Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1879, October 29, Wednesday 

Attended Banbury Clerical Club meeting at Warmington Rectory – Rev J Taylor’s – we commenced the Septuagint.

Walked over to Brailes Church Missionary Society in the evening.

Distributed Clothing Club tickets.

1879, October 30, Thursday

Visited Sylvia Sabin, Widow William Keene and Miss Dix. The latter told me that Mr Elley was very uncivil to her sister Maria last Saturday morning when she called at his house for key to get some of the Church Choir books. Maria D. appeared to have been much hurt.

On my return home I learnt that Mr Elley was very unwell that morning with severe diarrhea and pains in his limbs so that he had to send for the doctor. I told Miss Dix the substance of this in a note saying I thought it palliated though it did not altogether excuse his rudeness. It appears Miss Maria had called at the house three times at very brief intervals for the keys – probably she spoke in a somewhat irritated and authoritative manner without intending it and Mr Elley who said the books were locked in class room the key of which was in his desk, on being asked for it declined to give her the key of his desk and added that he was not inclined just then to go and get it. I therefore took no further notice of the matter.

1879, October 31, Friday 

Attended School. Visited W Poulton and Hannah Keene, John Barnes. Little Sibford – John Padbury and Buckingham.

Requested Mr Elley not to let children leave church in future till congregation had nearly all got out; as there has been some complaining of children crowding and pushing to the annoyance and inconvenience of their elders.

1879, November 2, Sunday 

Harvest Thanksgiving services. Holy Communion 8 am. A second celebration at 12. Afternoon sermon preached by Rev Thomas Smith of Brailes. The offertories for the day amounted to £4.16.4. I did not have notices printed as in previous years, because of the expense which I did not charge to the collection.

Visited Boys and Girls Sunday School this afternoon and gave boys their Club money.

1879, November 3, Monday

Visited school. Distributed coal tickets. School attendance officer called this morning.

Visited Thomas Sabin, Widow Sabin, Sally Green, Charles Coleman (out), William Coleman where I could make no one hear? – though a fire was burning and there was some white needlework lying on the table – Mary Ann was probably at home but shame prevented her from seeing me.

Visited Widow Manning and George Messenger, Mrs Pearce, Charles Lines (out).

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.