Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Confirmation at Swalcliffe Church by Dr John Fielder Mackarness, Bishop of Oxford. Lunched at Mr Payne’s after Confirmation with Mr Cookes and Mr Gerraty. Dined at Mr Henry Norris’s Swalcliffe this evening. The Bishop was present and Mr Cookes – no others except the family.

William Spicer called at my house this morning and asked for his confirmation ticket. I was engaged and did not go to see him. He came a second time after we had started and followed us. I spoke seriously with him. He seemed sorry and promised good things, so I gave him his ticket.

The following are the names and ages of my candidates – ages last birthday.

Boys

Females

Total 13 boys at Swalcliffe, 18 girls at Swalcliffe: 31. 4 girls elsewhere.

Wrote to Alice Holtom and told her if she would send me word what parish she was staying in I would write to the Clergyman and ask him to present her with his candidates.

Drove to Epwell, Shutford and Banbury. Service in Church at 7 pm.

Bible Society Meeting at Friends’ School, Sibford Ferris. Mr Kempson, Rector of Claverdon, came as Deputation accompanied by his wife and Rev Thomas Smith. Mrs Stevens and myself went down with them to tea with Mr Routh Senior and took supper with them after the meeting. I paid £1 to Mr Routh being my subscription for two years.

Received letter from Alice Holtom. Wrote in consequence to the Vicar of Spelsbury near Church Enstone and asked him to see her.

Baptized privately Thomas William, son of William and Maria Holland.

Ann Lines, widow of Sibford Ferris called and asked me for an Infirmary  Letter for her daughter Rhoda who has something the matter with one of her eyes.

Taught in Boys’ Sunday School this morning and attended Choir practice this evening.

Visited Mrs Mawle.

Mrs Stevens, Annie Martin and Mr Kirkland walked to service at Winderton Church this evening.

Baptized children of Charles Legge and Thomas Coleman.