Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1874, November 22, Sunday 

Talked with Mr Hitchcox about new lamps for the church. The old moderators are useless. Also spoke about the timber belonging to Poulton carpenter, which encumbers the grass land in front of the church. Hitchcox said he would speak to the surveyor about it. He is way warden.

1874, November 29, Sunday

Storm last night. Calm and mild this morning. Walked to Sibford this morning to services. Gave notice of service next Wednesday evening. Very heavy showers during the day. Walked back to Swalcliffe this evening.

Canon Payne lost his wife about the beginning of the year, and feels it very keenly. It seems impossible to get a smile out of him or to take interest in anything.

1874, November 30, Monday

Walked from Swalcliffe to Sibford. Examined Loggin Allotments and spent an hour in the school. Walked back to Swalcliffe. After lunch Canon Payne drove me to Banbury and I returned to Oxford.

1874, December 1, Tuesday

De Teissier asked for leave to go to London tomorrow till Saturday. Rosa and I called on Rev R F Heath and his sister and on the Misses Hooper. I afterwards called on Hughes at Jesus College.

1874, December 2, Wednesday 

A lady called about a French pupil, but nothing came of it. I drove to Sibford from Banbury taking new lamps for church with me, of the “Silver pattern”. It was very cold. Divine Service at 7pm. Special for God’s blessing on Missions. I preached ex tempore. The new lamps give a soft, diffused and pleasant light in the church. Received £4.5 from Miss Macmaster for examining her pupils’ exercises. Put up at Mrs Elley’s.

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.