Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1894, June 4, Monday 

Club day. Showery, but cleared up towards afternoon. Rev Norman R Ramsay preached, driven over by Mr Harry Norris, who put up his horse and dog-cart at Mrs Isaac Padbury’s. There was a good congregation of men, but not quite so many women as usual. Ramsay and Norris came in after Serviced for a few moments. Mr Ramsay became an honorary member after the dinner. Hy Norris was extremely pleasant, taking his father’s place. Harry ES telegraphed that he would be here. So he came about 5pm via Hook Norton. He and I called on Miss Dix. Mrs Turner and her niece Miss Colegrave were there.

Mr Ramsay told me that at the celebration of HC at Swalcliffe yesterday he “passed over” a man named Cotes because he had been living in fornication with his niece whom he wished to marry in Dr Wilkinson’s time. The latter told me of it. A child was born a day or two ago. Ramsay had spoken to Cotes previously. He asked me my advice. I told him he had done the right thing, and that now he must inform the Bishop.

1894, June 5, Tuesday 

Drove to Banbury. Harry accompanied me to bring back the mare. Took a tourist ticket for Worthing, to preach on Wednesday and stay till Saturday at Christ Church. Met Captain Davies at Banbury Station. Mr William Lake travelled as far as Reading in same carriage with me. My fare 3rd Return was only 15/-. Travelled by 11.30 train from Banbury via Paddington, Underground from Praed Street to Victoria and thence by LB&SCR to Worthing where Hole and his wife’s nephew, a young clergyman names Des Barres met me at 11 minutes past 5. We sent my bag by ‘bus and walked to Christ Church Vicarage. Dr Dunn Vicar of Thorney Island near Chichester was there. He is to preach this evening. He is a very pleasant well-informed TCD man and preached an extremely good extempore sermon. The congregation was very small, especially for so large a church.

Mr desBarres left for London next day. Miss desBarres is staying at the Vicarage.

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