Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Wet and cold. Received from Miller and Abbotts a copy of the printed notice to allotment holders to pay their rents at Swalcliffe and Sibford on Saturday evening 13th inst. They had put Mr Ramsay’s name as Treasurer, in place of Dr Wilkinson’s. I wrote, and, telling them that Mr Ramsay was neither a Treasurer nor a Trustee of any of the Sibford Charities, requested them to have the notices corrected at once if they had been published as the error might cause not only misunderstanding but annoyance also. I asked them to be good enough to give me the name, if any-one had authorised them to make Mr Ramsay one of the Treasurers, and added that it would suffice to put my name at the bottom as “Hon Sec.”

Mary, wife of John Webb, called and asked for her clothing club money in Cash at the time of distribution, as she wanted it to pay her rent. I told her I would do so on this occasion, but that the club was for clothing, not for rent.

Walked as far as “Beechwood” with Harry this evening. I felt unusually feeble and perspired considerably.

Showery and dull. Harry left for his parish, St Columb’s, Notting Hill. He went via Hook Norton at 12.17. He drove there, I drove back.

Showery morning, fine afterwards. Harvest Festival and Hospital Sunday. 24 communicants at 8 am, 29 at noon and 4 at Sick Communion on Oct 9. The Afternoon Service for children was only half an hour long and consisted of Hymn Confession, absolution one Psalm Metrical Litany for children, “Duties in Catechism.” A very short address, not 5 minutes. Carol and Benediction. Mr Mozley preached in evening. Mrs Mozley came with him and took supper with us afterwards. There was a very large congregation. The collections during the day amounted to £6.1.8 and 2/- was added at the Sick Communion (Miss Sabin) on Tuesday October 9th. Mr Lamb (R H) and other Quakers send corn, etc. Mr Joseph Pettipher and his wife were at morning prayers and stayed to Holy Communion which they had not done for several years before. Jesse Bishop and Dixon were at church this evening. Visited Ainge.

I lay in bed nearly all day and got my back rubbed with liniment. School Reopened by Mr and Mrs Langley who returned to Sibford last night. Rosa took Clothing club money. School reopened.

Administered Sick Communion to Miss Sabin and others. Visited Misses Dix and Widow Mary Sabin.