Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

I had collections in church today for the churchwardens’ ??? fund. There was a half sovereign ini the bag this morning and another this afternoon. I think on only two previous occasions have we had gold given at a collection since I have been here. The total amount was £2. 5. 9, which I sent to Frederick Inns by the Clerk.

Drove Harry to Banbury this evening. Took Burdon who brought carriage back. Put up at the Temperance Hotel to be ready for first train to Oxford in the morning for Harry’s Moderations and Divinity Examination. It was a very wet and sloppy drive the roads being in an exceptionally bad state.

I went to the Old Church and heard part of a sermon by Rev W. E. Buckley, Rector of Middleton Cheney.

Harry and I went to Oxford by 8.30 am train. His examination commenced at 9.30. He takes up for his Mods, Divinity (now separate), Mathematics and Classics.

I tool lodgings at Mrs Harvey’s, 83 James Street, Iffley Road. Harry had a bedroom in house opposite. 12/6 week for my room and sitting room, 1/- per night for Harry’s bed. Called on Macey at St Stephen’s House. Out.

Very stormy night. I thought the roof was coming off.

Called on Hughes at Jesus College – not in.

Called on Macey and gave him £2 entrusted to me by his father yesterday.

Severe storm at night.

Called on Hughes, who asked me to dine tomorrow, but I declined, being unwilling to leave Harry to himself. I promised to lunch with him tomorrow and take Harry with me.

Mr Cox, Rector of Hook Norton, is taking my service at Sibford this evening. On my return I found that Mr White read prayers, Mrs Stevens having asked him to take the service, as the storm was so severe she thought Mr Cox would be unable to come. There were 38 or 40 people present though the weather was very bad – heavy rain with wind.

It was a very stormy night at Oxford.

The written part of Harry’s examination in Divinity (Matthew, John and Acts) and Mods concluded at noon today.

He accompanied me to Jesus College to lunch with Mr Hughes.

We afterwards visited Rev F. and Mrs Wilson and went to Wheatley per G.W.R. in the evening to see Mrs Way and Miss Mawle whom we found at home. We took supper with them and left about 9 o’clock.