Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Snowstorm early this morning – heaviest in London this season. I was told the snow lay 18 inches deep on Westminster Bridge.

Visited Mr and Mrs Mountain this evening.

Returned home. Annie Martin met me at Paddington accompanied by her cousin Captain Ferguson. She came down to Sibford on a visit. I left Kirkland in London till Monday morning as he wished to attend the services at St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey.

Taught in Sunday School morning and afternoon. Snowstorm today: but there was none last week while there was a great deal in London.

I observed after Church this afternoon some of the girls who go to the Methodist Chapel followed by some lads among whom was Austin’s elder apprentice, and the boy Lines who comes to my confirmation class – who were snowballing them. William Spicer who was not at Church last Sunday nor today was following them.

Visited Robert Austin and spoke to him about his apprentice. He gave him a pretty good character on the whole.

St Matthias. Divine Service at 9¼ am.

Miss E Dix assisted at Penny Bank.

Visited Meadows and John Harris, Anna Young who is ill; also James Kaye whose wife is not likely to live. She is insensible now; has been an invalid for years but though I have seen her several times, she has usually been very inaccessible. I told Kaye and his daughter as I have told them before to send for me at any time if she would like me to pray with her.

Took confirmation classes at 3 and 7. William Spicer and John Lines absent. Also John Young and John Manning. Bessie Rimell came to me at noon.

Visited school and entered Diocesan Inspector’s report in Log-book. Gave Mr Elley Certificate on Religious Knowledge forwarded by Diocesan Inspector on which his report is entered.

Mr Payne sent me a paper of extracts from the Baptismal register at Swalcliffe from which it appears that George Messenger is in his 90th year. He is hale and hearty, perfect hearing and sight and gets about comfortably.

Sent Mr Castle (Field and Castle, 18 Merton Street, Oxford) the old plan of the Town Estate made when the field was enclosed.

Called on Mr Turner who is laid up with a cold. He complains bitterly of Mr Elley’s rudeness to him in connection with the Library, but will not let me speak to the latter on the subject. Mr Turner consents to be a Trustee of the Penny Bank.

Visited Miss Dix to enquire concerning her little nephew Willie Thame who is very ill at the Orthopaedic Hospital, London.