Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Met Mrs Wilson and Herbert Jackson. Also Mr Izatt and went with him to New College Chapel, saw the Warden and shook hands with him.

Met F. York Powell.

Visited the Pusey Library and chapel – and was much disappointed with the building. The Library is not open. I think some special building should have been erected – the present, which is an ordinary house – two or three rooms upstairs being turned into a chapel – is entirely unworthy of the object. I suppose that the bulk of the money subscribed has been invested as an endowment to provide salaries for the Librarians.

I left Jesus College – but missing the train I purposed going by and not liking the walk from Banbury to Sibford in the dark and possibly rain, put up at the Temperance Hotel. It was cheap and fairly clean, but of the “working man” style which I did not care for. The bed seemed damp and I consequently had a restless night.

Returned to Sibford but previous to doing so visited the Taylor & Randolph galleries.

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

Visited Mr George Dix who gets increasingly deaf, so that it is extremely difficult to carry on conversation with him.

Visited School, John Horseman and Mr and Mrs Spraggett.

Visited Canon Payne – he was ill in bed with bronchitis and I did not see him.

Visited C. Holder.

Miss Dix called this evening.

Attended Committee of Brass Band at the practice room at 7.30.

Attended Ruridecanal Chapter at Cropredy (Dr W. Wood’s).

Had a meeting for C.M.S. in evening in my Schoolroom. Mr Mantle one of the Society’s agents exhibited Magic Lantern with views of China, Japan, etc. Mr Smith, of Brailes and his Curate, and son in law Mr Garrard brought Mr Mantle here. He had to leave early because of a telegram announcing his father’s serious illness. Mr Smith continued and conducted the lecture. The collection amounted to 30/-.