Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Bell and I visited widow of Thomas Manning and John Manning’s wife.

Attended Choir Practice this evening. The two boys of Ellen Hone looked so halfstarved that I brought them down here and gave them a good supper.

Miss Dix called to see Rosa.

Taught in School this morning.

Held Boys’ Conformation Class in School Room this evening. The Tarvers did not let the boy Sabin (orphan son of Humphrey) come. They give him 1/- a week and his victuals, except on Sundays. He sleeps at home and works for them from early morning till long after dark.

Visited School this morning. Held Girls’ Confirmation Class in Vestry this afternoon.

Spoke to Ann West (age 50) about confirmation. She seems as though she would like to be confirmed but is somewhat shy, as she cannot read. She is I think a good sort of woman, and says she knows the substance of the Catechism though she could not repeat it.

Mrs Elijah Hancox and her daughter Mrs George Harris came to me at the Vicarage. She told me that Miss Capper, quakeress, told her the Sacraments were “Rubbish”. Miss C. thinks she is doing Christian work! She seems to be endeavouring to get the people away from Church teaching, and apparently does not mind whether they go to the Methodist Chapel or Quakers’ Meeting or absent themselves from Divine Service altogether so that they do not come to Church. She told the Goughs at Sibford Ferris that “Baptism” was all nonsense and that if they got the child’s name put down in the Registrar’s book that was all that was necessary.

Ash Wednesday. Divine Service at 9.15 consisting of Litany and Communication. Service with sermon at 7 pm.

David Hone’s wife and Sara Nicholls, daughter of Edward Scruby came to Vestry to say that they desired to be confirmed.

Attended Banbury Board of Guardians : Webb drove : Frank went too.