Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Divine Service at 9.15, consisting of Litany and Communication. Divine Service at 6.30 pm with sermon.

Visited and conversed with Mrs Jarvis about approaching confirmation. Visited Anna Young, who is better. Also James Kaye – account of which visit I have wrongly entered for Monday last; also Mr Barker’s report on school.

Visited David Hone. Visited School. Called names and made entry in Log-book.

Visited Mrs Jarvis, also Widow Manning, George Messenger, Thomas Manning, Dr Routh who is very unwell.

John Hathaway, Blacksmith of Sibford Ferris called this evening and asked me to sign a Savings’ Bank form which I did. I afterwards found he had signed it in the wrong place and so had I. Consequently I sent for him next morning and corrected it. It was £3 which he wanted to draw. The money had been there several years, being a sum Mr Bourchier had paid him for work and which he had persuaded him to invest. He appeared sorry to be obliged to withdraw it, but owing to bad debts he could not do without it.

James Kaye’s wife died this morning.

Went to Banbury. Opened Penny Bank Account at Savings’ Bank by depositing £12. The Trustees being Mr George Turner, Mr Frederick Manning and myself.

Paid Cave for Charity Coals. Went to Oxford. Staid at Jesus College with Mr Hughes. Called on Mr Heath, found he had left for Bideford.

Called on Field & Castle, 18 Merton Street, Oxford about Heath Farm. Returned to Sibford.

Drove Mrs Stevens, Rosa and Annie Martin to Wroxton. Called on Mrs Izatt at the Vicarage – no one at home.

Received note from Mr Richard Routh asking me to attend meeting of Bible Society at Friends’ School next Friday evening. Mr Kempson Vicar of and Mr Smith of Brailes are to be there. The former as a deputation.

Misses Gadson and Rev Canon Payne called during our absence.

Very sunshiny day. Holy Communion. Offertory 10/-. Attended Choir practice this evening. Visited Mr Richard Routh, John Padbury, Widow Keene Sibford Ferris, Mrs Woolgrove, Mrs Dix and Miss Shelswell, Mrs S being away from home.

Also Miss Dix. She had her boys class and sent John Young to speak to me privately. I talked with him and prayed with him. He seemed anxious to be confirmed – says he was not able to get to the classes in time as he is working at Hook Norton Leys.

William Spicer was not at Church but I saw him strolling about Sibford Ferris and lounging at the corner with some other lads.