Dear Friends

 

I have transcribed in full St James’ Church Magazines from 1881-1884 inclusive.  The transcription is an exact facsimile so you will be able to appreciate the quaint English used at this period.  They were however only one page in length.  They were included with an insert unconnected with St James but which formed the bulk of the magazine.  Perhaps I could point out one or two items of interest.  It is hoped some of the more interesting one scan be reproduced in our current Church Magazine for wider readership.

 

Note there are a lot of baptisms, marriages and confirmation records which may b of considerable use to family history lovers.  Note also that many of the baptised are adult because they are seen in the marriage lists at a similar time.  It seems that whole families used to get baptised on the same day.

 

There are several magazines that report information which can be directly related to our church in the present day

 

The first of these is the death of James Pearson Senior Churchwarden for over thirty years.

He was the son of Samuel Pearson owner of the Old Mill and James Pearson was the owner of Dane Mill. He also owned and occupied West House in West Road.  James Pearson was also one of the Trustees on the original committee responsible for the building of the church

 

On his death his widow and friends presented the Stained glass window (the middle one in the North Aisle dedicated to James Pearson of West House.

 

Church Magazine September 1881 records the death of James Pearson

Church Magazine October 1883 records the installation of the stained glass window in the church.  This magazine also refers to the installation of the pulpit staircase.

 

Church Magazine October 1882 records the installation of the tile pavement in the chancel.

 

It is also interesting to note the amounts people gave to the church in this period.  Scaling it up to today’s situation many of them were extremely generous.  Note how the Vicar at this time chastises the church members for poor collections Church Magazine 1884

 

I hope you find them interesting:- the bound versions will be deposited in Congleton Museum  

 

Lyndon Murgatroyd

 

The following information on the order of services applies throughout this period.  Effectively it was the back page of each magazine.

 

Sundays Morning service at 10-30  Evening Service at 6-30

 

Thursdays Evening service at 7-30

 

The Holy Communion is celebrated after Morning Prayer on the first and third Sundays of every month and at 7-45am on every other Sunday and at other times as notice shall be given.

 

Holy Baptism is administered at Evening Prayer on Thursday Evenings and on Sunday Afternoons at 2-30pm.  Notice should be given to Mr S Brown or to Mr Hitchin, of Waggs Road the day previous.

GEO A.E. KEMPSON

Vicar of the Parish and Surrogate for the Diocese of Chester

 

 

    
This is a record of St James’ Church Magazine for the years of 1881-1884.

January 1881

May this year on which we have now entered be one full of blessing to all”

 

Statement of accounts for quarter ending December 31 1880

For the Poor	Scripture Readers Fund	Special
£    s    d Oct 3………    1    6   10 Nov 7 ………   2  11    9½ Dec 5…………1    5   10½ Christmas day.3    11     2 At 7 Early Com1    13  10½	£    s     d Oct 17…….2    0     8½ Nov 21……1    17   7 Dec 19…….1     9    0½	£   s    d Oct 3 Evensong Harvest Fest….         .5   15   8 Nov 28. S.P.G.          13   8   10½ Dec 26 Evening For church expense….5    2     3½
£10     9    6½	£5     7    4	£24    6    10

 

The Vicar is thankful to observe a marked improvement in the observance of Christmas Day and he heartily thanks all those who in their several ways contributed to the tasteful decoration of the Church.

 

On New Years Eve a Magic Lantern entertainment of Dissolving Views was given to an enthusiastic audience of Sunday Scholars.  On New Years Day an excellent dinner was (by the kindness of an old friend of St James’ parish) given in the Girls School Room to 60 aged men and women of the parish

 

In the evening of the same day, the Church Choir was entertained at supper in the Boys School Room

 

In our next issue we shall have some information to give about the Young Women’s Help Society, a branch of which has been formed in connection with this parish.

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

February 1881

 

BAPTISMS
1880 Dec 2. –William Henry Goodwin Dec 9. –Alice Green Dec 9. –Walter Green Dec 16. –Ada Mannering	1881 Jan 2.  –Mary Woodcock Jan 2.  –Edith Lockitt Jan 9.  –George Edward Burgess Jan 18.  –William Wilson
MARRIAGES
1880  Dec 11.  Charles Level and Mary Carter Dec 25.  Jesse Mayer and Ann Spencer      Dec 27  William Kearton and Alice Kinsey            Dec 30.  Joseph Barnes and Selina Smallwood

 

It is hoped that the operations of the Young Women’s Help Society of which a branch has been formed in this parish may be extended to the whole of Congleton.  A meeting of ladies will be held on Tuesday February 8^th at the Town Hall under the presidency of Mrs Antrobus to further this object

 

The vicar is prepared to receive magazines for binding.  The cost is 1s 1d per volume which should be sent with the number to be bound.

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

March 1881

SERMONS WILL BE PREACHED (DV) AS FOLLOWS:-   Sunday Mornings 10.30pm WORDS FROM THE GOSPELS   March 6.The true meaning of life March 13. The cry of faith March 20.  The strong man armed March 27.Christ the Feeder of the Hungry April 3. Wilful rejection of the Truth April 10.. A nations choice   Sunday afternoons 3-15   March 6 .The invitation of Christ March 13.. Christ the Friend of Sinners March 20 Christ the Saviour of Sinners March 27.Christ the Light of the World April 3. Christ the Destroyer of Death April 20th Christ the Lord of Light   Sunday evenings 6-30pm   March 6.  The Christians great duty in Lent The Rev R Horwood MA Vicar North Rode   March 13.  The sinners return The Rev J Penrose Rector of Gawsworth   March 20.  Continued remembrance of Sin The Rev. W.E.E.M.Bull BA Vicar of Mossley   March 27.  Impatience under trial The Rev. W Besant MA Vicar of Buglawton   April 3. The sorrow of sin The Rev. Canon Blackburne MA Rector of Warmingham and Rural Dean of Congleton   April 10… Spiritual gifts Rev. F. Bryans MA

Wednesdays at 12 noon   THE GOSPEL FOR HUMANITY   March 9 Human nature conscious of a great need March 16 Human nature powerless to help itself March 23 The Gospel remedy   All preached by Rev. J.E.Colyer MA Rector of Astbury   March 30 The Gospel the only sure guide in life April 6 The Gospel the only sure guide in death   Both reached by Rev. C.A. Fraser MA Vicar of Bosley   Thursday evenings 7.30   March 3 Gods work in the soul Rev. G Skeyne MA Rector of Bartholomey   March 10 The shut door Rev. W.B. Bryan MA  Vicar of Haigh   March 17 Indifference Rev. F.E. Hopwood MA Rector of Badsworth   March 24 Restoration of St Peter Rev. WA Sherringham MA Vicar of Alsager   March 31 The barren fig tree Rev. E.R.O.Bridgeman MA Rector of Castle Bromwich   April 7 The vanity and glory of life Rev. A P Holme Rector of Tattenhall   Friday afternoons at 5   The Vicar (DV) will give short Expositary Lectures on the Epistle of St Paul to the Phillipeans

 

April 1881

 

BAPTISMS
Feb 3 Charles Burt Gorman Feb 6 Selina Ann Lowe Feb 24 Hannah Elizabeth Stanley March 1 Minnie Worthington March 8 Esther Ann Yates	March 14 Henry B Davenport March 14 Zipporah Hall March 15 Alice Maud Lawton March 22 Thomas Maybury
MARRIAGES
Feb 27 John Probert and Annie Hancock March 6 James Spencer Brocklehurst and Sarah Wright

 

Our Quarterly statement of Accounts is postponed until next month for want of space

 

We are glad to be able to announce that the sum of £20 has been collected for the CMS by the indefatigable exertions of Miss Wilson

 

The annual inspection of the schools took place on the 17^th and 18^th of last month.  There was a marked improvement in at least one of the schools.  Miss Alice Johnson has obtained a Teachers Certificate of the second class and Mr Linley Fish, one of the fourth.  Miss A Pointon was placed in  the first class on her admission to Whitelands Training College

 

The annual tea party (DV) will be held on the Wednesday in Easter Week.  The proceeds will be reserved for the purchase of new furniture for the Girls school.

 

During Holy Week there will be a daily evening service at 7.30 except on God Friday when the hours of service will be as on Sunday

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

 

May 1881

 

The Easter Day services were bright and hearty and well attended.  The church was decorated in excellent taste chiefly with primroses.  The Communion table was adorned with an exquisitely embroidered figured silk cloth presented by Mrs W Williamson

 

At the Easter Vestry Messrs J Pearson and J May  were reappointed Churchwardens.  Messrs Brook, Forster, H Oak and T Fisher were appointed Sidesmen.  Messrs J Wilson and H.L.Reade as lay representatives

 

The Easter tea party took place on the Wednesday and there was a very good muster to enjoy the excellent entertainment provided for mouth and ear.  The choir acquitted themselves very well and were heartily applauded.  Charles Tomkinson an old member, now a chorister at St Asaph Cathedral sang some songs with excellent taste and Mr Wilson made a genial and characteristic speech.  The following ladies gave trays: Mrs Kempson, Mrs Pearson, Mrs J May, Miss Norbury, (the late) Mrs H L Reade, Mrs Garside Mrs Condor, Miss Reade, Miss M Reade, Mrs Troutbeck, Mrs Woolley, Mrs Chaddock, Miss Beales, Mrs Hall, Mrs Solly, Mrs A Solly, Miss Wilson and Miss Parrot.  About £15 was realised.

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

June 1881

BAPTISMS
April 2   Mabel Oswell April 4    Ellen S Boothby April 5    Fanny Stapleton April 5    Luke Dale April 11   Thomas Bailey April 11   William Henry Bailey April 11   John Edward Bailey April 12   Ellen Barlow April 12    Fredrick Barlow April 17    Ernest Hitchins April 17     Mary Goodall April 17    Christopher J Kearton April 17    Frederick J Bates	April 17 Harry Todd April 19  Emma Littlemore April 28  Martha Newton May 8     Frederick Briggs May 8     John Briggs May 8     George Alfred Briggs May 19   George Cliffe May 19   David Stockton May 22    Gertrude Poole May 26     Samuel Ridgeway May 26     Edwin Mayer May 27     Alice Brown

 

The collections on Sunday May 29^th on behalf of the schools amounted to £9-10s-0 d

 

During the vicar’s absence in the month of July the church services will be conducted by the Rev. St John F Mitchell Consular Chaplain at Christiana

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

 

July 1881

 

ZENANA MISSION –About £11 was realised at a Sale of Work held at the Vicarage on the 18th day of June on behalf of this interesting mission.  This is a very satisfactory result from the efforts of a monthly working party

 

The Sewing school is now closed for the summer months.  During the past year there has been an average attendance of 45 and the amount paid by members for materials amounted to £26-15s-1d

 

A Penny Savings Bank has been opened at the Girls School on Monday evenings at 7.30.  During the next two months Miss Kennerley will receive deposits

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

THERE WAS NO AUGUST MAGAZINE

 

September 1881

 

IN MEMORIUM   On the 1st day of July passed away, one, who was well known in this parish – James Pearson for many years Alderman of the Borough of Congleton and JP for the County of Chester.  As senior Churchwarden of St James’, an office which he held continuously for more than thirty years, (ever since the church was built) he was assiduous and exemplary in the performance of his duties.  BY his removal the parish has lost a friend who took a lively interest in its welfare.  Many can testify to his private hospitality; but he was never better pleased than when throwing open his grounds at West House for the entertainment of the parish schools

 

The report of the Diocesan Inspector on the results of the examination in religious knowledge held last June is in the main satisfactory.  “The knowledge of Scripture is creditable throughout”.  The following children were selected for special commendation

 

In the Girls School; Group 1 Annie Leech and Eliza Cook Group 2 Frances Barton, S A Wood, Louise Cook, Bertha Gee, Harriet Ann Cook and Sarah J Bailey. Group 3 Anne E Child, H Knapper, Annie Smetham, Alice Forster, M L Wood, A Snelson and Alice E Gee

 

In the Boys School; Group 1 William Dale, Frank Brown, Frank Adams, Arthur Worth, J W Bellfield, J Dykes, James Stubbs.  Group 2 Thomas Austen, John Slack and W Tatton.  Group 3 R Court, George Gibson, F Cook and M Carney.

 

In the Infants School; Jane Worrall, Thomas Jackson, Rosa Tilley, Frances Dakin Allen Sherratt, Walter Taylor and Charles Stapleton.

 

The Harvest Festival will take place on Michaelmas Day (Sep 29^th) The sermon will be preached by the Rev. W J Knox Little Rector of St Albans Manchester

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

October 1881

 

BAPTISMS
June 5   Ernest William Pointon June 26 Mary Ann Capper July 20  Harriet Foden July 25  John Thomas Sherratt Sept 4    Ada Hassall	Sept 4   Anthony James Cooke Sept 16  Charlotte Elizabeth Badger Sept 16  Annie Badger Sept 17   Ad Simms
MARRIAGES
July 30  George Henry Austen to Emma Shaw Aug 7 John Bainbridge to Elizabeth Gaunt Aug 10 Edward Thomas Bennet to Elizabeth Goodwin Aug 14 Job Harding to Jane Dodd Aug 14 George Parr to Harriet Ollier Aug 30 John Riley to Elizabeth Hawkins Oct 4 Herbert Pulman Riley to Emily Lomas

 

On Michaelmas Day Sept 29, the Rev. W J Knox Little Canon elect of Worcester preached a most eloquent and useful sermon on the occasion of the Harvest festival.  The church was tastefully decorated with ears of corn & and the general interest of the people was testified by the large number of gifts of fruit and flowers.  The collection amounted to £10 19s 3d and was placed to the church fund.

 

On the following Sunday two sermons were preached in aid of the Church Missionary Society by the Rev. E A Kempson vicar of Claverdon.  The collections amounted to £12 7s 10d.

 

On Friday September 30 the first of a series of lectures and entertainments was given at the girls school when Mr M Kempson who has been long resident in the East gave a most able lecture on ‘The Great Pyramid’  Though much of the lecture was devoted to abstruse mathematical calculations which demanded a high degree of culture and close attention on the part of the audience, Mr Kempson was able to thoroughly interest his hearers who left the room well pleased with their entertainment.

 

A concert will be given on Wednesday October 19.

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

November 1881

 

CLOTHING CLUBS &c

 

The Vicar is happy to report that there is a considerable increase in the savings of this year compared with last as will be seen from the following table

Girls School CC Boys S. School CC Infants S School CC The Church Choirs                                   Totals

1880 £      s       d 66    8       1 53   10      4 13   19      4     133   17     9

1881 £        s         d 74       2        3 62     10        0 17       4        9      9      12      11 163        9      11

 

In addition to this there is a Penny Bank at the Girls school open to all comers on Monday evenings at 7 o’clock which might be more generally useful

 

On Nov 2^nd the Vicar gave a lecture on what he saw in Norway last July.  There were some capital illustrations shewn by Mr Hawkins of Bridge Street by the aid of a Magic Lantern and also some interesting drawings of the old Viking ships lately discovered in the neighbourhood of Christiana lent by Mr J H Stone who lectured on this subject before the British Association.

 

The Confirmation will take place on Advent Sunday at 3 pm.

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

December 1881

 

At a Confirmation held on November 27^th 1881 by Bishop Kelly the following candidates from St James Congleton were presented:

Christina McLean Anderson Emma Whitehurst Elizabeth Minshull Hannah Maria Fisher Catherine Hunt Kate Lucas Harriet Shaw Ann Twemlow Elizabeth Worthington Eliza Brown Emily Green Ada Wych Annie Barlow Maria Cook Susan Dale Alice Knapper Ellen Lindop Fanny Emily Maxfield Mary Mottershead Mary Shaw Annie White

Eliza Axon Laura Capper Clara Dale Lois Forster Hannah Minshull Annie Pass Sarah Ellen Perkins Eliza Slater Edith Stanhope Agnes Davenport   Raymond Solly Walter Bailey John Hopkins Charles Prickett Edward Williamson James Booth Alfred Hodgkinson Albert Lawton Thomas Lownden Samuel Salt

In all forty one.  There were also presented twenty four from five other Parishes in the town and neighbourhood  The collections for the Sunday Schools on the same day amounted to

£13  10s  4d

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

January 1882

 

My dear friends and Parishioners

 

Another year has passed full of God’s mercy and our unworthiness.  It has gone with all its record of good and evil and we cannot recall it. God give us grace so to use the year which commences this day as not to abuse His forbearing mercy.  Let us trim our lamps and be watchful that He may not find us sleeping when He visits us whether it be in mercy or judgement.

 

That our merciful God may be with you during the coming year to bless you as well ‘in the market and the store’ as with all spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus is the earnest prayer of your friend and pastor

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON

 

By the liberality of Mrs Chaddock of Old House Green an excellent dinner was provided for the old people of the parish on St Stephen’s day. About 50 sat down

 

Subscribers wishing to have their magazines bound are requested to send them to the Vicarage together with the sum of 13d

 

February 1882

BAPTISMS
1881 Oct 6  Ann Rowley Oct 9  Ernest Hulme Oct 9  Charles W Knapper Oct 9  Henry Knapper Oct 9  Mark Knapper Oct 16  James William Brocklehurst Nov 6    Ellen Bromley Nov 13   Hope Farr Nov 17   Emma Bainbridge Nov 24   Eliza Slater	Dec 1   William Thomas Dale Dec 1    Rosa Jackson Dec 4    Ada Kearton Dec 13   Albert Bailey Dec 15   Eliza Bason Dec 18    Robert Harding Dec 19   Louisa Balckshaw 1882 Jan 12   Mary Wood Jan 12   Eliza Ann Swindells Jan 15   Rosa Davenport
MARRIAGES
1881 Nov 12 Joseph Thursfield to Mary Green Jones Nov 28 RichardHough to Eliza Rowley Dec 24 Thomas Everitt to Mary Dodd Dec 25 George Whitehurst to Sarah Jane Calvert Dec 26 John Biddulph to Susannah Rider 1882 Jan8 Jesse castle to Sarah Court Jan 16 John Charles Hallworth to Elizabeth Hagley Jan 30 William Woof to Mary Ann Holman

 

Many of our readers will miss Mr Fowler’s monthly visit with the magazine and if there is for the present a little irregularity in its delivery it is owing to the loss we have sustained through his illness. The Vicar will be glad of any information as to failure of supply and will try to ensure the punctual delivery of our parish periodical for the future.

 

Notices for baptisms and marriages should now be left with Mr Smith Parsons Street

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

May 1882 ( No March or April magazine)

 

There was a large muster at the Easter Vestry on April 18^th.  Messrs J.A. May and Charles Lowe were appointed Churchwardens, Messrs H.L. Reade, J. Wilson, John Forster, W. Gee, J Fisher and H Porter were appointed Sidesmen.  It was agreed to clean and repair the interior of the Church during the Summer and steps have already been taken with that view.

 

The visit of the Rev. E. Warren will be long remembered by many in this place.  He Preached four times on Sunday April 30^th and gave a special address to women on the following day.  There was a large congregation of attentive hearers.

 

The SPG sermons will be preached on Sunday May 14^th by the Rev W.W. Burton Phillipson.  A public meeting will be held in the Town Hall the following Wednesday, T G Sheldon Esq., Mayor in the Chair when Bishop Kelly and the Venerable Archdeacon Chiswell are expected to address the meeting.

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

June 1882

 

ST JAMES SEWING SCHOOL

 

May 24 – The close (for the summer months) of this popular and useful institution was marked by a Tea Party at which about ninety members were present.  Some of the elder girls.  Some of the elder girls took the opportunity of expressing their esteem and affection for the Misses Kempson by presenting them with two useful and elegant Work Baskets.  These appropriate gifts were most highly appreciated and will ever be valued by the recipients as a token of good-will on the part of the girls in whose welfare they feel so much interest.

 

The School has now been at work two years and some idea of its usefulness may be gathered from the fact that during the last six months the members have bought and made up for themselves more than thirty pounds worth of clothing.

 

Miss E Broadhurst, Miss Stockdale, and Misses Moorhouse were present all of whom together with Misses Reade have taken an active interest in the work.  A very pleasant evening was spent, enlivened by some excellent music in the rendering of which the girls displayed much dramatic talent.

 

May 25 – A meeting took place at the Vicarage in behalf of the Zenana Mission Mrs Greaves who has been occupied in the work in Bengal for upwards of ten years gave a most interesting and encouraging account of the work.

 

CHURCH CLEANING FUND

The following subscriptions have been promised:-

                                         £        s     d                                           £      s      d

The Rev J C Reade……     10     10     0               Mrs J A May………5      0      0

Mrs W Williams……….    10      0      0               Mr C Lowe………   5      0      0

The Vicar & Mrs Kempson  5      0      0               Mr & Miss Wilson...5      0      0

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

July 1882

BAPTISMS
Feb 2   John Fareham Feb 9    Marcus Kennerley Feb 9    Ada Emma Kennerley Feb 9    Sarah Ann Hookey Feb 9    Emily Murray Feb 16   Mary Ellen Wright Feb 19   Helen Bason Feb 27   Hannah Maria Gibson	Feb 27     Harriet Dale March 7    Thomas Smallwood March 12   Minnie Cook March 13   Florence Andrew March 26   Charles William Matthews March 27    Alice Hancock March 28    Mary Ann Mainwaring
MARRIAGES
Feb 6 William Henry Owen to Ann Skellern March 5 John Lowe to Sarah Ann Butters March 25 William Mellor Shufflebotham to Sarah Ann Davenport

 

        Subscriptions promised or paid to the church cleaning fund (Brought forward from last month £40 10s

 

£        s        d Mr H L Reade          5         0        0 Miss Reade               5         0        0 Miss J Reade             5        0        0  Mrs May                    1        0        0 Mr H May                           10       0 Miss May                            10       0 Mrs Lowe                            10       0       Miss Lowe                            2        6 Mr A Shaw                 1         0        0 Mr T Fisher                          10       0 Miss Hall                              10       0 Mr J Cooke                           10       0    Mr L Clare                             5        0 Miss Moorhouse          3         0       0          Mrs Pearson &             5         0       0  Miss Crouch                 5         0       0 Mr W Davenport                     5       0 Mr W Gee                     1         1       0

£        s      d Mr E Leach                          7      6 Mr J Porter                          10     0  Mrs Chaddock            2        0      0  Rev. E Clayton           1        0      0 Mr C Bagnall                       10     0 Mr J Norbury             10        0     0 Mr G Blackshaw                    5     0 Mr H Porter                           10    0 Mrs Lea                                 10    6  Mr H Barlow (of Chester)       5    0 Mr S Blackshaw                      2    6 Mr Geo Brook               1        1     0 Dr Beales                       1        1     0  Mr Hilditch                              5     0 Mr R Wilbraham            5        0     0 D Bradwell Esq.              3        3     0 Miss Acton                     1        0     0

 

The annual sermons on behalf of the schools were preached on the 18^th June by the Rector of Astbury and the Rector of Gawsworth.  The collection amounted to over £9.

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

August 1882

 

YOUNG WOMENS HELP SOCIETY

The various branches of this flourishing association met at Eaton Church on Saturday afternoon July 22^nd for their annual commemoration service The sermon was preached by the Rev. G E A Kempson.  After the service they were entertained by the lady president Mrs Antrobus, in the grounds of Eaton Hall. About two hundred sat down to tea.

 

THE CHURCH CHOIR

By the kindness of our generous Churchwardens Messrs May & Lowe, and another parishioner, the choir passed a very pleasant day at Buxton on Saturday July 29^th.  The day was exceptionally fine and the drive was much appreciated.

 

CHURCH CLEANING FUND

The following additional subscriptions have been received:-

 

£       s       d Mr J F Hall                    1       0       0          Miss Leather                 1        0       0   The Misses Barlow        1       1       0 Mr Colbeck                           10       6 Mrs Barnett                             5       0

£      s      d Mrs E Hill               1       1      0 Mr A Wingate         1       1      0 Mr J Pointon            1       0      0 Mr Kibble                 1      0      0

Correction For Mrs Lea 10s read Mrs Leah Barrow in Furness 10s.

 

The Churchwardens will be much obliged if subscribers will pay in their promised subscriptions before the end of the month.

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

September 1882

During the Wakes Holidays  the Girls School room has received a thorough renovation , the Boys School reopened on Monday August 28^th under the charge of the new Master Mr Isaac Hickson who has earned considerable distinction in the large Schools connected with Christ Church Macclesfield.  We wish him success in his present position

 

The School treat was held on the 5^th day of last month in the ground s of Mr D Bradwell of Daisy Bank and as the weather was fine it was a day of thorough enjoyment.

 

The Church was reopened on Sunday August 27^th and not withstanding the darkness of the day looked bright and cheerful The introduction of a little colour on the walls is a manifest improvement.

The following subscriptions have to be acknowledged since our last issue

£       s        d Handed over by the late Mr J Pearson                                 19       6 Sir Charles Shakerley          5         0       0 Mrs Troutbeck                     2         0       0 Mr A I Solly                        1         0       0 Mr W C Thornhill               1         1       0 Mr W Hodgkinson                        10      6 Mrs Krinks                          1          0      0 Mrs Harvey                         1          0      0 Miss Staton                                     5       0 Mrs Leach                                       7       6

£        s         d Mrs Elizabeth Shaw                      5         0 Mr Joseph Blackshaw                   5         0 Miss Annie Bradley                      2         6 Mr F Lockett                                 5         0 Miss Wilson (2nd donation)  1     0         0 Miss Kennerley                      1     0         0 Miss Kempson                              10       0 Miss I Williamson                         10       0 Collections on Sunday Aug 27                                   10      4       8 Samuel Brown                                 5       0

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

October 1882

Our readers will be glad to learn that Colonel Hollins (Minton Hollins & Co ) has presented a tile pavement for the floor of the chancel of St James’ Church.  The work is already in hand and will be completed in a fortnight’s time.

 

Further subscriptions announced

                                                £    s     d

Mrs Ackers                              3    0     0

Mr Joseph Hill                           1    0     0

Captain Adams                         1    0     0

Mr R Head                                     7     6

Collection Sept 27                      4    8     5

 

The Church was beautifully decorated for the Harvest Festival and the Vicar gratefully acknowledges the gifts and labour which were bestowed on it.

 

It is proposed to hold a sale of work on Wednesday Dec 13^th at the School room in Astbury Street in aid of a fund for providing new gates etc for the Churchyard.  Contributions of work toys, and other useful articles will be thankfully received at the Vicarage and also by Mrs Henry Reade.

 

Collections made at the Thanksgiving Services

                                                                £    s    d

Sept 23 (for the Schools)                             6   8    8

Sept 27 (for the Church renovation fund)     4   8    4

Oct 1 (for the poor)                                       2  18   9

Oct 1 (for the CMS)                                   6    7   4   

TOTAL                                                   20    3    1

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

December 1882 (No November magazine)

 

BAPTISMS
April 2 – Ernest Varney Simms        April 9 – John Edward Stanway April 18 – William Simms April 25  - Sophia Elizabeth Cobb April 27 – Ruth Wood May 14 – Martha Elizabeth Smith May 28 – Walter Higginbotham June 1 – John Biddulph June 1 – William Biddulph June 2 – Alice Webster June 2 – Edith Court June 11 – Elizabeth Bailey June 14 – Grace Baird June 18 – Annie Duckworth July 2 – Frank Robinson July 16 – Matty Thompson July 29 – Agnes Mary Lockett Aug 13 – Joseph Hitchens Aug 27 – Elizabeth Brittain	Aug 27 – Kate Riley Sept 10 – John Eaton Sept 17 – Edith Taylor Sept 17 – Christina Hayes Sept 28 – Henry Slack Oct 1 – Harry Ollier Oct 1 – Lucy Blackshaw Oct 1 – Margaret Maria Love Oct 8 – Sarah Ellen Barker Oct 8 – Tom Kearton Oct 22 – Joseph Milo Thursfield Nov 8 – Rose Ellen Dale Nov 9 – Harry Townley Nov 16 – Mary Hannah Barber Nov 19 – Harold Bennett Nov 19 - Edith Brittain Nov 23 – Lucy Yates Nov 30 – David Lancake
MARRIAGES
April 12 William Haywood Bursworth to Alice Johnson April 29 William Miller to Annie Ingham July 16 John Davies to Elizabeth Blackshaw July 22 Samuel Smith to Fanny Goodwin Aug 13 Walter Joynson to Annie Wright Aug 13 David Lancake to Ellen Simms Aug 14 Henry Madders to Emma Eaton Sept 5 Thomas Hassall to Hannah Biddulph Sep 24 Thomas Smith Allen to Ann Slater Oct 15 William Hooley to Elizabeth Ann Brocklehurst Oct 16 John James Bear to Emma Burt Oct 16 George Henry Burt to Maria Beard Oct 16 Charles Burt to Elizabeth Gorman

Further subscriptions to the Church Repair Fund

                                                            £    s     d

Mr A C Condor                                     1    1    0

Mr Atkinson                                          1    1    0

 

GEO. A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1883

My Dear Friends

Although I have been pressed in some quarters to give up our present Magazine and join in the old parish collective periodical I have hitherto declined to make any change. Considering that our Magazine has now been established some twelve years and many subscribers have bound their volumes from their commencement, I have not thought it fair to them to discontinue. ‘Home Words’ for the sake of advantages  which are best represented by an unknown quantity.  Allow me to say however that I shall be glad to receive the names of more subscribers as it is only by the generous forbearance  of Mr R Head  our publisher and even then at considerable loss to myself that I can issue our magazine with its present limited circulation.

 

So far as the past year is concerned we have reason to look back with thankfulness.  Our Church has been thoroughly cleaned repaired and beautified: and a thing which is of more importance- there are signs of spiritual progress.  The steady increase of the Sunday morning congregation is most satisfactory.  Moreover on Christmas Day the congregation was unusually large, at least double that in ’79 while the number of communicants has increased from fifty five to ninety seven.

 

It is satisfactory to hear that there are signs of revival in the trade of the town..  Let us hope they will not prove illusory.  We have passed through a trying period of depression.  The New Year gives us at least hope and expectation. But it is to be remembered that as in spiritual  so in worldly things hope must go hand in hand with work to insure success.

 

The appointment of a new Archbishop is an event of the first importance in the Church and the golden opinions which Bishop Benson has won on all sides more than justifies the selection which has been made. May the giver of all Grace fill him with wisdom for the discharge of his high trust. And may the same gracious God pour upon you  all the blessings temporal and spiritual for His dear Son’s sake.

I remain your faithful servant in Christ,

GEO A.E. Kempson Vicar

February 1883

 

THE SCHOOLS – A the Annual Diocesan Examination .  of Pupil Teachers in religious knowledge, Hannah M Gee (4^th year) was placed in the first class and was honourably mentioned. A White, H Lawton, and C Yearsley (3^rd year) in the second class; Edith Stanhope (2^nd year) in the second class and M J Green  (1^st year) in the first class of their respective years.

 

Offley Crewe prizes (value £1) were gained this year by Alfred Hodgkinson,  James Booth, Alfred Pointon, Samuel Salt and Maria Cook all of whom acquitted themselves with marked ability.

 

On Wednesday Jan 17^th the Vicar entertained all his Church Helpers at Tea at the Astbury Street School room including the Churchwardens and Sidesmen, the Day and Sunday School Teachers, and the senior members of the Church Choir.  As each of these was privileged to ask two friends there was a very pleasant gathering of about one hundred and fifty persons and a very enjoyable evening was passed.

 

YOUNG WOMENS HELP SOCIETY – The annual Tea Party was held in the Astbury Street School on Saturday Jan 13^th under the presidency of Mrs Antrobus who spoke afterwards very kindly and touchingly to the girls who mustered to the number of about 150.

Addresses were also delivered by the Vicars of each of the three town parishes in each of which there is a branch of the association  The concert which followed was ably sustained  and the telling of a story by the Lady President was loudly cheered.  The annual meeting of members and subscribers  took place at St Peter’s School room on the 20^th ult; the Rev H.H. Phelps  in the chair.  Among those present  were Mrs Solly, the Misses Kempson,  Mrs Bullock, Mrs Bradwell,  Miss Wigg etc,  The Rev G Kempson moved  and the Rev. J M Bannerman seconded  the adoption of the report  which shewed that the society was making  steady progress and also doing good work.

 

NB Magazines for binding should be sent as soon as possible to the Vicarage

 

GEO A.E. Kempson Vicar

 

 

March 1883

BAPTISMS
1882 Dec 3  William Shaw  Dec 7   Louisa Sprosson Dec 7   Fanny Maria Sprosson Dec 7   Hannah Sprosson Dec 7   Henry Sprosson Dec 21  Emily Wright Dec 21  Alice Wright Dec 21  Elizabeth Wright Dec 28  Mary Jane Booth	1883 Jan 1  Samuel Brown Jan 4   Sarah Ellen Goodwin Jan 14  Harry Booth Jan 14   Harriet Foden Jan 18   Rose Ellen Hassall Jan 21   Henry Kearton Jan 25   John Thomas Oakes Feb 4    Joseph Yates Feb 4   Ada Stanway Feb 25  Lily Jane Amson
MARRIAGES
1882 Dec 24 Jonathan Beff and Mary Pemberton 1883 Jan 22 Thomas Bailey and Jane Ball Feb 24 Samuel Goodall and Sarah Tomlinson

 

Easter falls unusually early this year and we must remind our friends that the Parochial Tea Party will take place on Wednesday march 28^th.  The Vicar has already engaged some first class musical talent for the occasion.

 

The Sale of Work for the improvement of the Churchyard will take place sometime in April but the day is not yet fixed.  We hope that many contributions are in process of collection.

 

GEO A E KEMPSON Vicar

 

April 1883

 

At the Annual Vestry Meeting held Tuesday march 29^th Messrs May and Lowe were re-appointed Churchwardens  and the old Sidesmen were also re-elected.

 

It was determined to proceed with the improvement of the Churchyard  and it hoped that the Sale of Work to be held in the Girls School on Wednesday May 2^nd will provide the necessary funds.

 

The annual Tea Party  and Concert held the next day was well supported.  The programme was unusually attractive, and the music remarkably good  The vicar takes this opportunity of acknowledging  the kind and ready help which he received on all sides.  He is indebted to the following donors of trays (value 10s) Mrs Kempson, Mrs May, Mrs Lowe, Mrs Pearson, Miss Crouch Mrs H Reade, Mrs Solly, Mrs A Solly, Mrs Shaw Mrs Hogg,  the Misses Reade Rev. J C Reade, Dr Beales, Mrs Troutbeck, Mrs Woolley, Miss Moorhouse, Miss Wilson,  Mrs Meir, Mrs Adams, Mrs Hall, Mrs Wild, Mrs Garside, Mrs W Williamson and Mrs Kibble.  Half trays were also presented by Mrs Baird, Miss Acton, Mrs Andrew, Miss Vaudrey, Mrs Brook, Mrs Moss, Miss Whiteley, Miss Hawkins, Mrs J Heath, Mrs Thorneycroft, and Mrs Mellor.  The proceeds realised about sixteen guineas. 

 

The Collection on Sunday amounted to a little more than twelve pounds.

 

GEO A.E. Kempson Vicar

 

 

 

 

May 1883

 

A large quantity of work and articles of all sorts was sent in response to the appeal made for assistance to improve the Churchyard.  The sale took place on Wednesday and Thursday May 2^nd and 3^rd and the proceeds were upward of £50.  There was a remarkably good selection of pretty and useful things and the prices were extremely moderate.  Of course many things remain unsold but purchases may still be made on application at the Vicarage.

 

The Vicar desires to offer his hearty acknowledgements to those who have so kindly and willingly helped him, and hopes that before long that the Churchyard enclosure will be an ornament instead of a disfigurement as it now is to the parish.

 

The Lord Bishop of the Diocese will hold a Confirmation is S Stephens Church towards the end of June. Classes are now being formed.

 

GEO A.E. Kempson Vicar

 

July 1883

BAPTISMS
March 5    Lily Jane Amson March 5     Lilly Mellor March 18    Mary Elizabeth Cook March 25    Kathleen Elizabeth Richardson March 25    Bella Berry March 25   Harry Goodall April 8       James Farr April 9       Peter Bailey April 22     Ernest Brocklehurst May 15      John Percy Burslam May 15      Edith Smith May 18      William Bason	May 20   Frank Smith May 23    Sarah Kate Moss May 27   John Thomas Probert June 21    Jane Bennett June 21    Frances Johnson June 26    Mary Hannah Johnson June 26    Reginald Martin Dickson June 26    Lilian Dickson June 26    Albert Fernley June 26    Caroline Fernley June 26    John Thomas Bett June 26    William Dale
MARRIAGE June 23 James Imeson and Eliza Fisher

 

At a Confirmation held at S Stephen’s Church on Friday June 22^nd the following candidates were presented from St James’ Ellen Bates, Mary Jane Shepherd, Kate Riley, Sarah Jane Weaver, Frances Johnson, Lucy Cookson, Jane Bennett, Ada Bennett, Lydia Harvey, Gertrude Poole, Charlotte Birtles, Mary Ellen Birtles and Martha Dale.

 

A Festival of Parish Church Choirs will be held at Chester in the Cathedral on Thursday July 12^th in which our Choir will take part.  The railway company has agreed to take our party at a single fare 2s 11d  If any friends like to take advantage of this opportunity of visiting our Cathedral City, they can do so.  Notice should be given to the Vicar not later than July 7^th in order that proper accommodation may be secured.  The party will leave Congleton Station soon after 8 o’clock and return from Chester at 7.30

 

GEO A.E. Kempson Vicar

August 1883

 

July 12^th The Church Choir accompanied by the Vicar and the two Churchwardens together with numerous friends passed a pleasant day at Chester on the occasion of the Diocesan Festival of Parish Choirs.

 

July 28^th The Annual Festival of the Day and Sunday Schools having been postponed from the previous Saturday on account of the weather was held this day at Higher Daisy Bank by the kind permission of Dennis Bradwell Esq.  The sun now shone out brilliantly and the procession of scholars preceded by the Borough Band as it passed through the streets was witnessed with delight by a large number of the Parishioners. The general arrangements were made  and well carried out by the St James Committee of which in the regretted absence of the Vicar, Mr Colbeck was the active Chairman.  The Vicar desires to offer them his best thanks as well as to all subscribers, teachers and various other friends who exerted themselves to the utmost to promote the amusement and enjoyment of the Scholars.

 

ABSTRACT OF ACCOUNT

 

Receipts                                    £       s        d Subscriptions (incomplete)     11      8        0 Payments of Scholars                6     11       7 Gate money                                       10       6 Sale of surplus provisions                   3       8

Expenses                             £      s      d Provisions                          13     1      2 Band                                    2     10     0 Prizes                                          10     6 Sundries                                      12     6 Printing                                       12     6 Balance to Sunday School Fund                                     1       7     1

TOTAL                                    18      13      9

TOTAL                              18      13    9

 

GEO A.E. Kempson Vicar

 

September 1883

 

During the holidays the schools have been under repair.  In the girls school room a lobby has been erected at the north door which will serve as convenient cloakroom and will also render the school much warmer.

 

In estimating the expenses for the year ending next Easter the Churchwardens find there is likely to be a deficit of about £20.  To meet this it is proposed to have two special collections, one at the end of December and the other on Easter Day.

 

The Thursday evening services will be resumed at the end of this month.

 

The Young Women’s Help Society held their annual festival on Saturday August 25^th at Buglawton. At Three o’clock they assembled in Church when the sermon was preached by the Rev. J M Bannerman.  After service they adjourned to Bank House where they were hospitably received by Mr and Mrs Shaw. A letter was read from the lady president Mrs Antrobus whose unavoidable absence was much regretted.  Before tea, all those who were eligible received the Society’s badge which is in the form of a Maltese Cross attached to a piece of ribbon and is worn as a medal. Mrs Pearson of Macclesfield and Mrs Shaw presented and affixed the badges in each case About 220 members were present.

 

GEO A.E. Kempson Vicar

 

October 1883

A beautiful Window has just been erected in our Church to the memory of the late Mr James Pearson of West House for more than 30 years Senior warden of this parish.  The work has been executed by Messrs Clayton & Bell and is of excellent design and finish.  It depicts the call of S James and S John who are represented as busily engaged “in the ship mending their nets”  Mrs J Pearson had intended to be at the sole charges of this handsome and costly memorial; but in deference to an earnest requests on the part of Mr Pearson’s Grandchildren, Messr’s S and J Pattison, as also of 8 faithful and attached servants from the Dane Mill and West House who claimed the privilege of thus testifying their affection, she has recognised  that claim,  and gladly consented to be associated with them in this last act of loving remembrance.

 

The Annual Harvest Thanksgiving  Services were held on Wednesday September 26^th  and continued on the following Sunday. The Church was most tastefully decorated on the occasion with abundance of corn, fruit and flowers. The decoration of the font was a masterpiece of art while the floral decorations of the chancel were superb.  There were large congregations on both days. Stainer’s Anthem “What are these?” was sung with much precision and taste by the choir who fully sustained their high character.  The collection realised nearly £19

 

We are pleased to notice that the dangerous and ugly little step ladder by which access used to be obtained to the pulpit has now been replaced by a properly graduated staircase which will shortly be embellished by a handsome brass rail the gift of the Vicar’s brother the Rev. E Alfred Kempson

 

The Vicar regrets to announce that the Thursday evening Services must remain for the present in abeyance.   

 

GEO A.E. Kempson Vicar

 

 

 

 

 

November 1883

 

BAPTISMS July 1  Sarah Jane Goodwin July 29  Catherine Mary Fish Aug 12 George Joynson Sept 19 John Machin Sept 19th Alice Maud Dale Sept 23 Ann Cook Sept 23 Frances Elizabeth Smith Sept 23 James Stennett Davenport Sept 24 Edith Andrew   MARRIAGES July 22 Thomas Tweats and Sarah Kate Moss July 29 William Jackson and Sarah Giibbons Aug 12 Thomas Stanway and Margaret Ann Hewitt Aug 12 Reuben Tweats and Clara Bailey Aug 13 Samuel Lakin and Sarah Wallworth Aug 13 John Edwin Gibson and Frances Dale Sept 1 William Henry Linton and Charlotte Myers Sept 30 Albert Joseph Ridgeway Bodley and Mary Eleanor Reade

 

The Vicar is glad to be able to announce that he has at length been able to secure the services of a lay helper. Mr Hartill will commence his work at the beginning of next month

 

A tea party and a concert will be held in the Girls School on Wednesday Nove 28^th  The proceeds will be given to the Choir Fund.  A programme will be issued shortly.

 

GEO A.E. Kempson Vicar

 

December 1883

 November 25^th  The annual sermons on behalf of the Sunday Schools were preached by the Rev J E Colyer and the Rev G W Skene.  The collections amounted to £9 18s  3d

 

Nov 28^th A tea party and concert was given at the Astbury Street Schoolroom  to provide for the expenses of the Church Choir.  The Vicar desires to express his very best thanks to all those who helped to make this entertainment a thorough success. Tables and half tables were contributed  by Mrs Kempson, Mrs Norbury, Miss Moorhouse, Mrs May, Mrs Lowe, Mrs Adams, Mrs Shaw, Mrs Pearson, Rev J C Reade, Mrs Solly, Mrs W Williamson and the Honourable Mrs Wylie.

 

Notwithstanding sundry disappointments the concert  was admirably given and the large audience frequently testified their approbation.  The net receipts amounted to about £8.  The usual carol singing will commence on Advent Sunday

GEO A.E. Kempson Vicar

Presentation to Miss Kennerley

 

There was a large gathering at the Girls School in St James parish on Friday last to witness the presentation of an Address and silver Tea Service to Miss Kennerley who has filled the office of Headmistress of that school for more than 21 years. In addition to some two hundred of her old and present pupils,  there were present the Vicar, Mr & Mrs H.L. Reade and the  Misses Reade, Mrs Garside, the Misses Kempson, Miss Moorhouse, Miss Wilson and Mr J Wilson the ex Mayor (Mr Sheldon) and many other sympathising friends.  In opening the proceedings, the Vicar remarked what a pleasant thing it was to preside over an undivided meeting; for all present had but one object and that was to mark their appreciation of Miss Kennerley’s work.  He spoke of her appointment as testifying to the sagacity of the Rev. Jonathan Wilson one of the earlier incumbents of St James Parish Church and the one whose care chiefly organised it and stated that each vicar in turn, Mr Wilson, Mr Hopwood and himself had found in Miss Kennerley a loyal and energetic public servant whose co-operation had been of the greatest help to them.  She had not confined her work to the duties imposed on her in the day school but had devoted her spare time to the good of the parish had ungrudgingly laboured in the Sunday School.  “May the day be far distant” he said “ when the head teachers of the schools in this parish stand aloof from Sunday school work”.  He believed that a teacher gained an influence over the scholars in the Sunday school which would be of solid service in the day school.  He then dwelt on the many good qualities which distinguished Miss Kennerley as a mistress.  Her work was not showy but it was genuine and she set an example to all her pupils of perseverance and devotion to duty.  Miss Kennerley had always set a high value on the work of national education and by the high tone which she herself took had raised the school in the estimation of parents and children and had taught them that education was not to be held in small esteem because of the smallness of the school fees.  The Vicar then read the Address and presented the very handsome Tea Service which was provided from the establishment of Mr Corrall and was arranged upon a polished oak tray  the work and gift of Mr James Davenport.  The address which is handsomely illuminated is the work of Mr John Booth of the Borough Surveyor’s office. Who had been pleased to give his time and labour from love to the old schools.  Mr Sheldon the ex Mayor thanked the Vicar for inviting him to be present.  He had always taken a lively interest in the educational work of the town and could testify not only to the high position which had been taken by the schools in this parish but from long personal knowledge to the character and ability of Miss Kennerley whom he had known from childhood.  He looked upon her work not merely as parochial but as affecting the interests of the town and he was glad though an outsider, to add his testimony in the name of his fellow townsmen.  Mr John Wilson then spoke of the thoroughness of Miss Kennerley's work and said that one of the strongest points in the parochial system of St James’s had ever been the continued and active exertions of good women. Theirs was founded as a working peoples parish and a parish materially aided by kind and good women from its commencement to that very day.  Mr H L Reade who for many years has been closely connected with St James schools as treasurer and manager spoke in the same strain.  Each of the speakers was warmly applauded by the numerous audience.  Miss Kennerley in accepting the address and present from her old pupils and friends  briefly returned thanks.  Speaking with evident feeling but with perfect composure  she said that, gratifying as the presentation was, yet she did not feel that she had done anything to merit such a handsome gift. She had simply tried to do her duty and it would always be a comfort to her to think that in that effort she had not entirely failed.  She felt that their presence there that evening was some point of assurance that her labour had not been in vain.  (Loud and continued applause).  The pleasant and cordial meeting then separated after singing together a verse of God save the Queen and most of those assembled repaired to the Town Hall to join in the Christmas carol singing.

 

Christmas 1883

To Miss Mary Kennerley

 

MADAM

 

We, the undersigned in the name of your pupils past and present are desirous of offering you some token of our gratitude of our grateful affection.

 

You have now for twenty one years held the position of Head Mistress of the Girls’ School in St James’ parish and during that time have not only enjoyed the respect and confidence of the Managers but have won in no ordinary degree the devoted love of your pupils.

 

We wish you to consider this Address as a mark of the affection  which your pupils young and old entertain for you.

 

Some among us have had the privilege of your careful training as Pupil Teachers and look back to that period of our school life with lively satisfaction.

 

And all of us alike feel thankful that we had a mistress, one who not only helped us to pass the Government Standards with credit but ever taught us to set a higher value on uprightness of character than on mere proficiency in learning.

 

We desire also to record our grateful sense of care which you have bestowed upon us in the Sunday School.

 

We ask you to accept the accompanying present, in giving which others too though wholly unconnected with the school have claimed to take some share  because they recognise the fact that a well conducted school exercises a beneficial influence beyond the limits of the parish and conduces to the welfare of the community at large.

 

We pray that under God’s blessing you may long be spared to prosecute those labours, which, if they are at times attended with vexation and disappointment, are nevertheless as you can testify, not without their sources of real and abundant happiness.

 

ANNIE FORSTER       SARAH DAVENPORT                       FANNY ELLEN BARLOW

ALICE BURSLAM      ALICE ELIZABETH LEA       MARTHA STATON

EMMA STATON                                                         LOUISA COOKE

 

GEO A E KEMPSON Vicar

CONGLETON CHRISTMAS 1883

January 1884

 

BAPTISMS IN THE LAST QUARTER
Oct 12  Alice Groom Oct 14  John Bainbridge Oct 14  Harriet Elizabeth Taylor Oct 16   James Cliffe Nov 11  Arthur Capper	Nov 11  Emily Biddulph Nov 18   John Frederick Burgess Nov 18  Percy Wheelton Dec 16  Rose Hitchens Dec 30  Martin Goodwin Nixon
MARRIAGES   Sept 19 Albert J R Bodley and Mary Eleanor Reade Sept 27 James Duncalfe and Mary Ledward Dec 10 Thomas Taylor and Hannah Cooke Dec 23 Samson Shuker and Hannah Maria Wright Dec 23 John Brown and Hannah Maria Hassall Dec 25 Joseph Slater and Margaret Jane Bason

NB Magazines may now be sent in for binding – Thirteen pence to be pre-paid

 

GEO A.E.KEMPSON Vicar

 

February 1884

 

It is with sincere regret that we have received the announcement that the Lord Bishop of Chester has intimated his wish to resign.  For nineteen years he has administered the affairs of this Diocese in such a way as to win the confidence of the clergy and laity alike.  Bishop Jacobson is known among scholars as a man of deep research and profound theological learning.  In this Diocese he will be remembered as an administrator of sound views and impartial judgement.  It is with equal regret that we learn that his retirement has also involved the resignation of Bishop Kelly who of late years has so ably assisted the Bishop in some of the more public and laborious portions of his work.  Bishop Kelly was welcomed wherever he went not only as and able and earnest preacher but as a true friend from whom you might seek counsel and advice.

 

The following prayer taken from the manual of Dean Alfred is suggested for our daily use:

 

Almighty God the fountain of all wisdom, guide we beseech Thee the minds of those in whose hands lies in appointing the Chief Pastor of this Diocese.  Give them diligence to look out and wisdom to discern, one in whom is thy spirit, and zeal for thy glory and love for thy flock.  And to him that shall be sent among us do Thou grant Thy heavenly blessing: that he may serve before Thee to the honour of Thy great name and to the benefit of Thy Holy Church through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.

 

GEO A.E.KEMPSON Vicar

   

 

 

March 1884

 

PREACHERS ON THURSDAY EVENING DURING LENT

 

Feb 28 REV P UNDERHILL MA

Mar 6   REV CYRIL HOLMES

Mar 13             REV T H B FEARON MA

Mar 20  REV T BENSTEAD MA

Mar 27REV A.P. HOLME MA

April 3 REV CANON BLACKBURNE MA

 

On Monday evening Feb18th the members of the Young Women’s Help Society to the number of two hundred met in St Peter’s schoolroom for their annual winter entertainment.  After tea a short address on temperance by Mr Miller was listened to with attention and this was followed by a Concert, the programme of which was arranged by Miss Solly.  It opened with Haydn’s Toy Symphony by a band of fifteen performers.  Several of the parts were taken by children which added greatly to the interest of the performance.  The band was led by Mr McDonald and Miss H Solly played second violin.  The parts were all well sustained and the audience applauded enthusiastically.  The rest of the programme included songs by Mrs Moses, Miss Madeline Kempson, Miss Latham and Miss Carter, two violin solos by Master Eaton and eight very pretty songs sung by groups of eight or ten girls from the different parishes all evidently carefully practised.  The concert concluded about ten o’clock with God save the Queen

GEO A.E.KEMPSON Vicar

 

April 1864

 

It is with great sorrow that we record the death of Mr John Aubyn May who lost his life on the Railway near Astbury Sidings on the 24th ult.  It would appear that he was walking along the line to keep an appointment with his agent who had just alighted at Mow Cop Station when he was caught by the up express and killed on the spot  Mr May was well known and widely respected and his death will cause a blank, not only in his own family but all through the Potteries.  We shall miss him sadly in this parish in many ways; we shall miss him in his capacity  of Churchwarden and office which he filled with exemplary zeal and diligence but we shall miss him still more as a friend and neighbour who always had a kindly word for everyone.   In consequence of this sad event the Easter Tea party will not be held this year.

 

A meeting was held on the 31^st ult, in the Girl’s schoolroom to establish a branch of the Church of England Temperance Society.  After addresses by the Vicar and Mr A Solly about forty of those present subscribed the roll.

GEO A.E.KEMPSON Vicar

 

 

May 1884

 

BAPTISMS
Jan 3  Henry Beard Jan 4  Henry Worthington Jan 5  Sarah Ann Birchall Jan 20  Henry Madders Jan 31  James Cliffe Feb 14  Grace Thursfield Mar 2  Joseph Henry Stanway Mar 2  James Stanway Mar 13 Thomas Hackney	Mar 21  William Kearton Mar 24  Edward Jackson Mar 24  Samuel Smith Mar 27  Mary Hannah Skerratt Mar 30  Charles Gilbert Moores Apr 4  Thomas Smith Apr 7  Gertrude Varney Simms Apr 8  Fanny Lockett Apr 22 Florence Hackney
MARRIAGES
Jan 23rd Charles Vaudrey and Mary Chorleton Feb 24th George Pemberton and Mary Worthington March 3rd George Manley and Louise Greatorix March 9  Thomas Lees and  Eliza Ann Hodgkinson April 6 Levi Cooke and Martha Washington April 12 John Stanley and Ann Burslem April 13 John Thompson and Rose Hannah Nixon April 13 Samuel Horton and Annie Beech April 13 William Alfred Davenport and Ann Hobson April 14 Cornelius Ebenezer Lamb and Sarah Elizabeth Beeston

 The annual Vestry meeting was held on Easter Tuesday and (by adjournment) on the following Thursday  when Messrs C Lowe and H Colbeck were appointed Churchwardens

For the ensuing year.  The same Sidesmen were re-elected.

 

The Vicar’s annual statement of accounts will be published shortly together with the list of subscribers to the Church Fund.

GEO A.E.KEMPSON Vicar

 

June 1884 (No May magazine)

 

Records of the month of May

 

May 5^th The third meeting of our parochial branch of the C E Temperance Society was held and passed off satisfactorily.

 

May 11^th The SPG Sermons were preached by Archdeacon Daykin (late of Natal).

 

May 12^th Missionary meeting at the Boys School when the deputation gave an interesting lecture illustrated by some admirable sketches.

 

May 25^th The Rev E Warren Vicar of Holy Trinity Lambeth paid us a visit and preached both morning and evening.  The first monthly collection for Church expenses  was made and realised £2 8s 11d.

 

May 26^th The last meeting for the season in connection with the C E Temperance Society was held and was eminently successful Mr Warren gave a spiritual address and the members of the junior branch distinguished themselves both in music and debate.

 

The Lord Bishop of Chester has promised to kindly hold a confirmation at St James’ Church in November next.

 

GEO A.E.KEMPSON Vicar

 

July 1884

 

Notes of the past month

 

June 18^th The triennial gathering of parish choirs within the boundaries of the old parish  took place at Astbury.  About two hundred voices took part in the usual festival service and as the weather was glorious all enjoyed a happy day.

 

June 26^th The Diocesan Inspector visited our schools of which he reports very favourably

 

It is in contemplation to found a branch of the Young Men’s Friendly Society which will work very much on the lines of the Young Women’s Help Society which for the last three years has proved useful in the parish. The motto of the Society is “Quit you like men –be strong,” and its main object is by a band of union to foster true Christian manliness.

 

By the kindness of Mr Dennis Bradwell the schools will meet at Daisy bank for their annual treat on Saturday July 26^th.

GEO A.E.KEMPSON Vicar

 

August 1884

 

As we are late in going to press we are able to give some account of the School Festival which, on account of the bad weather was postponed from the last Saturday in July to the first Saturday in this month. The day was propitious and everything passed off well.  The scholars numbered over six hundred and made quite an imposing array with their forest of banners, as they marched through the town accompanied by a goodly number of teachers, and preceded by the Town band which played merrily at the head of the column.  With such a large number to deal with it speaks much for the managing committee that there was no confusion or disorder.  There was abundance of good cheer and no delay in serving it. There was ample space in Mr Bradwell’s beautiful field for the various pastimes and sports  in which all engaged according to their capacity or taste.  One novel feature was a cricket match between the choir and the rest of the school in which the former proved victorious.

 

Abstract of Account (to date)

£     s    d                                              £    s     d

Donations                                 11   0    0          Provisions                     12  7     10

Payments of Scholars                  7   0    0          Band                            2   10     0

Gate Money                                     6    9          Prizes                           1   13     3

Sale of Surplus provisions                13    0          Other Expenses              1     5     0

Balance                         1     5     10

Total                                         19    1   1          Total                              19    1     1

 

GEO A E KEMPSON Vicar

September 1884

 

BAPTISMS
May 1    John Barber May 11   William Lockett May 11   Mary Taylor May 11   Nelly Glearson June 1     Elizabeth Ann Gibson June 1     Fanny Elizabeth Faram June 1     Charles Richard Lowe June 1     Fred Brittain June 1     Emily Hulme June 22   James Dale June 22   Ian Wynyard Astell July 5      Joseph Hulme	July 6   William Shaker July 20  Emma Stapleton Aug 3    Stephen Thomas Furniough Aug 10  Eveleyn May Davenport Aug 24   James Mellor Aug 24  Frederick Mellor Aug 24  Samuel Mellor Aug 24  Frank Mellor Aug 31  Nelly Berry Aug 31  Harry Johnson Aug 31  James Henry Garside
MARRIAGES
June 2 Henry Bain and Mary Ellen Barber June 29 Thomas Lawton and Rachel Hough August 17 Charles Johnson and Alice Knapper August 18 Henry Kinsey and Mary Taylor August 18 John William Foden and Sarah Tomkinson August 18 Henry Cartledge and Ann Goodwin

 

The Harvest Thanksgiving Festival will be held on Wednesday the 24^th inst, and on the following Sunday.  Preacher on Wednesday the Ven. Archdeacon Gore; Preacher on Sunday the Rev. Canon Atkinson.  The collection on Wednesday will be given to the school.  Those on Sunday to the Diocesan Institution.

GEO A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

October 1884

 

The Harvest Festival took place on Wednesday September 24^th .  The Church was very prettily decorated and there was a good congregation in the evening when the venerable Archdeacon Gore preached.  The collection amounted to £6  8s  8d and was given to the Cholera Relief Fund.  On the following Sunday two sermons were preached by the Rev. canon Atkinson Rector of Audlem on behalf of the Diocesan Charities and Institutions.  The collections amounted to £6  7s  5d.  These sums are very small and bear no proportion to the bountiful harvest which God has given us this year.  May God dispose our hearts to greater liberality, that our gifts may receive His blessing.

 

GEO A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 1884

 

Notes of the past month

 

October 2 At a farewell tea party given at the Girls’ schoolroom in honour of Mr Colbeck (the Vicar being in the chair) a presentation was made to that gentleman on the occasion of his leaving Congleton.  A very handsomely fitted travelling bag was presented to him by the senior members of the Church Choir, and a few other friends.  The Choir Boys also gave him a nice silver pencil case.  During the four years he has resided in Congleton Mr Colbeck has deservedly earned the sincere regard of all who knew him.  Whatever he undertook he did well and never thought it a trouble to go out of his way to do a kindness.

 

October 22^nd and 23^rd Diocesan Conference at Chester

On the nomination of the Bishop the Vicar of this parish was appointed Honorary Secretary to a new organisation which has been formed for the increase of parochial clergy.  The Rev. J.E. Colyer read an interesting paper on the Church’s duty towards the Jews.

 

The annual Choir Tea Party and Concert will take place on Thursday November 6^th.

 

The Confirmation announced for the 1^st will take place on Sunday the ninth at three o’clock in the afternoon.

GEO A.E. KEMPSON Vicar

 

December 1884

Notes of the past month

 

November 6 The Choir Tea Party and Concert though but thinly attended realised the sum of £6  4s  6d  The vicar begs to thank all those who helped to secure this result.

 

November 9  The Lord Bishop held a special confirmation in the afternoon at St James’ Church. The ceremony of ‘laying on hands’ was performed at the chancel steps where the candidates were presented by twos We have never seen this service conducted with greater order and decorum.  The following are the names of those confirmed from this parish

Ashmore Harriet Bakin Caroline Bailey Annie Barton Frances Booth Eliza Burgess Mary J Chart Emily Cooke Edith Cooke Eliza Duckworth M J Ellis Elizabeth Foden Jane Forster Jane Gent Maria Lancake Elizabeth Lea Elizabeth Leech Annie

Lomas E A Lomas Louisa Lawton Annie Middleton Lowe H Pedley Fanny A Pool Elizabeth Pyatt Mary J Rye Patience Stokes Minnie Stubbs Alice Swindells Sarah Thursfield H E Wade Elizabeth Whieldan Ellen Wood Mercy Yates Hannah

Adams Frank Bailey George H Bailey Thomas Brown Frank Davenport Fred Fisher Harry Forster John Garside Thomas Gee Walter Gee William Edward Gent Arthur Goodall William Hodgkinson William Key Edwin Maxfield Hubert J Porter Ambrose Stokes Joseph Woodcock Louis

   Fifty two in all; sixteen were presented from other parishes.

 

GEO A.E. KEMPSON Vicar