Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Administered Communion of the Sick to Hannah Simmons at Sibford Ferris. There communicated with her her daughter-in-law from Swalcliffe, and John Reason and his wife.

Administered Sick Communion this afternoon to Mrs Dix. There communicated with her Miss Dix, and Mrs Austin.

Also administered Communion of the Sick to Widow Mary Sabin. Widow Fanny Wyatt communicated with her.

Visited School of art at Sibford Ferris, being one of the committee.

It was intensely hot this morning, but about 11.45 whilst I was at Hannah Simmons’s the temperature fell, and an intensely cold wind arose.

Mr Davies, who is staying with us for a few days went to Swalcliffe to luncheon, and returned to tea.

Mr Davies left this morning, going to Banbury by Gardner.

I attended Four Shires Annual Meeting at Tredington Rectory. I had a cold drive and rain threatened, but did not fall. Reached home at about 8.

Very fine day, but somewhat cold.

Rev Mr Merrit White, assistant curate of Swalcliffe with his wife, servant and baby called this afternoon.

Drove to Banbury and brought out Ethel Hole.

Service 9.15 am.

Children came round with May Garland but were not at church.

Sibford Brass Band played on my lawn this evening.

Visited Mrs Woolgrove, who is better and down stairs. On Easter Monday at the Vestry Meeting Mr Mann, in reply to something said by Isaac Padbury about the pew which Mr Mann occupied and which Padbury wanted said he would give it into the hands of Mr Inns so that he might give it to Padbury. I reminded Mr Mann that it was the business of the churchwardens to allot the pews, not of a churchwarden. Mr Mann said he should not occupy the pew again. Today he came with his family to church and took them all into one of the free seats on the women’s side, displacing some women who had occupied the place for years and did not seem to like being turned out of their accustomed sittings.

Attended Sunday School and choir.