Lindal & Marton Parish Magazine 1897
In 1897, the Rev Lewis Owen Lewis had been the incumbent of St Peter's Parish Church, Lindal-in-Furness, for 23 years. He wrote a monthly newsletter to his parishioners, containing both spiritual and worldly news and advice.
Read about the "Band of Hope" Temperance Society, the Greco-Turkish "Thirty Days" War, Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the death of Queen Victoria's cousin the Duchess of Teck, and not forgetting the price of bread! How many names do you recognise in the Baptisms, Marriages and Deaths? Finally, read about the Martinmas and Christmas celebrations, and an appeal for male Sunday School teachers.
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
Go to Parish Magazine 1898
January 1897
My Dear Friends,
The Old Year has gone, the New Year begun! To what thoughts do these facts give rise? Do they concern us – ought they to? Are we satisfied with the past? Have we determined to do better for the future?
Why should you or I trouble about these things? Have we made any mistakes, have we been negligent of opportunities granted to us during the past year? What of the fifty-two Sundays of 1896? Were they all made the best of, and if not, shall we deal more honestly with ourselves during 1897? I feel sure we shall all say there is room enough to do so.
Then think of the many mercies vouchsafed to us, notwithstanding all our imperfections!
To whom are we indebted for an extension of time, whilst it has been denied to so many others? The past year brought sorrow into many a home. Death came, and without respect of persons or character called many away.
But mercy came also, and lightened the burden of many a life and heart. You know of which you have received most, sorrow or gladness.
And now, what of 1897? How can we show our gratitude for His love to us, and how can we gather strength for the journey on which we have entered?
The best and most lasting work is that done in God’s name on behalf of our fellow-man. Let me therefore plead once more for helpers in His work in our own Parish.
Our Sunday School languishes for want of Teachers. Here is a field of usefulness which may be, and ought to be, occupied by a goodly number of our people. It is a work which brings a blessing to all engaged in it, and is a means of doing much good to others.
Our Band of Hope, too, would be all the brighter and better for the help of a greater number of workers, earnest in endeavour to prevent our young people entering that great army so intent on ruin and misery. I am pleased to say that the Rev. F. Byard has promised to come and speak at our Meeting this month. Will you, dear reader, come and help us too?
I have much pleasure in saying that there will be Services in the Village Hall, Marton, on Wednesday evenings at 7 o’clock.
I do pray that 1897 may be a truly Happy Year to us all.
Baptism
Dec. 6 – Elizabeth, daughter of James and Sarah Hutchinson, Marton.
Marriages
Oct. 28 – John George Kyme and Mary Simpson.
Dec. 16 – John Bell and Edith Mary Bond.
Deaths
Dec. 4 – John Birkett, Maskells, aged 76 years.
Dec. 5 – Mary Heaps, Marton, aged 9 years.
Dec. 15 – Johanna Roberts, Lindal, aged 33 years.
Text for the Month
“THIS MONTH SHALL BE UNTO YOU THE BEGINNING OF MONTHS, THE FIRST MONTH OF THE
YEAR.”
Exodus 12, 2.
Yours faithfully,
L. OWEN LEWIS.
February 1897
Dear Friends,
We are on the march! Such is the fact we are reminded of by the issue of this month’s Magazine. January already gone; February with its Candlemas demands and lengthening days, is here. Thus, Time goes straight on, turning neither to right or left, halting not, but hastening on and carrying us all with it. So far the new year has not been auspicious. Too many of our men have suffered from want of work. Water in the pits has driven them out, accidents to machinery have compelled the workers to cease labour. These things mean great loss to masters and men, and that loss is felt more keenly just now when prices for iron ore are much better than for a good many years past. We cannot wonder at the migration to other places where there is a better chance of work, but it leaves us poorer in the real wealth of nations when so many families are leaving us. It is cheering to know that in almost every other part of the country report speaks of a better state of things, and so far this winter we have been spared many of the terrible hardships attending a severe winter and want of employment. Let us thank God for that, and try and trust him, and our turn will surely come when a brighter sun will shine on the Furness district.
Our Christmas Tea and Tree was once more successfully brought off, and the best thanks are due and are now most cordially given to all who so kindly helped in that annual event. The articles sent in were never better in quality, and the number of such shewed no falling off. The day was most wet and wild, yet the attendance was very cheering, and nearly 340 articles were distributed to juveniles of all ages, who seemed to enjoy the fun of the various awards.
I am thankful to say the Meetings in the Village Hall, Marton, have been most encouraging, and the Entertainment so kindly given on January 20th was a great success.
Our Band of Hope Meetings have been well attended, and we have to thank Mr. Byard for his earnest and practical Address given to us on the evening of January 19th. If the Dialogue Guild will persevere in their good work I am sure it will be most helpful and give pleasure to many.
Baptisms
January 8 – Jenny, daughter of Thomas and Mary Jane Kendal, Powka Beck.
January 10 – William Farrer, son of Francis and Isabella Wilkin, Holmes Green.
January 17 – Ethel Annie, daughter of William High and Elizabeth Mary Lowther,
Ulverston Road.
Marriage
1896.
December 23rd – William Laurie and Alice Jackson.
Text for the Month
“AS FOR ME, I WILL CALL UPON GOD; AND THE LORD SHALL SAVE ME.”
Psalm 55, 16.
I am, Yours faithfully,
L. OWEN LEWIS.
March 1897
Dear Friends,
The winter is fast passing away, and so far it has been a most seasonable one. A fair share of frost and snow bringing with them some privations as also much pleasure. We have seen one of the old theories unfulfilled. I refer to the abundance of hedge fruit, which was supposed to be the augury of a severe winter; never were the hedges more laden haws in preparation for winter food supply for the birds, and seldom have the feathered tribe left that supply alone so long as this winter. There may be fewer birds, owing to the very severe experience two winters ago, but if not so, then I fear we must give up the theory of the length and severity of winter being foreshadowed by an abundant show of wild fruit. However that may be, we do know that longer and brighter days proclaim the fact that we are stepping onward, and soon spring flowers and singing birds will do their best to cheer and encourage us on our way.
The gardens will now claim attention; and though there may be no Exhibition this year, still, I feel sure there will be no lack of interest in trying to secure as good crops as possible, and of the best kinds, so as to make the garden plots as profitable as they can be.
The Lectures on that subject given by Mr. Spelman will help to direct attention as to making pleasure and profit go hand in hand as far as time and skill will admit of.
Miss Carson’s Lectures have been equally important on work to be done inside the home in case of sickness, and often much can be done to alleviate pain and weakness by knowing how to attend to the wants of suffering ones in the best manner.
The Cycling season is at hand, and doubtless our Honorary Secretary will be busy in arranging the runs and all other matters pertaining to the success of that most popular pastime.
And now, may I put in one word on a subject of utmost concern to us all? For some time past the attendance at Church on the Sunday morning has been very small. Familiar faces have been absent, seats have been empty. The time has been spent somehow. Surely no one will say it has been more profitably spent than by attending God's House! Whatever inconvenience may be pleaded, continued absence from Church on Sunday morning must bring with it a lost of temporal and spiritual blessing.
Baptism
February 7 – Edward Bradley, son of Matthew Thomas and Mary Jane Jackson, Lindal.
Marriage
February 17 – John Fell and Annie Kirkbride, Lindal.
Death
January 24 – Thomas Rudd, Marton, aged 81 years.
Text of the Month
“THOU SHALT COME TO THY GRAVE IN A FULL AGE, LIKE AS A SHOCK OF CORN COMETH
IN HIS SEASON.”
Job 5, 26.
I am, Yours faithfully,
L. OWEN LEWIS.
April 1897
My Dear Friends,
“The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of the birds is come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land.” So wrote the wise King of Israel three thousand years ago! To him and his people the appearance of the flowers and the singing of the birds were signs of hope for the coming summer, full of joy for the coming harvest. Winter was over, the rainy season gone, and a period of warmth and growth at hand. No less welcome is Spring to us. The Daffodils, or Lent Lilies, are now in full flower, and wherever we turn our eyes there are signs of approaching verdure and beauty. And as the flowers proclaim their vitality, usefulness and beauty by rising again from the cold earth, so are we reminded of the great fact of our resurrection. The earth could not keep back the flowers, fragile as they are, however great the pressure was upon them, nor can the grave keep our bodies there; they must rise again to renewed life and power at His bidding.
Eastertide, with all its joys and privileges will soon be here. It will bring its responsibilities, too. Happy for all who enter into His privileges so as to enjoy them to the profit of their whole life. To secure that, means must be used.
To some of my readers I would earnestly and affectionately commend the importance of attending Holy Communion on Easter Day. Many have grown cold and neglectful of His command, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” How can we be strong without food? How can we expect strength if we refuse the food so graciously provided for us? Let this Easter Day be the opportunity for renewal of spiritual life and strength, that we may be more able to resist the great adversary who is working such ruin in Christ’s kingdom by the chilling, starving process of negligence.
In a short time an event which is unique in England’s history will be brought prominently before us. The country, our Colonies and dependencies, and almost the whole world, will be engaged in celebrating the long and wondrous reign of our good and gracious Queen. No Village will let it pass by without some form of demonstration to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee. What are we going to do? I should be glad to receive any suggestions as to the manner in which we as parishioners and neighbours could show our feeling of loyalty and thankfulness on that great occasion. A Public Meeting would be best to ascertain the views of all around us as to what should be done, and then to secure a strong working Committee to carry out the wishes of our people, so that we may not be behind our neighbours in this national recognition of God’s mercies.
Baptisms
March 7 – Edith Hannah, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Ann Watson,
Ulverston Road.
March 7 – Harold, son of Charlie and Mary Attenborough, Carnforth.
Death
March 10 – Mary Bragg, 8, Bank Terrace, aged 56 years.
Text for the Month
“JESUS SAID UNTO HER, THY BROTHER SHALL RISE AGAIN.”
John 11, 23.
I am, Yours faithfully,
L. OWEN LEWIS.
May 1897
My Dear Friends,
Easter has come and gone, and our responsibilities have been augmented by the privileges attending that important and joyful season.
Great preparations, both in the Church and in the World, were made for the observance of Eastertide. Pleasure, in all its varied forms, was never more bedecked to attract and secure the attention of those whom she has never succeeded in satisfying. Still the crowds hurry to worship at her shrine, and still remain as unsatisfied as ever. But the past has gone, and we have now to do with the future.
Amidst Easter rejoicings the crisis of impending war arrived. War with all its grim and unholy surroundings has been declared! A beginning has been made. When, where, how will it end? These are uncertainties no one can understand, nor venture an answer to. There must be intense anxiety amongst all thoughtful people, and especially amongst true Christians. To them war is the counterpart of all that is associated with the very name of the Prince of Peace. To all it means a season of trouble in almost every direction. Already there are rumours of increased prices in the necessary provisions for life and comfort. If bread becomes dearer it will mean very much to the working classes. With a dear loaf there comes an earnest cry for thrift and care. And if war with all its hideous surroundings should waken up our people to a sense of the loss incurred by spending nearly 150 millions of pounds in intoxicating drink it would prove a blessing to the nation. We read of the sufferings of those wounded in battle, watch their agonies in the hospital, and sympathise with and pray for them! They are many hundreds of miles from us, and we have never seen them. But the thousands who are suffering from the horrible results of drink are passed by and uncared for by the millions of professing Christians who ought to be first and foremost on the battlefield of righteousness against every form of evil.
And what, dear friends, are our duties at the present time? There is a God who hears and answers prayer! Would it not be well for us during the war to meet and unite in prayer to Him who "Maketh wars to cease," that He would guide and govern the hearts of all Rulers that peace may soon be restored?
It seems incongruous that a "Diamond Jubilee" and a bitter war should be coincident. Yet such is the fact in 1897.
We hope to arrange for our Sunday School children to have their prizes on June 22nd, in addition to their Annual Tea, unless some public demonstration be determined on, of which due notice will be given.
Baptisms
April 4 - Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Amy Fell, Lindal.
April 7 - Mary Agnes, daughter of Robert and Annie Huddlestone, Lindal.
Text for the Month
"AND THEY SHALL BEAT THEIR SWORDS INTO PLOWSHARES AND THEIR SPEARS
INTO PRUNING HOOKS."
Isaiah 2, 4.
I am, Yours faithfully,
L. OWEN LEWIS.
June 1897
My Dear Friends,
There is one word just now on the tongues of all people of the civilized world. That word, I need hardly say, is “Jubilee!” Is it not a strange thing that this little island home of ours should be the centre of attraction to so many millions of people? That the name of England and Victoria should command such admiration and respect, and that all nations are preparing to honour our Empress Queen? To have reigned 60 years is a most remarkable event in itself, standing alone as it does in the history of our country. To have inaugurated the Victorian Era and witnessed the marvellous changes and progress made during that time is more remarkable still. To celebrate this wonderful reign, and to shew forth in some degree the appreciation and gratitude of the people, untold numbers are now busy preparing for June 22nd. Gifts and offerings of all kinds and dimensions are pouring in to various centres in towns and country to celebrate the unique event. Volumes might be written as to what will be done to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee. The main feature of the outcome of the wealth thus contributed will be the consideration of the wants of the working classes. Whether we think of Parks and Pleasure Grounds, Hospitals, Libraries, Baths and Washhouses, or the other numerous forms the Jubilee year will leave behind as memorials of it, most, if not all, will point in one direction – the health and comfort of the people. Nor could any recognition of her Majesty’s reign be more acceptable to her than such enduring objects as we have mentioned. Of course, we, too, in our small way, are looking forward to June 22nd, and it is most gratifying to know that our people are determined not to be lacking in loyalty to our Queen. The Committees are busy arranging to carry out as far as possible preparations for young and old, so that as many may participate in the rejoicings as can be. Tea, medals, and mugs for all the children. Tea, and cup and saucer for the elderly people, and all the widows in our district.
We hope also to give our Sunday School prizes on Sunday, June 20th, varying the time this year so as to mark for the children the Jubilee year.
Whilst we are thankful for all mercies of the past, would it not be well again and again to ask the Author of all good things to give us a fine day on June 22nd? It would mean increased happiness to many millions of people in our country, and lend a charm to all the proceedings of the day.
Baptisms
May 16 – George Edward, son of James and Ellen Simpson, Lindal.
May 23 – Elizabeth, daughter of George and Mary Danson, Martin Lane End.
May 23 – Elizabeth Jane, daughter of Joshua and Dinah Dawson, Ulverston
Road.
Text for the Month
“AND ALL THE PEOPLE SHOUTED AND SAID ‘GOD SAVE THE KING.' ”
I Samuel 10, 24.
I am, Yours faithfully,
L. OWEN LEWIS.
July 1897
My Dear Friends,
The great, long talked of, and anticipated day has come and gone. Jubilee Day, the Diamond Jubilee of our good Queen, has passed into history. Anxieties, hopes, fears respecting it have been laid by, and millions breathed more freely on June 23rd than for some time past. For that we all ought to be very grateful. And when we think of the day vouchsafed to us and the whole country, ought we not to thank God for granting such glorious weather for the observance of such a unique event!
The history of the Jubilee has yet to be written, and what a marvellous book it would be could all be found on its pages that occurred in every city, town, village and hamlet in our own country only!
But when we think of the world-wide celebrations of the Jubilee, imagination fails us in trying to grasp the magnitude of it. What a labour it would be to record all that took place; and if possible to do so, who could read such a production? Each part must be left to record its own share of the way in which the day was observed and the persons taking part in it. There is no doubt just now one thought, one feeling uppermost in the minds and hearts of all who were in any way responsible for safeguarding the event and bringing it to a successful issue – that of intense relief and thankfulness for the success granted to them in their arduous undertaking.
It is time now, very briefly, to notice what was done in our own parish and district.
First, there is due to all who took part in it a very hearty expression of thankfulness for securing to so many, both adults and children, such a source of pleasure on that day. That meant a good deal of work, and some of it hard work, too. All honour to those who laboured, and received in some measure the reward of that labour in witnessing the great enjoyment of those who rejoiced in the good things provided for them. Over 400 children, and about 100 adults over sixty years of age, and some few widows who had not yet reached that age, were to have tea. Then arrangements for medals, banners, fireworks, and most important of all the teas for all invited, and lady friends as waiters. To all the elderly people a very nice cup, saucer, and plate were presented, and thanks to the Co-operative Society, each of the children were given a Jubilee mug. The procession of so many well-dressed children, whose faces beamed with delight, the waving of the banners, and their bright, cheery singing of the National Anthem, will linger in the memory of those who witnessed it for many years.
The Sunday Scholars received their prizes on Sunday afternoon in the Church, when over 120 books were awarded them. The service began at two o’clock, at which time there were a good number of parents and friends present. The children sang several suitable hymns, and a short address was given by the Rev. L. Owen Lewis. Altogether, Jubilee week was one of much pleasure to our people.
Baptism
June 21 – Evelina, daughter of Isaac and Annie Lindsay, Lindal.
Motto for the Month
“GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.”
I am, Yours faithfully,
L. OWEN LEWIS.
August 1897
Dear Friends,
We have now entered on the eighth month of this eventful year. How soon anticipations have been realized in many things! The wonderful Diamond Jubilee has slipped into history and there is much to be thankful for in connection with it. On no great occasion for the gathering together of such vast multitudes has there been such a minimum of robbery, drunkenness, or rowdyism. The great crowds in London seemed bent on enjoyment, and did their best to secure it. For a time it appeared that anxiety concerning the great war so much feared was becoming less, and that too was under the influence of the feeling created by the Jubilee, and peace would be certainly established.
How far off such a desirable fact may be no one can tell. Turkey has baffled diplomacy only too often, and to-day she remains the great hindrance to substantial peace and progress. So uncertain is the state of things that the names of the leading generals of European armies are freely discussed as being likely to take a prominent part in the coming war! The prayer of every Christian man and woman should be that a better spirit should prevail, and that all classes should exhibit more of the mind of the “Prince of Peace.”
When we think of things at home, how great the contrast. During the past month how much has been vouchsafed that demands our heartiest praise. The weather most suitable for the hay harvest came just in the right time, and better crops and sooner housed never rewarded the toil and care of the farmer. The barns so empty, are now full to overflowing, and should move all hearts with gratitude to the Giver of all good things.
Our Choir and Teachers’ Trip was one of great enjoyment to all who availed themselves once more of the liberality of the donors who provided the means of such a pleasure.
It seems rather strange to have nothing to say about our Annual Exhibition this month. But most of us will think it is as well for it to have a rest for this year at least.
It is quite refreshing to hear the sound of the Brass Band again, and it is to be hoped that our young men will continue to practise until they can take their place amongst the bands of the neighbourhood and occupy a good position amongst them. Their doing so will be a most welcome acquisition to the whole district.
Baptisms
May 30 – Edith Maud, daughter of William and Margaret Steele, Lindal.
June 6 – Dinah May, daughter of John and Elizabeth Ann Shaw, Lindal.
June 6 – John Henry, son of Edward and Susan Shuttleworth, Marton.
July 1 – Annie, daughter of James and Joyce Maria Helme, Marton.
Death
June 25 – Joyce Maria Helme, Marton, aged 46 years.
Text for the Month
“AS FOR OUR REDEEMER, THE LORD OF HOSTS IS HIS NAME, THE HOLY ONE OF
ISRAEL.”
Isaiah 47, 4.
I am, Yours faithfully,
L. OWEN LEWIS.
September 1897
Dear Friends,
The eventful year is hurrying along very fast, and each month warns us that we cannot stand still, but must go on, even as the months, towards the close of time. We know full well it is no use to try to stay its course. Our part, if well and rightly played, is to make the best use of every season which we are spared to see, that at the end all may be well.
The Summer, with its long, bright days, has said good bye, and now Autumn and its harvest fields, with all their importance, is close upon us, and provided suitable weather be granted it will not be long ere numbers around us will be busy housing the golden grain ready for food. Well would it be for the world if such occupations only were securing the energy and strength of nations. Instead of that, the spirit of unrest prevails to a very large extent.
At home we are called upon to witness another struggle between capital and labour, between employers and employed. The strike or lock-out amongst the Engineers will bring much misery to thousands of homes; and, as usual, those who can afford the struggle least will be first and longest to suffer. How slow we seem to be in devising means to prevent such calamities. The spirit of unrest is one of the penalties high civilization has to pay. It is possible to have the highest civilization and great progress without true religion. If the spirit of Christianity, if the Master were recognised and acknowledged in the great centres of labour and in the homes of employers and employed, such troubles as strikes could never occur.
The disturbances in India are causing much anxiety to statesmen and men of thought all the country over. How great the need for earnest prayer by all Christian people that we may be spared the horrors of another mutiny.
With this month comes the time for arranging for work to be done during the Autumn and Winter Session. There is great need for helpers in carrying out such things as are helpful to the wellbeing of any and every Parish. Opportunity will be given at an early date for taking counsel as to what is possible to be done. May God stir up our hearts to unity of action, that there may be more signs of healthy life in our midst as concerns the moral and spiritual wellbeing of the Parish and District. All will be most cordially welcomed in such a work.
Baptism
July 29 – John Albert, son of Henry and Sarah Watson, New Row, Marton.
Text for the Month
“PRAY YE THEREFORE THE LORD OF THE HARVEST THAT HE WOULD SEND FORTH
LABOURERS INTO HIS HARVEST.”
Luke 10, 2.
I am, Yours faithfully,
L. OWEN LEWIS.
October 1897
Dear Friends,
Amidst many doubts and fears concerning the harvest our last little address was written. Let us thank God for removing those fears and giving a glorious time of bright and breezy weather for the ingathering of the great bulk of the corn. The time has come for something like an estimate to be formed of the world’s harvest, and from the returns made there can be no doubt that there is an under-average supply. There is already a dearer loaf than for some years past, but let us hope it has reached its highest price. The dearer loaf ought to secure not only much criticism, but also serious thought as to what can be done to equalize the expenditure of wages, something done to secure the incoming of wages for as great a period of the year as possible! Think of the enormous sum of money spent in intoxicating Drink – about 150 millions of pounds last year! Twice as much as spent in Bread and Flour! Surely the dearer loaf should make the country think more about the necessary things of life. Already the question is being asked, “What are poor people to do if bread becomes dearer?” The rise of a halfpenny or a penny per loaf will tell a tale in many a home. To all who spend money in Drink we would say “DON’T,” but spend that money in the necessaries of life, and help your fellow-countrymen to live by cultivating the land which for many years has been unremunerative in the attempts made to grow wheat and other cereals.
Not only is there a deficiency in corn crops, but there are wars, and rumours of wars, all the world over.
More pitiable still is the unhappy war between capital and labour going on in our own country. What that means thousands of homes are already too well acquainted with. What a call for wisdom and tact is now made to prevent the ruin of more than one branch of trade in the country. How our continental neighbours must be gratified at what is going on, and the work flowing in increased volume into their firms!
DRINK, WAR, STRIKES, LOCK-OUTS! these are the things that impoverish a nation, and foster bitterness of spirit amongst the people. And all this just now when the loaf is dearer than for many years past! Ought not such a state of things to help us all to pray earnestly, and work vigorously, for wisdom and grace to guide us to better times?
Baptisms
Aug 29 – Sarah, daughter of John Thomas and Hannah Jane Wheatman,
Marton.
Sept 12 – Mabel Annie, daughter of Isaac and Margaret Wilkinson, Bank
Terrace, Pennington.
Sept 12 – John Tomlin, son of William Tulip and Agnes Jane Turner, Tytup
Lodge, Dalton.
Sept 19 – Avice Emmeline, daughter of Thomas and Emmeline Keast Leck,
Ulverston Road, Pennington.
Marriage
Sept 2 – Thomas Seatle Bradley and Ruth Smith Bolton.
Deaths
Aug 28 – George Sharp, Marton, aged 20 years.
Sept 8 – Robert Thompson, Tarnside House, Pennington, aged 72 years.
Text for the Month
“THEN SHALL THE DUST RETURN TO THE EARTH AS IT WAS: AND THE SPIRIT
SHALL RETURN UNTO GOD WHO GAVE IT.”
Ecclesiastes 12, 7.
I am, Yours faithfully,
L. OWEN LEWIS.
November 1897
My Dear Friends,
I feel that this little address must be chiefly one of praise and thanksgiving.
Our Harvest Festival is once more a matter of history, and although so many events occur to help to blot out past mercies, yet, I am sure, there will be a very pleasant recollection of October 3rd in many minds.
We must not forget how good God was to us in giving us such a lovely day, for we all know how much the weather has to do with the success or failure of such an event. Thank God for His mercies in remembering what was so needful for us.
We are also thankful for all the various helpers on, and for, the day.
The preachers deserve our gratitude for so fully and faithfully proclaiming the good news of God’s unfailing grace, and the power of His love.
To the Choir and Organist great praise is due for the excellent manner in which they all contributed to the services of the day and made their portion of the work so acceptable to the large congregations, and we trust acceptable to our gracious Father.
Nor must we forget the attraction of the Brass Band, which so kindly gave their services in the afternoon service, and pleased and astonished all present by their subdued and excellent playing.
Words would fail to express our deep thankfulness to those who gave such willing help in the decorating of our Church. It was found to be more than we could do to keep a list of those sending in material for that purpose. It was begun, but it assumed such proportions that the attempt had to be given up. Help came from all parts of the parish and from numbers of Non-conformists as well as our own Church people, and this work was done cheerfully and heartily with the result that our Church never looked more beautiful, never secured more praise.
And last, though not least, we have reason to be very thankful for the collections of that day. The sum received will be of very substantial help to our Churchwardens in meeting the necessary expenses incurred in maintaining the services in God’s house in a befitting manner and comfort to all as far as possible.
One word as to the future. We have had all the good things named above, the offerings of the people, &c., now we want more of the people themselves. We have seen God’s house filled, and would like to see His kingdom filled with neighbours and friends. The great harvest is coming, the world is fast ripening for the end! Education, science, civilization have done their best, and there is more unrest in the souls of men than ever! May our earthly harvest be very useful in teaching us of the spiritual and eternal one, where we shall never weary in the singing of the song of victory now being sung by all those who have entered into rest.
Baptism
Oct 3rd – Mary Alice, daughter of Frank and Alice Penrice, Town End, Pennington.
Death
Oct 4th – William Brocklebank, Marton, aged 66 years.
Text for the Month
“BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN THE LORD.”
Rev. 14, 13.
I am, Yours faithfully,
L. OWEN LEWIS.
December 1897
Dear Friends,
We have been permitted to enter upon the last month of this year. Much, very much has occurred to make the year most memorable. The one great event eclipsing all others has been the second Jubilee of our good Queen’s reign. For 60 years she has reigned over us, and during that time so much territory has been added to our country, that Victoria is Queen and Empress over such dominions as history has attributed to no other monarch. The prosperity of her reign has been overclouded once more by the death of the Duchess of Teck whose life and character was of the noblest and best.
The Jubilee and other important events of this remarkable year have now become matters of history, and as the year hurries to its close other words are sounding in our ears reminding us of present duties.
We are now looking forward to Christmas, and we trust that the great event signified by that word may be uppermost in the minds of all who value the good news of God’s great love to man. Christmas brings with it a time of public and private rejoicing, and is the one season of the year when many hearts and lives are made joyous by the timely beneficence of others.
We are looking forward to our Annual Christmas Tree and Tea, and trust that it may minister to the enjoyment of many. As usual, it will be held on Christmas Eve, and between this and then there will be ample time for our friends to prepare some little gift for the Tree.
But we must not be unmindful of the past. Martinmas has come and gone. Our Band of Hope Tea and Entertainment was a very enjoyable success, and very hearty thanks are due to all who helped to make it so.
To those who contributed to it at the offertory in Church, to kind friends from Dalton and others whose praiseworthy help was so much appreciated, to our girls and boys for their nice singing and reciting, to the accompanists and all other helpers, our best thanks are given.
It is cheering to know that the Band is going on so well, and we trust they may have a very successful Concert on the 3rd inst.
There is a quieter side to the work going on in the Parish, but one which we trust will not be the least real and helpful. Our Bible Class is fairly started and the attendance is encouraging. No more profitable hour can be spent than at that Class on Monday evenings. A kindly invitation is given to any who have not yet joined us in that good work.
Two or three men teachers are sorely needed in our Sunday School! Who will help?
Baptism
Nov 14th – William James, son of James and Sarah Dickinson, Dalton.
Text for the Month
“FOR HERE WE HAVE NO CONTINUING CITY, BUT WE SEEK ONE TO COME.”
Hebrews 13, 14.
May God give you all a very happy Christmas is the sincere wish of
Yours faithfully,
L. OWEN LEWIS.