Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Very cold. Slight shower this afternoon.

Visited John Reason, Widow Thomas Manning, Anne Fox, Richard Austin.

Wrote to “National Society” about the “Teaching of the Prayer Book.”

Jesse Bishop called and handed me a written notice to quit the Heath Farm at Michaelmas next year.

Lovely day.

Harvest Festival. Mr Graham Jones and Mrs G. J. preached evening. Came to tea and supper. Largest congregation I have ever seen here. Church very full.

This evening Lord, sidesman of Tadmarton, came with a note from Mrs Smith of the Rectory Tadmarton asking me to tea with her next Sunday as she heard I was going to preach the harvest Sermon there. I replied that as Lord told me Rev Mr Willoughby offered to preach in the afternoon I should give him some tea here before driving to Tadmarton.

As a matter of fact the churchwardens have not asked me to preach, though the sidesman has told me that they are anxious I should do so and the people want me. I told Lord to expect me next Sunday, and that if Mr Willoughby came here in the afternoon I would drive him to Tadmarton.

Thomas lamb and John West, treasurer and secretary of the Brass Band, called and said they proposed to get rid of Richard Gaydon, James Hone and William Green as they were very much in arrear with their subscriptions and R. Gaydon was very disorderly on Saturday night last.

They asked me to attend meeting next Saturday at 8.30 which I promised to do.

Fine morning, Cloudy afternoon with slight rain.

Attended B.C.C. meeting at Mr Humphrey’s, Mollington Vicarage, about 2 miles beyond Great Bourton.

St Michael and All Angels. Divine Service at 9.15.

Drove Bell and Frank to Banbury. Preached Harvest Thanksgiving at Christ Church. Took Burdon. Got back about 11.30 having stayed to supper at the Vicarage with Mr and Mrs Graham-Jones. Mr Hood and Mr Kimberley, churchwardens were there as well as the two Curates. The Collection was in aid of the Diocesan Spiritual Aid Society.