804-1823 ; Issue,<br />
William Croke (b. 1832, d. 1888, min. Stand), Susanna Ambrosia (d. 1849) ; (2) (6 April,<br />
1840) Elizabeth ((I: 13 December, 1871), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> James Trower, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Billingshurst.<br />
d. 25 April, 1873.<br />
cf Inq., 1873, p. 284 ; List <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> G.B.A. students in Afztiqzuzrian h'otes, 1899, p. 46.<br />
WILLIAM WYNN ROBINSON, ed. U.H.M.B., -1858 ; min. Merthyr Tydfil, 1858-1860 ;<br />
Battle and Hastings, 1860-1861 ; Stockt<strong>on</strong>-<strong>on</strong>-Tees, 1861-1865 ; Bost<strong>on</strong>, 1865-1871 ;<br />
Walsall, 1871-1875 ; Gainsborough, 1876- ; nt. Emma (d. 16 April, 1898) ; Issue,<br />
George Herbert (d. 1882), Percy (d. 1882), Maude (d. 1882), and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs.<br />
PETER DEAN, b. 30 December, 1840, in Blackburn ; Temperance lecturer and journalist,<br />
1861-1871 ; min. Battle, 1871-1873 ; Clerkenwell, 1873-1876 ; Walsall, February, 1876- ;<br />
nz. (26 June, 1865) Sarah Ellen, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> D. Thomas, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bury, Lancs. ; Issue,<br />
Ernest, Florence, Una, Theodore Parker, Wilfrid Laws<strong>on</strong>, Arnold.<br />
TOPOGRAPHY.<br />
9<br />
The Scott MSS., in custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Stourbridge Presbyterian C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> WaZsaZZ, Thomas Pearce, 181 3.<br />
M.S.C., p. 165.<br />
f?lotrthl'y Repository, 1828, p. 67.<br />
A <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IVaZsaZZ and its ne~hbottrhood, Frederic W. Willmore, M.R.C.S.,<br />
E?zg., 1877, p. 35 I.<br />
7, 8-<br />
Inq., 1881, p. 653.<br />
A Hislory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bria'fe Styeet Cha$eZ, CVaZsaZi, Alfred Willis, 1893, pp. 2, 3,<br />
Seedsower, 1894, p. 34.
Rebuilt 1780.<br />
Restored and reopened 28 June, 1863.<br />
John \Vils<strong>on</strong> ... ...<br />
Joseph Carpenter ..<br />
James Mettle . . .<br />
Belljamin Kingsbury . . . ...<br />
William Field . . . ...<br />
Henry Asht<strong>on</strong> Mees<strong>on</strong>, M. D. ...<br />
Thomas Lethbridge Marshall . . .<br />
Daniel Davies Jeremy, M.A. ...<br />
Percy Bakewell, B. A. ...<br />
John William Lake ...<br />
Benjamin Kirkman Gray . . .<br />
Alfred Muller Holden . . .<br />
RS.<br />
P'utzded abozrt <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1660, nlzd rebuilt i?z <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1780; so runs a note<br />
in Field's handwriting in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptismal register. No particulars <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
earlier meeting-house seem as yet to be forthcoming. Sibrke says thats--<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is every reas<strong>on</strong> to c<strong>on</strong>clude that about, or previous to, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> middle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> seventeenth century, a separate society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian worshippers was<br />
formed, which held its meetings, first, probably, within <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> castle grounds,<br />
and afterwards in a place erected for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m <strong>on</strong> a site at that time just with-<br />
out, but now enclosed within <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that beautiful domain. . . . At<br />
what time <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir sanctuary,was built within <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present walls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> castle<br />
grounds, and when it was opened, we cannot determine.<br />
Field, in his Account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Town and Castle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> IVarwick, records<br />
that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present meeting-house in High Street was built in 1780 <strong>on</strong> land<br />
given .by Lord Warwick in exchange for that <strong>on</strong> which tile more ancient<br />
edifice stood, which he wished to enclose within his castle walls. This<br />
meeting-house, rebuilt in 1780-<br />
was fitted with a sloping floor to improve <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> auditorium,
Field excited some comment by surmounting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building with<br />
a st<strong>on</strong>e cross."<br />
In 1863, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place was closed for some three m<strong>on</strong>ths, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> purpose<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a chancel being added to it, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r improvements being effected ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
immediate cause for which was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gift by R. Greaves, Esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an<br />
organ in a carved mal~ogany case. The chancel was divided from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old<br />
part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> communi<strong>on</strong> rails, <strong>on</strong> ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r side <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which were<br />
placed a reading desk and a carved octag<strong>on</strong> pulpit, in which were fixed<br />
panels <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dark green marble. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> centre <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chancel is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> carved<br />
oak commuilioil table, and immediately in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rear is a fine screen, with<br />
panels similar to those <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pulpit, which serves <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> double purpose <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
screening <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> organist and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> being an appropriate back to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> communi<strong>on</strong><br />
table. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> middle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> screen <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is some fine circular carved work,<br />
with an emblaz<strong>on</strong>ed cross, surmounted by o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r carved crosses. The<br />
chancel is lighted by five windows, which throw a flood <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> subdued light<br />
into that part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building. The centre window is circular, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
middle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it is a Maltese cross, with a vine background. The chandeliers,<br />
by 'which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house used to be lighted were removed-as has<br />
unfortunately been d<strong>on</strong>e in many o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r restorati<strong>on</strong>s-and ordinary gas fit-<br />
tings substituted. The fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building was renovated, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two<br />
frosted wind~ws with coloured borders, formerly at its back end, were<br />
placed 'to fr<strong>on</strong>t <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> street. The preacher at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> reopening services, <strong>on</strong> 28<br />
June, 1863, was John William Lake, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n minister to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society.<br />
C<strong>on</strong>cerning <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first minister, Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Henry says-<br />
Mr. John \Vils<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Warwick, my intimate and beloved friend, died <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong>, in April, 1695. He was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> judicious and learned<br />
author <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> treatise called, 'Nehushtan,' and ' Judicium Discreti<strong>on</strong>s,' &c. ;<br />
nor was he inferior to his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r in gifts or graces. His mind and<br />
temper, like his pers<strong>on</strong>, were remarkably elegant and comely. He was<br />
born at Chester, in 1662, educated in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> by Mr. Thomas Row, and<br />
lived some tinie afterwards at Broad Oak, with my fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, Mr. Philip<br />
Henry. He was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian denominati<strong>on</strong> in<br />
Warwick, and his labours were singularly useful.<br />
Wilscni notes him as-<br />
a pious and valuable minister, who iaid <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> foundati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dissenting<br />
interest at Warwick, and died in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> prime <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life.<br />
**Die. A7nf. Biog., article <strong>on</strong> Wm. Field, by A.G. .iDissenti:~g <str<strong>on</strong>g>Churches</str<strong>on</strong>g>, iii,, p. 170.
Joseph Carpenter, <strong>on</strong> accepting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> invitati<strong>on</strong> to leave Warwick for<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Angel Street Society, Worcester-<br />
expressed surprise that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> should invite so old a man, but<br />
said, if <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y grew tired and wished a change, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y would not have much<br />
trouble in getting rid <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> him. . . . His removal to this place [Worcester]<br />
gave him, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> review, great satisfacti<strong>on</strong>, and in a letter, dated October<br />
3, 1752, he says, ' Surely, if ever any <strong>on</strong>e was under a particular directi<strong>on</strong>,<br />
I was in that affair."<br />
At Warwick he-<br />
used to catechise <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> children publicly by teaching and explaining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Assembly's Catechism.?<br />
Joseph Kettle removed from Dorchester to Warwick. Here he remained<br />
for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his life, being minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society just 40 years, and a<br />
resident in it for 60 years. An anecdote <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> him, h<strong>on</strong>ourable to his memory,<br />
is preserved by Abel Edwards, minister at Dorchester, 1772-1813, in his<br />
account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, Pease Lane.$ While Kettle resided in Dor-<br />
chester, he was, it seems, much noticed by a gentleman living in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
neighbourhood, who, am<strong>on</strong>g o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r marks <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> regard, made him a liberal<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> preferment in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Established Church, provided he ~vould c<strong>on</strong>form.<br />
But <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer was respectfully declined, and, says Edwards-<br />
in so acting he exhibited a laudable instance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious integrity, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
more to be esteemed, as by all accounts he was a pers<strong>on</strong> who could not<br />
be supposed to be indifferent to those acc<strong>on</strong>~n~odati<strong>on</strong>s which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> emoluments<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an Establishment would enable <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> possessor to procure.<br />
An orthodox secessi<strong>on</strong> took place about 1750, which laid <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> foundati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Independent society in Brooke Street, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which, in 1759, John New-<br />
t<strong>on</strong>, afterwards <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Olney-who had not <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n taken Anglican orders-was<br />
<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its supplies for six weeks. Many references in his letters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> later<br />
life testify to his pleasant remembrances <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his Warwick ministry. Twenty-<br />
two years afterwards he writes :-l <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>te~e think <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that time with pleaszcre.<br />
There <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lord opened ny nrozcth.<br />
Benjamin Kingsbury was a native <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Warwick, and settled here as<br />
minister <strong>on</strong> legving Daventry Academy. A very singular difference <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
XUrwick's N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity in Worcester, p. 100.<br />
JrM.S.C., p. 167.<br />
$M.R., 1826, p. 630.<br />
taste, rat he^ than <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> opini<strong>on</strong>, occasi<strong>on</strong>ed his abrupt dismissal.*<br />
The questi<strong>on</strong> in dispute was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> propriety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> returning in a public assembly<br />
special thanks to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Almighty for preservati<strong>on</strong> in child-birth. The minister's<br />
taste revolted from this practice, and his refusal to c<strong>on</strong>~ply with it, or to<br />
render his reas<strong>on</strong>s for his refusal, led to a separati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
In 1791, he c<strong>on</strong>tracted, under somewhat romantic circumstances, a marriage<br />
with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an eminent hardwareman in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, and, having<br />
been minister to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Evesham society, in Oat Street, 1790-1791, he -left<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry to succeed his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r-in-law in business. He was author <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
several publicati<strong>on</strong>s, both when in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry and after he quitted it.<br />
Walter Wils<strong>on</strong>, in his M§§. , says he was aztthar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a voZz~7/~e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fanzio prayers<br />
[17go], and <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Lreatise <strong>on</strong> razor strops, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which he is now a dealer in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>.<br />
The full title <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> more popular <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ICingsbury's producti<strong>on</strong>s, was "A<br />
Treatise <strong>on</strong> Razors, in which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Weight, Shape, and Temper <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Razor<br />
are c<strong>on</strong>sidered," 1797. He was a Dudley lecturer in 1790.<br />
Field's life has recently been told by A.G. in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dicti<strong>on</strong>ary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
BioRYaphy; to it <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author is indebted for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following extracts :-<br />
John Field, his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r, a L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> medical practiti<strong>on</strong>er and founder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> Annuity Society, was a man <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> property, who married Anne, daughter<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Cromwell, and sister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oliver Cromwell (1742?-1821). Field got<br />
a good classical trairiing, while at school he correspoilded with his fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
in Latin. . . . Field succeeded James Kettle in 1789 as minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Presbyterian c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> at Warwick, where he was ordained <strong>on</strong> 12 July,<br />
1790. On this occasi<strong>on</strong> Belsham gave <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> charge and Priestley preached.<br />
Dr. Parr, who <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n first met Priestley, attended <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> service and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ordinati<strong>on</strong><br />
dinner. Thus began Field's close intimacy with Parr, a c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong><br />
fostered by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir comm<strong>on</strong> devoti<strong>on</strong> to classical studies. Field at <strong>on</strong>ce (1791)<br />
started a Sunday school (<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first in Warwick). This led him into a squabble<br />
with some local clergy. Field, who was always ready for a pamphlet war,<br />
issued <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many producti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his incisive pen, in which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> dignity<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> style, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>~~si<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> literary and classical illustrati<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>trast<br />
curiously with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pettiness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> disputes. . . . Field kept a boarding<br />
school for many years at Leam, near Warwick. This led to his publishing<br />
some educati<strong>on</strong>al manuals, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most valuable was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Questi<strong>on</strong>s ogz<br />
GosjeZ <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g>, recommended in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ' Critical Review' (June, 1794) to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>o-<br />
logical students in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two universities. His history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Warwick, and his<br />
life <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Parr are important works. He died at Leam, <strong>on</strong> 16 August, 1851.<br />
A marble slab to his meinory was placed in High Street Chapel, Warwick.<br />
. . . Field was <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> diminutive stature, with a noble head ; his portrait
has been engraved. He never forgot <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> distincti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his Cromwell blood ;<br />
his extensive corresp<strong>on</strong>dence was both erudite and racy ; he was a genial<br />
host, and his c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong>, in spite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his c<strong>on</strong>stituti<strong>on</strong>al deafness, was very<br />
enjoyable.<br />
Field was a Dudley lecturer in 1792. After his death his family gave<br />
a large porti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his library to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this chapel ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> volumes<br />
bear this label :-<br />
MINISTER'S LIBRARY.<br />
HIGH STREET CHAPEL, WARWICK.<br />
This Book, formerly in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Library <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
REV. W. FIELD (<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> above-<br />
named Chapel from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1789 to 1843),<br />
was, after his death, presented by his family,<br />
with g29 o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r volumes, to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chapel, whose property it is in future,<br />
to remain for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Minister, for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
time being, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chapel.<br />
Learn, Janztar~! Ist, 1852.<br />
Henry Asht<strong>on</strong> Mees<strong>on</strong>-<br />
was educated for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> medical pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong>, but, under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> impulse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> str<strong>on</strong>g<br />
religious feeling, he entered <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry. . . . Illness compelled him to<br />
retire. . . . His character was a very superior <strong>on</strong>e. To know him was<br />
to love and h<strong>on</strong>our him. . . . It was an entire superiority to all merely<br />
secular motives which led him, in oppositi<strong>on</strong> to his early associati<strong>on</strong>s, to<br />
become a poor N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>forn~ist preacher ; but that superiority was most<br />
unaffectedly displayed in everything relating to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>duct <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his ministry."<br />
He preached <strong>on</strong>ce at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>l/lQ Meetifzg, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old Meeting, Birmingham,<br />
<strong>on</strong> 7 November, 1843, his text being St. John xiii., v. 17.<br />
Mr. Marshall, who lives in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> eiljoyment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his retirement at Sidmouth,<br />
during his ministerial settlement here preached twice at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mo~zthZy<br />
Meeting; at Cradley, <strong>on</strong> 6 April, 1847 (text, Eph. iv., 7), and at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New<br />
Meeting, Birmingham, <strong>on</strong> 4 March, 1851 (text, Romans X.,<br />
The Rev. Daniel Davies Jeremy, in additi<strong>on</strong> to being minister here,<br />
was also, like Field, minister at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same time at Kenilworth. He preached<br />
at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>th4 1JIeeti7zg, at Stourbridge, <strong>on</strong> 15 August, 1854, his text being<br />
St. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w iv., I.<br />
Percy Bakewell was first Oldhury lecturer in 1861, and John William<br />
Lake, in company with Samuel Bache, preached it in 1864, that being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
last year in which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury lecture was delivered.<br />
The register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptisms is a thin square volume bound in vellum ;<br />
it was seen by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author in July, 1898. The 129 entries are all by Field;<br />
and date from 10 May, 1790, to 22 May, 1837, when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> book was deposited<br />
with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Registrar-<strong>General</strong>.<br />
JOHN WILSON, b. 1662, in Chester; ed. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, by Thomas Rowe (min. Haberdashers'<br />
Hall, Independent, 1678-1705) ; lived afterwards with I'hilip Henry, M.A., at Broad<br />
Oak ; min. Warwick, 1691-16gj.<br />
d. April, 1695.<br />
cf. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Henry's Re~cains ; Wils<strong>on</strong> ii., p. 21, iii. p. 170 ; Sib~~ce, p. 129 ; Ytstiges, p. 251.<br />
JOSEPH CARPENTER, b. [16g1] at Woodrotv, nr. Bromsgrove ; ed. Alcester Academy, by<br />
Joseph Porter (q.v.) ; min. Warwick, -1715-1744 ; Worcester, 1744-1758 ; Issue,<br />
daughter (m. William Kettle, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir sec<strong>on</strong>d daughter, Mary, m. John<br />
Kentish (q.v.1<br />
d. 29 January, 1758, ~ t 67 . ; bur. Bromsgrove Church Yard.<br />
cf. P.D.M., 1798, p. 283 ; M.R., 1817, p. 6 ; Memoirs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lant Carpenter, LL.D., by<br />
Russell Lant Carpenter, B.A., 1842, p. 8 ; Sibree, p. 130; N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formity in<br />
Worcester, by Wm. Urwiclr, M.A., 1897, p. 100.<br />
JAMES KETTLE, b. at Evesham ; ed. Glasgow ; min. Dorchester, 1739-1746 ; Warwick, 1746-<br />
1785 ; Warwick, 7aifhozrt cha~ge, I 785-18~6.<br />
d. April, 1806.<br />
cf. M.R., 1826, p. 630 ; Mz/rch, pp. 270, 274 ; SiJree, p. 131 ; W. Wils<strong>on</strong>'s MSS.<br />
BENJAMIN KI'NGSEURY, 6. about 1765 at Warwick ; ed. Daventry Academy, 1783- , by<br />
Thomas Belsham ; min. Warwick, 1786-[l7891 ; Evesham, 1790-1791 ; retired from<br />
ministry ; living in 1797 ; m. (1791)<br />
cf. M.R., 1822, p. 285 ; C.R., 1852, p. 619 ; Walter Wils<strong>on</strong>'s MSS.<br />
WILLIAM<br />
FIELD. b. 6 January, 1768, at Stoke Newingt<strong>on</strong> ; ed. Homert<strong>on</strong> Academy, left<br />
it for doctrinal reas<strong>on</strong>s ; Daventry Academy, 1788-June, 1789, by Thomas Belsham ;<br />
ord. 12 July, 1790, at Warwick, Dr. Priestley preached; min. Warwick, 1789-1843 ;
Kenilworth, 1826-1850; ~iz. Mary (d. 2 October, 1848), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Wilkins,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bury Fields, Gloucester ; Issue, 14 children, eleven survived him, Edwin Wilkins<br />
(d. 1871), Horace. 1<br />
d. 16 August, 1851, at Leam, nr. Warwick.<br />
cf. Dic. Nut. Biog.<br />
HENRY ASHTON MEESON, b. [1816] ; M.D. ; min. Warwick, 1843-1845.<br />
a'. 7 October, 1846, st, 30, at fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's house, Grays, Essex.<br />
C - C.R., 1846, p. 703.<br />
THOMAS LETHBRIDGE MARSHALL, ed. Manchester, M.N.C., 1841-1846 ; min. Warwick,<br />
July, 1846-December, 1852 ; L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Hackney, January, 1853-29 September, 1857 ;<br />
Stamford Street, 1858-1862 ; Brixt<strong>on</strong>, 1863-1875 ; Secretary, Presbyterian Board, 1857-<br />
1898 ; Sidmouth, witlZoztt charge, 1898- ; nz. (26 June, 1855), Mary Elizabeth, eldest<br />
daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Robert J. P. Wright, Esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Clapt<strong>on</strong> ; has issue.<br />
cf. Roll <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Students ; pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge.<br />
DANIEL DAVIES JEREMY, B. in Pencarreg, Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>nshire ; ed. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres.<br />
Coll. ; Glasgow; M.A., Ghs. ; min. Frenchay, 1851-1852 ; Warwick, 1853-1860 ; Kenilworth,<br />
1854-1860 ; Dublin, Eustace Street, 1860- ; rem. Stephen's Green, 1863- ;<br />
az. (10 September, 1861) Anne Swanwick, elder daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edward Hutt<strong>on</strong>, M.D.,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dublin ; has issue.<br />
c- Pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge.<br />
PERCY BAKEWELL, b. [1837] ; ed. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, M.N.C., 1854-1860 ; B.A., L<strong>on</strong>d, 1857 ; min.<br />
Xcrthampt<strong>on</strong>, 1860-1 861 ; Warwick, I 861-1862 ; Godalming, 1862-1865 ; Halifax, 1866-<br />
1868 ; ?/I. (21 August, 1867), Sophia, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> James Stansfeld, Esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Halifax.<br />
d. 17 June, 1868, aet. 31, at Church Strett<strong>on</strong>.<br />
4. Roll <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Students ; Inq., 1868, p. 402.<br />
JOHN WILLIAM LAKE, b. 1823, in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> ; ed. Christ's Hospital; L.S.A., 1858; min.<br />
Bost<strong>on</strong>, Lincs., 1859-September, 1862 ; Warwick, 1862-1893 ; Margate, without charge,<br />
1893.<br />
d. 14 March, 1899 ; bur. Margate Cemetery.<br />
c$ Inq., 1899, p. 182.<br />
BENJAMIN KIRKMAN GRAY, ed. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, New Coll. ; min. Warwick, 1894-June, 1897;<br />
. L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, Bell Street Domestic Missi<strong>on</strong>, February, 1898-<br />
Eleanor, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Henry St<strong>on</strong>e, Esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Banbury.<br />
; nz. (g May, 1898) Sarah<br />
ALFRED MGLLER HOLDEN, ed. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Pres. Coll. ; min. Ilrninster, 1879-1898 ;<br />
Warwick, 1898- ; nz. (5 July, 1881) Mary (d. g January, 18g8), daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John<br />
Baker, Esquire, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ilminster ; has issue.<br />
c$ Pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge.<br />
TOPOGRAPHY.<br />
An Account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Town and Castle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Warwick, William Field, 1815<br />
PP* 135-6.<br />
M.R., 1817, p. 6.<br />
Sibree, p. I 29.<br />
Inq*, 1863, P* 4479<br />
VestZges, p. 2 5 I.
WEST BR0MWICH.-LODGE ROAD.<br />
I<br />
Opened 26 April, 1875.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
John Harris<strong>on</strong> . . . . . .<br />
Edward William Lummis, M.A.<br />
Frederick Augustus Homer . .<br />
In July, 1859, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Henry McKean, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury, began to c<strong>on</strong>duct<br />
services in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Summit Schools, Sp<strong>on</strong> Lane, where a Sunday school was<br />
at <strong>on</strong>ce established. In 1868, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worshippers removed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Assembly<br />
Room, Lombard Street, which had, however, to be reliilquished it1 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
following year. For a time it seemed that this attempt to establish a c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
gregati<strong>on</strong> here must collapse, but in March, 1874, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian<br />
Uni<strong>on</strong>, true to its missi<strong>on</strong>ary aim and spirit, invited <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. John Harri-<br />
s<strong>on</strong> to undertake <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> difficult task <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> establishing a permanent c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Public worship was at <strong>on</strong>ce regularly resumed, this time in St. George's<br />
Hall. Subscripti<strong>on</strong>s were invited towards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> erecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a permanent<br />
building ; very so<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sum promised was sufficient to warrant a begin-<br />
ning, and <strong>on</strong> M<strong>on</strong>day, 26 April, 1875, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present edifice in Lodge Road<br />
was opened for DiGine worship, at a cost ~f &r,4oo. The serm<strong>on</strong>-a<br />
memorable <strong>on</strong>e <strong>on</strong> Unitarianism and free thought in religi<strong>on</strong>-was preached<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Rev. Robert Rodolph Suffield, who, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> evening meeting,<br />
spoke <strong>on</strong> his c<strong>on</strong>versi<strong>on</strong> from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Roman Catholic Church. The collecti<strong>on</strong><br />
at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opening service amounted to AII~.<br />
A year later, in April, 1876, at a council meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M.C.U., held<br />
at West Bromwich, it was reported that Mr. Harris<strong>on</strong>'s services were no<br />
l<strong>on</strong>ger retained by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uni<strong>on</strong>, but that he hzd been appointed minister to<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lodge Road society, it being c<strong>on</strong>sidered that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> vigorous c<strong>on</strong>grega-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong> should be entrusted with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> management <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its own affairs. The<br />
happy c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> thus begun between Mr. Harris<strong>on</strong> and this society was<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly ended in July, 1895, when, as stated <strong>on</strong> p. 8, he entered <strong>on</strong> his<br />
duties as missi<strong>on</strong>ary and minister at large for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M.C.U.<br />
His successor was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Edward William Lummis, M.A., who had,<br />
during 1895, assisted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. James C. Street at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>
Saviour, Birmingham. In 1898, 1%. Lummis accepted <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Park Street society, Hull, and was followed at West Bromwich by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
present minister, who was, for some time, c<strong>on</strong>nected with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Episcopal<br />
Church, in Australia, but a change in his c<strong>on</strong>victi<strong>on</strong>s led to secessi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Under his ministry, and working <strong>on</strong> ground well sown by Mr. Harris<strong>on</strong>,<br />
high hopes are entertained that this society is entering <strong>on</strong> an era <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
unprecedented activity.<br />
JPHN HARRISON, ed. Rawd<strong>on</strong> Coll. ; min. St<strong>on</strong>y-Stratford, 1865-1874 ; West Bromwich,<br />
1874-1895 ; Missi<strong>on</strong>ary, <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Uni<strong>on</strong>, 1895-1898 ; nz. and has issue,<br />
Frances Alice (?]L. Wm. Alfred Rollas<strong>on</strong>, formerly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham, but now <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Truro),<br />
Wilfrid Ingham (m. Marian Lucy, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Halkin Nightingale, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Birmingham).<br />
cf; Inq., 1874, p. 122.<br />
EDWARD WILLIAM LUMMIS, ed. Oxford ; M.A. Ox<strong>on</strong>. ; ord. deac<strong>on</strong> ; renounced Atlglican<br />
orders ; min. Birmingham, Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour, assistant to James C. Street (q.v.),<br />
189 j ; West Bromwich, 1895-1898 ; Hull, 1898- ; ~IZ. (18 February, 1899) Evelyn<br />
C<strong>on</strong>stance, youngest daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Janles Mathias Dix<strong>on</strong>, min. Hull, 1866-1883.<br />
FREDERICK AUGUSTUS HOMER, b. at Sedgley ; ed. Oxford, Manchester Coll., 1897-1898 ;<br />
min. West Bromwich, September, 1898- ; 712. (4 October, 1897) Gertrude, third<br />
daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Henry Huglles, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Woodsett<strong>on</strong>, Staffs.<br />
Inq., 1G75, pp. 171, 283.<br />
Nishry oj West Bro~/~wic/l, F. W. Hackwood, F.R.Hist.S., 1895, p. 84.<br />
Vest&-es, p. 253.
WH1TCHU~CH.-SALOP.<br />
CHURCH OF THE SAVIOUR.<br />
Church opened, 7 August, 1877.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
William Carey Walters 1877-1879<br />
Frederick Sydney Morris --. I 880<br />
James Wils<strong>on</strong>, suppl~f ... Jan.-Mar., 1881<br />
Alfred Lancaster . . . 1881-1882<br />
Walter Reynolds, B.A. ... . . 1883-1884<br />
Owen James J<strong>on</strong>es ... ... . . . 1885-1887<br />
Guild <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good Shepherd, szq5plirrE .. , I 888- 1889<br />
George Eyre Evans ... . . . .. 1889-1897<br />
William Frederic Turland . . . 1897-<br />
This society was formed in January, 1877, by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> withdrawal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Rev. W. C. Walters from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Baptist Chapel in Greenend,<br />
who, toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r with some members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, felt it incumbent<br />
up<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m to associate <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>mselves toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r to worship God as a church,<br />
not requiring ei<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r from its minister or its members assent or subscripti<strong>on</strong><br />
to any <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ological creed. For some m<strong>on</strong>ths worship was c<strong>on</strong>ducted in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Town Hall, whilst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> erecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an ir<strong>on</strong> church was proceeded with<br />
<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present site in Highgate; which was lent to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> for<br />
a period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 21 years by Mr. and Mrs. John Gresty, two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> most<br />
prominent seceders, at a ground rent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> per an. The church, known<br />
until 1893 as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Free Christian Church, was opened for Divine worship, by<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Baldwin Brown, B.A., <strong>on</strong> Tuesday, 7 August, 1877. His memor-<br />
able serm<strong>on</strong>, <strong>on</strong> this occasi<strong>on</strong>, was founded <strong>on</strong> Ephesians i., v. 22-23-<br />
The church, which is his body.<br />
. On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 24th December following, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust deed was executed, which pro-<br />
vides that :-The Ch~rch and buildzizgs are to be used for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worshz) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> God,<br />
and -fir pur-oses <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> edcccatzbn, arzd that no mi?ziskr or member <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cotzgrqqatio;rz<br />
or charch shall be required to asselzt or subscribe to nny <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ological creed, From<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> has steadily and firmly declined to take any<br />
sectarian name whatsoever ; both Trinitarians and Unitarians are included<br />
as its trustees, whilst ministers, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> various denominati<strong>on</strong>s have, from time<br />
. ** --<br />
.<br />
IOUR, WHITCHURCH
to time, preached in its pulpit. Speaking here, shortly after its opening,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Rev. Charles Beard, B.A., said-<br />
he rejoiced in this Free Christian Church, a church in which <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worshipper<br />
was not asked to express his faith in dogmatic forms as a c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> com-<br />
muni<strong>on</strong>, where Unitarian and Trinitarian could meet toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r as children <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<strong>on</strong>e God, and servants <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e Master, where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> doubter would be welcomed<br />
and not shunned because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his doubts, and where religi<strong>on</strong> could be taught<br />
not as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> letter which killeth but as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spirit which giveth life.<br />
To this ideal <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> has ever tried to be true. Whilst<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re were many pers<strong>on</strong>s to whom <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worshippers were indebted for c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
stant advice and support at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first, and whose names are recorded in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
minutes, n<strong>on</strong>e stand out more prominently than those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Thomas<br />
Gasquoine, B.A., <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> senior trustee, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Church, Oswestry, and now resident in Bedford without charge ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late<br />
Rev. Charles Beard, B.A., minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Renshaw Street Chapel; Liverpool ;<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Rev. Edward Myers, F.G.S., minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> High Street Church,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> oldest n<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>forming c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> in Shrewsbury, also a trustee from<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first until his death.<br />
The permanent brick school-house was built behind <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church, and<br />
opened for use <strong>on</strong> Wednesday, 28 January, 1880.<br />
The year 1892 must ever be memorable in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> annals <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this c<strong>on</strong>gre-<br />
gati<strong>on</strong> as that in which Mrs. John Gresty (neb Martha Pininnah Bancr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>t,<br />
d. 30 November, 1893) and her husband marked <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> close <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author's<br />
third year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry here by :-<br />
(a) The gift <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> site <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church.<br />
(b) The gift <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> site <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> School-house.<br />
(c) The gift <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two adjoining cottages and site for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> future building<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a minister's residence.<br />
In accepting this noble gift, and so terminating <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> temporary nature<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> recognized it as a fitting opportunity for<br />
carrying out <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> d<strong>on</strong>ors' wishes-wishes in which minister and people were<br />
<strong>on</strong>e-that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present church, and any future <strong>on</strong>e to be erected up<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
land, should be known as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>
A new and permanent trust deed (in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messrs. Harding<br />
and S<strong>on</strong>, solicitors, Birmingham) was at <strong>on</strong>ce executed by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> six remaining<br />
trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> original deed, viz. :-<br />
Rev. Henry W. Crosskey, LLD., Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah, Birmingham<br />
, , Thomas Gasquoine, B. A., C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al minister, Bedford<br />
, , Edward Myers, F. G. S., High Street Church, Shrewsbury<br />
,, W. Carey Walters, Jersey<br />
Mr. W. W. Couls<strong>on</strong>, deac<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christ Chufch, Oswestry<br />
,, John Gresty, Mile Bank, Whitchurch<br />
Who were joined in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust by :-<br />
Rev. Joseph Wood, Old Meeting Church, Birmingham<br />
Mr. Le~vis Beard, Town Clerk, Coventry<br />
, , Charles Harding, solicitor, Birmingham<br />
,, Richard Robins<strong>on</strong>, produce broker, Liverpool<br />
,, Hy. B. Black, L. & N.W.Ry. Co., Whitchurch<br />
,, George Groom, L. & N.W.Ry. Co., Whitchurch<br />
,, Joseph J<strong>on</strong>es, L, & N.W.Ry. Co., Whitchurch<br />
,, George Dodd, builder, Whitchurch<br />
,, Albert G. Stevens, plumber, Whitchurch<br />
Str<strong>on</strong>gly believing that no minister should be a trustee <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church<br />
he serves, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author, c<strong>on</strong>scientiously but regretfully, felt unable to c<strong>on</strong>sent<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> d<strong>on</strong>ors' wishes that he should be <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> number.<br />
Gifts have from time to time been added to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church, am<strong>on</strong>gst <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m:-<br />
The communi<strong>on</strong> plate, d<strong>on</strong>or, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Mrs. Gresty<br />
The oak eagle lectern, d<strong>on</strong>ors, Friends, in memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mrs. Gresty<br />
The st<strong>on</strong>e f<strong>on</strong>t, d<strong>on</strong>ors, Rev. Owen J. J<strong>on</strong>es and friends<br />
Chancel window, "The Good Shepherd," d<strong>on</strong>ors, Thos. and Wm. Colfox,<br />
Esquires, and friends in West Country<br />
Chancel triptych, oil painting, "The Good Samaritan," d<strong>on</strong>or, The artist,<br />
Mr. Howard Colman<br />
Lectern Bible, d<strong>on</strong>ors, Mr. and Mrs. David Faris, Birmingham<br />
9 9 ,, revised versi<strong>on</strong>, d<strong>on</strong>ors, Guild <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Good Shepherd, Liverpool<br />
Chancel standdd lights, d<strong>on</strong>or, Dr. Bromfield, Whitchurch<br />
Guild Banner, d<strong>on</strong>or, Mrs. Kits<strong>on</strong>, Leeds<br />
Altar cloth (first), d<strong>on</strong>or, R3iss Walters<br />
- - ' -C%'<br />
STONE FONT. ?~;"t:npd~?-, P;<br />
C - C~UWH OF THE 2<br />
'<br />
: 2 $.. -"- 5 i~ WHITCHURCH. F A
Altar cloth (red)<br />
l<br />
,, ,, (purple) d<strong>on</strong>ors, Friends, per minister, 1894.<br />
,, ,, (white)<br />
The yews and poplar trees were planted by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author at Christmas, 1889.<br />
After a ministry from March, 1875, to December, 1876, at Greenend<br />
Baptist Chapel, and from January, 1877, to December, 1879, here, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
founder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> saw fit to remove to Kidderminster, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
call <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> New Meeting society <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re.<br />
His successor was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late F. Sydney Morris, who, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> close <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his<br />
year's ministry here, became ethical lecturer to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> ~v<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>shipping<br />
in St. Saviourgate Presbyterian Church, York, which positi<strong>on</strong> he held until<br />
his death in 1893. Here, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> York, Morris, who was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> s<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. John NIorris, a C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al minister in L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>, took an<br />
active part in forwarding <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cause <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Liberal party, and in later years<br />
prominently identified himsejf with labour questi<strong>on</strong>s. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>General</strong> Electi<strong>on</strong><br />
in 1892, he c<strong>on</strong>tested <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ludlow Divisi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shropshire, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Gladst<strong>on</strong>ian<br />
interest, when his opp<strong>on</strong>ent, Mr. R. J. Pdl"l'ore, a Liberal Uni<strong>on</strong>ist,<br />
defeated him by a majority <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 2,146 votes. His pulpit discourses were<br />
marked by great originality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thought and power <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> expressi<strong>on</strong>, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
same characteristics were evident in his deliveries <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> political platform,<br />
where he became a very popular figure as lecturer to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nati<strong>on</strong>al Liberal<br />
Federati<strong>on</strong>. He was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a little volume entitled Agnosticis~~z aad<br />
Dogf~zaz'isnl. He wrote-<br />
It is easier to maintain a creed than to cultivate a moral character, easier<br />
to spread a creed by means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> persecuti<strong>on</strong> than to reform a community<br />
by means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wholesale legislati<strong>on</strong>, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> exercise <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> beneficial influences.<br />
And Morris chose for himself what he judged <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> more difficult task, and<br />
while he cared too little to make his own views prevail, devoted himself to<br />
what he believed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> cause <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> people. He was, in accordance with<br />
his owl1 desire, cremated. I-le celebrated <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first marriage cerem<strong>on</strong>y in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church and signed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first entry in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> marriage register.<br />
The <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Uni<strong>on</strong> has made a yearly grant to this church,<br />
as also did <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> British and Foreign Unitarian Associati<strong>on</strong> in a lesser degree,<br />
but, in 1894, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> council <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> was able to take <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> gratifying<br />
step embodied in this resoluti<strong>on</strong> :-<br />
That <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour, in seeing its way to raise by increased c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
gregati<strong>on</strong>al <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fertory <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> amount <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> grant made to it by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> B. & F.U.A.,
hereby intimates its intenti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> not seeking fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r yearly help from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
associati<strong>on</strong> ; and, in so doing, heartily thanks <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> B. & F.U.A. for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
financial aid accorded to it at various times since <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church<br />
in 1877.<br />
From <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sittings have been free and unappropriated,<br />
this being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first church to set <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> example in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town. For many<br />
years past <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building has been open daily till sunset.<br />
In 1895, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> had <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pleasure <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> seeing <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> principle for<br />
which it stands adopted in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new town cemetery, which was that year<br />
simply dedicated for Christian burial ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rector <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish and his<br />
bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r n<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>forming miilisters taking part toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r in a service held <strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ground, which has but <strong>on</strong>e building <strong>on</strong> it for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> comm<strong>on</strong> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all,<br />
and where no line <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> demarcati<strong>on</strong> mars <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> spot in which c<strong>on</strong>forming and<br />
n<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>forming parishi<strong>on</strong>ers rest side by side.<br />
In January, 1896, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its minister, was<br />
~rivileged to see erected <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its church, all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 23 fine memorial<br />
brasses originally placed in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dodingt<strong>on</strong> Presbyterian Chapel hard by ;<br />
worship in which had ceased in 1844 (see p. 241).<br />
The M<strong>on</strong>th4 Meeting has been held here three times; <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last occasi<strong>on</strong>,<br />
<strong>on</strong> 17 J~ne, 1896, a paper, The idea <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> W, by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Thomas Gasquoine,<br />
B.A., a drive to Whitewell and Broad Oak, where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Joseph Jacob,<br />
'<br />
rector <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish, received <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers at tea in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rectory, and an<br />
evening service in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church, with address by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Joseph Wood,<br />
were included it1 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> day's progra-mme.<br />
The baptismal and marriage registers were compiled by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author at<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his ministry here, and sent round for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> signatures <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> different <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiating ministers before death had removed any <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m ;<br />
so that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church now owns complete registers. Of <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entries to April,<br />
1897, forty-nine baptisms and thirty-two marriages were at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> hands <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present writer.<br />
From October, 1877, to September, 1879, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church issued a m<strong>on</strong>thly<br />
' Record,' with Young Bays as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> localized inset; and from November,<br />
1889, to January, 1897, a m<strong>on</strong>thly Chr<strong>on</strong>icle, with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Seedsower, localized from<br />
March, 1895 ; a complete set <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chr<strong>on</strong>icle being inserted in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ChurEh<br />
Record bok noted below.<br />
WILLIAM CAREY WALTERS, see Kidderminster.<br />
FREDERICK SYDNEY MORRIS, 6. [1846] ; ed. Mill Hill School ; Cheshunt Coll., -1872 ;<br />
min. Whitchurch, I January-31 December, 1880 ; York, St. Saviourgate Presbyterian,<br />
1881-1893 ; m. eldest daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> David Arthur, C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>al min., Aberdeen ;<br />
had issue.<br />
d. 4 August, 1893, zt. 47 ; cremated 'at Manchester.<br />
CA Inq., 1893, p. 510; Whitchurch, Marriage Register.<br />
JAMES WILSON, 6. [1853] ; min. Newfoundlancl ; Whitchurch, January-March, 1881 ; Malt<strong>on</strong>, 1881-1886<br />
cf. U.A., 1883, p. 28.<br />
ALFRED LANCASTER, b. 26 July, 1853, at Padiham ; ed. U.H.M.B., 17 September, 1878-<br />
30 June, 1881 ; Owen's Coll., 1878-1881 ; min. Whitcburch, 23 October, 1881-31 October,<br />
1882 ; Belfast, Stanhope Street, 1883-1885 ; Killinchy, 12 May, 1885-1 May, 1886;<br />
Bury (Lane.), Chesham, I January, 1887-30 June, 1889 ; Middlet<strong>on</strong>, I March, 1890nz.<br />
(13 October, 1881) daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> James Knowles, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Padiham ; Issue, Julia (d),<br />
Louis James Alfred (b. 1885), Frank Knowles (b. 1889).<br />
WALTER REYNOLDS, b. 19 February, 1851, at Lent<strong>on</strong>, Nottingham ; ed. Chilwell, Baptist<br />
Coll., 1873-1876; B.A., Ox<strong>on</strong>., 1882 ; ord. May, 1877 ; min. Burnley (Baptist), 1% years ;<br />
Covetztry, Gosford Street (Baptist), 2j4' years ; Whitchurch, 22 April, 1883-13 May,<br />
1884 ; Belfast, Mount Pottinger, 1884-1888 ; Ainsworth, 27 May, 1888-1898 ; Man-<br />
chester, Bldham Road, 1898- ; nz. (21 September, 1877) Rebecca Jane, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
William Ives, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> ; Issue, Walter Thomas, Arthur Walter, Harold Walter,<br />
Mabel Rebecca.<br />
OWEN JAMES JONES, B. Cheltenham ; ed. U.H.M.E., 1882-1385 ; min. Whitchurch, A~~gust,<br />
1885-December, 1887; Cardiff, 1888-1891 ; Mansfield, 1891-1896 ; 772. (8 September,<br />
1886) Louisa, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> William Keates, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> ; Issue, Maurice Owen Keates<br />
(b. 1887) and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs.<br />
cf. Whitchurch, Baptismal Register ; pers<strong>on</strong>al knowledge.<br />
GEORGE EYRE EVANS, 6. Colyt<strong>on</strong> Pars<strong>on</strong>age, Dev<strong>on</strong> ; ed. Caermar<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, Collegiate School,<br />
by J. H. Asbridge, 1869-1872 ; Llandyssul, by Rev. William Marles Thomas, M.A.,<br />
1872-1873 ; superintendent, Liverpool, Mount Pleasant Sunday School, under Charles<br />
Beard, B.A., November, 1877-June, 1889 ; min. Whitchurch, 7 June, 1889-7 May, 1897 ;<br />
Aberystwyth, withot~t cknrge.<br />
TYILLIAM FREDERIC TURLAND, min. Bradwell and Gt. Hucklow, 1895-1897 ; Whitchurch,<br />
October, 1897- ; nt. and has issue.
One almsdish, pewter, plain, Isins. diameter. Inscripti<strong>on</strong> in centre :-<br />
THIS ANCIENT ALMSDISH,<br />
USED IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHAPEL, DODINGTOPJ,<br />
LOST IN 1843,<br />
%ITAS RECOVERED, AND GIVEN TO THE TRUSTEES,<br />
FOR USE IN THE<br />
CHURCH OF THE SAVIOUR, W~ITCHURCH,<br />
BY THE<br />
REV. GEORGE EYRE EVANS.<br />
1893.<br />
One cup, paten, flag<strong>on</strong>, and almsdish, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> electro-plate, all given in<br />
1877 by Mrs. Gresty (d. 1893).<br />
Two brass collecting bas<strong>on</strong>s, inscribed, " God loveth a cheerful giver,"<br />
<strong>on</strong> rims, and I.H.S. in centres, given by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister, r889.<br />
In czbstody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Charch Secretary for time bei~zg.<br />
I. Marriages<br />
11. Baptisms<br />
The Record Book, 1877-1897- , c<strong>on</strong>tains copies <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nearly all printed<br />
matter, relating to church affairs from foundati<strong>on</strong>, complete set <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Whit-<br />
churclz Chro~zicle, 1889-1898, portraits, copies <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust deeds, ministers' auto-<br />
graphs, &C., &C., compiled by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> minister, 1889-1897, and given by him<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> ; in custody, 1899, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church secretary, Mr. Geo.<br />
Groom.<br />
The Vestry Register, g September, 1889- , c<strong>on</strong>tains particulars <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
every service held in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church from this date, preachers' names, amounts<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> alms, numbers present at wo
WH ITCHURCH.-SAI~OP.<br />
DODINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHAPEL.<br />
(Ceased to exist 1844*).<br />
Date <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, 1672.<br />
Rebuilt, 1717.<br />
First Meeting-house in Dodingt<strong>on</strong>, built 1707 ; destroyed by rioters 1716.<br />
Broad Oak Meeting-house registered 1689.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
Philip Henry, M.A. .. . ...<br />
Samuel Beni<strong>on</strong>, M. D.<br />
Robert Pell .. . ...<br />
David Beni<strong>on</strong> . . .<br />
Thomas Colthurst . . .<br />
John? King ...<br />
Ebenezer Keay ...<br />
John J<strong>on</strong>es ... . . .<br />
Thomas Rees . . .<br />
Henry Procter . . .<br />
Thomas Jenkins ...<br />
David William J<strong>on</strong>es<br />
Joseph Marriott . .<br />
John Philp ...<br />
Richard Shawcross . . .<br />
... g<strong>on</strong>e, June, 1782<br />
... [1782]-1783 .<br />
... 1783-1815<br />
... 1815-1818<br />
... 1818-1823<br />
. . . 1823-1826<br />
. . . I 827- I 844<br />
Inscripti<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 23 Memorial Brasses, formerly in this meeting-<br />
house, and removed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> adjacent Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour by its minister,<br />
George Eyre Evans, January, 1898 :-<br />
*On g December, 1891, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building was sold by public aucti<strong>on</strong>-I being presentfor<br />
EI~I, to Mr. John A. Roberts, who had for some tinie used it as his school-house.<br />
Proceeds were handed over to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> British and Foreign School Society, by Mr. J.'H.<br />
Warburt<strong>on</strong> Lee, solicitor, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Broad Oak.-G.E.E.<br />
1
BENYON.<br />
Beneath lieth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remains j <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I SAML, BENYON ESQR.;<br />
I OF ASH,<br />
I died 8th January, 1791. 1 AGED 74. 1 ALSO I LYDIA BENYON I<br />
Relict <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> l SARP, BENYON ESQR., I who died 30th July, 1801 I<br />
[Was Beny<strong>on</strong> crest, and coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms,; octag<strong>on</strong>al brass, 17 inches tall, 9%<br />
inches wide ; two sides, 12% inches ; 2 sides, 5 inches; 4 sides, 3% inches.<br />
Name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> engraver under crest and over coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms, "W. Bowley, Shrews-<br />
bury."]<br />
Beneath I Lieth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I MARY BENYON I who died 1 Feb-<br />
ruary 7th, 1765 : 1 Aged 50.<br />
n<br />
[Circular headed brass, L( with fine skull and cross b<strong>on</strong>es <strong>on</strong> top, inscrip-<br />
ti<strong>on</strong> in square, g inches by 8% inches ; total height, 12% inches.]<br />
Here lieth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ] ELIZABETH BENYON l Wife <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> l<br />
BENJAMIN BENYON ESQR. ( who died April <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 29th l 1797 1<br />
Aged 25.<br />
[Circular headed brass, with well displayed coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms in top, and<br />
inscripti<strong>on</strong> in square, 11% inches by 10% inches ; total height, 15 inches.]<br />
mere l lieth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> l ELIZABETH BENYON l Wife <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> [<br />
S. Y. BENYON ESQR.<br />
I <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ash I who died Octr. <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first I 1802 I<br />
Aged 37.<br />
[A circular headed brass, with coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms <strong>on</strong> top ; inscripti<strong>on</strong> in square,<br />
11% inches by 9% inches; total height, 14% inches.]<br />
P<br />
mear tbi$ place lie <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remaifzs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> l SAMUEL<br />
YATE BENYON ESQ,<br />
1 <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ash in this County ; I One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his Majesty's Counsel, ] A Bencher<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> H<strong>on</strong>ourable Society I <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lincolns Inn ; I Yice ChanceZZor <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Dutchy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lancaster, I Attorney <strong>General</strong> and Recorder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chester,<br />
I HE DIED 31st MARCH, l822 1 Rgeb 59.<br />
[A fine brass; bordered with two thin lines ; circular headed ; crest and<br />
coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms above ; inscripti<strong>on</strong> in obl<strong>on</strong>g, 16% inches by 13 inches ; total<br />
height, 20% inches ; for obituary see Arlbnth@ Refository, 1822, p. 377. A marble<br />
tablet to his memory was also placed in Ash Church at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time when his<br />
remains, with o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs, were re-interred in a vault in that churchyard, after<br />
Divine worship ceased in Presbyterian Meeting-house, in 1844.1
COLLYER.<br />
mere I lieth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I CONSTANCE BENYON I sec<strong>on</strong>d Wife<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1 S. Y. BENYON, EsQR* I <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ash, I W ~ died Q Feby. <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> twenty<br />
fifth 1 1836 1 Aged 63. 1<br />
[A circular headed brass, with coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arm-s <strong>on</strong> top ; inscripti<strong>on</strong> in obl<strong>on</strong>g,<br />
11 inches by g inches ; total height, 14 inches ; for obituary notice, see Christian<br />
Reforvzer, 1836, p. 292.1<br />
BENEATH I lieth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I LYDIA COLLYER I who Departed<br />
this LzjFe 1 I@% Azrgast, 1744 1 Aged 39.<br />
[A circular headed brass, with ornamental border; inscripti<strong>on</strong> in square,<br />
g inches by 8 inches ; total height, 12% inches ; circular heading, occupied by<br />
a well-engraved skull, with teeth and large cross b<strong>on</strong>es.]<br />
EDWARDS.<br />
meat tbf~ place [ Lie <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> l EDWARD EDWARDS, I who<br />
departed this life 22nd June, 1785 1 Hgeb 57. 1 ALSO MARY, HIS<br />
WIFE, I died 11th December, 1802 I Hgeb 76. /<br />
[A plain brass, obl<strong>on</strong>g, with slightly curved top ; total height, 16% inches ;<br />
width, 10% inches.]<br />
JOHN EDWARDS I Dieb I The 25th Day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I;eby. 1825 1 age0 I<br />
34 YEARS. Hjs Infant S<strong>on</strong>, Wil'iam I DIED I yanuary, 1825. I<br />
[A plain brass, obl<strong>on</strong>g, with slightly curved top ; much excellent flourish-<br />
ing about ' letters ; total height, 16% inches ; width, 11 inches ; for obituary,<br />
see MotzthZy ~~~~~~~~~, 1825, p, 181, "when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Serm<strong>on</strong> was preached <strong>on</strong><br />
occasi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his death, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel was crowded to excess, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re being <strong>on</strong> that<br />
evening an increase <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> numbers from about eighty to nearly six hundred<br />
pers<strong>on</strong>s."]<br />
JOHN EDWARDS 1 Dieb I The I ~ th Day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> March, 1827 1<br />
1 57 YEARS. I Margaret, his WzJfe-l DIED 1 The 10th Day <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> April,<br />
1832 1 AGED 1 72 Years. I<br />
[A plain brass, obl<strong>on</strong>g, with slightly curved top ; much good flourishing<br />
about letters ; total height, 16% inches ; width, I I inches. Fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r and mo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John ut sup.1<br />
\<br />
GENTLEMAN.<br />
T.<br />
Beneath l Lieth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1 ROB GENTLEMAN / who died 19th<br />
June, 1757 1 Aged 5s. 1 Also his Daughters / Sarah and Martha. I<br />
HOLT.<br />
KEAY.<br />
[A circular headed brass, small skull with teeth, and cross b<strong>on</strong>es, and<br />
first word all in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> circular part; remainder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> inscripti<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> obl<strong>on</strong>g,<br />
12 inches by 10 inches; total height, 16% inches. In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptismal register<br />
is this entry by Ebenezer Keay :-October 7, 1745, Robert, s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Robert Gentleman,<br />
a Scotclznzan, at Whitchurch.]<br />
NEAR THIS PLACE I Lie <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I JOHN HOLT, I who died<br />
11th Janry., 1781 I Aged 70. 1 Also ANN, Relict <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ] JOHN HOLT<br />
I who died I 5th Febry., 1782 1 Aged 72.<br />
[The smallest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se brasses ; circular top, in which are <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first three<br />
words ; remainder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> inscripti<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> obl<strong>on</strong>g, 8 inches by 7 inches ; total<br />
height, 9% inches ; quite plain.]<br />
jlleneatb I Lie <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> l <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Revd. EBENEZEER (sic)<br />
KEAY I Forty Years Minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this Place I who died Decr. 17th,<br />
I779 1 Aged 64. 1<br />
[A circular headed brass, with skull, open jaws and teeth, and cross b<strong>on</strong>es,<br />
and first word <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> inscripti<strong>on</strong> in circular part; rest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> inscripti<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
obl<strong>on</strong>g, 12 inches by 9% inches ; total height, 16 inches.]<br />
Beneath I Lie <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I HANNAH I <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wifeqf <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Revd.<br />
I EBENEZER KEAY l who died 4th July, 1766 1 Aged 69. 1<br />
[A brass similar to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> above, which was copied from this <strong>on</strong>e, but evidently<br />
not by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same workman.]<br />
jBeneatb 1 Lie <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I THOMAS KEAY I who died 8th<br />
May, 1780 1 Aged 39 I Also LYDIA, I Relict <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> THOS. KEAY l<br />
who died 5th Septemr., 1785 1 Aged 43. 1<br />
[A circular headed brass, with crest and coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms in % ; inscripti<strong>on</strong><br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> obl<strong>on</strong>g, 12 inches by 9% inches ; total height, 15 inches. Ebenezer<br />
Keay's s<strong>on</strong> m. Lydia Yate, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dearnford, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir s<strong>on</strong> was Thomas Yate Keay<br />
ut infra.]
YATE.<br />
THOMAS YATE KEAY, ESQ. / Dieb 1 JULY IS^, 1826 ; 1 ngeb<br />
579<br />
[A stately brass, with slightly larger circular head than any <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs,<br />
in it crest and coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms; inscripti<strong>on</strong> well displayed in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> obl<strong>on</strong>g, 11%<br />
inches by 10 inches ; total height, 15% inches; double lined border all round.<br />
Probably <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> " Thomas Keay, Esq., Whitchurch," in Belsham's list, who<br />
entered Daventry academy in 1786 ; grands<strong>on</strong> to Ebenezer Keay ztt sup.]<br />
JBeneatb I Lieth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I THOMAS YATE, I <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dearnford, Gent.,<br />
who died 19th A%, 1746, 1 Aged 50. 1 Also his S<strong>on</strong>s, T/Zot~zas (aged<br />
I I) I G-. ColQer, C+ Susan, his Daughter, I likewise Anna, Ob. 26th<br />
Augz'., 1754, At. 24. l And Elizabeth, his Wife, who died l Decr.<br />
24th, 1756, Aged 63. 1<br />
[A most interesting brass, circular head, in which coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms ; inscripti<strong>on</strong>,<br />
evidently engraved in secti<strong>on</strong>s as required, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> obl<strong>on</strong>g, 12% inches by 10%<br />
inches ; total height, 16% inches ; has border exactly similar to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lydia<br />
Collyer brass at sup. Thomas Yate was bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r to Grace Yate, who married<br />
Samuel Beni<strong>on</strong>, M.D., minister at Broad Oak, 1696-1706, and Shrewsbury,<br />
1706-170s. Dearnford, or Danford Hall, a fine old mansi<strong>on</strong>, is about <strong>on</strong>e mile<br />
from Whitchurch, <strong>on</strong> road to Tilstock.]<br />
Here Lyeth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Samuel I S<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Yate,. Gent. I<br />
who was Interred April gth, 1729 1 Aged 29. 1 Also <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
/ ABIGAIL I his Daughter and Relict <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1 EDwD. ELLIS, GENT., who<br />
died 15th June, 1746. 1 Aged 39. I<br />
[The OLDEST brass in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> series, circular headed, in which large skull,<br />
with prominent eye sockets and teeth, and cross b<strong>on</strong>es ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first porti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
inscripti<strong>on</strong>-that to Samuel-is in different letters to any o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> brasses,<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> square, 10 inches by 10 inches ; total height, 13% inches. Samuel and<br />
Abigail were bro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r and sister to Grace, who married Samuel Beni<strong>on</strong>.]<br />
jlleneatb I Lieth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> I BENJAN. YATE / <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dearnford, Esqr-<br />
I who Died Octr. 7th, 1756 1 ~ ~ 29. e 1 d<br />
[A circular headed brass, in which a coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms exactly similar to that<br />
<strong>on</strong> brass <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Yate ut sup. ; no border ; inscripti<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> obl~nng, 11%<br />
inches by 10 inches ; total height, 16 inches. .<br />
JBeneatb l Lie <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> l ELIZABETH YATE l who de-<br />
parted this Life I 27th January, 1767. 1 Aged 35. 1<br />
[A circular headed br'ass, in which smal~skull and cross b<strong>on</strong>es, and upper<br />
half <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> first word ; inscripti<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> square, g inches by 8% inches; total<br />
height, 13 inches.]<br />
Beneath I Lieth <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Body <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1 THOMAS YATE, ESQR. I who<br />
died 19 October, 1765 Aged 93. And .<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his Wife [ LYDIA YATE<br />
I who died 23d. Januy., 1757 1 Aged 84. 1<br />
LA circular headed brass, with coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms in it ; inscripti<strong>on</strong> in obl<strong>on</strong>g,<br />
I 1% inches by 10 inches ; total height, 16 inches. This is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> brass <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> "<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
old master <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dearnford," who was born, probably in 1672 ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a<br />
large family.]<br />
Beneath I Lie <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> / JOHN YATE I Who died 4th<br />
Febry., 1780 1 aged 70. l Also <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>-CONSTANCE I<br />
Relict <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Yate I Who died 1st Decr., 1787 1 Aged 85. 1<br />
[A circular headed brass, with crest and coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms in it, also first<br />
word <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> inscripti<strong>on</strong> ; rest in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> obl<strong>on</strong>g, 12 inches by 10 inches ; total height,<br />
16% inches. This was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Yate, extracts from whose diary were given<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author in Seedsower, 1894, pp. 108-9. He lived in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old house in<br />
Dodingt<strong>on</strong>, still standing, a little lower down than <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house, <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r side <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> road.]<br />
Beneath lie <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> l CONSTANCE MARY YATE I who<br />
died 21st May, 1762, Aged IS. And I ANNA YATE I who died<br />
15th June, 1762, Aged 17. 1 MARGARET YATE, Die4 26th I Feb :<br />
1769, Aged 52.<br />
[A circular headed brass, in which coat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms, excellently engraved ;<br />
inscripti<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> obl<strong>on</strong>g, 13 inches by 10 inches ; total height, 17% Inches.<br />
C<strong>on</strong>stance Mary and Anna were daughters <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John and C<strong>on</strong>stance Yate,<br />
zrt XL@. ; Margaret was probably a daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas and Lydia Yate zri sup.]<br />
An accoulit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se brasses was given in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Transacws <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>u-<br />
mental Brass Society, No. 6, new series, January, 1897 ; also in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church<br />
Chr<strong>on</strong>icle, No. 35, February, 1894, a copy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which is in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> large Record<br />
Book bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour. Mounted rubbings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m,<br />
taken by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author, were lent to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Exhibiti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Shropshire Antiquities,
held in Shrewsbury, May, 1898 (see catalogue, p. 75, No. 399). The Rev.<br />
Edmund Butcher, in his Excz~rsi<strong>on</strong> from Sid~~~outh to Chester, 1805, i., pp.<br />
185-6, says, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Whitchurch, that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house is remarkable for<br />
having over many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pews brass plates, c<strong>on</strong>taining <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> pers<strong>on</strong>s<br />
and families who are buried <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re." This sentence, toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> testim<strong>on</strong>y<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an old worshipper in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place, led to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author finding <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
brasses behind <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> present woodwork <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old building,<br />
now, and for many years past, used as a school-house.<br />
Augustus J. C. Hare,* in his charming work <strong>on</strong> " Shropshire," 1898,<br />
p. 205, says :-<br />
Doddingt<strong>on</strong> is part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Whitchurch. Here, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Saviour, are no less than 23 brasses, removed from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Presbyterian<br />
Chapel, in which Divine worship ceased in 1844. They represent 41 lives<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old Salopian families <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Beny<strong>on</strong>, Collyer, Edwhds, Gentleman, Holt,<br />
Clay, and Yate, and cover a period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 164 years, from 1672 to 1836. The<br />
Beny<strong>on</strong> brasses are I729 and 1746 ;. that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ebenezer Keay and his wife,<br />
1779, 1776 ; those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1755, 1825 and 1832 bear <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Edwards; that<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Robert Gentleman is <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1757 ; <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lydia Collyer, 1744; <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Holt, 1781.<br />
All <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> brasses are small, but most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m bear coats <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arms.<br />
Five articles dealing with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this <strong>on</strong>ce numerous and in-<br />
fluential society were c<strong>on</strong>tributed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Seedsower, 1894, var. pp.<br />
The registers, stored in Somerset House, are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> much interest. The<br />
first two are thin quarto books in paper covers, not ruled for entries, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
writing faded and indistinct.<br />
David Beni<strong>on</strong><br />
Ebenezer Keay<br />
Thomas Jenkins<br />
David William J<strong>on</strong>es<br />
Joseph Marriott<br />
John Philp<br />
Richard Shawcross<br />
18 July, 1708<br />
21 Sept., 1743<br />
4 Jan., 1783<br />
25 Dec., 1815<br />
7 April, 1822<br />
14 Oct., 1823<br />
10 March, 1827<br />
' 10<br />
Dec., 1724<br />
30 March, 1777<br />
16 April, 1814 '<br />
5 July, 1818<br />
I I Sept., 1823<br />
22 July, 1826<br />
10 March, 1836<br />
In vol. iii. Shawcross has placed a note to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> effect that prior to his<br />
ministry, ie. from 1708-1827, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> registe~ books mere in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ct~stody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
"Author <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> '' Memorials <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Quiet Life," "Walks in Rome," &c.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trgstees, and are fragmentary. This is very evident, as between 1724<br />
and 1743 <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are no entries ; this is <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> period nearly covered by Colt-<br />
hurst's ministry.<br />
In two <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> earliest entries glimpses are afforded <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Ralph<br />
Lathrop, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wem :-<br />
August 26, 1709, Elizabeth, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Ra&h Lafhroj, at his own<br />
house in Wem, baftzied by Daz)id Beny<strong>on</strong>.<br />
January 5, 1711, Richard, ye s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Ra&h Ttathr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>, at his ozu?z house<br />
in Wem. B.B.<br />
Here an allusi<strong>on</strong> to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> riots <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1715 :-<br />
1715, September 3. John, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Iohn Lee, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Whzjcall, at Broad Oak.<br />
The chaflel at Whitchztrch being demolished by ye mobb <strong>on</strong> July 15th, 16th~ 18th,<br />
and 19th~ before.<br />
Philip Henry was buried in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old church (fell down, 1711) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> St.<br />
Alk*nd, Whitchurch, where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entry in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> register runs :-<br />
Burialls, 1696. June, Mr. PhiZlz) Henry, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Broad Oak, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> p~sh <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Malpas-late ir~iriister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wo;<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n6uyi, in ye ~iunty<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Flint-27th.<br />
Pell was also buried here, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> entry in register is :-<br />
May 23, 1707, MY. Rob. Pell, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1VhixaZZ.<br />
I. Baptisms<br />
11. Baptisms . . .<br />
111. Births and Burials<br />
X4SS.-The account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> written by Thomas Jenkins,<br />
its minister, 1783-1815, in vol. iii. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> above-noted registers ; copy penes<br />
editor, 1899.
Excursi<strong>on</strong> fm112 Sidn;outh to Chesteu, Rev. ~drnind Butcher, 1805, p.182.<br />
M.R., 1819, p. 396.<br />
M.R., 1824, p. 573.<br />
M.R., 1825, p. 181.<br />
M.R., 1827, p. 629.<br />
C.R., 1820, p. 142.<br />
4<br />
Lfe <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> P/ziZi$ Be?zry, &LA., by Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Henry, V.D.M., edited by<br />
J. B. Williams, F.S.A., 1825.<br />
Charity C<strong>on</strong>zmissio~zers' Rejort, I 83 I.<br />
Charity Co~lnzissio;tze~s' Order, I 866.<br />
Diaries and Leftzrs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>P?ziZ@ He?zry, MA., edited by Rev. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w Henry<br />
Lee, M.A., 1882.<br />
Whitchurch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>on</strong>g Ago, Geo. Eyre Evans, 1893.<br />
Seedsower, 1894, pp. 87, 107, I 18, 137, 152;<br />
?7est&s, pp. 255-257.<br />
Opened, 18 November, 1831.<br />
Sold, December, 1898.<br />
First Meeting-house in Jolln Street, coi~veyed 20 October, 1701.<br />
Unitarians seceded 1817, building is now c<strong>on</strong>secrated as St. hlichael's.<br />
MINISTERS.<br />
JOHN STREET.<br />
John Stubbs ... ...<br />
Philip Holland . .<br />
John Cole ... . ...<br />
Samuel Griffiths ..<br />
Nicholas Shattock . .<br />
John Small ... . .*<br />
John Steward ...<br />
SNOW HILL.<br />
Mr. Joseph Pears<strong>on</strong>, trustee, a.m. ; neighbouring ministers, p.m.<br />
Sz~ppIies . . . ... . . . 1817-1830<br />
Stephens<strong>on</strong> Hunter . . . ... . . . I 830- I 860<br />
Thomas Hugh Marshal1 Scott, M.A. ... 1861-1864<br />
Charles Frederick Biss . . . ... 1865-1870<br />
Edward Myers, F. G. S. ... 1870-1873<br />
William Agar ... .. 1874-1877<br />
William Birks . . . I 878- I 882<br />
Closed . . . ... I 883- I 885<br />
George Henry Smith . . . I 886- I 892<br />
Leopold George Harris Crook ... 1892-1895<br />
The account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society must <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> necessity include some reference<br />
to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> proceedings popularly known as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong> Chapel Case,<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> authpr cannot do better than quote <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> brief summary given in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> volume <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Parliamentary Debates <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenters' Chapel Bill, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>,
1844, p. 288. On <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> retirement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> John Cole from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
meeting-house in John Street, in 1781-<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re was no majority in favour <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trinitarian doctrines, but <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>trary.<br />
In 1782, a divisi<strong>on</strong> in opini<strong>on</strong> arose am<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n Trustees (ten in number)<br />
- and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> subscribers as to who should succeed to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Minister, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n<br />
vacant. A Mr. James<strong>on</strong> was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n invited by a nzinoritp, (four out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ten)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trustees, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> mujog-ity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n acting Trustees and Sub-<br />
scribers obtained possessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house and premises, who excluded<br />
James<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>refrom, by reas<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his not having been duly invited or<br />
elected. The majority proceeded to elect ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r minister [Samuel Griffiths],<br />
who <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiated from his appointment in 1782 to his death in 1804. In 1783, '<br />
a Trustee, by name Mander, declined and ceased to act as Trustee and<br />
to subscribe to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting-house, and to frequent <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> same. If <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re<br />
were any o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r dissatisfied menibers it must be presumed that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y also<br />
retired. The c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> went <strong>on</strong> peaceably without any fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r quarrel<br />
till 1817. In 1794, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y built schools. In 1780, gifts or accreti<strong>on</strong>s were<br />
made by pers<strong>on</strong>s admittedly Unitarians. In 1814, a minister, named Steward,<br />
was elected by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, he <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essing to be a Unitarian.<br />
In 1816, this preacher changed his views, and became Trinitarian. The<br />
c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> and Trustees <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n tried to displace him. He refused to leave<br />
his situati<strong>on</strong>, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y brought an ejectn~ent to remove him from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel<br />
and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Minister's house. He <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n looked up <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Trustee appointed in<br />
1776;and who had left <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> ever since 1783. These two <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n<br />
put <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Attorney <strong>General</strong> it1 moti<strong>on</strong> against <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ultimate result appears in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Judgment <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> appeal in it, from which<br />
it will be seen that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> were turned out because <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y held<br />
doctrines which could not be legally preached at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trust<br />
deeds were executed. Lord Eld<strong>on</strong>'s decisi<strong>on</strong> in this case was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first<br />
intimati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> difficulties as to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> title <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapels. The case was left<br />
to slumber, and not brought to a hearing till 6 March, 1835, when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
decree was made, which was c<strong>on</strong>firmed by Lord Cottenham in November,<br />
1842. 1)<br />
This decisi<strong>on</strong>, and that in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> case <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lady Hewley trust, wl,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> immediate causes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> passing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenters' Chapels Bill, 7 anu<br />
8 Vict. Ch. 45, 1844. X<br />
From 1817 until <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> opening <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building <strong>on</strong> Snow Kill, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society<br />
assembled regularly for religious worship in a large schoolroom, rented<br />
at a c<strong>on</strong>siderable expense. Morning service was usually c<strong>on</strong>ducted by<br />
Joseph Pears<strong>on</strong>, Esquire (d. 10 July, 1838, aet. 72), <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> trustee, who, through<br />
all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society's difficulties and trials, proved himself its active intrepid<br />
friend. The evening service was liberally supplied by ministers in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
neighbourhood. The precarious state <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Pears<strong>on</strong>'s heslth, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r<br />
circumstances, rendered it at length advisable that a stated minister should<br />
be invited to settle anl<strong>on</strong>g <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> people. Accordingly, in compliance with an<br />
unanimous invitati<strong>on</strong>, Stephens<strong>on</strong> Hunter, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n living without charge at<br />
Crumlin, near Belfast, entered <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pastoral charge in February, 1830,<br />
with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> result that <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> May Day following an appeal, signed by Joseph<br />
Pears<strong>on</strong> and ten o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> society, and endorsed by eleven<br />
neighbouring ministers, was issued, stating that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> worshippers <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m-<br />
selves had raised E200 towards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> erecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a permanent meeting-place,<br />
and inviting fur<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r subscripti<strong>on</strong>s for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir object. On Tuesday, 18 Novem-<br />
ber, 1831, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building <strong>on</strong> Snow Hill was opened for public worship, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
morning serm<strong>on</strong> being preached by John Kentish, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> evening <strong>on</strong>e by<br />
Samuel Bache.<br />
The ir<strong>on</strong> schoolroom at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rear <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapel was opened <strong>on</strong> M<strong>on</strong>day,<br />
12 November, 1894, having been erected with funds energetically collected<br />
by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late minister, Mr. Harris Crook, and his wife.<br />
The trustees, having had under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong> for some time a<br />
proposal to remove from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> building- in Snow Hill, and build a new church<br />
in ano<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town, sold <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> place in December, 1898, reserving<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ir<strong>on</strong> schoolroom, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> organ, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> fittings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> church. They have<br />
in view several possible sites for a new church, and hope to erect a more<br />
modern and c<strong>on</strong>venient structure in a part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> town, which would <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer<br />
better facilities for worship to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>, and where-<br />
Qe church would have more scope for activity than in its old locati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are nine or ten o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r places <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> worship within five minutes'<br />
walk.<br />
Philip Holland was <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> eldcst s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thomas Holland, minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>.<br />
Presbyterian society <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wem, in Shropshire, from 1716 till his death, 26-<br />
September, 1753. It is said <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> him that he sometimes playfully boasted.<br />
that out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his limited means he had educated ten children, three <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m<br />
at Dr. Doddridge's academy, in a manner that qualified <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>m to fill respect-<br />
able situati<strong>on</strong>s in a respectable manner ; that he always had a place at<br />
his table for any friend that called <strong>on</strong> him ; that a beggar never left his<br />
door without some sort <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> relief; and that he never had a dun at his gate,<br />
for he paid ready m<strong>on</strong>ey for every article he purchased, except his milk
score, which was discharged every Saturday night.* One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> silver<br />
communi<strong>on</strong> cups still used by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Independent society at Wem was given<br />
by him :-" The g$t <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. dfi. Nolland to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dzj.se?zting Chapel itz Wem,<br />
1752." It corresp<strong>on</strong>ds to <strong>on</strong>e given two years previously by Mrs. Bassnett.<br />
In tfneology Philip Holland-<br />
was <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Arian school, being much influenced by John Sedd<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> War-<br />
ringt<strong>on</strong>, who introduced him to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> philosophy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hutches<strong>on</strong>. He assisted<br />
Sedd<strong>on</strong> in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> establishment (1757) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Warringt<strong>on</strong> Academy for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
educati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> N<strong>on</strong>c<strong>on</strong>formist divines ; and wrote <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> third service in a<br />
collecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> forms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> prayer (1763) edited by Sedd<strong>on</strong>, and generally known<br />
as <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ' Liverpool Liturgy.' He took an active part in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> movement for<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> repeal (1779) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> doctrinal subscripti<strong>on</strong> required by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tolerati<strong>on</strong><br />
Act ; after this date his views became somewhat more heterodox. In politics<br />
he was an energetic advocate <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> independence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> American Col<strong>on</strong>ies../.<br />
John Cole preached a Dudley Lecture in 1779, and was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
divines present with Dr. Priestley and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting <strong>on</strong> 29 May,<br />
1787, when <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> regulati<strong>on</strong>s c<strong>on</strong>cerning this Double Lecture were revised ;<br />
he also preached <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two Oldbury Lectures in 1783. He was <strong>on</strong>e<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> three ministers-Samuel Clark, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham, and Thomas Robins,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> West Bromwich, being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r two-who met <strong>on</strong>ce a m<strong>on</strong>th at each<br />
o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's house for instructive c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> literary and religious subjects,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se ga<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rings being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> forerunners <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> MorLfhZy Meetitzgs established<br />
<strong>on</strong> a permanent basis in 1782, and at which he preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> serm<strong>on</strong> in<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his life, <strong>on</strong> 3 May, 1791, at Kidderminster, his text being<br />
ii. Peter i., 4.<br />
Samuel Griffiths took an active part in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lectures and Jl<strong>on</strong>thly Meetill,n<br />
His name first appears in c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley Lecture, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
meeting for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> revisi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its rules in 1787, and he preached <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>'<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Lectures in 1788 and 1796. He was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> preachers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury<br />
Lecture in 1784-Dr. Priestley being <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d <strong>on</strong> that occasi<strong>on</strong>-and in<br />
I790 and 1797. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>th& JYeez'ilzg he preached 14 times, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first ,<br />
<strong>on</strong> 6 August, 1782, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last <strong>on</strong> 7 August, 1792, and he asked some pr~esti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
dad prayed a general and ordinati<strong>on</strong> prayar, <strong>on</strong> I I October, 1796, at Coseley,<br />
' at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ordinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Samuel Parker.<br />
*C<strong>on</strong>g~egatiorzalisnt ilz Sh7.opsAive, Brnest Elliot, p. 63.<br />
.FDic. Nai. Biog., article by A.G.<br />
Shattock preached a Dudley Lecture in 1804, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following year<br />
he was first preacher at Oldbury. At <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ~JL~oIz~LJZZ~ Meeting he preached <strong>on</strong><br />
4 May, 1808, at Cradley, text, St. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w vi., I, and <strong>on</strong> I November,<br />
1809, at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1Vew Chapel', Moor Street, Bir?tzingha?l~, text, St. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w v., 16.<br />
Steward preaclied an Oldbury Lecture in 1814 ; he also preached at<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> l?f<strong>on</strong>t/rZy Jdeetirzg held at Lye, <strong>on</strong> 25 April, 1815, his text was St. John<br />
i.,46.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> early days <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Adomth/2/y ilfeeti?~g, Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong> was visited<br />
yearly from 1782, when, <strong>on</strong> 3 December, Wood, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley, preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re<br />
from PS. xcvii,, I. The minutes make menti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Pears<strong>on</strong> so early<br />
as 2 December, 1783, when we difzed at MY, Penrs<strong>on</strong>'s ; <strong>on</strong> 13 October, 1812,<br />
after service in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> chapcl' if2 St. Johtr's Street-Scott, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cradley, having<br />
preached frcm Proverbs xix., MY. Pears<strong>on</strong> entertailzed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ~ni?zz'sters; and<br />
<strong>on</strong> 23 October, 1817, after service at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rze7et schooZroom near <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> aew church,<br />
preachtr, Rev. &IY. Ly<strong>on</strong>s, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> C/zeskr, Air. Penrs<strong>on</strong> entertai~zed. From this date<br />
<strong>on</strong>wards <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> millutes tell us <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dinners at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pencock fin, or <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new hotel.<br />
Hunter preached a Dudley Lecture in 1831, 1843, 1846, and 1848 ; at<br />
Y<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Oldbury Lecture he preached in 1850 ; and at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ~V<strong>on</strong>thdy II/Ieeting he<br />
preached frequently, his first occasi<strong>on</strong> 'being <strong>on</strong> 4 May, 1830, at Stourbridge,<br />
text, Psalm xcvii., i.<br />
T. H. M. Scott preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley in 1861, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d that day<br />
being Rev. George Heaviside, B.A., <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>n, as now, minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> t!le Great<br />
Meeting, Coventry.<br />
Biss preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley in 1864--<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last year but <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
tinuance-his compani<strong>on</strong> being Belljamin Wright, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Birmingham.<br />
Harris Crook's mo<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r was Margaret, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> well-known<br />
minister, George Harris (d. 1859). He was educated at <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> leading<br />
agricultural colleges, and f ~ a r few years followed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> calling <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a gentleman<br />
farmer. He completed his studies at Owens College, and was for<br />
some time associated with M<strong>on</strong>t<strong>on</strong> Church, where he <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiated as organist.<br />
After a short pastorate at Ilkest<strong>on</strong>, where he did good work in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> face<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many difficulties, he settled at Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>, and at <strong>on</strong>ce pressed<br />
fern-ard <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> project <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> erecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> new schoolroom, which was<br />
achieved mainly by his own and Mrs. Crook's untiring efforts. His early<br />
death was a deep sorrow to his numerous friends, whose memory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> him<br />
is indeed precious.
M.S.C., p. 165.<br />
M.R., 1817, pp. 494, &C.<br />
M.R., 1818, p. 708.<br />
M.R., 1827, p. 612.<br />
M.R., 1830, p. 792.<br />
M.R., 1831, p. 861.<br />
ParZia?nentary Bebntes <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dissenters' ChajeZs BilZ, 1844, var. pp.<br />
The <str<strong>on</strong>g>History</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Litigatz<strong>on</strong> and Legisi'al'io~z respecting Presbyterian Chapels<br />
and Charities iiz England and HTaZes, betweeir 1816 and rb'gp, by 'T. S. James,<br />
1867, var. pp.<br />
U.B, 2 December, 1887.<br />
Seedsower, 1895, p. 48.<br />
Vestzges, p, 259.<br />
Midlarzd Weekly Nezets, 17 December, 1898.<br />
APPENDIX.
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE MONTHLY MEETING OF<br />
PROTESTANT DISSENTING MINISTERS OF WARWICKSHIRE<br />
AND THE NEIGMBOURING COUNTIES, 1782-1899.<br />
" The M<strong>on</strong>thly Meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant Dissenting Ministers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Warwick-<br />
shire and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> neighbouring Counties " was formed in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year 1782. The<br />
records <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> earlier years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its existence are very scanty <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> informati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
It is c<strong>on</strong>sidered probable that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meetings grew out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> private meetings<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> three ministers, viz., Samuel Clark, a minister (1756-1769) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old<br />
Meeting, Birmingham ; Thomas Robins, minister (1761-1776) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> West Brom-<br />
wich ; and John Cole, minister (1759-1781) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>, who met<br />
<strong>on</strong>ce a m<strong>on</strong>th at each o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's house for instructive c<strong>on</strong>versati<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> 1.iterary<br />
and religious subjects, but without any public service, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y c<strong>on</strong>tinued<br />
to meet till Mr. Clark's death in 1769. Mr. Robins afterwards removed<br />
to Daventry, and in 1775 succeeded Dr. Ashworth as principal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
dissenting academy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that place.<br />
The first <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thly Meetings was held at West Bromwich <strong>on</strong><br />
7 May, 1782, "at Rev. 1Wr. [Saf;zuel] Brabrook's house," when several mini-<br />
sters assembled, and agreed to enter into <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> following resoluti<strong>on</strong>s :- -<br />
" That zae will meet toge<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r nzouzthlj~ for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> jurjose <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> nzzdtztal i;zstructi<strong>on</strong> and<br />
e~l'&aii<strong>on</strong>. . . . j07, pzrbric prayer and prenching ill <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ~ilol lzinr at each o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r's<br />
places res@ctiz~e@. Thnt itz <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> nfferno<strong>on</strong> we 7wiZl more $rivntely rEisczrss some qzresti<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> intportance zuhich was p~<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>osed <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> prececI'it~p n:eetin~. That, i3z a bo.ok to Be Kept By<br />
V/. P?*octer, ?/zi?zzdes oj rach day's $?-ocierl'ing~ shall be entered."<br />
Thanks to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> care <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> successive secretaries-William Procter, Alex.<br />
Paters<strong>on</strong>, William Bowen, Samuel Bache, John Gord<strong>on</strong>, David Maginnis,<br />
Charles Clarke, Samuel Fletcher Williams, Henry McKean, Arthur Ellis<br />
O'C<strong>on</strong>nor, and Evan David Priestley Evans-minutes have been regularly<br />
kept, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> valuable series <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> minute' books is in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> custody <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
secretary for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> time being.<br />
It is needless to say that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>th4 Meetiqg-an Arian fraternity,<br />
discussing topics from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> first-must never be mixed up with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> mucl1<br />
older Dudley and Oldbury Double Lectures.
The centenary <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jlo?zthZy Meeting, as rec<strong>on</strong>structed in 1782, was<br />
celebrated <strong>on</strong> 13 December, 1882, at Birmingham, when an historical sketch<br />
was read at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> morning meeting in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> lecture room <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah, by David Maginnis, F.R.Hist.S., followed by a public dinner,<br />
under <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> presidency <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dr. Russell, J.P., and by Divine service in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
evening, in'<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Messiah, c<strong>on</strong>ducted by John Robberds, B.A.,<br />
with a serm<strong>on</strong> from St. Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>w xiii., 33, by Joseph Estlin Carpenter, M.A.,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Manchester New College, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>.<br />
The sketch, speeches, and serm<strong>on</strong> were afterwards printed and cir-<br />
culated.<br />
The following suggesti<strong>on</strong>s, respecting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meetings, revised and com-<br />
pleted by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sub-committee, which met <strong>on</strong> M<strong>on</strong>day, May 28th, for that<br />
purpose, were finally adopted at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting at West Bromwich, <strong>on</strong> Wed-<br />
nesday, June 6th, 1894 :-<br />
*<br />
~.-That in additi<strong>on</strong> to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>duct <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> formal business-<br />
(Q) Papers may be read <strong>on</strong> any subject c<strong>on</strong>nected with religious<br />
life and thought ;<br />
(ij Services may be held at which a serm<strong>on</strong> may be delivered ;<br />
(L) Topics <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> public interest, or <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> immediate urgency may be<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sidered ; and any resoluti<strong>on</strong>s NOT <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a party or sectarian<br />
character may be adopted.<br />
2. -That <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meetings shall commence with prayer.<br />
a.-That at least <strong>on</strong>ce a year <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> ministers shall be invited to bring<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir wives, so that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y shall share in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> social and intellectual<br />
proceedings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting. I<br />
A.-That <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meetings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> year be set apart for devoti<strong>on</strong>al<br />
purposes <strong>on</strong>ly, and that where it may be desired by those giving<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> invitati<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Communi<strong>on</strong> Service may also be held in c<strong>on</strong>-<br />
necti<strong>on</strong> with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> meeting.<br />
5.-That, wherever practicable, an evening meeting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a public character<br />
shall be held.<br />
Short articles respecting <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>thZy Meetinp will be found in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Seed- ,<br />
V Sower: 1895, pp. 37, 57, and in Yest&es, pp. 359-362.<br />
EXTRACTS FROM Dr. JOHN EVANS'S LISTS,<br />
A.D. 1714-1729,<br />
respecting Societies now <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Roll <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Midland</str<strong>on</strong>g> Christian Uni<strong>on</strong>.<br />
AULCESTER, vulg6 Auster. M. Joseph Porter, dead 1721. Rogers<strong>on</strong><br />
1723-<br />
ATHERSTONE, 10. 7. Christopher Smalley rem. John Reynolds.<br />
BANBURY, B. Stephen Davies. 600. 70. G.35, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> rest T. and F.<br />
BEWDLEY, B. Edward Oasland. Job Barret. 300.<br />
BIRMINGHAM, vulg6 Bromicham. M. William Turt<strong>on</strong> dead 1716.<br />
Daniel Greenwood, see West Bromwich. Edward Broadhurst.<br />
DITTO Thomas Pickard.<br />
COSELEY, fortnightly. 6. 5. Paul Russell, an itinerant.<br />
Doughty. 400. 45.<br />
PENSNET or CRADLEY. 6. 5. Josiah Bassett. 400. 25.<br />
DUDLEY, M. 8. 6. Joseph Stokes.<br />
George<br />
EVESHAM, B. 6. 5. Daniel Higgs dead October, 1728. Blackmore<br />
1728. 200.<br />
KenrzeZwort/E. 8. 6. Samuel Turt<strong>on</strong> died 1728. John Bassett.<br />
Kingswood, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Parish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Iiing's Nort<strong>on</strong>. 4. By several, especially<br />
by Wott<strong>on</strong>.<br />
OLDBURY. 6. 5. Turt<strong>on</strong>. Edward Broadhurst. Coll. [Birmingham.]<br />
SALOP, or SHREWSBURY. John Reynolds, rem. 1718. John Gyles,<br />
M.D. [Coil.]- Charles Berry, 1718. 440. 47. 49. G. 4. T.<br />
and F., 62.<br />
STURBRIDGE, M. George Flower.<br />
TAMWORTH, B. 10. 7. J<strong>on</strong>ah Malchin. 80. 18.<br />
WALSALL. 6. 8. John Godly. 400. 29.<br />
WARWICK, B. Jos. Carpenter.<br />
Wolverhampt<strong>on</strong>. 6. 5. John Stubs. 400. 39.
BIRMINGHAM.-PARADISE MEETING.<br />
The few particulars <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this society, in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> possessi<strong>on</strong>- <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author,<br />
were extracted by him, in 1899, from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Bajtisnzs, at Pa~,adise<br />
Meeting, Bir~~zingham ; a thin vellum bound volume, 7sin. by 12in. tall. On<br />
a paper inserted at <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Register is written :-Register <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Baptis?)~~--fr~?~i 1751 to 1813--Belo?zgi?rg to a C<strong>on</strong>~rega,ri<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prot. Dissenters,<br />
not orzgi~zail'jS Bajtists, nsse?~zbli~zg in Parau'ise Street, Bi~?~~i?zpha?n, ?t?zder <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
cnre <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rev. Robert Little--zv/lich 7ejas a fterwnrds dissohed. The Xez~. Robert<br />
Little afterwards e??z&rated io <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Uhited States <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Anzerica. These jrvers zr~ere<br />
deposited (after Nr. Little's dejartzrre to America) zir <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> haii~~s qf <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> late Rev.<br />
Rab~rt xell, after whose decease, i?z r8q2, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y ca??ze i?zto <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> jossessi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thz IZez!.<br />
N~fgh Hzr ttoa , h is SzlccessoY in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> 772 i7t istry n f <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Old L l:eetilzg, Bi331;i inghanz.<br />
The entries are headed with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> statement that :-This Register c<strong>on</strong>tains<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> names <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> children bel<strong>on</strong>ging to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Protestant<br />
J>fiselzters warsh$i?zg [sic] il~ Paradire Jfeeti?tg, Bimzingha~~z, who have been<br />
baptised i72 that co~n?nzrtni<strong>on</strong> since <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> care <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church devolved <strong>on</strong> Robert Little,<br />
Jzine 24, 1791.<br />
The first entry is that <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Elizabeth, daztghter oJ PViZZiam Tranter, a?zd<br />
Sa?,ah, his w$e, b. 2 I JuQ, I 79 I, and baptized 20 Nosr,e??zber, I 79 I, b,; J. Boddii'y.<br />
Entry Nos. 71 and 89 are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> baptisms by <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir fa<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Elizabeth<br />
Emnta, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Robert and Ann Litile, qf Szin~nzef- Bill, BB?ni,vgham, b.<br />
5 J1~72e, 1795, "ad <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Robert Pierey, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir s<strong>on</strong>, b. 6 Jrute, 1796.<br />
Mere, for a period, Little's entries cease.<br />
<strong>on</strong> 12 August, 1798, five children were baptized by Sir Egeerto? Le@,$.<br />
011 17 November and 10 December, 1799, three baptisms are registered<br />
as performed by OBadiah Bennit [see pp. 28, 29 ante].<br />
From 30 November, 1801, to 22 September, 1805, w?z. WiLZiailzs<br />
signs 37 entries ; and <strong>on</strong> 2 I September, 1806, Robert Little's name again<br />
appears and goes <strong>on</strong> until 12 July, 1807, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> date <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last entry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
baptism in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> book.<br />
Three notes have subsequently been inserted :-<br />
P<br />
Paradise Street Cfiapel havilzg give?z zlp <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> practice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> hzfant Baftisnr, frotit<br />
Co~z~icti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its 6eing unscriptz~ral, this Register is c<strong>on</strong>tinued <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Fids otzb<br />
* <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Children <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> szlch as are or may be in fellozlsh$ zelit/l <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Church in futtire.<br />
On Decenlber 10, 1809, The C?zz~rc?z rejl?zoved its meetings to a &W Buildi~g<br />
erected by tilenz for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> PZLY-ose, ill Little Ca?zno~z Street, Bir??t inghauz-aad- this<br />
part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Register is k@t open for tire Nallres and Births <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ChiZdren <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
&!~?tzzzbers.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
N. B. The Society c<strong>on</strong>ti?ir/ed its ltreethgs in Litiie Calrn<strong>on</strong> Street, z~ntil <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
year I 8 14, when it zras $naZ& dissolved, but in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> i?zteri~~t 710 afienii<strong>on</strong> seems io<br />
hazle been $aid to <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Practice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Registering <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Children here ; and sorrre are<br />
hnozein to have benz Registered in Dr. T4'iZlia~1zs's Library, Red Cross Street,<br />
Lo~zd<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Little became minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Beaum<strong>on</strong>t Street society, Gainsborough,<br />
where <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>e entry in its register, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a baptism at his hands, is dated<br />
<strong>on</strong> 5 December, 1817 Here he remained for a short time, preaching <strong>on</strong><br />
20 December, 1818, a serm<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> " Death and a Future Life," which, says<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> M<strong>on</strong>th& R@ository*-<br />
we fear we must accept this as a farewell serm<strong>on</strong>, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> author being <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
point <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> removing to America. Whe<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r he exercises his pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong> or not<br />
in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> United States, he will, we are persuaded, c<strong>on</strong>tinue in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> service <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
truth, and our best wishes attend him.<br />
Just before sailing he preached <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two Dudley Double<br />
Lectures, <strong>on</strong> Whit Tuesday, I June, 1819, from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Psalmist's words :-<br />
For Thou hast made Him a little lower than <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> angels, and hast crowned<br />
Him with glory and h<strong>on</strong>our. PS. viii., 5.<br />
He established himself at Washingt<strong>on</strong>, where, says his biographer+-<br />
he succeeded in raising en Unitarian c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> in that city, which was<br />
h<strong>on</strong>oured with <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> countenance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mr. Adams, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> President <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> United<br />
States, and o<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>r members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Government, and <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> Legislature.<br />
He died in August, 1827, at Harrisburg, where he had g<strong>on</strong>e from<br />
Washingt<strong>on</strong>-<br />
<strong>on</strong> a journey <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> recreati<strong>on</strong> and health with his family ;<br />
and where he preached <strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> last Sunday, not more than 48 hours before<br />
his death.
Both <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> two obituaries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> him* say that he began his ministerial<br />
career as a Calvinist, and was for some time <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> pastor <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong><br />
in Mr. Haldane's c<strong>on</strong>nexi<strong>on</strong>, in Dundee ; that he afterwards <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiated to<br />
a Sandemanian c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> ; and at Birmingham, where he became an<br />
Unitarian, which (says <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> C.R.)-<br />
led to his removal ;<br />
and that he preached as a supply to various Unitarian c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong>s, and<br />
after some time became minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gregati<strong>on</strong> at Gainsborough.<br />
He was a man no less respected for his virtues in private life than esteemed<br />
for his talents and his usefulness as a Christian preacher.<br />
WILLIAM TURTON'S MARRIAGE.<br />
The author is indebted to Mr. Arthur A. Rollas<strong>on</strong>'s untiring researches<br />
in local registers for <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>se results, which have fortunately come to light<br />
in time to be included here :-<br />
WEST BROMWICH PARISH REGISTERS.<br />
7 2 rub, I 659, Mr. WiZZiam Tz~rt<strong>on</strong>, minister, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rowley, and Mrs. &Iargery<br />
Grove were marrz'ed, and declared husband and wzye by W. Richard<br />
Hilt<strong>on</strong>, our minister.<br />
ROWLEY REGIS PARISH REGISTERS.<br />
I 659. MARRIAGE.<br />
Yzrlry I 2, Mr. WiZZia?~t Tz~it<strong>on</strong>, minister, and Margery Grove, daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mrs.<br />
RusselZ, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this parish, married at West Bro~~zwich, by Richard NiZZto~z,<br />
tnirzister <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>re.<br />
I 660. 3une 3, yosiah S. Mr. WilZiatt~ alzd Jflajyery Turt<strong>on</strong> baptized.<br />
I 663. March 8, Nathz- S. Mr. WiZZiam and Margery Z~rt<strong>on</strong>, minister, baptized.<br />
The Grove family <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rowley and Halesowen was a family <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> importance.<br />
I have a note <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> marriage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> George Grove with Margery White,<br />
at Halesowen, and he is described as her guardian. If it was his widow<br />
who Mr. Turt<strong>on</strong> married I cannot understand her being descri ed as a<br />
daughter <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mrs. Russell. " k<br />
Mrs." or " Mistress " were used in <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old<br />
"M.R., 1827, p, 927, and C.R., 1827, p. 468.<br />
days though to distinguish even an unmarried gentlewoman, <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>refore Mrs.<br />
Margery Grove may mean that she was <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> gentle descent, and not a<br />
widow. The Russells <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Rowley and Dudley were an important family.<br />
My view is that <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>y took <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ir name from <str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g> old family <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> de Rushale<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> (now) Rushall, near Walsall.<br />
A. A. R.<br />
SEDGLEY PARISH REGISTERS.<br />
1775: Ajril, 25.<br />
?ViZZia?n D. Wood. <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Dudley, Bachelor, to illary Whitehause, Spinster, by<br />
Zice~z ce.
Adams, J., 38, 41, 43<br />
Addingt<strong>on</strong>, Dr. S., 201<br />
Addis, W. E., 8<br />
Agar, W., 249, 255<br />
Aitkin, A., 181, 191<br />
Alexander, J., 130<br />
Allard, S., 198<br />
,, W., 79, 81, 84, 86, 87<br />
Amner, R., 79, 83, 85, 86, 93, 96, 118,<br />
'95<br />
Angier, S., 24<br />
Ashe, S., 39<br />
Ashworth, Dr. C., 24, 29, 44, 50, 59, 78,<br />
86, 119, 130, '39, 141, '56,<br />
182, 201, 259<br />
Aspland, R., 2, 35<br />
,, R.B.,4,124,200<br />
Astley, R., 3, 181, 186, 191, 192<br />
9, T.949<br />
Bache, K., 61<br />
,, S., 3, 4, '5, 52, 55, 56, 61, 101,<br />
106, 170, 198, '99, 227, 251,<br />
259<br />
Bailey, Bp. L., 123<br />
Baker, F., 106<br />
,, J., 89, 93, 97, 98, "8<br />
Bakewell, P., 222, 227, 228<br />
Ball, J., 24 .<br />
Barnes, Dr. T., 105, 198<br />
Barret, J., 38<br />
Barrett, J., 143, 152<br />
Barrow, E. P., 8<br />
Basset, J. (Cyadlg), 89, go, 91, 97, 98,<br />
1 36<br />
INDEX OF MINISTERS.<br />
Basset, J. (~xhnli), go<br />
Bassett, J., 134, 136, 141<br />
Baxter, R., 40, 145, 146<br />
Beard, Dr. C., 46, 48, 51, 233<br />
,, Dr. J.R.,6;, 187, 191, rgg,zoz<br />
Beasley, T. E., 118, 150, 213, 217, 218,<br />
219<br />
Belsham, T., 50, 54, 60, 87, 99, 105, 744,<br />
'54, 162, 165, 197, 2'8, 225,<br />
227, 244<br />
Beni<strong>on</strong>, D., 240, 246, 247<br />
,, Dr.S., 159~ 181,~11,aqo,z++<br />
Bennet, B., 22, 23<br />
,, o., 19, 28, 29, 262<br />
Bennett, A., 87<br />
Beringt<strong>on</strong>, J., 55 -<br />
Berry, C. (Leicester), 2, 4, 34, 197, 198,<br />
'99<br />
,, C. (Shre~vsdlr~j~), 181, 182, 189<br />
Bilby, W., 208<br />
Birks, J., I g, 159, 166<br />
,, R.E.,1g,30,203,211<br />
, W., 31, 37, 249, 255<br />
Biss, C. F., 5, 15, 203, 211, 249, 253, 255<br />
Blackmore, C., 124<br />
,, F.,I22,I23,124,130,137<br />
Blad<strong>on</strong>, T., 203, 204<br />
Blake, W., Jr., 152, 154<br />
Blakely, F., 99<br />
Blakeway, J. B., 192<br />
Blatchford, A. N., 8<br />
Blick, -, I 59<br />
Blyth, E., 50<br />
,, S., 12,52,59,79,86, 118<br />
Boult, F., 181, 189<br />
Bourn, S., 52, 53, 57, 59, 79, 82, 83, 85,<br />
92, 182
Bowden, R., 152<br />
Bowen, T., 105, 196, 213, 217, 218, 220<br />
,, W., 3, 89, 97, 98, 99, 108, I599<br />
156, 168, 171, 198, 199, 259<br />
Bowring, T., 19, 29, 72, 197, 203, 211<br />
Brabant, T., 77<br />
Brabrook, S., 259<br />
Bradford, J., 172, 174, 179<br />
Bransby, J. H., 2, 4, 101, ro;, 110, 112,<br />
11~3, 119, 196, 198, 210<br />
Bretland, J., 106, 119, 190<br />
Bristow, E., 3, 66<br />
Broadbent, W., 139, I43<br />
Broadrick, T. B., 158, 171<br />
Brodhurst, E., 12, 45, 49, 172<br />
,, G.,9, I2,49<br />
Brooke, Dr. S. A., 8, 62, 71<br />
Brooks, J. G., 73<br />
Brown, B., 232<br />
Browne, S. TV., 2, 45, 50<br />
Bryam, J., 181, 188<br />
Buckley, W., 19, 20, 24, 29<br />
Burkitt, T., 134, 138, 139, I41<br />
Eurnham, J., 208<br />
Burt<strong>on</strong>, J. R., 44, 158<br />
Bussel, -, 91<br />
Butcher, E., 26, 246, 248<br />
Butt, G., '45, '47<br />
Byng, J.9 203, 204, 209, 211<br />
Galamy, E., 31, 39, 40, 80<br />
Cardale, P., 91, 122, 123, 124, 130<br />
Carpenter, B.. 3, 12, 77, 89, 93, 95, 99,<br />
104, 118, 119, 144, 152, 171,<br />
794, 195, 20'<br />
,, B. (I\.'ottinpAnm), 198<br />
,, J., 91, 92, 136, 222, 224, 227<br />
,, J. E., 71, 260<br />
,, Dr. L., 146, 198, 227<br />
,, R. L., 163<br />
Carter, M., 181, 189<br />
Case, G. A., 181, 191<br />
Champers, A., 209<br />
Channicg, Dr., 128, 164<br />
,, W. H., 200<br />
Charles, P., 122, 127, 129, I31<br />
Charleswotth, A. A., 7, 63, 68<br />
Clair, G. St., 75, 76<br />
Clark, S., 45, 50, 172, 251, 259<br />
Clarlce, C., I, 4, 5, 6, 45, 51, 797, 199, 259<br />
,, H., 51<br />
,, S.A.939<br />
,, W. J., 72<br />
Clayden, P. TV., zoo<br />
Clements, --, 150, 159<br />
Coates, J., 45, 47, 509 53, 198<br />
Cochrane, W., I, 4, 15, 89, 98, 99, 165,<br />
171, 199, 201<br />
Cole, J., 93, I 18, 196, 249, 250, 251, 251,<br />
259<br />
Collier, R. L., 63, 68<br />
Colthurst, T., 240<br />
C<strong>on</strong>ingham, J., 59<br />
Cooper, J., 63, 67, 68<br />
9, John, 79, 84, 86, 879 I97<br />
,, J. T., 87<br />
Cornish, J , 32<br />
Corrie, J., 2, 45, 50, 138, 141<br />
,, Josiah, 134, 138, I41<br />
Cott<strong>on</strong>, R. H., 6, 15 16<br />
Cranbrook, J., 63, 66, 67, 108<br />
CranforJ, F. A., 39<br />
Cr<strong>on</strong>~pt<strong>on</strong>, J., 197, 199<br />
Crook, L. G. H., 249, 351, 253, 25s<br />
Crosskey, Dr., 6, 52, 56, 58, 61, zoo,<br />
231, 239<br />
Crossley, J., 7, 52, 59, 62, 89, 99<br />
Cucks<strong>on</strong>, J., 15, 63, 66, 68<br />
Dale, J., 9, '6, '7, 19, 30<br />
Davies, E., 92<br />
9, S., 31, 32, 34, 36<br />
Davis, B., 122, 127, 129, 131, 213, 217,<br />
219<br />
,, D. (Egzshntn), IS, 128<br />
Davis, D. (CustelZ-hywel), 28, 125, 127,<br />
128, 131, 176<br />
, R., 16, 122, 128, 133<br />
, Thos., 19, 21, 28,29, 122, 127,<br />
131<br />
, Timothy (Ezfeshul/l), 3, 10, 14,<br />
122, 124, 127, 128, 129,<br />
131, '76, 198<br />
,, Timothy (O!tibt~~y), 172, 176, 179<br />
Davis<strong>on</strong>, D., 109<br />
,, S. C., 101, 109, 120, 199<br />
Daws<strong>on</strong>, G., 70, 75, 192<br />
Dean, J., 5, 15, 203, 211<br />
1, "9 "37 "9, 22<br />
Den+, J., 194, 199, 202<br />
Denny, -, 41<br />
Dent<strong>on</strong>, N., 35<br />
Dethick, J., 210<br />
Dobs<strong>on</strong>, J., 182, 213, 219<br />
Doddridge, Dr., 24, 29, 41, 50, 182, 189,<br />
2.51, 254<br />
Doughty, G., 79, 81, 82<br />
Dows<strong>on</strong>, H. E., I, 6, 15, 52, 61<br />
Dru~~~rn<strong>on</strong>d, Dr. J., 4, zoo<br />
,, Dr. W. N., 3<br />
Dunbar, M. S., 122, 133<br />
Dunnz, R. E., 73<br />
Durell, A., 77<br />
Eachus, H., 15, 79, 84, 85,88<br />
Eastlake, W. H., 9, 16, 17<br />
Eccleshall, J., 79, 80, 81, 86<br />
Edge, J.9 91, 194, 201<br />
Edwards, A., 224<br />
,, J., 52, 57, 60, 83<br />
,, W., 79, 839 86<br />
Elcox, -, 159<br />
Elliott, E., 156, 189, 2 52<br />
Ellis, H. W., 19, 28, 29<br />
Emans, P., 12, 118<br />
Estlin, J. P., 58<br />
Evans, B., 9, 12, 16, 17<br />
,, D. L., 28, 33, 77, 78, 131, 132<br />
E<br />
Evans, E. D. P., 143, 148, 158, 259<br />
,, G. E., 78, 121, 192- 232, 237, 239<br />
,, J., 122, 127, 131<br />
,, Dr. 3.9 103<br />
,, J. G., 254<br />
,, T., 159, 165<br />
Faxvcett, B., 143, 147<br />
,, S., I44<br />
Fenner, J. L., 134, 139, 141, 152<br />
Field, W., 78, 129, 134, 136, 140, 141,<br />
222, 225, 226, 227<br />
Fincher, W., 45, 56, 59<br />
Fish, W. H., 143, 157<br />
Flavel, T., 208<br />
Fleming, J. R., 201<br />
Fletcher, -, 23<br />
,, J. E., 79, 88<br />
Flower, G., 90, 194, 200<br />
F<br />
Fordyce, J., 172, '75, '79<br />
Fownes, J., 89, 91, 97, 98, 104, 181, 183F<br />
190<br />
Fox, G., 20<br />
,, G., 137, '4'<br />
,, W-J.987<br />
Fry, R., 2, 79, 86, 87, 143, 1479 150, 152,<br />
'57, '96, 198<br />
Fuller, F, G., 39<br />
Gannett, Dr., 164<br />
Gardner, J. B., 72<br />
Gasquoine, T., 233, 234, 236<br />
Gentleman, R., 93, 118, 143, 144, 147,<br />
148, '51, 153, 156, 183,<br />
195, 196, 218<br />
Ghinucciio, Bp., 172<br />
Gibb<strong>on</strong>s, T., 139<br />
Gibs<strong>on</strong>, M., I, 3, 15, 101, 110, 114, 115,<br />
120, 143, 157, I93<br />
,, R*H.,194,199,202<br />
Godley, J., 89, 90, 189, 213, 214, 217,<br />
219<br />
Goode, S., 172, 179
Gord<strong>on</strong>, A., 20, 22, 24, 26, 29, 56, 106,<br />
128, 132, 137, 182, 21 I, 223,<br />
225, 252<br />
Gord<strong>on</strong>, J., I, 3, 4, 7, 15, 16, 79, 84, 87,<br />
109, 122, 124, 128, 132, 134,<br />
140, 141, 199, 2'0, 259<br />
Gray, B. K., 222, 228<br />
Green, B. L., 122, 129, I32<br />
Greenwood, D., 45, 49, 172<br />
Griffiths, S. (Oldbury), 172, 176, 179<br />
,, S. ( WoZve~*havtpt<strong>on</strong>), 83, 92, 93,<br />
Grundy, J., 210<br />
Gummer, J., 144<br />
Gyles, J., 181, 189<br />
Hall, Bp., 147<br />
, E. P., 89, 99<br />
,, J., 143, 158<br />
Halliday, T., 35<br />
10.5, 118, 152, 175, 176, '95,<br />
249, 250, 251, 254<br />
Hampt<strong>on</strong>, G., 31, 32, 33, 34, 36<br />
Hancock, J., 13, 14, 16<br />
Hancox, J., 77, 91, 92, 101, 104, 119, 201<br />
Hargrove, C., 8<br />
Harris, G., 64, 176, 253<br />
Harris<strong>on</strong>, Dr. J., 3<br />
,, R., 181, go<br />
,, W., 190<br />
Hart, B., 149<br />
Hartley, J., 208<br />
Hawkes, W., 12, 52, 57, 59, 79, 86, 1'8<br />
,, W.,jr.,59<br />
Haycock, H., 42<br />
Heap, D., 31, 37<br />
Heaviside, G., 134, 142, 253<br />
Heineken, N. S., 121<br />
Hennessey, N. M., 75, 76<br />
Henry, M., 223, 227, 228<br />
,, p., 223, 227, 240, 247, 248<br />
Herford, Dr. B., 4, 8, 66, 164<br />
,, W. H., 15, 732<br />
t<br />
Heywood, - (Dr<strong>on</strong>field), 23<br />
,, J., '5, 159, '66<br />
Hickman, H., 89, go<br />
Hickman, H., jr., 89<br />
Higgins<strong>on</strong>, E., 3, 4, 61<br />
Higgs, D., 123, I30<br />
,, J., 122, 123, 130<br />
Hill, H*, 31, 36, 37<br />
,, TV49<br />
Hincks, J., 107<br />
Hobs<strong>on</strong>, J., 159, 160, 162, 165<br />
Holden, A. M., 222, 228<br />
Holland, [T.?], gr<br />
,, J., 35<br />
,, p,, 249, 251, 252, 254<br />
,, T.,251,252<br />
Homer, F. A., 230, 231<br />
Hopkins, G., 123<br />
Hopps, J. P-, 75, 215<br />
Horsley, Bp., 57<br />
Hought<strong>on</strong>, P., 181, 'go<br />
Howard, J., 19, 30, 203, 211<br />
Howell, W. (6irt1~ingi%am), 45, 49<br />
, W. (S-dnnsea), 49<br />
Hubbard, C. B., 31, 34, 36<br />
Hughes, Dr. O., 182<br />
,, S., 189<br />
Hiinges, L., 15<br />
Hunter, Dr. J., S<br />
,, 8 S., 3, 19, 199, 249, 251, 253, 254<br />
Huntingd<strong>on</strong>, Dr., 163, 164<br />
Hutchins<strong>on</strong>, Bp., 181<br />
Hutt<strong>on</strong>, H., 3, 4, 45, 51, '96,198, 199,262<br />
,, J., 3<br />
,, R. H., I97<br />
,, W., 46, 47, 160<br />
Huxham, -, 24<br />
Hyndman, J. S., 97<br />
Isaac, J., I 19<br />
Jacks, L. P., 8, 52, 62<br />
J<br />
J<br />
Jacks<strong>on</strong>, J., 209<br />
Jacob, J., 236<br />
James, J., 131<br />
James, J. A., 51, 62<br />
,, W*, 4, '03, 199<br />
James<strong>on</strong>, -, 250<br />
Janns, T., 81<br />
Jeffery, J., 187<br />
Jenkins, H., 31, 34, 84, 95, '52, '72, 174,<br />
179, '94, 198, 201<br />
9, J., 92<br />
, , T., 126, 240, 246, 247<br />
Jeremy, D. D., 134, 142, 197, 222, 227,<br />
228<br />
Jevans, J., 77, 78<br />
Johns, W., 139<br />
Johns<strong>on</strong>, H. H., 70, 71<br />
Jollie, T., 23<br />
J<strong>on</strong>es, D. (Eveslzant), 122, 125, 129, I30<br />
,, D. ( WnZsaZl), 213, 215, 217, 219<br />
,, D. (" Welsh Fyceholder "), 52, 57,<br />
60, 198<br />
,, D. W., 240, 246<br />
9, E. (Beze~dle~~), 38, 41, 44, I55<br />
,, E. o., 41, 79, 86, 87, I97<br />
9, J. (BewdLty), 38, 4-13 44<br />
,, J. (Whitclzulzh), 240<br />
,, N. (Crarl'ley and WitZsaZZ), 89, 91,<br />
92, 97, 98, 211, 213, 216,4179<br />
219<br />
,, N. (Derl?v), 32 .<br />
9, 0. J., 232, 234, 237, 239<br />
,, R. J., '31, I79<br />
,, S. (BrynZZywarch), 189<br />
,, S. (Pentwyn), 91<br />
1, UT*A.,3, 132<br />
Keay, E., 240, 243, 246<br />
Kedwards, J., 15, 168, 171<br />
Kell, E., 50<br />
,, R., 45, 50; 97, 196, 198, 20' 262<br />
Kenrick, J. (Wrexham), 43<br />
I<br />
Kenrick, J. (York), 2, 57, 210<br />
1, T.9 43, 106, 119<br />
Kentish, J., 2, 3, 52, 55, 58, 60, 95, '28?<br />
170, 196, 198, 199, 210, 214,<br />
227, 251<br />
Kettle, J., 222, 224, 227<br />
King, J., 240<br />
Kingsbury, B., 122, 127, 222, 224, 227<br />
Kippis, Dr. A., go<br />
Kirkpatrick, H., 137<br />
,, J., '34, '37<br />
Kitcat, J., 198<br />
Knapt<strong>on</strong>, W* J., 75, 76<br />
Lake, J. W., 134, 142, 222, 224, 228<br />
Lancaster, A., 232, 237, 239<br />
Lane, J., 143, 152, 156, 198<br />
Latham, Dr., 17, 59, 91, 119, 124, 130,<br />
190<br />
Lathrop, R., 247<br />
Laugher, T., I 19<br />
Laurence, S., 12<br />
Lee, M. H., 248<br />
Lewis, D., 159, 162, 165<br />
,, G., 159, 162, 165<br />
,, L., 3<br />
Lindsey, T., 15<br />
Little, R., 2, 262<br />
Lloyd, Bp., 173<br />
,, Dr.C., 122, 126, 129, 130<br />
,, D., 125<br />
,, J. B., 7, 101, 110, I21<br />
,, R., 3, 159, 163, 165<br />
,, R. L., 4, 165<br />
Lowe, D., 35<br />
,, G.935<br />
Loyd, L., 181, go<br />
Lumn~is, E. W., 75, 76, 230, 231<br />
Lunn, A., '43, I57<br />
,, J. C., 79, 88, 122, 132<br />
Ly<strong>on</strong>s, J.9 253
Maccall, W., 197<br />
Macd<strong>on</strong>ald, A. F., 63, 67, 68<br />
I<br />
Machin, J., 20<br />
Maddocks, W., 134<br />
Make, T., 54, I99<br />
Maginnis, D., I, 4, 6, 15, 177, 194, 199,<br />
202, 259, 260<br />
Malkin, J., 203, 204, 209, 2 I I<br />
BIalles<strong>on</strong>, J. P., 35<br />
Pl~Ianders<strong>on</strong>, J. F., 79, 88<br />
Manley, A., 213, 217, 220<br />
Pclarriott, J., 240, 246<br />
Marshall, T. L., 33, 199, 222, 226, 228<br />
Martin, S., 4, 199<br />
Martineau, Dr. J., 4, 11<br />
Mat<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>urs, J. H,, 159, 166<br />
,, M.,208<br />
Mattock, D., 45, 49, 91, 172<br />
Matts, D., 6<br />
Maurice, B., 9, 12, 16, 17<br />
,, J., 138<br />
McD<strong>on</strong>nell, T. M., 64<br />
McDowell, J., gr, 37<br />
McFerran, J., 199<br />
McGowan, W. O., 4, 79, 88<br />
McKean, H., I, 6, 172, 176, 179, 180,<br />
230, 259<br />
,, W.,I72,176,179,197,199,<br />
213, 220<br />
McKee, J. R., 181, 187, 191<br />
Mees<strong>on</strong>, H. A., 3, 222, 226, 228<br />
Mell<strong>on</strong>e, S. H., 157<br />
,, W. E., 143, '57<br />
Mellor, W., 63, 68<br />
Mercer, D., 169<br />
Miller, Can<strong>on</strong>, 61<br />
Moody, J., 138<br />
Mo<strong>on</strong>, W., 88, 220<br />
Moore, H., 128<br />
,, &., 159, 162, 213, 217, 220<br />
Morell, T., 34<br />
Morris, -, 41<br />
,, F. S., 232, 235, 237, 239<br />
Morris, J,, 235<br />
Mort<strong>on</strong>, -, 80<br />
Mottershead, J., I 82<br />
~ountford, W., 42, 159, 163, 166<br />
Myers, E., 15, 75, 76, '81, 187, 192, 2'3,<br />
218, 233, 234, 239, 255<br />
Nash, Dr., 173<br />
Naylor, B., 93<br />
Newey, J., 80<br />
Newt<strong>on</strong>, J., 224<br />
_ Nicholsoil, R. T., 7, 52, 58, 62<br />
Nicklyn, E., 77<br />
Nickels, N., 45, 50<br />
Norris, J., 209<br />
Nutter, C. C., 19, 21, 29, 31, 37<br />
Oasland, E., 38, 40, 43<br />
9, H.,38,39,43,81,89<br />
O'C<strong>on</strong>nor, A. E., 89, 99, 259<br />
Odgers, J. C., 122, 132<br />
Orr, J., zoo<br />
Ort<strong>on</strong>, J., 41, 59, 91, 92, 144, 147, 148,<br />
176, 181, 182, 189, 193<br />
Osborn, G., 143, 144, 148, 156<br />
Owen, Jas., 181, 189<br />
9, John, 3, 199, 203, 209, 211<br />
,, T., 211<br />
Palmer, H. G., 120, 121<br />
,, J., 64, 101, 106, 117, 120, 197,<br />
'99<br />
Parkes, W., 80<br />
Parker, S., 79, 83, 87, 149, 196, 252<br />
Farkins<strong>on</strong>, W., 4, 203, 210, 21 I<br />
Parr, Dr., 56, 225<br />
Parry, E., I, 4, 15, 38, 42, 44, '43, '57,<br />
2'4<br />
,, E., jr., 157<br />
Partingt<strong>on</strong>, J., 124<br />
Paters<strong>on</strong>, A., 97, 194, 196, 198, 199,201,<br />
210, 213, 259<br />
Patters<strong>on</strong>, T., 198<br />
Payne, G. A., 42<br />
Peach, J., 79, 81, 82, 178<br />
Pell, R., 240, 247<br />
Philips, S., 134, 136, 137, 141<br />
Phillips, Dr. N., 126<br />
,, s.992<br />
Philp, J., 240, 246<br />
Pickard, T., 52, 56, 59, 79, 86<br />
Pipe, T., 73, 74, 168, 171<br />
Piper, H- H*, 3, 32, 33, 31, 35, 37<br />
Porteous, -, 26, 27<br />
Porter, J., 9, 10, I I, 227<br />
Potter, W., 75<br />
Priestley, Dr., 12, 46, 47, 52, 55, 56, 579<br />
59, 83, 105, 118, 126, 168,<br />
175, 218, 225, 227, 251<br />
Procter, H., 132, 126, 129, 130, 240<br />
,, W., 83, 93, '18, 172, 173, '74,<br />
179, 195,259<br />
,, W. T., 10.5, 179, 196<br />
Pro<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>ro, J., 19, 20, 21, 24, 29<br />
Pugh, P., 131<br />
Reed, F. T., 73, 74, 203, 211<br />
Rees, Dr. A., 109<br />
,, Dr.T.,127<br />
,, T., 240<br />
Reynolds, J. (Athtrstoize), 19, 21, 23, 29<br />
,, J. (Bczucl'lej,), 38, 41, 92<br />
,, J.(Sh~,ewsb~~~y),23,181,217<br />
,, W., 232, 237<br />
Robberds, J., 260<br />
,, J. G., I99<br />
Roberts<strong>on</strong>, J., 72, 210<br />
Robins, T., 50, 131, 141, 144, 156, 162,<br />
165, 219, 251, 259<br />
Robins<strong>on</strong>, A. J., 91<br />
* ,, Proctor, 128<br />
,, W.,I9,30,203,2II<br />
,, W. \v., 213, 220<br />
Rog~rs<strong>on</strong>, J., 12, 209<br />
,, R*, g, 11, I7<br />
Rose, T., 35<br />
~ou~le;, H., 203, 204, 205, 211<br />
Rowe, J., 181, 190, 197<br />
,, T., 223, 227<br />
Russell, E. T., 73, 74<br />
,, P.,79,81<br />
Ryland, J. H., 3, 4, 196<br />
Rylett, H., 101, 120<br />
Sacheverall, Dr.; 102<br />
Sadler, Dr., 34, 163<br />
Saint, C. N., 9, 13, 17<br />
Sale, E. J., 70<br />
Saunders, J., 138<br />
Savage, Dr., 190<br />
Scholefield, R., 12, 45, 47, 50, 83, 93,<br />
I 18<br />
Scott, J-, 38, 40, 88, 89, 93, 94, 95, 96,<br />
99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 117,<br />
152,160, 168, 171, 194, 198,<br />
200, 201, 214, 216<br />
,, T. H. M., 249, 253, 255 ' -<br />
,, T. W., 9, 16, '7<br />
Secker, Abp., 23<br />
Sedd<strong>on</strong>, J., 2 51<br />
Severn, W., 118, 142, 148, 149, 151, 156,<br />
198<br />
Shaen, R., 101, 110, 120, 199<br />
Shann<strong>on</strong>, J., 156<br />
Shattock, N., 249, 253, 254<br />
Shaw, F., 209<br />
Shawcross, R., 240, 246<br />
Sheffield, J., 19, 22, 23, 29<br />
,, W922<br />
Shelley, A. H., 101, 121<br />
Shepherd, Dr., 139<br />
Short, J. L., 4, 199<br />
Shuttlewood, J., 22<br />
Sillitoe, -, 52, 56, 59<br />
Sims<strong>on</strong>, P,, 135<br />
Skey, G., 66<br />
Small, J., 2, 79, 8687, 106, 198, 249, 254<br />
Smalley, C., 19, 23, 29
Smith, E., 220<br />
,, G. H., 42, 2499 255<br />
,, Dr. G. Vance, 84, 199, 200 -<br />
,, Jos. (/ii;idel.niiizdes-), 143, 149,<br />
150, '57<br />
,, JOS. (Slzrewsbtr~~~), 181, 190<br />
9, J.B., '49<br />
J.C.9 197, 213, 214, 220<br />
9,<br />
,, J.F., 200<br />
,, W.S., I05<br />
Some, D., 209<br />
Southwell, J., 101, 103, 119<br />
,l R, 103<br />
Spears, R., 134<br />
Spenser, E., 208<br />
Squier, J. O., 213, 218, 220<br />
,, W. C., 220<br />
Squire, E., 75<br />
St. Clair, G., 75,' 76<br />
Stanley, Dean, 145<br />
Stant<strong>on</strong>, T., 34<br />
Stapp, B., 181, 182, 190<br />
Steward, J., 249, 250, 253, 254<br />
Stokes, J., 91<br />
,, Jos., 101, 103, 104, 119<br />
,, N., 103<br />
Street, C. J., 192<br />
9, j- C-, 759 76, 181, 192, 230<br />
,, S. H., 192<br />
StubSs, J., 249, 254<br />
Suffield, R. R., 230<br />
Sutt<strong>on</strong>, W., 95<br />
Tagart, E., 3, 33<br />
Tallents, F., 181, 188, 192<br />
Taplin, J., 159, 161, 164, 166<br />
,, L.,'59,164, 166<br />
Tayler, J., 2<br />
,, J. J., 3<br />
,, T.,144,152<br />
Tavbr, E., 203, 204, 2 I I<br />
, Dr. J., 12<br />
3,<br />
T<br />
J., 3, I431 15'9 '52, '57, '97, 199<br />
Taylor, W., 39<br />
Thom, J. H., 106, 199<br />
Thomas, J. (ChestevfleZr), 23<br />
,, J.(D!L,~Z~~.),IOI,IIO,I~O<br />
,, s.,92<br />
,, W. M.,-237<br />
Thomps<strong>on</strong>, J., 194<br />
Tickner, S., g, 10<br />
Timmins, T., 179<br />
Timmis, A. W., 194, 202<br />
Tindal, -, 159<br />
Tingcombe, J., 159, 162, 165<br />
Tombes, J., qo<br />
T<strong>on</strong>cks, J., 159, 172<br />
Toulmin, Dr., 2, 4, 49, 52, 58, Go, 82,<br />
103, 119, 126, 127, 173, 196,<br />
198, 200, 219<br />
,, H., 60<br />
Turland, 'CV. F., 232, 237<br />
Turner, W., 2<br />
Turt<strong>on</strong>, S., 49, 134, 136, 141<br />
9, W-, 45, 49, 136, 172, 264<br />
Travers, R., 204<br />
Urwick, W., 130, 141, 148, 156, 189,<br />
224, 227<br />
Usher, F., 31, 34, 36<br />
Vans, J., 209<br />
Vicary, -, 41<br />
Vincent, N., 22<br />
Wadsworth, J., 219<br />
Wallace, C., 130<br />
,l R.,2,196,197<br />
Walters, W. C., 6, 42, 143, 146, 158, 232,<br />
234, 237, 239<br />
Ward, R., 154<br />
Warner, J., 213, 215, 219<br />
Warren, J., go<br />
9 N., 35<br />
TVarre11, T., 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 89, 95, 99,<br />
, 194, 19% 201<br />
Warwick, T. O., 148<br />
Watt<strong>on</strong>, H , 16<br />
Watts, Dr., 49, 92<br />
Wellbeloved, C., 3, 57, 61, 199, 210<br />
,, C. H., 122, 132<br />
Wells, S., 31<br />
,, W., 195, 196<br />
Wes!ey, J., 128, 148, zrq<br />
Whatley, T., 77<br />
,, W., 77<br />
White, Dr., 32<br />
Whitehead, J., 198<br />
Whitelegge, W. (CoseZ~~), 79, 87<br />
, W. (F~~~ZCJOO~), 35<br />
Whittingham, G. N., 130<br />
Wicksteed, C., 4, 33, 72, 199, 200<br />
Wilkins<strong>on</strong>, J., 45, 49, 172<br />
'IVilletts, J., I 19<br />
,, W., 101, 103, 104, I19<br />
,, W., ji-., 119<br />
Williams, J. (rTi"az.yfeki ), 199<br />
,, J. ( 127-iotz), 35<br />
,, S. F., 7, 63, 68, 259<br />
,, W., 122, 127, 131<br />
Wils<strong>on</strong>, James, 232, 237 t<br />
,, John (Bi7 nti?lpknm), 73, 74<br />
, John (lfirs~uick), 222, 223, 227<br />
FINIS.<br />
Winter, J., 92, 213, 216, 217, 219<br />
,, R., 198<br />
Wi<str<strong>on</strong>g>the</str<strong>on</strong>g>rs, S., 77, 78<br />
Witt<strong>on</strong>, R., 89, 91, 159<br />
W-ood, - (Koih.iueZL), 93<br />
Wood, J., 35<br />
9 , Jos.9 45, 48, 5'3 234, 236<br />
,, S., 35<br />
,, W. D., 12, 84, 93, 101, 104, 118,<br />
"99 1441 '50, '79, I959 253,<br />
265<br />
LVoodhouse, J., 40, 49, 119, 200, 219<br />
Worthingt<strong>on</strong>, A. W., 7, 17, 100, 194, 197,<br />
199, 201<br />
9, H., 197, 198<br />
Wreford, H. W. G., 199<br />
Wright, B., 15, 72, 164, 215<br />
,, J., 19, 25<br />
9, J. J.? 89, 99<br />
1, T.,I9,25<br />
,, R. (Athr)*sfoize), 19, 20, 22, 24,<br />
25, 26, 29<br />
,, R. (ilfissi<strong>on</strong>nr~), 13<br />
Wrigley, I., 168, 171<br />
Yates, James, 2, 52, 61, 196, 218 -<br />
,, John, 127<br />
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