Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Fine, but dull in afternoon. No rain. Bell and I called on Mrs John Shelswell. I wrote to Hughes and sent him cheque for balance due to him on account of a ACS. Cleared up halfyear’s account to June 30 last.

Received kind note from Warden at New College inviting me to lunch with him and the Bishop of Reading on Wednesday the 26th or with the Bishop of Oxford on Thursday the 27^th inst at 1 o’clock, on occasion of the Diocesan Conference. I accepted his invitation for Thursday, to meet the Bishop of Oxford.

Bell and I drove to Swalcliffe this afternoon and called on Mr Ramsay. He has fixed Sept 30 for his Harvest Festival. I had mentioned to some one that I thought we should have ours on the 7th Oct as I thought Harry would be here to help me. But I find he will be here on Sept 29 and only till the Saturday following. I had four services last Harvest Festival Sunday, but Mr Trumper preached in the evening. I fear I shall not be able to get any one to help me on the 7th October, and I question whether I shall be able to take four services alone, as I do not at present feel “up to much.”

Inns called about the proposed School painting, new ventilators, etc, this evening.

Heard from Wingate, Deolali on Tuesday. His letter is dated August 21st.

xvii Trinity. Fine and dry but cold. Bell and I visited Mr and Mrs Ainge after Church this afternoon. Mrs Marshall was at church this morning for the first time since her illness.

The Evangelists’ Tent is still here. There are two Evangelists with it, I believe and I am told they both lodge at Hillman’s, opposite the Vicarage. I heard one of them singing and another preaching this evening when I was near Mrs Enock’s. They seemed well qualified but had not, apparently more than 30 or 40 in their tent. My congregations were good.

Dull and cold, but no rain. Drove Bell, Rosa and Frank to Bloxham to tea with Mrs Kershaw, by invitation. Miss Heskett, a friend of hers, was staying with her. We did not get back till ten o’clock, having delayed longer than we should otherwise have done owing to the darkness of the earlier part of the evening.