Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Harry Shelswell came as usual.

Mrs Shelswell sent for me to see Mrs Pearce who is much worse. I went up immediately.

Visited Thomas Sabin, Mrs Bond. Called on Mr Elley to speak about forthcoming Government Inspection.

Buried Lively’s child this afternoon.

Visited Mrs Pearce after Morning Service and administered H.C. to her, Mrs Shelswell (2), Misses Pearce(2?) and Mr Pearce.

Commenced with Misses Dix’s help selling new edition of Hymns A&M to members of congregation at 25% discount.

Mrs Turner assisted at Penny Bank.

Rev Thomas Daniel Hopkyns of Chichester (lastly of Southsea) sent me a guinea for distribution in groceries or coals among poor Church people, communicants preferred (of Sibford Gower).

Went to Banbury this afternoon. Bell accompanied me. Rosa returned from Mrs Haddon’s at Cheltenham.

Commenced distribution of 48 parcels of grocery – 2/4 to 2/6 each, among poor church people – balance of Loggin money.

Visited Joshua Lines, Buckingham, R. Haynes, Haynes senior (no one at home), Job Harris. Widow Harris, Sibford Ferris. John Padbury, Hannah Keen, Goffs, Hathaway junior (not in), Haynes (next beer shop).

Harry Shelswell came. Mrs Stevens visited a number of persons for me this morning and afternoon.

Visited Jane Legge, Humphrey Sabin, Dyer, John Young, W. Payne, Mrs Dix.

Austin Hillman’s wife Sibford Ferris came this evening and asked me to give her a Christmas present. I told her I rarely saw her at Church, her husband never, that he had not paid his allotment rent and had not made any apology for not doing so. – and that he never knew me when he saw me. She said he had been out of work for a month. I said I feared he was one of those whom the masters were glad to get rid of. I gave her 2/- to get something for herself and children and bade her tell her husband that I had a word or two to say to him on the first opportunity.

Christmas Day. A most beautiful sunshining yet frosty morning. 43 communicants, being the largest number entered in present Vestry Book (for Xmas Day) which begins 1871. The offertory amounted to $1.4.1 – the largest sum with one exception (1877 £1.6.1) during that period.

We had quiet family dinner all my children, Bell and self at 5 o’clock.

St Stephen’s Day. Service at 9.15. Mr Cookes of Tadmarton Rectory kindly invited me to dine with him at 3 today and take Rosa – I declined as I had promised Harry I would walk over to Brailes if possible as I had not been there so long.

Harry and I walked over to Brailes – found that Mr and Mrs Smith and the girls had gone to skate on Mr Sheldon’s pond – we followed – on our return we staid to tea and walked home early.