Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Taught in school this morning, and attended choir practice this evening.

There were 5 baptisms and a churching this afternoon.

Cold and dull.

Visited Misses Dix this evening.

received note from “Squire Norris” asking me to induct Dr Wilkinson into the Vicarage of Swalcliffe on Wednesday morning next at 10.30, which I expressed my willingness to do.

Miss Dix told me that Dr Routh’s horse fell with him last week and cut his face very much. He sewed the wound up himself at a looking glass. He removes the stitches today.

Returned to Butler & Tanner the first proof of “The Teaching of the Prayer Book.” May God give it success!

Mrs Wilks (W. Kay’s daughter) came to say that Mr Bliss of the Savings Bank at Banbury had refused to give up the will of the late Eliza Harris to the executrix until he had seen me, and that she had written to say she would not distribute the money to the legatees till she had the will. She requested me to call and see Mr Bliss about it on the first opportunity, which I promised to do.

Taught in school. Much rain in morning. Stormy in afternoon.

Visited Dr Wilkinson. He was not at home, but I saw Mrs Wilkinson and her sister, Mrs Kershaw. She  invited me and Mrs Stevens to luncheon after the induction tomorrow.

Visited Sarah Lines.

Very wet all day.

Inducted Dr John Turner Wilkinson to Vicarage of Swalcliffe. Mr White read prayers. I delivered an address from the pulpit after the induction. Squire Norris was there. Not many parishioners, no school children. The ceremony should take place on a Sunday, when all people can attend.

Bell and I remained to luncheon.

Miss Mary Norris asked Bell to request me to lend her my “address” – she thought it just what was wanted.

…