Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Sent John Harris, carrier to Banbury to bring out Schoolmaster’s desk and Mistress’s work-table which Messrs Wake and Dean, 40 Borough Road, London S.S. tell me they sent off on Wednesday.

Received note from Rev Canon Payne asking me to dine with him and Archdeacon Daykin this evening; but I could not go, having caught a violent cold in my left eye. He asked for particulars about our school inspection which I gave him.

Mr Gepp of Adderbury Vicarage sent me on Thursday the books for the Choral Festival and in a note I received yesterday informed me that I had been elected a member of the Banbury Clerical Society.

On Monday or Tuesday morning Mr and Mrs Thornitt of Ascott called and spoke with me about the Heath Farm of which he has some desire to become the tenant.

Coal Distribution finished on Wednesday. Charles Barnes who superintended called this evening and I settled with him.

Septuagesima Sunday. Taught Sunday School this afternoon.

Visited Ezra Green, William Holland, Mrs Holland (locked door), Mrs Mawle, Misses Dix.

Sermon this afternoon for the S.P.G. by Venerable Archdeacon Daykin of Durban, Pietermaritzburg. Good congregation offertory £2.5.6 of which 9/6 was in bronze. There were over 200 coins in the bags. Mr Payne of Swalcliffe sent his close carriage to take the Archdeacon to Bloxham to preach this evening.

Reuben Sabin’s and Adkins’s babies were baptized.

Attended Choir practice this evening.

Mr Sims of Hook Norton accompanied by the Miller of Tadmarton called about the Farm, the former wishing to become tenant. I told him nothing could be done till after the surveyor’s report.

Mr Fred Manning called for rates. Expressed his willingness to be a Trustee of Penny Bank in conjunction with myself and Mr George Turner. He gave me 1/- for yesterday’s offertory as he was not at church in afternoon.

Took Penny Bank. Mrs Turner assisted.

Received note from Rev Ambrose Short of Bodicote saying I had been elected, subject to approval at next meeting, a member of the Banbury Clerical Society.