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Woughton-On-the-Green

January 1893 Woughton-on-the-Green

On Dec. 1st an intercessory service for foreign missions for the Rural Deanery of Bletchley was held in our church, when a most interesting and able sermon was preached by the Rev. A. C. Woodhouse, vicar of Stantonbury. The offertory, amounting to £1 8s. 9½d., was given to the Archdeaconry of Buckingham Missionary Candidates' Association. In the afternoon the rural dean (Rev. G. W. Pearse) held a "chapter," or meeting of the clergy of his deanery, at the Rectory.

This year the parish has contributed to foreign missions £4 2s. 5d., not including the offertory on Intercession Day.

During the past month six cookery lessons, in connection with the County Council Technical Education scheme, have been given by Miss Clara Fallows in our Schoolroom. The instruction in the afternoon was given to twelve girls, who made various dishes under Miss Fallows' direction. The evening demonstrations were much appreciated.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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February 1893 Woughton-on-the-Green

Our Christmas services were bright and cheerful, but we are sorry to say that there were not quite as many communicants as usual. As in former years, the three Festivals succeeding Christmas Day were observed. Carols were sung in Church during Christmastide and Epiphany. On Holy Innocents' day here was a children's service at 5.30, followed by a Christmas tree in the Schoolroom, when Mrs. Field gave a present to each teacher and child attending the Sunday School.

The Choir was entertained with tea and games on Friday evening, Jan. 13, in the school-room, by Mr. W. J. Levi, the Organist and Choir-master.

On Tuesday, Jan. 3, the children attending the Woughton and Sympson Board School performed a Cantata, called "Santa Claus," accompanied on the pianoforte by Mr W. J. Levi. The piece was long, but it was astonishing how well the children had learned their parts. The performance reflected the greatest credit on Mr., and Mrs. Bevan, the master and mistress. The proceeds of the entertainment provided a tea for all the children.

Burials Woughton-on-the-Green 1893

Jan 18 Albert Kendall, infant son of Elisha Josiah and Betsy Biggs.

Jan 18 Esther, wife of John Hedges, aged 77.

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March 1893 Woughton-on-the-Green

Our Lent week-day evening services will be on Thursday instead of Wednesday as hitherto. The preacher on March 2nd will be the Rector of Milton Keynes, and on March 16th the Rector of Walton. There will also be the usual service on Wednesday and Friday mornings, at 9.45, and daily services during Holy Week. On the first Sunday in Lent, and until further notice, the early celebrations of Holy Communion will be at 8 o'clock.

An account of the offertory for 1892 was omitted last month: Churchwarden's expenses £11 8s. 9d., Sick and poor (Christmas Day) £1 15s. 7¼d., Foreign Missions (S.P.G.) £5 11s. 2½d., Home Missions (A.C.S.) £3 2s. 5d., Diocesan Society for increasing small livings £113s. 9d., Diocesan Building Society £1 6s. 11d., Woughton church nave restoration fund £28 7s. 0½d., Total £53 5s. 8¾d. The number of coins collected were 3,166; of which 2,056 were copper coins, 1,101 silver, and 9 gold.

The debt due to the Bank on the Nave restoration fund is still upwards of £200

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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April 1893 Woughton-on-the-Green

Many of our people have signed a petition against the iniquitous Welsh " Suspensory. Bill" (now before the House of Commons), by which the enemies of the Church seek to cripple four Dioceses in the Province of Canterbury, of which our own Diocese of Oxford forms a part.

Mr. Levi has kindly given £100 towards defraying the debt on the restoration of our church, so that only a little over £100 now remains unpaid.

There will be two Celebrations of the Holy Communion on Easter Day. at 8 and 11 a.m., which will give an opportunity to every adult parishioner to "keep the Feast." We wish to call attention to the Church's rule: "Note, that every Parishioner shall communicate at the least three times in the year, of which Easter to be one."

Miss Bella Deyns is giving a course of lectures on "Health in the Home", for women only. The first lecture was much appreciated by an attentive audience of 20 persons. Four women accepted the Lecturer's offer to visit their houses for the purpose of giving them advice in sanitary matters.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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May 1893 Woughton-on-the-Green

Good Friday Services consisted of Matins and ante Communion at 11 o'clock, Litany and address, at 3, Evensong and sermon at 7, and were all very well attended. Four joyful services (fully choral, with an anthem in the evening) were held on Easter Day. There were two celebrations, at which the Holy Communion was administered to 35 persons. This was a very, fair attendance for a population of 200 ; but there were many absent ones whom we should have welcomed to "keep the Feast with us." The offertory (£2 5s. 10d.) was received as Easter Dues by the Rector, who sent it to the Clergy Pension Institution. Two organ recitals have been given, one by the organist (Mr. W. J. Levi) on the 7th of April; another by Dr. Mann, organist of King's College, Cambridge. Both were well attended and much appreciated.

Marriage Woughton-on-the-Green 1893

April 3 (Easter Monday) Henry Barker, of S. James, Stantonbury, to Louisa Law, of Woughton-on-the-Green.

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June 1893 Woughton-on-the-Green

An awful event happened in our village on Friday evening, the 12th of May. As Mr. William Shirley was sitting with his wife in the garden, he was suddenly seized with a pain at the heart, and within a few minutes he expired. Although Mr. Shirley had some time ago passed through a serious illness, he appeared to have recovered. Early in the morning; he attended the "audit," of overseer's accounts at Newport Pagnell, and he was apparently in good health and spirits. The greatest sympathy is felt for Mrs. Shirley in her bereavement. Such an occurrence as this will surely rouse some careless ones among us to serious thoughts of death and judgment. But we must not look for some great and surprising event to lead us into the path to Heaven. The Angel of Death takes away one here and another there. Someone, like our neighbour, is snatched away without a moment's notice, but men take no heed. Our Lord told us that men would not be moved by events far more startling than sudden death, and that they are only shewn their danger and their duty by the light of God's Holy Word when He said at the 'end of one of His most solemn parables "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."

A writer in "Church Bells " says : " Every one grumbles, but no one prays for a blessing on the earth, and the Rogation Days pass without recognition in our churches." The latter part of this sentence does not affect our parish, as we had our usual Rogation service of supplication on Tuesday before Ascension Day, at 6,15. But I am afraid there is too much truth in the rest of the sentence. Every one has been grumbling about the drought and the prospect of the crops, but few came to our service in their distress to pray to Him "from whom all good things do come." People, flock to the Harvest Thanksgiving (an excellent institution, but unauthorized by the Church), but they think it unnecessary to observe the excellent ancient authorized custom of asking for God's blessing, without which all their labours in the fields would be fruitless.

The services on Ascension Day were: Matins and celebration of the Holy Communion at 11 (when the offertory was for the Archbishop of Canterbury's Mission to the Assyrian Church); Evensong and sermon at 7.

Baptism Woughton-on-the-Green 1893

April 30 Florence Mary, daughter of Samuel and Emma Biggs

Burial Woughton-on-the-Green 1893

May 15 William Shirley, Green Farm, aged 56.

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July 1893 Woughton-on-the-Green

On Whit Sunday there were two celebrations of Holy Communion, which were fairly well attended. The offertory for the day, amounting to £11 0s.5½d., was given to the fund for relieving the victims of the " Liberator " Building Society frauds. A short time ago the Fund had reached £24,000, but large as that sum is it can only temporarily relieve the most urgent cases of suffering. The claims against the "Liberator" Building Society amount to about £7,000,000, and the loss has fallen chiefly upon persons of humble position, whilst the cause of all this suffering, Mr. J. S. Balfour, is still at liberty,

Marriage Woughton-on-the-Green 1893

May 29 Leonard George Purcell to Anne Elizabeth Garner

Burial Woughton-on-the-Green 1893

June 1 Sophia, wife of James Cox, aged 71.

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August 1893 Woughton-on-the-Green

On the v. Sunday after Trinity (July 2nd.) the sermon at Evensong was preached by the Rev. G.M. Stuppell, curate of Holy Trinity Church, Stepney, on behalf of Home Missions of the Church of England. The offertory (morning and evening), amounting to £3 3s. 6d., was sent to the Society for promoting the employment of curates in populous places.

The Rector has, for a few weeks, exchanged duties as well as home with the Rev. Howard Hopley, vicar of Westham, near Eastbourne, on the south coast of England; and it is hoped that the change will be beneficial to all concerned, priests and parishes.

On the Royal Wedding day the children of the village had a flower service in the church. The flowers were sent to the Bedford Infirmary. Afterwards the children adjourned to the Rectory Garden which was gay with loyal flags. There they had tea and the usual games, " stool-ball," races, scrambling, &c.. Prizes were given to the Sunday School children. After singing an evening hymn and some very hearty cheering, they went home tired and happy.

Marriage Woughton-on-the-Green 1893

July 8 Stephen Biggs and Tryphena Nicholls.

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September 1893 Woughton-on-the-Green

No article, baptisms, marriage and burials for Woughton-on-the-Green printed this month.

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October 1893 Woughton-on-the-Green

During the month of August, the Rectory was occupied by the Rev. Howard Hopley vicar of Westham, near Eastbourne, and his Services in the church and parish were much appreciated. Meanwhile the Rector of Woughton, supplied Mr. Hopley's place at Westham.

The Harvest Festival was held on Thursday, September 14. The sermon was preached by the Rev. C. T. Gillett, vicar of Fenny Stratford. The other part of the service was said by the Rev. G. W. Pearse, and the Rev. H. O. Blagden, in the absence of the Rector, who had been called from home by the death of a relative. The church was tastefully decorated under the superintendence of' Mr. W. .J. Levi and Miss Higgins. The festival was continued on the following Sunday. The corn, fruit, and vegetables, together with the collection, amounting to £3 14s. 5d., were sent to Bedford Infirmary.

No baptisms, marriage and burials, printed for Woughton-on-the-Green this month.

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November 1893 Woughton-on-the-Green

On Wednesday evening, September 27, a missionary meeting was held on behalf of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts. After the hymn "Thy Kingdom come, O God," and a few introductory words from the Rector; the meeting was addressed by the Rev. T. G. Harper, a coloured clergyman from British Guiana, Mr. Harper engaged his hearers attention a long time by a most, interesting description of his native country and an account of the Society's work there, and at the close of the address, the cordial thanks of the meeting were given to him. The beautiful old missionary hymn of Bishop Heber, "From Greenland's 'icy mountains." was. then sung, and several suitable collects and the Blessing brought the meeting to a close. The attendance was good, and the collection amounted to 19s. 8d.

It may interest some of our readers to learn that no fewer than 55 persons (more than one-fourth of the population of this parish) have died during the incumbency of the present Rector (9 years). One was over 90, 7 over 80, 22 over 70, 29 over 60, 35 over 50, 38 over 40, 44 over 20, and 11 under 20. During the same period there were 48 baptisms and 14 marriages.

On Tuesday afternoon, December 5, there will be a sale of articles carved by Mrs. W. J. Levi's class, in the village Schoolroom.

Burials Woughton-on-the-Green 1893

Oct 12 Elizabeth Lewis, wife of Benjamin Lewis.

Oct 17 Sarah Ann Rogers, wife of George Rogers, aged 41.

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December 1893 Woughton-on-the-Green

On Friday, November 3, a well attended meeting was held in the village schoolroom, called by the Rector, Churchwardens and Overseers to consider the scarcity of good water, and how it may be remedied. Mr. Branson., surveyor to the Newport Pagnell Authority, and his son, attended to supply information. It was resolved (1) That the Sanitary Authority be respectfully requested to use their powers for supplying the parish with water by continuing the pipes from Sympson, so that the parish might be supplied from the new reservoirs at Great Brickhill. (2) That the cost be paid by a loan on security of the rates repayable (with interest) in thirty years. (3) That the labourers of the parish be employed, and that the Local Government Board be urged to use all expedition in arranging the preliminaries, for the sake of men out of work, who otherwise will have a hard winter before them. (4) That the chairman forward these resolutions to the Sanitary Authority. At a meeting of the Authority on the 8th of November, it was decided to grant the petition of the meeting, and the Clerk was instructed to communicate at once with the Local Government Board. Government officials generally move very slowly, but it is to be hoped that they will remember the circular which they issued last year urging the guardians to find employment on such necessary public works as these.

A dish of ripe strawberries was gathered in the Rectory garden on the 28th of October (S.S. Simon and Jude). Several pounds have been gathered in the course of the early autumn.

On the three Thursday evenings in Advent sermons will be preached on " Faith, Hope, and Charity " as graces to be exercised in preparation for the Coming of our Lord. The preachers will be the Revs. B. Philpotts, D. Elsdale, and G. W. Pearse.

No baptisms, marriage and burials, printed for Woughton-on-the-Green this month.

1894 & 1895 transcribed by Ingrid Neale

January 1894 Woughton-On-the-Green

On Thursday afternoon, Dec.14, the inhabitants again received a shock on hearing the news of the second sudden death which has happened this year in the village. About 3 o’clock Martha Shouler, widow of the late William Shouler, was found dead on her knees in her bedroom. Truly this is a solemn Advent message to us all: “Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.” At the special Advent service the same evening the preacher, the Rev. D. Elsdale, made a most appropriate allusion to the awful event, and the Rector also spoke of it in his sermon on the following Sunday evening.

An inquest was held on the Saturday morning, when the jury returned as their verdict;- “The deceased died from natural causes, probably apoplexy.” Mrs. Shouler was a regular attendant at church, communicant, and was very highly respected by her Neighbours.

A sale of articles carved by the Village Carving Class, was held in the school on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 5. There was a variety of things suitable for Christmas presents, photograph frames, oak tea trays, bread trenchers, tables, &c., and there was also a number of boxes and frames carved in cedar wood from the English Lakes. A good many people came, in spite of the influenza, and over £22 was taken, of which when all the wood had been paid for, £13 2s 1 and a half pennies was distributed amongst the members of the Class, according to the work they had done.

Burials Woughton n the Green 1894

Dec 17 Martha Shouler, widow of William Shouler, aged 62

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February 1894 Woughton On the Green

The season of Christmas and Epiphany, with their bright services, are now over, and Lent is at hand, with its solemn call to repentance and better life. A list of special services will be posted on the church door, and it is hoped that all will avail themselves of these privileges as far as they possible can.

Our Sunday School Register now contains 61 names. The School was re-opened in November, 1884 with 5 children. It was opened 106 times in the past year. One child never missed; 6 attended more than 100 times, and 24 more than 90 times.

A link with the past has lately been severed by the death of a very old man, John Hedge, who lived nearly all his days in our village. In his earlier years he combined the somewhat incongruous callings of school master, mole catcher, and tax-gatherer. He had many quaint and interesting stories to tell of olden time chiefly connected with the church and a former Rector, whose memory he much respected. It was a pleasant sight to see the old man pouring over his Bible and Prayer Book, of which he had a knowledge which would shame most of his juniors in these days of many newspapers and books.

On Monday, Jan. 15, the members of the Carving Class showed their appreciation of the services of their teacher, Mrs. W. J. Levi, by presenting her with an illuminated address. In presenting the address, the Rector expressed the obligations of the class to their instructor. The kind feeling which prompted the present was acknowledged by Mrs. Levi and her husband. The frame was carved by Miss. Graves, one of the pupils.

In the year 1893, the sum of £63 1s 1 and three farthings, was collected for various objects. The number of coins was 3,409; of these 2,421 were copper.

Baptism Woughton-On-The-Green 1894

Dec 24 Charles Noel Sabey.

Burials Woughton-On--The-Green 1894

Dec 21 John Hedge, aged 87 years

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March 1894 Woughton-On-The-Green

The debt on the restoration of the Nave of our Church has been hanging over us since 1891, but we are pleased to announce that the balance, has recently been paid by a friend, so that in future our collections in Church can be applied to other good purposes.

Form time immemorial our village has been notorious for its bad water. About four months ago efforts began to be made to remedy this defect, by negotiating with the Newport Pagnell Rural Sanitary Authority for a supply of water from the mains at Simpson. These efforts were successful. For several weeks twelve local men out of work found employment in digging the trenches and laying pipes. A temporary pipe has been erected opposite the Swan, where “Adam’s ale” can be obtained free of expense, wholesale or retail, to be drunk on or off the premises. It is hoped that every home will soon have the great blessing of a liberal supply of most excellent soft water.

No baptisms, marriages, or burials for Woughton-On-The-Green printed for this month.

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April 1894 Woughton-On-The-Green

Our special service in Lent were fairly well attended. We had only one “strange preacher,” Rev. W. B. Banting, whose earnest sermon was much appreciated. It seems somewhat unreasonable to ask friends to come long distances to address the necessary few persons who form the week-day congregation of a very small parish.

Easter Day will have come and gone before this meets the eye of our communicants; but we hope they all will have made a point of obeying the ancient rule to communicate on the greatest Festival of the Church.

Now the debt on the Nave of the Church is paid off, the offertories in future will be devoted partly to re-glazing the windows in the Nave which are in a bad state of repair, and partly to various good objects outside the parish of which notice will be given from time to time.

No baptisms, marriages, or burials for Woughton-On-The-Green printed for this month.

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May 1894 Woughton-On-The-Green

The congregations at the three services on Good Friday were not good. All earnest Christians are to observe that most solemn day in which the dear Lord was crucified who died to save us all. Surely it is not a fit day for festivity and merry-making.

On Easter Day there were 28 Communicants. The church was bright with spring flowers, to remind us of The Resurrection. The offertory (£2 16s. 8d) was “Easter dues” to the Rector, and was sent by him to “The Bishop’s Emergency Fund,“ for assisting poor schools to fulfil the structural and other requirements of the Education Department.

A Vestry Meeting was held on Easter Tuesday morning, when Mr. W. J. Levi was elected for the parish, and the Rector nominated Mr. Higgins- as Churchwardens. In the evening, there was a second Vestry Meeting to appoint secular officers,- Overseers, Messrs. Higgins and Graves; Road Surveyors, Messrs Higgins and John Shirley; Parish Constable, Mr. George Barker. The Charity accounts were presented, which showed a deficiency of £2 10s. 6d., in addition to £2 last year. Both these sums have been paid equally by Mr. W. J. Levi and the Rector.

Baptism Woughton-On-The-Green

April 17 Edith Annie, daughter of John and Mary Stimpson (Private).

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June 1894 Woughton-On-The-Green

Rogationtide was observed on Tuesday evening, May 1, when we interceded with Almighty God to bless the fruits of the earth, and to send us all that is necessary for out souls and bodies, notwithstanding our sins.

On Ascension Day, we had a celebration of Holy Communion at 8 a,m. , with evensong and sermon at 7 p.m. The offertory, 19s., was given to Home Missions (A.C.S.)

There was a falling off in the number of Communicants on Whit Sunday. We had four hearty services. The collections amounting to £2 2s 4 and a farthing were sent to the Church Defence Institution, to enable it to resist the iniquitous attempt now being made in Parliament to disestablish and disendow the four Welsh Dioceses of our own Province of Canterbury.

A Public Meeting was held in the Village Schoolroom on Friday evening, May 4, in connection with Technical Education. The Rev. J.B. Higham was announced to address the meeting, but he failed to appear, and the Rector had to supply his place, by explaining the meaning and objects of Technical Education. The following were appointed a Local Committee:- Messrs. Levi, Bramley, Bevan, Field, Garner, G. Biggs, Mrs. Field, Mrs. Levi, Miss. Higgins, and Miss Clinch. The first four were elected as Delegates to serve on the District Committee.

Baptism Woughton-On-The-Green 1894

May 13 Harold, son of Thomas and Anne Matthews.

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July 1894 Woughton-On-The-Green

On Sunday, July 22, the sermons at the 11 and 6 o’clock services in this church will be preached by the Right Rev. Lord Bishop Barry. D. D., Canon of Windsor.

Baptism 1894 Woughton-On-The-Green

June 10 Elizabeth, daughter of Tom and Mary Pether

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August 1894 Woughton- On-The-Green

On Thursday, July 19, the members of the Mother’s Union in the Rural Deanery of Bletchley, numbering about 100 with associates, held their yearly Festival in this village, at the invitation of the Rector and Mrs. Field. We hoped to have tea in the Rectory garden, but the weather being unsettled, it was thought advisable to have it in the Board School. The mothers did justice to a good meal, and afterwards they were addressed by Mrs. Perry, of Oxford, the widow of a clergyman who worked many years in Melbourne, Australia. Many expressed their pleasure at the earnest words they had heard, and it is to be hoped that they will bear fruit in making the women realise more fully the high responsibilities of motherhood. At 6 p.m., the whole group was photographed at the Rectory by Mrs. Bartholomew, and then each parish was taken. All afterwards adjourned to Church for choral Evensong. After service Mrs. Levi kindly invited the party to see her garden, and this brought to an end a really happy meeting. We were all very sorry that Lady Duncomb , the presiding associate, was unavoidable prevented at the last moment from being present at the Festival.

Marriage Woughton-On-The-Green

July 10 James William Clinch, of S. Peter’s parish, Brighton, bachelor, to Nellie Tulitt, temporarily resident in this parish, spinster

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September 1894 Woughton-On-The-Green

Dr. Barry, Canon of Windsor and late Bishop of Sydney, preached two eloquent sermons to large congregations, on the 9th Sunday after Trinity. Collections, amounting to £4 8s 8 and a farthing were made for the Diocesan Spiritual Help Society, in obedience to the Bishop of Oxford’s Pastoral Letter.

On S. James’ Day (25th July) the annual festival of the Bletchley Deanery of the Girls’ Friendly Society was held in the Rectory Garden. A substantial tea was served on the lawn. Miss Ling, matron of a “Home” at Brixton, delivered a very interesting address, to which the girls listened attentively. The whole group was first photographed, and afterwards the girls belonging to each parish separately. The day was concluded with evensong, when the Rev. D. Elsdale preached from the text “For we being many are one” a most practical and earnest sermon on duty and privilege of communicating. A collection was made for the Girls’ Sick Fund, amounting to £1 7s 6d and a farthing.

On Saturday, July 28, Mr. W. J. Levi gave an organ recital to an appreciative audience.

The children had their Flower Service on Sunday August 5 (the flowers being sent to Bedford Infirmary), and on the following Thursday they had their treat at the Rectory. A happy time was spent with tea and numerous games. Children and teachers were photographed, and “Sir Roger” was danced. Each child received a prize according to the number of tickets they had received. There was some hearty cheering, and the evening was concluded by singing the children’s hymn, “Now the day is over.”

No baptisms, marriages or burials printed this month for Woughton-On-The-Green

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October 1894 Woughton-On-The-Green

On Tuesday, September 4, through the great kindness of our organist and choirmaster, Mr. W.J. Levi, the female and the junior members of the choir had a very pleasant excursion. They went by train to Euston, and took a steamboat from London Bridge to Hampton Court. Owing to the state of the tide they were long on the river, which left them less time than they hoped to have at the Palace. However, a most enjoyable day was spent, and the party arrived home about ten o’clock.

No baptisms, marriages or burials printed this month for Woughton-On-The-Green

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November 1894 Woughton-On-The-Green

We kept our harvest festival on S. Matthew’s Day, beginning with a celebration of the Holy Communion at 8. There was evensong at 7, a hearty and well attended service. Our organist had taken great pains with the choir who acquitted themselves well. The rector of Broughton, the Rev. C. C. Luxmore, preached an eloquent and practical sermon from Psalm cxviii 28-29. The church was very chastely decorated by the ladies of the parish. The festival was continued on the following Sunday. The orderings of corn, fruit, vegetable, were unusually large, and were sent, with the alms(£5 18s 2d.), to Bedford Infirmary.

Since the debt on the nave of our church has been paid off, part of the offertory has been allowed to accumulate as a fund for re-glazing the windows of the nave, which had become unsound. About £9 was collected in this way. We are again indebted to Mrs. Levi’s liberality for supplying the balance of the cost (a considerable sum) so that the church may be free from draught in the approaching winter. We hope our people will show their appreciation of our beautiful church and its bright services by an increased and reverent attendance.

Our village has had a good share in the County Council scheme of Technical Education. A course of Ambulance lectures are being given in the Board School by Dr. Buxton, and there will be the usual Carpentry classes in the village schoolroom. There will shortly be Laundry classes of which due notice will be given. It is in human nature to attach little value to things, however good; which cost nothing; but it is to be hoped that these great advantages will be appreciated, and especially that parents will urge their young people to attend the classes regularly.

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December Woughton-On-The-Green 1894

We are glad to state that the Ambulance Classes, which began at the Board School on the 23rd October, promise to be a great success. A full class of 30 men from Woughton and Sympson are receiving instruction from Dr. Buxton, who spares no pains with his pupils.

God has called from us one of His faithful servants, James Cox, at the age 73. In his quiet way " Old Jem," (as he was generally called) set a good example to the parish in all the relations of life as a husband, father, neighbour and servant. How he was enabled to do this is explained by his good and regular habits of reading the Bible, public and private prayer, and (in the last years of his life) attendance at the highest means ordained by Christ Himself, whereby "our souls are strengthened and refreshed " to do our duty to God and man. He was laid to rest; with every mark of respect on All Saints' Day, when we prayed that God would "grant us grace to follow His Blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living."

A Sale of Carving will be held in the Schoolroom behind the Church, on the afternoon of Thursday, December 6, commencing at 2.30. There will be a number of articles suitable for Christmas presents, including cedar wood frames, marquetrie trays, tables, boxes etc., besides larger pieces of carving of all descriptions. Orders will be gladly received by Mrs. W. J. Levi. Tea will be provided at Woughton House, for all who are kind enough to come.

Burial Woughton-on-the-Green

All Saints’ Day James Cox, aged 73

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January 1896 Woughton-on-the-Green

We had our usual Advent-tide week day services which we should like to have seen better attended.

Christmas is close upon us, and will have passed away before this meets the eye of the reader. Let us hope that it will be a blessed and happy Season to us all. The New Year will also have come in with its unknown future — another milestone passed on the road to Eternity—" So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

At Matins on the Second Sunday in Advent an Intercession Service for Foreign Missions was conducted by the Rev. C. C. Luxmoore, rector of Broughton, who preached from Isaiah xlix. 9. At Evensong the Rev. W. Merrin, curate of Fenny Stratford, preached, taking as his text, " Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." The alms throughout the day, amounting to £4 3s.11½d., were given to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign parts. The following has been collected in the Parish during the year :—Garden Meeting, £10 1s. 4d.; Alms, £4 3s.11½d.; Missionary boxes, £2 6s. 5½d. Total £16 11s. 9d.

Baptism Woughton-on-the-Green 1896

Dec 15 Frederick John Stapleton, son of Samuel and Emma Biggs.

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February 1896 Woughton-on-the-Green

The services at Christmastide, Circumcision, and Epiphany were all very bright and joyous, and the Church was prettily and chastely decorated. The alms on Christmas Day (amounting to £1 12s. 11½ d.) were, as usual, for the sick and poor.

We had several small social gatherings during festive season: First, a tea for Mrs. Field's junior Bible class, then another tea given to the Choir, by our hospitable organist. Afterwards Mrs. Levi similarly entertained her carving class.

In the last month's magazine the following should have been added to the sum collected in this parish for Foreign Missions: Mr. J. Gazeley's box 2s. 8½d.; children's pence 5s. 3¾d. Total sent to S.P.G., £16 19s. 9¼d.

During the past year the alms collected amounted to £64 2s. 3d., and consisted of 16 gold coins, 895 silver, and 2348 copper coins; total 3259.

The following are the names of the persons who were elected by the ratepayers on the 14th January, to serve on the Woughton and Sympson School Board: Albert Bramley, Frederick Francis Field, Joseph Garner, William John Levi, John Sipthorpe.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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March 1896 Woughton-on-the-Green

No article printed for Woughton-on-the-Green this month.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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April 1896 Woughton-on-the-Green

During Lent we had the advantage of hearing earnest exhortation from three kind neighbours, the new Rural Dean, Rev. H. Hoskin (assistant curate of Wavendon), Rev. W. J. Harkness (vicar of Hanslope); and now our Lenten Season is over, and it has been kept by each of us in our different ways. Those who have best observed it will have the most joyful Easter. We shall begin our Festival on Easter evening by dedicating a new Chancel Screen, to take the place of one that was removed more than 300 years ago. In reporting on the condition of our Church six years ago, Mr. J. Oldrid Scott, the well-known architect, said "Nothing would add to the beauty of the whole building than the erection of a Chancel Screen. It is easy to see were the old one stood. Doubtless, with its gallery above, it must have been a most conspicuous feature in the Church. A very much simpler one is all that is needed now. It should be extremely light and open, and should not rise much above the capital of the chancel arch. Such a screen would be a most notable improvement, and I greatly hope it may be adopted." Consequently when we obtained from the Bishop our faculty for restoring the Church, it included the Chancel Screen. The funds for the screen were not then forthcoming, but now we have been able to carry out the work, and we hope that our people will appreciate this beautiful addition to the Church, and that it will add to the beauty and solemnity of our services. The screen is the work of Mr. Bridgeman, of Lichfield, who also carved our beautiful pulpit; the iron gates were wrought by Mr. Barford, of Maidenhead.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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May 1896 Woughton-on-the-Green

Our annual parish meeting was held on the 21st of March, when four members of the Parish Councii were re-elected, and Mr. J. L. Shirley took the place of Mr. Higgins. resigned. The present Council consists of the following gentlemen :— Messrs. Biggs, Field, Garner, Levi, and Shirley.

The yearly Festival of the Mothers' Union was observed on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We had a bright hearty service, and there was a good gathering of mothers and associates. An earnest and practical address was given by the Rev. G. W. Pearse.

On Easter Eve our new chancel screen was reverently dedicated to the service of Almighty God. During the procession of the Clergy, Bishop Heber's beautiful hymn " Holy, Holy, Holy," was sung unaccompanied. The clergy and choir remained standing at the west of the screen while the Rector read the prayer of dedication. He afterwards opened the chancel gates, and the clergy and choir proceeded to their places. Evensong was sung by our new Rural Dean, the Rev. M. B. Nepean, and the lessons by the Rev. and Hon. W. T. Fiennes and Rev. H. C. Blagden. A most excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. G. W. Pearse, from the text, "The veil of the temple was rent from the top to the bottom." The other clergy present were Rev. W. B. Banting, Rev. J. F. Groves, Rev. H. W. Smith, Rev. A. C. Webber.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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June 1896 Woughton-on-the-Green

No article printed for Woughton-on-the-Green this month.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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July 1896 Woughton-on-the-Green

Whitsunday was observed by a goodly number of communicants, although we missed several who were once regular partakers of the Lord's Supper, and we hoped that some others who are not so regular would at least have observed the Great Feast of Pentecost. The alms (amounting to £1 17s, 9d.) were given to Home Missions. The interest of Whitsuntide this year was increased by the fact of its being the 77th birthday of our Most Gracious Queen. Our organist honoured the event by playing the National Anthem at the conclusion of the evening service.

During the Rector's absence from home his place will he taken by the Rev. Andrew J. Hamlyn, Vicar of St. Paul's, Devonport, who will reside at the Rectory, officiate in the church, and minister to any parishioner requiring his services.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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August 1896 Woughton-on-the-Green

No article printed for Woughton-on-the-Green this month.

Burials Woughton-on-the-Green

June 22 Jane Hutchinson, widow, died at Sympson, aged 75.

July 5 John Lee, son of Arthur Lee, aged 28.

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September 1896 Woughton-on-the-Green

No article printed for Woughton-on-the-Green this month.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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October 1896 Woughton-on-the-Green

The Rector and Mrs. Field were in Switzerland when the last budget of news for the magazine was due. They hope to have returned with renewed health and vigour to their duties. The Rector is very pleased to find that his place was so successfully filled by the Rev. A. J. Hamlyn, whose ministration both in church and parish were much appreciated.

The parishioners united in thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest, on Thursday evening, September 17. The preacher was some years ago a genial and kindly neighbour at Woolston Rectory the Rev. H. P. Sketchley, now vicar of Marston-Meysey, in the Diocese of Gloucester. The sermon was full of beautiful thought and good church teaching. Our church never looked more beautiful and devotional, thanks to the quiet and good taste shewn by the ladies in its decoration. The choir acquitted themselves most creditably under our skilful organist's direction. The festival services were continued on the following Sunday. The offerings of fruit, vegetables, &c., were sent to Bedford Infirmary, whilst the alms, amounting to £6 0s. 5d. were divided between that institution and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Society.

Burial Woughton-on-the-Green 1896

July 28 Ellen Rosina Rodway Andrews, daughter of George and Mary Jane Andrews.

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November 1896 Woughton-on-the-Green

On Sunday, Sept. 27, sermons on the subject of Temperance were preached in several parishes of our Rural Deanery of Bletchley. In our own church the Rector dwelt upon the history and objects of the Church of England Temperance Society. He particularly urged parents not to offer intoxicating drinks to their children, and to forbid them drinking them until they were old enough to understand the dangers and temptations of stimulants. The alms, amounting to £1 4s. 5d. were sent to the Oxford branch of the C.E.T.S.

Early in November the Rev. C. G. Gardiner, a missionary from Japan, will come to the Rectory, whence he will visit various parts of the Rural Deanery, for the purpose of arousing interest in Foreign Missions. He will preach in our own church, the date will be announced in due course.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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December 1896 Woughton-on-the-Green

During several days in November the Rev. C. G. Gardner, who has been nine years a missionary in Japan, made the Rectory a centre for visiting the various parishes in the Rural Deanery, and increasing interest in Foreign Missions. On the afternoon of the 24th Sunday after Trinity, Mr. Gardner gave a very interesting and earnest address to our own children and others on Mission work in Japan, and in the evening the Rector preached on the bounden duty of Christians to proclaim the "glad tidings of great joy to all people."

Mr. Gardner was not able to hold a meeting at Woughton, hut he kindly left his magic lantern slides, which enabled the Rector to show and explain them on the following Thursday evening. The total alms collected for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts amounted to £7 0s. 3½d.

It will he of regretful interest to some of our neighbours that there passed away from this life on November 7, at Patrington, near Hull, Constance Mary, youngest daughter of the Rev. John Maynard (for some time curate in charge of Simpson), aged 29 years.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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January 1897 Woughton-on-the-Green

On Thursday, Nov. 26th Mr. Thomas Soley, a mason's labourer, from London, gave an excellent address on temperance, in temperate and therefore forcible language. His speech abounded in humorous and pleasant anecdotes, and was much appreciated. The Rector, in introducing Mr. Soley, gave his views of temperance. Mr. Banting also kindly came from Little Brickhill to plead the cause which we have so much at heart.

During 1896 £10 48. 8¾d. have been collected in the Parish for Foreign Missions, and sent to the S.P.G.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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February 1897 Woughton-on-the-Green

CHRISTMAS has come and gone, and we have had our usual quiet Festivities. The Ringers "rang in Christmas" merrily, as well as the New Year. The Church was tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens; there were texts bearing seasonable messages of "Glory to God," "Peace," and " Good will," The Church Banner and Sacred Symbols were hung on the walls. A new white Frontal appeared upon the LORD'S Table to honour the Festival. In the days following Christmas there were other rejoicings outside the Church. A tea was kindly given to the Sewing Class, also to her Bible and Carving Classes by Mrs. W. J. Levi; and early in the New Year, Mrs. Field delighted the youngsters by a gigantic Christmas Tree in the Board School.

The Alms during the year amounted to £46 13.s. 7½d. There were 4 sovs. 20 half-sovs, 1 Crown, 44 half-crowns, 38 florins, 361 shillings, 267 sixpences, 165 threepences, 1279 pence, 651 half-pence, 26 farthings, being 900 gold and silver coins, and 1956 bronze. Total 2856.

Baptism Woughton-on-the-Green 1897

Jan 3rd. Henry, son of George and Mary Ann Andrews.

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March 1897 Woughton-on-the-Green

An Entertainment was given on Monday evening, February 8th, in the Board School, to provide funds for a tea to the children at Easter. The first part, illustrated by a Magic Lantern, was given by the Rev. F. F. Field, and consisted of "Sketches of some Old English Customs," stories from "Æsop's Fables," and Robert Browning's "Pied Piper of Hamelin." The second part was "An interlude of Music," consisting of various songs and glees by Messrs. Levi, Bevan and Bramley, and accompanied by Mr. W. Kirby; also several songs by the children. The third part included other stories by Mr. Field: "Æsop's Fables.'' and "The man and his ass," with magic lantern pictures. The audience expressed their pleasure, but, as at the previous entertainment, the attendance was very poor.

Lent will be close at hand when this Magazine is in our hands. It is to be hoped that Septuagesima will not have been neglected, but that plans will have been made for keeping Lent aright. We have been reminded of the approach of that solemn season by the first appearance of a violet frontal in the Sanctuary. It is not a mere ornament, but it has a practical use: to remind us of the duties which will be again impressed upon us in the Services of the Church, in the passages of Holy Scripture read, the Sermons, and the Hymns as usual. Special Services will be held even' Thursday evening, at 7 o'clock.

On Lady Day, 25th March, at 3 o'clock, there will be the annual Service of the Mothers' Union. The address will be given by the Rev. F". H. Morris, Vicar of Willen. We shall be glad to see all persons who can be present.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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April 1897 Woughton-on-the-Green

We have not had a succession of "special preachers " this Lent, as the Rector did not like to ask clergy to address a necessarily small gathering of his people. The Rev. H. W. Smith kindly took the Rector's place on the 18th March, when he went to Watford to preach to his former parishioners.

The alms at Sexagesima were given to the Indian Famine Fund. We did not intend to have a collection in the afternoon, but some of the children had brought their pence, and to prevent disappointment the alms bag was passed round. During the day £7 11s. 6¼d. was collected, and afterwards sent to the Lord Mayor's Fund, Mansion House, London.

Every one in the parish must have heard with regret of the death of a former parishioner, Mr. Edward Augustus Lines, who died at Leighton Buzzard on the 22nd Feb., in his 83rd year. He was an upright man who strove to do his duty in all the relations of life, whether as father, master, or neighbour.

The Annual Parish Meeting was held on Wednesday evening, 18th March. The attendance was a little better than last year when the five Parish Councillors and their Clerk only were present. The old members of the Council, Messrs. Biggs, Field, Garner, Levi, and Shirley were re-elected. The Charity Accounts wore submitted to the meeting and passed.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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May 1897 Woughton-on-the-Green

The Annual Service of the Mothers' Union was held on the 25th March (the Feast of the Annunciation). There was a good gathering, and a most excellent address was given by the Rev. E. H. Morris, vicar of Willen. After the service tea was provided in the Village Schoolroom.

On Good Friday there were services at 11 and 2.45. The congregations were fairly good. In consequence of the Rector's indisposition the usual evensong at 7 had to be given up. On Easter Even the ladies decorated the Church chastely and with much taste. and our Easter Day services were very bright and joyful. Alas! the attendance at the Lord's Table was not so great as in previous years. We missed several communicants whom we should have welcomed. It I may be they have good reasons to give for their absence—let us hope they have.

The Rectory house and cottage are about to undergo considerable alteration, which are expected to occupy three months or more. The Rector hopes to reserve a "Prophet's Chamber" in the building, so that he may be able to attend to his parochial duties and superintend the work.

Marriage Woughton-on-the-Green 1897

Apl. 19th. Harry Garner to Martha Selena Marshall.

Burial Woughton-on-the-Green 1897

Mar. 23rd. William Swannell, aged 76 years.

June 1897 Woughton-on-the-Green

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June 1897 Woughton-on-the-Green

Two of the Candidates who received the Holy Ghost, through the laying on of hands, by the Bishop of Reading, at Wavendon, on the 29th April, were from Woughton, viz., Margaret Hibbert and Sarah Nicols.

Woughton Rectory lies in "Sleepy Hollow,'' but it is now besieged on all sides by bricklayers and labourers, and the occupants are kept alive from early morning till late evening by the music of trowel, hammer, and chisel, and the risk of a stray brick falling occasionally on their heads. However, thanks to the kind thoughtfulness of Mr. Charles Warnes, the foreman, and his staff, life at the Rectory is made as tolerable as it is possible to be under the circumstances

Baptisms Woughton-on-the-Green 1897

1895 - April 28th Elizabeth Kate, daughter of Edward and Sarah Jane Purcell. (Omitted).

Mar 28th Francis John, son of Edward and Sarah Jane Purcell.

May 2nd. Elsie Georgiana, daughter of Edward John and Ellen Georgina Bevan.

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July 1897 Woughton-on-the-Green

Rogationtide, Ascensiontide, and Whitsuntide, have come and gone, bringing with them their teaching and their means of grace to such as have availed themselves of these blessings. On Ascension Day the alms (11s.) were given to the Archbishop of Canterbury's Mission to the Assyrian Church, and on Whit-Sunday (£1 7s- 3d-) to Home Missions.

We have to record the death of a much respected parishioner, Mr. John Knight, who was born in this parish, and had been connected with it all his life. For some time he held the honourable office of Churchwarden, and in his days of health and strength he was a regular and devout attendant at Church and a Communicant. He was a man of sterling worth, and upright reliable character. In GOD'S unscrutable Providence he was called to pass through great pain on his way to rest.

In life the transitions from the grave to the gay are frequent and rapid. Weddings are rare events in Woughton, but there have been two marriages of parishioners during the past month. In neither case did we supply the Bride, consequently the happy events did not take place in our Church. We only contributed the Bridegrooms, the least important party in a wedding, but none the less necessary. Mr. John Laurence Shirley was married on Thursday, June 3rd, at Alton, in Hampshire, to Miss Ellen Mary Jefferis, by the Vicar of the parish, assisted by the Rector of Woughton. The other Bridegroom was Mr. John Johnson, our police-constable, who married Miss Frances Annie Cook, at Walton Church, on Tuesday in Whitsun-week. Both these happy couples have our best wishes, and we hope they may be entitled to, though they may not be candidates for the "Dunmore Flitch."

As we write all our readers are full of preparations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, which we intend to celebrate on Thursday, June 24th.

Burial Woughton-on-the-Green 1897

May 26th. John Knight, aged 75 years.

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August 1897 Woughton-on-the-Green

No article printed for Woughton-on-the-Green this month.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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September 1897 Woughton-on-the-Green

On Tuesday, 10th August, the Woughton "singers and ringers" were once more indebted to our kind and liberal organist for a day's pleasure. This year the Crystal Palace was chosen. We left Bletchley station a little after 8, and arrived at the Palace about half-past ten. We wandered about the beautiful building gazing at the sights, the most wonderful was a game of "Polo" played on bicycles by six young lissome Americans. The game was most interesting and beautiful to watch. At noon we sat down to an excellent meal. Then we attended an instrumental concert; afterwards we broke up into parties, going in various directions according to our tastes, some to the boats, others to the gardens, and so on. At 4 o'clock we met to see a working model of a gold mine, which was clearly explained by the attendant; afterwards we descended into an imaginary coal-pit. We had a good tea at five o'clock, and after a short stroll we left the Palace at six, arriving at Bletchley station at dusk, much delighted with a happy day's pleasure.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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October 1897 Woughton-on-the-Green

On Sunday, August 22nd, a sermon was preached on "Our obligations and our duty to our Sailors and Seamen." We landsmen in the centre of England, who seldom or never visit the sea, are apt to forget these brave men who are "in peril on the sea," and perhaps in greater peril when they arrive on the land, and how much we owe to them. The alms collected, during the day (amounting to £4 3s. 4d.) were given to the Missions to Seamen, which are doing a good work in the principal ports which sailors frequent abroad as well as at home.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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November 1897 Woughton-on-the-Green

We held our Harvest Festival on Thursday evening, 30th September. The ladies decorated the Church very tastefully with the parishioners offerings of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which were afterwards sent to Bedford Infirmary. Rev. W. H. Smith, Rector of Woolston, preached a very earnest and practical Sermon from the text "Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our GOD, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest." (Jeremiah v, 24.) Festal Services were continued on the following Sunday. The alms amounting altogether to £6 1s. 1½d. were divided between the Bedford General Infirmary and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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December 1897 Wought-on-the-Green

A special meeting of the Mothers' Union was held on Thursday, October 28th, when an interesting and practical address was given by Mrs. C. A. Skelton, of Woking, Surrey, chiefly on the subject of speaking gently, and never allowing coarse jests, bad angry words and low talk in the house. There was a good attendance of mothers and associates, and they were very pleased to welcome Lady Duncombe, the President of the Bletchley Rural Deanery Branch of the Union.

The following day a Church Army Van, belonging to the Diocese of Oxford, arrived under the charge of Captain Bennett and his two assistants, Mr. J. Sykes and Mr. G. Parsonson, to hold a very short Mission. It was only for three days. They were very earnest and devoted young men, they made a house to house visitation in the day time, and in the evenings they held Services in the School. The room was crowded each evening, and all joined heartily and reverently in the familiar church prayers and hymns, and paid much attention to the addresses which were illustrated by a Magic Lantern. The evangelists repeated the teaching which had been given (without the magic lantern) for centuries in our Parish Church, but it seemed to come home to the hearers because the truths were now corroborated by laymen, speaking to laymen. The Mission was much too short. It is to be hoped however that it may have done some lasting good. It must have been edifying to some careless ones to see three young laymen setting an example of good churchman-ship and devout life to other laymen. It is a good sign of the times that the Church now finds a place and work for earnest laymen. One great cause of the Wesleyan schism was that no encouragement, rather opposition, was offered to awakened souls anxious to help to extend CHRIST'S Kingdom.

The Committee of the " Queen's Jubilee " Festival hope it is not too late to present their accounts. The Feast was provided by two parishioners. The other Incidental Expenses amounted exactly to £10. The subscriptions were £13 9s. 3d. This leaves a balance of £3 9s. 3d. The payments were :—The Conjuror (Mr. "Hugh de Vere") £2 10S. 0d.; the Band £3 10s. 0d.; Medals £1 6s. 3d.; Mr. W. Whiteley 2/6 ; spent in prizes by the Rector £1 2s. 3d. ; Mr. Barker (refreshments) 14/-; Mr. Willmer (beer) 15/-. The balance (as agreed at the meeting) will go towards providing a diamond-shaped clock face, like the original one which many of the older parishioners remember well.

No baptisms, marriage and burials printed.

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