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| timeline: 1850 - 1875 |
| 1850 |
| January - Millbrook School Tea Party On Friday, the 4th instant, the first annual tea party was held in Millbrook school, which was tastefully decorated with evergreens, interspersed with appropriate mottoes, &c. A respectable company of about 300 sat down to tea; upon the removal of the tea service the meeting was addressed by the Rev. W. Worth Hoare the incumbent, who occupied the chair. .. The evening's proceedings were rendered highly interesting by the rev. chairman handing to his curate, the Rev. A. Sedgwick, a number of Bibles, to be presented to the members of his choir, for their services during the time he has conducted divine worship in the above school, which he did in a most impressive manner, earnestly desiring them to read a portion of its sacred contents daily. |
| November - Papal Agression Stalybridge Address to her Majesty. On Friday, 29th November, a meeting of the clergy and other Protestant ministers of all denominations, of Stalybridge, was held in the vestry room of the Castle Hall Temporary Church, Grosvenor-street. The Rev. Messrs. Hoare, Leeson, Floyd, Chadwick, F. Leeson, Roberts, Sutcliffe, Ashe, Ritchie, and Goodall, were present. The Rev. W.Worth Hoare having been called to the chair, an address to the Queen was unanimously adopted. We may add, that (without any public meeting to call attention, to it) the address has received 2,500 signatures in less than ten days, and has been duly forwarded to Sir George Grey, for presentation to her Majesty. A similar meeting was held in Mottram in December, where another address to the Queen was agreed. The Papal Agression was the name given to the outcry against the Roman Catholic Church's decision to establish named dioceses in England. |
| December - Presentation to Mr Hoare. On the evening of Christmas-day,after the usual tea party in the schoolroom of St. Paul's Church School, Staley Bridge, the Incumbent, the Rev.Wm. Worth Hoare, was presented by the ladies of his congregation with a set of robes, consisting of a handsome gown, cassock, and hood; and with these for his own house, two handsome vases, and a splendid timepiece. On the time piece is a figure of Innocence, and on the stand on a silver plate inscribed:- Presented to the Rev. Wm. Worth Hoare. M.A., Incumbent of St.Paul's Church, Staley Bridge, by the ladies of the congregation, as a proof of their esteem, and appreciation of his services. Dec. 25th, 1850. On the reverse side is Mr. Hoare's crest etc. These were presented with a suitable address, to which Mr. Hoare replied. |
| From Bagshaw, Samuel. HISTORY,GAZETTEER, AND DIRECTORY of the COUNTY PALATINE of CHESTER. Samuel Bagshaw, Sheffield, 1850 The Church, dedicated to St. Paul, and situated on the Huddersfield road, is a handsome edifice of free stone, in the early English style, consisting of nave, side aisles, and bay, with a handsome spire. Over the bay is a window beautifully foliated and richly ornamented with stained glass; the interior has a very neat and chaste appearance; it is provided with galleries, and will accommodate about 1100 worshippers. The organ, a fine toned instrument, was the gift of James Wilkinson, Esq. The structure was built upwards of 10 years ago, at a cost of upwards of £4,000, chiefly raised by voluntary subscriptions. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the gift of trustees; tho Rev. William Worth Hoare is the incumbent. The sum of £600 was raised by subscriptions, towards the endowment of the organ; it was subsequently laid out in building six cottages, which are now let for £9 each per annum. The Earl of Stamford and Warrington gave the site for tho Church, schools, cottages, and a new parsonage, which is intended to be built on the north side of the Church, near to the schools. The Church yard contains upwards of 4 statue acres, which is divided into 6,305 graves, laid out with great regularity and exactness. Robert Wilde is clerk and sexton. |
| 1851 |
| March
- Public Meeting of Roman Catholics "for the purpose of showing the evil tendency of the Papal Aggression Bill". The Papal Aggression Bill - which actually became the Ecclesiastical Titles Act- was the result of a popular outcry against the reestablishment of Roman Catholic dioceses in England. |
| First of the windows designed by the Capronnier firm of Brussels placed in the church....more |
| 1851 Religious Census - or Census of Accommodation and Attendance at Worship see the census figures for St Paul's here |
| Building of the Vicarage |
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August - Stayley News and Reading Room. Tea party presided over by Rev. W. Worth Hoare, president of the institution, who addressed the meeting on the advantages offered by the institution, and earnestly urged those who were not already members to join it. |
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November - Protestant Demonstration at the Town
Hall, Stalybridge. At a meeting at which Hoare presided and other ministers were present it was agreed to form of a Protestant Operatives Association in Stalybridge. |
| 1852 |
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March - Hoare lecture at Stalybridge Town Hall "The Christian's rule of faith", on behalf of the Protestant Operatives Association. This one of a series of anti-Catholic lectures delivered by clergy in Stalybridge over the next twelve months. |
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March - Sermon At the conclusion of a sermon preached at St Paul's by the Rev. W. Worth Hoare, a collection, amounting to upwards of £40, was made for the relief of the Holmfirth sufferers. (A reservoir at Holmfirth had collapsed and 81 people died in the subsequent flood.) |
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October - St Paul's re-opens St Paul's re-opened after redecoration "in the style used at the Parish Church Ashton - and while the work was being carried out, services were held in the school rooms. |
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Letter From W.W. Hoare to the Factory Inspector on the use of the
catechism at St Paul's School: "As the children of parents of various religious denominations, in consequence of being employed in some mill, are obliged to attend my school, I should look upon it as a decided act of intolerance to compel them to attend Church or learn the Catechism......" |
| 1853 |
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The Bells hung in the tower The peal was originally cast in 1853 by the Bell Foundry of Whitechapel, London - then run by the Mears family - seven of the eight bells being the gifts of parishioners and friends, whilst the eighth bell - the tenor and largest of the peal - was placed in the church by public subscription. This latter bell was re-cast in 1893 to replace the original bell erected by subscribers in 1839. Factsheet on St Paul's bells. |
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April - Concert A grand miscellaneous concert was held in St. Paul’s School, Stayley, featuring "a selection of music illustrative of the celebrated American work, Uncle Tom’s Cabin". |
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May - Whitsun Whitsun excursion to Chester. 750 go from St Paul's |
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December - Irish Church Missions Last Monday evening, a meeting in aid of the above society was held in the Town Hall, Stalybridge, the Rev. W Worth Hoare in the chair. There was present a number of Papists, who conducted themselves in a most uncivil manner, sitting with their hats on in time of prayer, talking aloud to one another, calling to and contradicting the speakers, and it was only by the chairman interfering that anything like order could be preserved. |
| 1854 |
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March - Millbrook School organ Opening of the organ provided for the use of divine worship in the School-house at Millbrook. The organ was opened by Mr. John Marsden, organist of St. Paul's. |
| 1855 |
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September - Marsden concerts John Marsden, organist of St Paul's presented his fourth annual concert in the Town Hall featuring orchestral and vocal pieces. (As well as being organist at St Paul's, Marsden promoted his own musical events and was a teacher in the town). September - Prayer for Crimea The Archbishops ordered that a form of prayer and thanksgiving to Almighty God for the signal and repeated successes obtained by the troops... in the Crimea and especially for the capture of the town of Sebastapol be used at the morning and evening services after the General Thanksgiving on Sunday 30 September. November - Stayley Reading Room. Lecture by W W Hoare on "Geology" . December - Change ringing The Society of Change Ringers of Ashton under Lyne with 3 of the St Paul’s Church company of Staley rang on the fine peal of 8 bells recently put in the tower of the above named church. December - Christmas Day Party On the evening of Christmas day upwards of 400 of the friends of St Paul's Schools, Stalybridge, met in the school-room, partook of the cup that cheers but not inebriates, and, as might he expected, spent a most rational and delightful evening. The room was tastefully decorated for the occasion. |
| 1856 |
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May - Stalybridge Philharmonic Stalybridge Philharmonic Society formed with John Marsden as conductor June - Oddfellows Widows and Orphans Fund large procession through the town - with two bands - to St Paul's church where Rev. WW Hoare preached and excellent sermon. |
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July - Sunday-school Treat On Tuesday, about 200 scholars and teachers of St Paul's Sunday schools, accompanied by the Old Band, took an excursion to Dean Waterhouse, near Handforth , where they were most kindly and hospitably received by Robert Platt, Esq. and Mrs. Platt. (Mr Platt was a prominent mill owner and benefactor to both St Paul's and the town). |
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November - Oddfellows presentation to Mr Hoare "The testimonial consists of a handsome silver plated inkstand...upon which is engraved: "Presented to the Rev W W Hoare, BD incumbent of St Paul's Church, Stayley, by the member of the Stalybridge District of the Independent Order of Oddfellows MU as a token of esteem for services rendered to the Widows and Orphans Fund. November 22nd 1856." |
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December - Christmas Day tea party upwards of 400 partook of the good things provided. The room presented a gay appearance, having been decorated by the teachers with flags.... At one end of the room was the organ at which Mr Marsden officiated; and at the other end were the initials "A" and "V", with a crown in the centre, beautifully illuminated. From the ceiling was suspended a large holly branch... On the walls were placed a large collection of engravings lent by the following gentlemen: James Adshead, esq, Albert Hall, esq, Cornelius Goddard, esq.etc. |
| 1857 |
| January - Lectures Lectures will be delivered by J. Brindley, esq. LLD in St Paul's School House, Stalybridge on the evenings of Monday and Tuesday January 19th and 20th 1857 on "The truth and inspiration of the Bible". The chairman on the Monday evening: J Adshead, esq. JP and on Tuesday evening: T Harrison, esq. JP. Admission - reserved seats 1s; front row 4d and the body of the room 1d. |
| January - Portrait of the Rev. W W.
Hoare An engraving from a portrait of Mr Hoare painted by J. D. Mercier, of Manchester, was advertised for sale. It was stated that "We have no doubt it will be appreciated by the numerous friends of the rev.gentleman". |
| June -
Window Saint Paul's Church- "a beautiful stained glass window (east), the liberal gift of Mr James Buckley of this town, has just been erected in this church. A large congregation assembled to see it for the first time this Sunday......£30 was collected at the service in aid of the Sunday schools. The window is the work of Mr Wailes of Newcastle on Tyne. The four lower compartments represent scenes in our Lord's humiliation; and the upper four, scenes from his exaltation. In the highest part of the window is a representation of St Paul preaching at Athens". |
| July - Change ringing On Monday evening 8 of the society of ringers of St Paul's church, Stayley rang a muffled peal of grandsire triples, of Mr J Reeves composition, comprising 5040 changes which was conducted by Mr Jeremiah Walton and finally brought round in a masterly style in 2 hours and 59 minutes. The above was rung in memory of James Wilkinson, Esq., of Brookfield |
| August - Treat to workpeople by
Robert Platt. 800 of his workpeople were taken to his residence at Dean Water, Woodford (it is now an hotel). People assembled at Quay Street and Bridge Street Mills and went to station with two bands and banners. Train to Handforth and then, accompanied by bands and banners, they walked to two miles to the mansion. They had a dinner of roast beef and plum pudding. They arrived back at 8pm in Stalybridge. |
| November - Presentation The clergyman, teachers, and scholars of St Paul's Sunday School presented 18 volumes and a handsome purse with 3 sovereigns to Mr Thomas Fielding, as a testimonial of their respect and gratitude for his untiring zeal as a teacher and superintendent for upwards of 17 years. Mr Fielding has been appointmented to the office of Scripture Reader in the parish of St Matthias, Salford by the Rev E Boteler Chalmer, incumbent. |
| 1858 |
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January - Lecture by Mr Hoare on India The lecture was graphically illustrated with about a score of large coloured pictures, by which the remarks of the lecturer were rendered much more interesting and instructive. |
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March - Recital The teachers and senior scholars of St Paul's Church School, Stayley, held a public recital. The pieces selected for the occasion were a sacred drama, entitled "Mordecai" written by S Ormeston, and a dramatic scene, entitled "A night in the forest". The pieces were represented with appropriate dresses and decorations. The audience was numerous and attentive, and appeared highly gratified with their evening's entertainment. |
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April - Lecture by a "person of colour" A Public and Important Lecture under the immediate patronage of the Rev. W W Hoare, MA Incumbent of St Paul's Stalybridge and the Reverend Thomas Floyd, MA Incumbent of Holy Trinity Stalybridge and several other influential gentlemen of Stalybridge will be delivered in the large School-room of St Paul's Church, Stalybridge on Tuesday evening April 27th by Mr WILLIAM WATSON a person of colour and late Student of Kings College London. Reserved seats for ladies. |
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May - Whit Friday: St Paul's scholars 850 - Teachers 90. Yesterday the scholars proceeded to Foxhill, the seat of James Buckley, Esq. - who presented them with oranges. On Thursday upwards of 700 proceeded to Scarborough per L&NWR |
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July - Organist John Marsden had transferred to Ashton Parish church as organist. Irvine Dearnaley took over as organist at St Paul's |
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July - Anti-Mormon Demonstration Large open air anti-Mormon demonstrations were held in the Brickyard. (During the 1850s the campaign against Mormons became more organized and featured travelling lecturers and the publication of anti-Mormon literature. In many ways this had many of the features of the anti-Catholic campaigns of the same era). |
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August - Sunday School Teachers Party Last Saturday, the teachers of the above schools, numbering 180, were entertained to tea in the school - house, by the Rev W Worth Hoare and Mrs Hoare as a mark of esteem for the zeal, diligence and devotion with which they discharge their duties in connection with the Sunday - schools. |
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November - Protestant Operatives Tea Party This was held in school room at St Paul's - 600 sat down to tea. In his speech Mr Hoare said: "They were surrounded by professing Papists on every side..... If ever Papists got into power, they might depend on it that the same cruelties and abominations would be practised as had aforetime....... At present there were (within the church some) who wanted to introduce the degrading and filthy confessional, and, who as confessors wished to make themselves the cesspool of the parish. |
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December - St Paul's Sunday Schools, Stayley On the evening of Christmas Day, the teachers of the above schools held their annual tea party in the School - house opposite the church, when upwards of 400 partook of an excellent tea, prepared by a committee of female teachers appointed for that purpose.... At intervals in the course of the proceedings, a choice selection of sacred music was performed by the choir of St Paul's, assisted by the school choir, and conducted by the clerk, Mr Meadows. The room was tastefully decorated for the occasion with evergreens, plates, and paintings (kindly lent by Albert Hall, Esq, and the Rev W Worth Hoare), and various devices, having special references to Christmas Day |
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December - Sunday School Canvass a house to house visitation, to see how many children there were in the town who were not attendants at any Sunday-school. On the second Sabbath in December 168 canvassers and 9 superintendents of districts went forth, and the reception which they met with from the inhabitants generally (with the exception of some portion of the Roman Catholic population) was good, the required information being readily and cheerfully given. At this time St Paul's Sunday School had 568 scholars and 66 teachers. |
| 1859 |
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January - Ashton Secularists Ashton Secularists held a dinner at the Shakespeare Inn, Ashton to mark the 122nd anniversary of death of Thomas Paine. |
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January - Presentation St Paul's Sunday - Schools, Stayley - James Whiteley who had been educated at both the day and Sunday school, and who had been a promising Sunday school teacher was about to emigrate to America. The teachers held a tea party to take a "familiar and friendly farewell of himself was presented with a neat portable writing case," elegantly bound Bible and prayer book " as a mark of their esteem for the amiable disposition, upright conduct, and Christian character manifested by him during his connection with the school". |
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June - Orange procession On Sunday last a very numerous and respectable procession of Orangemen, proceeded from the Eagle Inn to St Paul's Church, where an appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev W Worth Hoare, being an memorial upon the death of brother Henry Fielding, who had long been an active and distinguished member of their body. |
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June - Whit Friday. St Paul's - "There were about 900 scholars of both sexes connected with these schools, and about 100 teachers. There about 90 scholars in the Ragged School, Knowl Street, Stalybridge who joined the procession. They proceded in procession yesterday headed by the New Mills Brass Band, along the road from the schools to the pleasant valley of Millbrook, taking in the scholars of the branch school there and returned and entered the town. They then visited Mr James Adshead's residence, where they were supplied with buns etc. and spent the afternoon joyously in a field belonging to Mr Robert Platt. The Rev. Mr Hoare the incumbent and the Rev Mr Townsend, curate, accompanied the procession. Today they proceed to Llandudno by train." |
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August - Confirmation The Lord Bishop of Chester held a confirmation in St Paul's Church, Stalybridge, on Wednesday last, at three o'clock in the afternoon when upwards of 300 person were confirmed. Of these 234 were of the congregation of St Paul's, and about 100 from that of Castle Hall. The church was filled in every part, and presented a most gratifying appearance, and the manner of the candidates was all that could be desired. At the conclusion, his lordship delivered a most affectionate address, and subsequently visited the school, parsonage &c. |
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September - St. Paul's Reading-room. Stayley. A tea party and musical entertainment were given in St. Paul's school-house, when upwards of 500 friends met in support of the above institution.... the Rev. W. Worth Hoare, B.D., president of the reading-room, in a brief address after commenting on the easy terms of admission to membership, the daily and weekly papers laid on the table, the monthly periodicals taken in, the scientific games to be joined in,and the good company to be met with, Mr. Hoare said he was not only glad to see so many assembled for the support of this useful institution, but he was also glad to see them there for their own sakes. |
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October - Sunday School Teachers Tea Party Ashton. Mr Hoare was one of the speakers: He considered Sunday School teachers the "very right hand of clergymen in this neighbourhood. After 20 year's experience in Stalybridge, he could speak in strong terms of the harmony and peace with which they had worked together during that time..... The great aim of the Sunday School teacher was to counteract that drunkenness, Sabbath breaking, unclean living, blasphemy and other vices which surrounded them...... Sunday School teachers should labour with great perseverance and never expect too much success and should be content to labour very long, perhaps through life without seeing any fruits ;but they should never despair. |
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November - Presentation to Mr and Mrs Hoare At the conclusion of the special service held in St Paul's Schoolhouse last Sunday evening, Mr Ralph Whitehead, the superintendent.... presented to the Rev W Worth Hoare BD, Bengel's "Gnomon" 5 volumes and Stiers "Words of the Lord Jesus" 8 volumes. Also five volumes to Mrs Hoare including Kitto's "Biblical Cyclopedia", Montgomery's Poems, beautifully illustrated &c. |
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December - United Prayer Meeting United Prayer Meeting in the large room of the Town Hall. Committee of ministers and leading members of nearly all the different religious denominations. Purpose of the meeting: "for the purpose of endeavouring to evangelise the working classes". One means of doing this: weekly meetings in different schoolrooms or chapels. Attendance was very large - about 900. Rev. William Worth Hoare presided....."The first weekly prayer meeting will be held at St Paul's School room, Stayley on Thursday evening the 15th of December." |
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December - St Paul's annual tea parties Second Party - Held in the same School House was for day scholars. Upwards
of 300 partook of tea, followed by charades, singing, reciting etc. |
| 1860 |
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March - Change ringing On Sunday morning last, eight of the society of change ringers of St Paul's Church ascended the above tower and rang a muffled peal of Grandsire Trebles, comprising 2520 changes which was conducted by Mr J Walton, and completed in one hour and twenty six minutes. The above peal was rung in memory of the late James Adshead of Acres Bank. |
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March - Great festive gathering at Millbrook Treat for his workers by Harrison of Stayley Mill Company The glee party consisted of the Misses Heywood and Higginbottom, and Messrs Heap, Grayson, Meadows, Robinson, and Thewlis who form the choir of St Paul's Stayley. Mr Irvine Dearnaley, organist of St Paul's presided at the pianoforte. |
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July and August - Open air services These were aimed at the working classes and especially those who did not go to church. They took place weekly on Thursday evenings at various locations across the town: Cross Street near the Railway arches; the Plantation Ground ; the brickyard, near the Temperance Hall; the Finger Post, Huddersfield Road. They seem to have been the successor to the prayer meetings discussed in December of the previous year. St Paul's was an important supporter of this venture. |
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October - Holy Trinity, Castle Hall
Anniversary Tea
Party Mr Hoare's speech - He was glad to hear what had been said about the diligence and efficiency of the Sunday School teachers.....He pressed upon the Sunday School teachers always to keep in view the thought that they had souls to save. Sunday School teaching was, he believed, one of the great bulwarks of our country. They might talk about wooden and iron ships, rifles and all that sort of thing, but he believed that, as a truly Christian people, we should be safer than by any other means....we in this country were possessed of freedom...It was a great blessing to be free; and if they were asked what had made this country free they would say the Bible - the principles that taught the religion of Jesus Christ, and all must come to the conclusion that the greatest preserver of the Bible was our dear beloved church, the Church of England. There was at the present time a great struggle for freedom going on in Italy, and the greatest man of the day was Garibaldi....the worst tyrant that England ever had was not so bad as the Pope of Rome or the King of Naples....If people wished to be free....they should cast off Popery. |
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October - Stalybridge Christian Union This union held its second anniversary in the Weslyan Sunday School. After tea, William Milburn took the chair and called on Mr Hallows the town missionary to read the report. This showed that seven sections of the Christian Church were represented and another was like to join the union. It was holding four cottage meetings on Sunday Evenings and during the summer it held a number of out door services. "Forty seven Christians were engaged in this glorious enterprise". Among those present was the secretary of the Manchester City Mission. The Rev. Mr Hoare sent a letter to say that he was unavoidably absent. |
| November - Sermons - On Sunday last two Sermons were preached at St Paul's Church, Stalybridge, that in the morning by Reverend Alexander Read, BA of Hyde ;and that in the afternoon by Rev W W Hoare, the incumbent. There was full cathedral service. Collections were made for the Incidental expences amounting to upwards of £35. |
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December - Liberation Society branch formed in Ashton -
Meeting of the Liberation Society [ Society for the liberation of Religion
from state patronage and control] chaired by Hugh Mason. They proposed
discussion of the Church Rate controversy and the Burial Ground question. Carvel Williams - secretary of the Society - was in attendance. "The battle of the census soon followed. Finding that the census of 1851 had lowered the prestige of the establishment, state-churchmen resolved to prevent the collection of any more such statistics" report from the meeting. |
| 1861 |
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February - Cotton Supply Ashton Reporter mentions of the possible effect on cotton supply if the Southern states secede from the Union in America. |
| March - Lecture St Paul's Reading Room and Lending Library, Stayley The fourth lecture for the ninth annual series for the above institution,is to be delivered on Wednesday the 20th March instant, in St Paul's National School, by the Rev W Worth Hoare, BD Subject A load of coals The lecture will commence at half past seven o’clock PM.Admission - reserved seats 6d, the rest of the room 1d |
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March - Reduction of wages and the supply of cotton. Strike
of weavers (the result of an attempted reduction in their wages where the
masters alleged as one reason the scarcity of raw materials). Stoppage of Mills (from the Ashton Reporter 30/03/1861 - "We understand that the whole of the mills in Stalybridge ceased running on Thursday night and will not commence again until Tuesday morning." |
| March - Cotton Famine - The Ashton Reporter would later identify the 1861 weavers strike as the beginning of the Cotton Famine. At the time, the disruption in the supply of American cotton was seen as the primary cause of the "famine". Later writers have suggested that, while the American Civil War had an effect, there would have been a depression in the industry anyway due to overproduction in earlier years. It is now understood that there were supplies of cotton available in warehouses but held back against a future improvement in the price of raw cotton. Depressions which led to lowering of wages and layoffs of staff were a familiar part of the life of the cotton industry, but the Cotton Famine was a particularly deep and long depression. |
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April - Railway trips Worry about the effect of the recent strike on cheap railway trips at Whitsuntide: "It is usual for superintendents and others connected with Sunday Schools to undertake to sell a certain number of tickets , and if such number is not sold then the superintendents have to bear the loss. Owing therefore, to the little prospect there is of tickets being sold to those for whose benefits these trips are got up, namely, Sunday-scholars, we are afraid that Whit Saturday will exhibit a great deficiency of cheap trips in our working population, unless the railway companies are prepared to undergo all risks". |
| May - Strike ends - A mass meeting held on the brickyard Acres Lane was attended by 12000. Police were present. The strike had been about the reduction in wages. The strike organisers now had no funds to support the strikers. An attempt to spread the strike to the whole of South Lancashire had failed. The strike had failed because some had gone back to work. Now, a general return to work was being planned. |
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May - Whitsuntide - The crowds of pleasure seekers have
increased instead of diminished by the unfavourable state of trade. "The Sunday School processions in Stalybridge passed off with great eclat yesterday. The weather was gloriously fine and there were more scholars took part in these "Whitsuntide pastimes" than in any former year. Great interest was taken in the procession by the inhabitants, who mustered in great force at every available spot in the borough where the children would pass. The processionists were very gay looking, the children wistfully smiling from under their hats and turbans; and the many banners and colours, with numerous bands of music, set them off to the greatest advantage. Everyone seemed glad and merry and all wished the youngsters a happy and pleasant Whitsuntide." St Paul's Stayley - Scholars - Males: 540 Females: 682 Teachers - Males: 58 Females: 71 The school paraded the town yesterday and afterwards enjoyed themselves on the school cricket field. Today 1000 go to Holywell and thence by steamer to Hilbre Island visiting Lord Mostyn's Park. |
| June - Open air services - Ashton Standard: "The clergy in connection with St Paul's Church, Stayley, have commenced a series of open-air weekday services to be continued weekly." - The first of the summer series of open-air religious services was held in Cecil Street, Acres Lane when an attentive audience assembled to hear a sermon from the Rev. W H White, curate of St Paul's Church. We trust that the efforts which are being set forth by the religious community to improve the moral and religious feeling of this population will meet with the success which such a praiseworthy object deserves. Later services at: The Plantation, Castle Hall; The Milking Green, bottom of Acres Lane, and the Brickyard, near the Temperance Hall. |
| July - Laying of foundation stone of St James', Millbrook - Announced that the ceremony of laying the foundation stone for the new church at Millbrook was to be performed by J Harrison, Esq. JP; on which occasion the scholars in connection with st Paul's Stayley and Millbroook will walk in procession to the site, also the Millbrook Brass Band etc. |
| July - Short time working - from the Ashton Reporter: "We learn upon the best authority that owing to the high price of cotton, and the bad state of trade, the manufacturers have resolved to stop their works for eight days during the present month, each manufacturer being at liberty to work four days or any other amount of time per week he may think best, so that the works are stopped for what is equivalent to eight days during the month. We are glad that the manufacturers have agreed to this plan of short time in preference to offering a reduction of wages, which we understand was at one time seriously contemplated." |
| August - Funeral of a late Rifle Volunteer - "On Thursday afternoon, the Stalybridge Rifle Corps were called upon to pay their last tribute of respect to the remains of a departed comrade....On his coffin on Tuesday were placed his cap and belt and accompanying him to his last resting place was Lieutenant Bates about fifty of his comrades and the band of the corps. Eighteen of his comrades carried their firelocks and after the coffin had been duly placed in St Paul's Churchyard, three volleys were fired over its contents .... There were some thousands of persons assembled to witness the ceremony and great sympathy was expressed for his sorrowing widow and two children who are now fatherless." |
| September - Reduction in wages - "We are sorry to learn that the manufacturers of Stalybridge consider themselves under the necessity of enforcing a reduction of wages and in accordance therewith Messrs. Bayley gave notice to their weavers yesterday that a reduction of 1/2d per cut will take place, and Messrs Platts have also given notice of a reduction on their jack-frame tenters." |
| October - Bazaar to raise funds for a church at Millbrook
Notice in the Reporter and Standard - note the involvement of the Vicar and members of St Paul's in this scheme. Under the distinguished patronage of Viscount Combermere Rev William Worth Hoare, President Mr J Marsden's Orchestra is specially engaged for the occasion. Donations and contributions will be gladly received by Mrs White, Warrington Place, and Mrs James Adshead, Stayley Wood. |
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October - Reduction in wages - "The factory operatives are
now working at a reduction from 5 to 17% on the wages they received before
the present depression in trade. During the week deputations have waited
upon the various employers requesting them to withdraw the whole or a
portion of the offered reduction, but we believe that in every case they
have postively refused to make any alteration, but we are also informed that
the hands of Mr Robert Platt, Esq, commenced working at the reduced price
yesterday, without having received any notice that such a course was
contemplated. The hands complain that this is taking an undue advantage of
them, and one, too, which the employers would not like to submit to from the
operatives, and they (the operatives) further declare that they never
attempted such a thing." The Ashton Standard in November 1861 carried a letter from "the spinners and minders in your employ" protesting on the reduction of wages when they were already working short time addressed to The Manufacturers of Ashton and Neighbourhood". There were also letters on a similar theme from " The cardroom hands in your employ" and " The self acting minders committee." |
| November - Ashton Standard Editorial "Evils of the Poor Law" The pernicious fruits of that most distasteful production of the Whigs, the New Poor Law, was never more bitterly exemplified than in its operation during the present distress amongst our cotton manufacturing population. The "workhouse test" is a tyrannical contrivance, to make the pangs of poverty keener by forcing poor families into that dreaded place they term the "Bastille" , when a little assistance in the shape of outdoor relief might enable them to live over the dreary probation of short time , and keep their little homes together, instead of being compelled to deliver up their humble bits of furniture, and to be driven to the workhouse. The evils of the system are severely felt by boards of guardians, as well as their poor neighbours; for by the order passed in 1852 they are compelled to apply the test to every able-bodied man who seeks parochial relief; and this was cruelly developed on Thursday last at the meeting of our guardians, when it was announced by Mr Lees, that out of 78 orders issued, only five unhappy creatures availed themselves of the "workhouse test", the others having preferred starvation as the mildest torture of the two..... |
| December - Distress amongst the operatives - "We regret to learn that there is a large amount of distress amongst the factory operatives owing to the short time movement having become so extensive, and apparently likely to continue for some time. We have heard many parties express a desire that something should be done by some of the influential men of the town, in order to relieve some of the most severe cases of distress. We are credibly informed that a large number frequently go to work without breakfast, whilst others only obtain two meals a day and yet manage to follow their employment. The only parties we can hear of, who are making any attempt to relieve the distress are the Committee of the Spinners Union, who have issued circulars, in which they state that they have visited 60 families amongst whom they have distributed upwards of 500 lbs of bread from their own private fund. On the 5th instand 100 lbs more was distributed. The distribution took place at Mr James Millers, The Q Inn. We sincerely trust that their efforts will be followed by a general subscription from those who are able to contribute amongst all classes of society; and that will enable many a poor family to receive such support as will keep them from starvation." |
| December - From the Ashton Reporter : Stalybridge editorial - Locally, 1861 will be a memorable year. Strikes, turnouts, reductions of wages and short time are the features which will mark it in the annals of Stalybridge. Thousands of factory operatives have incurred liabilities for food and fire which will require years of industry and frugality to repay. |
| 1862 |
| January - Fund for the distressed - "A meeting to discuss and organise an efficient system of relief will be held in the Town Hall, Stalybridge on Monday next, at seven pm which subscribers and others may be willing to assist in the work of the charity are invited to attend." Although clergy were not excluded from this organization, none seemed to have become part of the committee unlike in some other areas. |
| February - Mr Hoare gives lecture on "Water" at Ashton Town Hall - "There was a large attendance with most of the clergymen in the district and many influential ladies and gentlemen" |
| February - Lecture on China - This was the fifth of a course of lectures in support of St Paul's Reading Room and Lending Library. G E Adshead, Esq spoke on "China, what I saw and heard there" There were 400-500 people present. |
| February - Still
shorter time - "Distress was never known as great as it is at
the present time". During the most difficult years - 1862/1863 - something like 80% of the operatives were either unemployed or on short time. During the same period, around 13000 persons in the town were receiving relief provided by the Relief Committee. |
| March - St Paul's Church, Two Sermons - one by Rev C H Brierley, missionary from Sierra Leone, Africa and the other by Rev. H.V. Macdona, BA, curate of St Matthias', Salford. Full cathedral service, with suitable anthems was sung by the choir and collections were made in aid of the incidental purposes connected with the church. |
| March -
Short time and distress - Bayleys - 500 looms at a
standstill - others which were stopped for repairs. "We doubt if even the oldest inhabitant can remember such a year as Stalybridge has passed through since the beginning of the strike in March last, and we fervently trust that the borough will never have to pass through such another year." |
| April - Henry Hardman
of the Grapes Inn, Grosvenor Street distributed a "quart of excellent soup"
to 2000 persons "The announcement of the charity was made known by the town's bellman, after whose cry of "This is to give notice,etc." in less than half an hour the gates leading to Hardman's back premises were literally besieged by hundreds of needy appliicants. |
| April - Failure of the Ashton Relief Committee - subscribers were not expecting the need to go beyond Christmas. |
| April - Relief at Millbrook - the Relief Fund was exhausted. |
| May - Reporter Advert - To the distressed poor - Soup establishment. Mr Meshach Holt of Melbourne Street Stalybridge, is desirous of acquainting the distressed public that he intends Giving Out Soup at the rate of one penny per quart and with a slice of good bread at One Halfpenny extra. Soup may be obtained every day (Sunday excepted) from eight o'clock in the morning. |
| May -
Reporter Adverts - Economy in funerals
- Isaac Barnes, plain and covered coffin maker and general
undertaker......It is necessary to inform the working classes that, owing to
the depresseion in trade which is now prevalent in the neighbourhood, I.B.
provides Lawn, Shroud, Cap, Curtain and Pillow and the use of Pall, Gloves,
Silk and Crepe Hatbands, complete FREE OF CHARGE Monster Bread Meeting On account of and in order to meet the present Distressed Condition of the working classes...Great reduction in the price of flour and meal...Thomas Sykes, Ashton-under-Lyne. |
| May
- The Cotton Crisis London Relief Committee (Mansion House)
- Meeting. £250 sent to Stalybridge, £100 to Ashton, £100 to Hyde.
A memorial addressed to the Lord Mayor by the Local Relief Committee of
Millbrook near Stalybridge was read to the meeting. They stated that the
district in which relief had been afforded by them comprised a population of
between 3000 and 4000 inhabitants all of whom were entirely dependent upon
the cotton manufacture for subsistence. There was work for two and a half to
three days a week, but this could not continue for much longer. The present poor rate was double the usual amount, while the funds of the Relief Committee hd been exhausted for the last six weeks. The resident employers had directly or indirectly contributed liberally to the relief of the distressed, whose numbers were weekly augmenting. The memorial was accompanied by a letter from the Rev. W Worth Hoare, the incumbent of Staylay, imploring the Committee to assist them. The Committee resolved to send £50 to Millbrook. |
| May
- Cotton Crisis - outdoor meeting at Stalybridge.
8000 present. The meeting objected to the Labour Test. "The greatest bitterness however, was reserved for the Labour Test. The poor who appled for relief had to show their willingness to work. Men who were indoor workers, badly clothed and close to starvation, were sent out in mid-winter, on jobs such as stone breaking". |
| May - Performance of Haydn's Creation in aid of the Relief Committee - Stalybridge Harmonic Society gave a performance of Haydn's "Creation" for the benefit of the Relief Fund with a band and chorus of 110 performers. "We hope that they may receive the support from the upper and middle classes which their efforts deserve, in order that there may be a good round sum to hand to the treasurer." (They made £18-1-4 1/2 which was handed to the Relief Committee.) |
| May
- Short time - Whitsuntide. From the Reporter:
"We understand that some of the operatives who are musically inclined will
go "on the road" with their instruments." Stalybridge Old Band at Southport. Each morning and evening during the week, the gentry and others resorting to the Promenade to enjoy the sallubrious sea breeze have been gratified by the performances of an exellent brass band. -"Stalybridge Old Band is composed of factory operatives who consequent upon the depression in the cotton trade have taken this step to obtain a subsistency". |
| June - Whitsuntide - Sunday School Processions - St Paul's had above 1,300 scholars and 150 teachers. |
| August
- The distress in our own district - Stayley Wood (from the
Ashton Reporter) Our visit to Stayleywood ........ "The first of these places contains a most beautiful church [St Paul's] and churchyard situated on a rising ground, and upon the whole is as pleasant a place as can well be found for the purpose it is intended. The church contains a good peal of bells and a good clock. On the opposite side of the church are the schools and parsonage, and the whole forms one of those pleasant village scenes now so seldom found in the neighbourhood of the manufacturing towns." There were several mills not far off which were working three days a week. "From another source we learned that great distress existed in Stayleywood, the manufacturers had not done their duty towards removing that distress but the Rev Mr Hoare and his curate Mr White had done a vast amount of good and reaped their reward in the blessings of numerous families who had been relieved when in the very depths of povety. Passing on our way through a toll-bar, about which we shall have to refer again, we came upon five neat stone houses, the centre of which contained the following inscription: ' This centre house was erected by Christina Adshead, of Acres Bank, as an endowment for the clock given by the seventh Countess of Stamford to St Paul's Church. The other four houses were erected by subscription as an endeowment for the bells of the same church. 1846." . |
| October -
Relief of the distressed - Mr Baxter and Miss Higginbottom,
the teachers of the Church day and evening schools offered to teach evening
classes with the Relief Committee paying the fees of any who were unable to
pay. The Committee and the Rev J White had already established a sewing class in a room in Harrison's Mill, Millbrook. Resident ladies of the neighbourhood have promptly offered their services in the conducting of the class. |
| October - Deputation to the Relief Committee - A deputation, consisting of three working men presented a petition asking for an alteration of the system of administrating relief. "The petition was signed by a portion of the clergymen and gentlemen of the town and contained over 300 signatures". "To the Executive Relief Committee, Stalybridge. Gentlemen - We, your petitioners humbly pray you will make the required alterations in your present system of administering relief to the distressed operatives of our Borough. We are along with yourselves, extremely anxious that it should be administered as efficiently and equitably as possible. We therefore hope you will take it into your serious consideration, and allow the recipient the benefit of the choice of the articles he may have the benefit of receiving at your hands by granting money or tickets instead of bread and meal". |
| October - The Clothing Store - A store for the sale of items made by the sewing classes was opened. The large shop was in Caroline Street and sold items at the wholesale cost of the materials of which they were made. The items were sold to "those operatives whose circumstances are too poor to go elsewhere". |
| October - Tea Party at St Paul's Stayley - On Saturday last a tea party under the auspices of the St Paul's Reading Room, was held at St Paul's Schoolroom when about 300 persons sat down to an excellent tea, after which a choice selection of miscellaneous music was performed by the choir of the school. Speeches by the Rev. W W Hoare and Rev W H White and recitations by member of the institution were given in the course of the night and upon the whole a most pleasant evening was spent. |
| November - During the visit of the wife of Prime Minister, W E Gladstone to Ashton "Mrs Gladstone proceeded to St Paul's Industrial Schools carried on at Mr Platt's Albion Mill in the town. She was accompanied by R T T Easger and Dr Robibson and was recieved by Rev. W Worth Hoare, BD, Mrs Hoare, Mrs Wilkinson, Miss Armstrong and Miss Evans. She expressed herself highly satisfied with these schools and at her request, the Rev. Mr Hoare and Dr Robinson addressed those present telling them of the sympathy of the Queen. This message drew tears from the eyes of the young women and rounds of hearty cheers from the men. Mrs Glastone was particularly pleased with the male industrial department wher all attending these schools both males and females have their shoes repaired free of charge. She was much pleased with the order, cleanliness and singing of the young women. After resting a short time at St Paul's Parsonage, Mrs Gladstone proceeded on her way to Chester." |
| November - Borough Relief Committee - There are 800 young women employed in sewing classes and the wages paid to them this week amounted to £100-10s-3d. This includes Rev Mr Hoare's and Rev. Mr Ash's classes and the Committee are also paying the school fees for 948 boys and girls who attend St Paul's, St John's, St Peter's and the British Schools. There was a suggestion that schools should be opened in factories and this idea was being pursued. |
| November - Operation of the Stalybridge Relief Committee - Relief went to anyone "being an unemployed operative, or in want of the common necessities of life - and families with less than 2 shillings per head". The received a dozen pounds of bread and meal. |
| December - What is being done in
Stalybridge to meet the distress Distribution of clothing and clothes. Stores fro distribution in Castle Street Mills. System for distributing bedding, blankets and female wearing apparel - this under the supervision of the Ladies Committee containing some of the members of the most influential families in the town, who are daily engaged in visiting the houses of the poor and distressed operative, to whom they give tickets for clothing. Redemption of articles from pawnbrokers. Distribution of men's clothing; clogs; clothes. Education [includes] St Paul's School 300 children under 13 who are paid for by the Relief Committee. There are 71 operatives attending who are more than 13 years of which 40 are over 16 including one who is over 50. Messrs. Platt's Mill, Stayley - Excellent educational classes at the Mill attended by 131 who are above 16 years of age. St Paul's Church - Sewing Classes 93 females meet in a room in Messrs. Platt's Mill. There was also in the town: A Working Men's free newsroom in Melbourne Street. |
| December - Processions - There were processions of female workers at Leech's Mill going to the Town Hall to be fitted with clogs......"On Thursday adult scholars attending the Albion Mill School and St Paul's Stayley perabulated the town with an excellent band and a large number of banners and flags." |
| December - Lecturers - Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce: fifth list of lecturers. 1862. List of unpaid lecturers includes Mr Hoare. |
| 1863 |
 St Paul's 1863. This shows the church before the addition of the transepts and sanctuary later in the century. The stretch of water shown is likely to be the pond associated with Brookfield House, the home of James Wilkinson, owner of Copley Mill. |
| January - St James Church, Millbrook - consecrated and new parish carved out of the Parish of St Paul's. The first Vicar was Rev W H White, formerly curate at St Pauls. |
|
January - J R Stephens on "The Panic" - J R
Stephens claimed that the cause of the Panic was not the American War, but
over-production and said that the circumstances which brought about the
Panic had been predicted. On the Stalybridge Relief Committee:- It was not elected by the people at a town's meeting..."the money was sent for the distressed operatives and not James Kirk, Ralph Bates and John Leech". He suggested that the Manchester merchants thought that this was the usual type of downturn in trade which required no action and that they only set up a [Manchester] Relief Committee when relief started to come from other parts of the country. |
| January - Dinner at St James, Millbrook - On Friday a substantial dinner, consisting of soup, roast beef, pies, puddings etc. was provided to which 330 persons sat down (females exempt). Of this number, 120 were adult scholars who attend the day school lately established at Millbrook and the rest were operatives and householders. After dinner....the Rev. W H White addressed the meeting and made some appropriate remarks on the church and the benefits which would result from it. He hoped the working classes would avail themselves of it and thus prepare for a higher and holier sphere. Several songs and recitations were given, the latter mostly in the Lancashire dialect. Three cheers were given for Mr A Harrison (though not present) and his son, William. The proceedings were considerably enlivened by the performance of the band. The party broke up at six o'clock with the singing of the National Anthem. |
|
January - Complaints about the Relief Committee -
Great excitement. This was due to an alteration in the scale of relief, but
there were other reasons too. The Mayor was asked to call a meeting to discuss the situation, but he declined to do so. A committee of working men was formed in response to the situation, and they intended to hold a public meeting in the Town Hall.A memorial gathered 1000 signatures. The operatives complained that too great a reduction had been made in the rate of relief. When they had asked for the reason for the changes they were met with oaths which "no dealer in Billingsgate would use . Men and women were cursed alike." Clothing was not being distributed efficiently and in many cases was not fit for use. They complained that the Committee was self-elected and inexperienced and that it had not published a balance sheet and that it employed men of dubious character, nor did the Committee publish minutes of its meetings. |
|
January - Relief of distress in Stalybridge -
great excitement among the operatives. People are not feeling grateful towards the Committee[i.e. the Relief Committee] "today, some of them stand in worse repute amongst those who have been relieved than those who have never spent an hour in relieving" One cause identified for this attitude: secrecy in the way the Committee operates. Operatives do not know why changes are made in the system of relief.....ALSO...there is no complete list of the members of the Committee and various sub-committees. People do not know the principle on which relief is handled. There were issues with the operation of the clothing store and the time it took to be dealt with and that there was insufficient clothing for men. Last Wednesday: the value of tickets was reduced, and a large number had their tickets stopped altogether. "Women cried, the men cursed and vowed vengeance". "On Thursday forenoon, the attendees of the Refuge Sewing Class became mutinous through some misunderstanding with their teacher....whom they hissed and booted down Vaudrey Street. The sewers put on their bonnets and shawls...." |
|
January - Emigration Society formed at Stalybridge. ...for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions and memoralizing the government for assistance to those who are disposed to emigrate "as a great many of the industrious population are becoming weary of being idle and living upon charity". |
|
February - Meeting of the operatives -
There was a great meeting of the factory operatives of
Stalybridge, addressed by Rev. J R Stephens - "women and youths were
requested to keep away". In replying to the working men's committee's Memorial, the Mayor says the Relief Committee which comprises everyone who has subscribed to the Fund, has confidence in the Mansion House and Manchester Committees. A letter from Rev. Mr Bell of St John's, Dukinfield, suggests that the original composition of the Committee made sense when they contributed the majority of the funds, but now most of the funding comes from elsewhere and so the Committee should be elected at a town meeting. |
|
February - Shrove Tuesday - Shrove Tuesday -
Various sewing schools had a holiday and a great number of the attenders
visited the far-famed Brushes, where two bands were discoursing sweet
music, "enjoy themselves in a real country dance"...."in the evening,
pancake turning was holding its merry and happy feasts for young people" St Paul's Educational Schools: On Shrove Tuesday, the scholars attending these schools went in procession through the town, accompanied by banners and flags and preceded by an excellent band of music. The appearance of the procession elicited a general feeling of approval at the neat and clean appearance of the operatives. |
February - Church of England Sunday School Congress at Mossley This was held at St George's School, Mossley. The total number of scholars represented by at the meeting was 5400. In addition to the teachers, members of the clergy were present along with a representative of the Church of England Sunday School Institute. "The Committee has not inappropriately denominated the meeting a 'Congress' and it has to be held annually. There were representatives from Stayley (Millbrook), St Paul's, Holy Trinity, New and Old St George's, Dobcross, Hey, Friezland, Hartshead and Mossley. Among the papers read to the Congress was one on "The Importance of the Church Catechism". The Rev. James Bardsley said: "too many Sunday Schools were like little republics - the clergyman was scarcely recognised and there were too many masters" There was a talk on the use and benefits of religious periodicals and the need for proper teaching on baptism. Thomas Norton from the Sunday School Institute said: "The pastor ought to be at the head and be the life and soul of the school. What an anomoly it was for the teachers of the school to teach one thing and the clergyman another. The school ought to be the nursery of the church." The Institute "furnished short and easy lessons for each class....if they were to deviate from this they would probably go wrong." He went on to describe other publications aimed at teachers and school managers. Example of teaching material: Church of England Sunday School Institute publicaton 1861 There was more discussion of useful periodical literature along with condemnation of "sensation novels" and "thrilling romances". A Sunday School teacher then read a paper on the objects and duties of teachers |
|
February - Turn out at educational school - One
dispute was over a rule that scholars had to attend for 6 hours per day or
have their pay stopped. [The educational and sewing classes set up
during the Famine provided the work people had to do to qualify for relief].
This dispute was resolved, but another broke out at St Peter's Catholic
School. Scholars who had attended the wedding of a classmate were told that
their pay would be stopped. The men left the school and held a meeting on
the Plantation Ground. They returned to school next day after being
unsuccessful in getting others to join the walkout. There were general complaints about the strict discipline at the schools and especially over the stoppage of a day's pay if they only attended for half a day. The Relief Committee said that they would listen to their complaints. |
|
February - Dinner at St James School, Millbrook -
200 persons sat down to a substantial dinner raised by subscription. 80 were scholars under the superintendence of Rev. W H White of St James, Millbrook; 20 were adult scholars from the Carrbrook School, remainder were Sunday-schoool teachers from Barlow School (i.e. Stayley Sunday School) and St James. The Choir from St Paul's was in attendance and the evening was spent in singing and reciting. |
March - March 20 1863 - The Bread Riots |
| March - The Riots renewed Trials of the rioters took place from 10 in the morning to 4 or 5 in the afternoon. There was a huge crowd outside the Town Hall who shouted abuse at the magistrates or members of the Relief Committee and at the police. Horse-drawn omnibuses were called up to take the prisoners to the Railway Station. It was assumed that they would use the Wakefield Road route and crowds assembled on the Hague, New St George's churchyard and the rising ground which faces Wakefield Road. The crowds had armed themselves with stones, bricks etc. The crowd vowed that they would have something to eat before they went to bed and further said that they would not submit to the ticket system. Soldiers and police guarded the transfer of the prisoners. The convoy was attacked with stones. Women encouraged men to join the attack and prevent the prisoners being sent to Chester for trial. The prisoners were put in carriages which were then attached to a train. Police and soldiers formed up to march through the town - and were attacked with stones, leading to a cavalry charge which was used to break up the mob. |
| March - Mansion House Committee and the Stalybridge Riots - Special Grant Special meeting of the Committee - Mr Cubitt, MP, presiding to consider the Operatives' memorial. Rev Thomas Floyd [Vicar of Holy Tinity] attended the meeting on behalf of about 1,700 millhands "there collected in schools". Mr Cubitt mentioned the Stalybridge Relief Committee's claim that money had been spent on drink. Mr Floyd said few if any of the men attending the schools had appeared in police courts for drunkenness. He suggested a want of tact on the part of the Committee and that the change could have been better handled. The operatives had to spend all the ticket in designated shops and were left with nothing to meet minor wants. He also blamed inflammatory speeches "where grievances and matters were introduced which had influenced the men of the manufacturing districts generally in years gone by and some who ought to have known better used their influence to set one class against another. [ Probably a reference to Chartism, and Rev J R Stephens]. He with Rev Mr Hoare and Rev Mr Bell.....felt that the crisis was so serious that nothing but an intervention by the Mansion House Committee or the [Manchester] Central Committee, or by both, could reconcile the men to the new state of things. He claimed that the men in their schools were for the most part respectable married men. Another irritation was the banning of all but cotton operatives from male and female schools which would affect large numbers. The Committee approved a special grant of £500, a return to the practice of giving relief in money....the grant to be "distributed by the local relief committee, or, if they felt any difficulty in that, by the three clergymen who had been named, or by some of the magistrates in the town". |
| March - 27 March - The grant of the Mansion House Committee, and the role of the clergy, discussed in the House of Commons. The House was discussed the action of the Mansion House Committee and the letters sent by the Stalybridge clergy for additonal funding to avert further rioting. |
| March - Settlement of the difficulties. J K Shuttleworth of the Manchester Central Committee held a meeting with the magistrates and visited the schools. A compromise was reached: 1s 6d in money and 1s 6d in tickets payable to local provision dealers. The operatives were addressed by Rev Mr Hilton the Roman Catholic priest who also told them to remain peaceable and that if they had any grievances, to put them before the Committee. The operatives said that although they had said theywould only accept money, they would "for the present accept payment part in money and part in ticket". |
|
March - Marriage of the Prince of Wales -
STAYLEY: The mills were closed and a general holiday was observed. St Paul's church and Sunday-schools, several gentlemen's residences and the humbler dwellings of some operatives were gaily decorated with flags and other tokens of rejoicing. Between the church and school on Huddersfield Road,a splendid arch stood, having been erected by the unceasing exertions of the Sunday-school teachers. It was tastefully decorated with evergreens and banners and on Monday and Tuesday evening was brilliantly illuminated. Some hundreds, if not thousands of people of Stalybridge visited it. At half past eight, the teachers and scholars of St Paul's assembled at the school and at nine o'clock proceeded to the churchyard, where they were joined by the great bulk of the attenders at the adult and sewing schools. The number present exceeded 1,100. Te Deum and several verses of the National Anthem as composed by Rev Mr Clarke of Southport, were sung, after which the procession headed by a band of music, proceeded to Mr Donnell's, where the National Anthem was again sung. The procession then moved through Demesne Street, Stocks Lane, Acres-lane, Princess-street and Market-street to the residence of Thomas Harrison, Esq., where the National Anthem was again gone through and the musicians were provided with refreshments. From Mr Harrison's the assembly went to the residence of Thomas Adshead, Esq., North End, and from thence to the school where all who had taken part in the procession received a large bun each, which had been generously provided by the congregation, and, bythe kindness of Mr and Mrs Robert Platt a substantial tea wa provided, free of charge to about 300 of the Sunday-school teachers and others in the immediate connection therewith. Among the clergymen and other friends present were the Rev. W W Hoare, incumbent, the Rev Mr Galbraith, curate, the Rev. Mr Brierley, missionary from Sierra Leone, the Rev Mr Hopkins of Compstall; Mr and Mrs Conway, Mrs Hoare, Mrs Buckley and Mrs Wilkinson. After tea several glees and songs were given by the school choir, conducted by Mr Meadows, and amongst the pieces may be mentioned "God Bless the Prince of Wales" composed by Richards and "God Bless the Queen" composed by Swain. The party broke up at about ten o'clock, after spending a most pleasant evening together. A large bonfire was lighted in the cricket field behind the school; it was lighted about noon and was still burning the following morning. In conclusion we think it right to mention that Lord Stamford gave the timber for the arch and the fire. Mr Conway and Mr Buckley, the wardens, kindly contributed towards the fire, the latter gentleman giving a load of coals, and the former several large oil casks. Taking it all together, the day was one which will be remembered in Stayley with pleasant feelings. |
| April - The Times is critical of the actions of the Stalybridge clergy during the riots. The Times on Messrs. Hoare, Floyd, Bell, Stephens etc. George Grey, the Home Secretary, "dwells with a reasonable stress upon the injudicious conduct of the Mansion House Committee" for making additional payments, while the Committee blamed Hoare, Floyd and Bell, the incumbents of Stalybridge [The Times]"if we may judge of men by their letters, these gentlemen [the Stalybridge clergy] would appear to be timourous, weak-minded and impractical, of illogical minds and in this conduct, instable; not capable of producing, even by their incompetence, the great evil which now exists.... Others think that the outrageous speeches of a few firebrands among the Dissenting clergy are at the bottom of it all. Some, perhaps, agree with the moderate and well-intentioned clergymen whose letters were read in the House of Commons, in their incomprehensible reasoning that men who are offered tickets for food instead of money for drink, are in the condition of starving men, have the excuse of starving men for any violence that they many commit or contemplate.............. All these gentlemen might be all mistaking the symptoms for the disease. Even the plundering of the shops was a symptom. The letters of the Rev Mr Hoare are but a symptom, so are the speeches of Mr Stephens....and the present dictatorial position of the mobs of Stalybridge. The disease is the deterioration of the body social into a condition of willing idleness. There always will be weak and timorous sympathisers, shocked at what they see and ready to give momentary relief by the most pernicious anodyms. |
| April - Stayley - Presentation Presentation by the teachers of Saint Paul's [Sunday School] to Mr R Whitehead who had been both a teacher and superintendent who was leaving to be a Scripture reader in Manchester. |
| May - Letter from Mr Hoare about the riots in a Dublin newspaper Rev. Mr Hoare and the riots - from letter sent to Dublin Daily Express. "The riots have afforded an example of the unhappy results which may ever be expected where numbers are assembled out of work, and religion is excluded as a guiding power. These riots originated in the schools from which the clergy, the Bible,and all religion were carefully excluded, so as not to offend the Romanists. The riots originated in these very Roman Catholics and were, indeed, confined almost exclusively to them. I believe that of all convicted at the assizes for taking part in the riots, there was only one not a Roman Catholic. I must add that even these were mere boys and girls. There was scarcely a full-grown person involved in these discraceful deeds. The Relief Committee here had acted for a long time in a very unwise manner towards the unemployed, and a set of ill-taught youths took advantage of the very angry spirit created, to make these disturbances. Through the wise and benevolent conduct of the London Mansion House Committee, things were prevented from reaching a crisis much to be feared. The clergy of the town were the means thorough that Committee of preventing the worst; and their own scholars, also, assisted them in this very much,by their excellent conduct. Not one of those in schools under the care of the clergy in this town took any part in the riots, but utterly condemned the conduct of the rioters. As to my own, the mob of boys and girls came to turn them out of school, but the men refused to go; and I sat with them the rest of the day, and all went on in the school in the usual orderly manner. It is quite unjust to suppose that any in the Church schools were in any degree implicated in the riots. In fact, these disturbances proved, if fresh proof were needed, that religion is essential to the well-being of society. The conduct of those in the religiously conducted schools make a striking contrast to the others". |
| May - Royal Oak Day Yesterday being the anniversary of the concealment of King Charles in an oak-tree, the church steeples and various individuals exhibited boughs of oak in commemoration of the event. |
| May - St Paul's Sunday Schools, Stayley The Annual Sermons With collections in support of these schools, are to be preached in St Paul's Church on Whit Sunday May 25th 1863, both Morning and Afternoon by the Very Rev. E N Hoare, MA, Dean of Waterford, and Chaplain to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland when the attendance and liberal assistance of all friends is earnestly requested. The contributions of any who may be unable to attend will be thankfully received. |
| June - Emigration to New Zealand On Tuesday 48 persons left for Southampton where they would board the Victory which would sail for New Zealand on the following Monday. Shortly after four o'clock a fife and drum band was perambulating the streets on the Castle Hall side for the purpose of collecting the emigrants, who intended to move in procession to the railway station. When the time for moving off, however, came, there were so many thousands of people assembled in the streets near Mr Morten's, the place where it was intended to start from, that the emigrants did not like the idea of a procession, so they got away as quietly as they could, and made the best of their way to the railway station. The band shortly after followed, playing "Cheer, boys, cheer", and when they arrived at the station, there were so many people present that it appeared more like a cheap trip morning at Whitsuntide than anything else. The emigrants all got into one carriage, and just before six o'clock the train started off amidst the cheers of the assembled multitude. We understand that great praise is due to the Rev. Mr Hoare, of St Paul's, for the manner in which he has exerted himself in order to make the emigrants comfortable. He has kindly written them letters to the Manchester and London Committees, the first of which sent them nearly £60 towards their outfit, and the London Committee sent them a good sum. Mr Hoare also gave to each emigrant a bible, a prayer book and a hymn book, and a sum of money to assist them in obtaining refreshments on their way to Southampton. To Mr James Hardy,too, a considerable amount of praise is due for the assistance he has rendered in obtaining free passages, and expending the money sent from London and Manchester to buy clothes etc. The departure of these emigrants has created such a desire for emigration that on Wednesday no less than 35, and on Thursday 54, persons applied to Mr Morten's for assistance to emigrate to America or the colonies. |
| June - Open Air Concert On Thursday evening an open air concert was held in the grounds of the Rev Mr Hoare, Stayley. There was a numerous audience, and we are informed that the performance will be repeated today at Bill o'Jack's under the auspices of the Harmonic Society. |
| August - First glimmers of a hope of improvement in trade.. Three mills had started to work again after being stopped for a year. Some of the larger mills were still stopped, while others were on short time. |
| September - Part of the parish transferred to St James 1863 September 15 — the size of St Paul's parish reduced when part of the township of Stayley was transferred to Millbrook: St. James. |
| October - Presentation and tea party at St Paul's Scholars of St Paul's adult Sunday School, together with the sewing class sat down to a tea in honour of the marriage of Rev C H Brierley, who had "laboured hard among them during the present distress". Rev Mr Hoare commented on Mr Brierley's work with the adult schools and also the Sunday and Wednesday evening services and the general working of the parish........He hoped that he and his wife would remember the parish of St Paul's "in that distant land (Africa) to which they were going to labour. Mr Brierley made a reply, and the evening ended with the scholars of the sewing class sing hymns and songs they had prepared at the school, and the party broke up after singing the National Anthem. |
| November - Clothing for distressed operatives letter from Rev W W Hoare - Letter which appeared in the Ashton Standard. "Allow me to thank you for your eloquent and truthful article in today's paper on the need of clothing and firing for the distressed operatives in these cotton districts. A heavy fall of snow and a bitter freezing wind, as I read your well-timed article, added deep force to it. The hungry or ill-fed man needs more warmth than the full fed, while cold increases the craving for food. Thus each aggravates the other. Hence instinct has suggested one word -"starve"- to signify want of food and want of heat. The poor here have struggled through the summer on little food, and have not been able to purchase clothing for day or night. Now November comes on with its chilling fogs, and great is the need that the benevolent should be reminded of those who stand so much in want of clothing and firing to meet this inclement season. I know many this moment - men women and children - in the greatest need of clothing, and most respectable and deserving persons. I fear the winter's cold will prove fatal to more than usual unless such help as that you urge is speedily given. If any of your readers will be so kind as to assist me with clothing I shall be most thankful, and shall use it without delay, and to the best of my judgement. Yours etc W Worth Hoare, Incumbent of St Paul's, Stalybridge." |
| November - Bells rung for the late Lord Mayor of London. ...bells at Castle Hall and St Paul's churches sent forth solemn peals as a tribute of respect to the memory of the late Lord Mayor of London. The high estimation in which he was held by the operative classes is only a proof that after all they are not the ungrateful beings some would have us believe..... |
| November - Orange Order Meeting Grand Protestant Association of Loyal Orange men, Stalybridge District held a tea party in the Town Hall - 500 persons were present. .......The Millbrook Band was also in attendance, to the joy of the dancers; and an excellent choir from St Paul's Sunday-school, under the direction of Mr Meadows, sang some appropriate pieces of music...... During the meeting warning was given of the dangers not only of Catholicism but also of Puseyism. |
| December - Mr and Mrs Platt On 31 December 1863 adult male scholars and females from St Paul's sewing class at Albion Mill were treated to a dinner of roast beef and plum pudding at the sole expense of Mr and Mrs Platt. The meal was followed by singing and reciting and a vote of thanks to the Platts. 226 people sat down to dinner. The Platts also gave a "substantial tea" to the Sunday School teachers and scholars of St Paul's. The teachers sat down first, then the scholars were admitted by ticket. There were upwards of 1100 at tea. After tea the children were assembled in the boys' school for singing and reciting until they were sent home at about 9 o'clock. |
| December - Re-opening of St Pauls- On Sunday 6 December 1863 the church will be reopened when the Morning Service will be preached by Rev James Malcolmson, Curate of St John's Church, Dukinfield; The afternoon sermon by Rev J A Page, MA Incumbent of Tintwistle. After both Collections will be made towards the expenses of repainting, repairing etc. Morning Service will commence at 10:30, and the Afternoon Service at 3 o'clock. Full Cathedral Service, anthems etc. By the Choir, assisted by several friends. Organist and Choirmaster Mr Dearnaley. |
| 1864 |
| February - Sunday School Teachers Congress The Second annual congress of teachers from Church of England Sunday Schools. The Congress was designed to give teachers the opportunity of meeting together to discuss the work of the different schools and "the various methods of teaching adopted" so as to promote the more effectual working of the schools, and to make them as far as possible "nurseries for the church". The committee of management consists of two teachers from each school nominated by the clergy, one of whom, where possible, to be a superintendent. St Paul's school had 200 teachers and 1000 scholars. (This was not the largest that was St John's Dukinfield with 1700 pupils). The meeting included a service, Holy Trinity bells being rung, tea and speeches from local and national speakers. There were 750 present for tea. |
| February - Condition of the operatives The condition of the operatives in this town undergoes no improvement, but on the contrary gradually goes worse, for there is less money earned as wages at present than there has been at any time since the panic commenced. With the exception of the firms of Messrs. Platt, Cheetham and Wagstaff, there is little or no gas being used, and instead of the "patter" of the clogs of the operatives between five and six in the morning, the streets have a very deserted appearance. |
| March - Emigration (From the Ashton Reporter) Passage had been obtained through the exertions of the Rev. W W Hoare...who has obtained free passages to South Australia for 107 - 25 went in December and 71 are to leave Plymouth any day. They were to travel on The Eastern Empire. On Tuesday evening 71 of these emigrants assembled in St Paul's school Stayley where they had tea. After tea their friends were admitted and in a short time 500 were assembled. Mr Hoare then presented each of the emigrants with a railway ticket to Plymouth, a Bible, prayer book, hymn book, and a number of periodicals and religious tracts. These articles had been purchased with money obtained from various sources, and in addition 15s per head was spent on clothing and other articles. The Mansion House Committee also granted about £2 per adult to assist in the outfit of the emigrants. The rev. gentleman...addressed the emigrants describing the colony they were about to go to, and by means of a large globe, illustrated its portion on the earth's surface, and the direction in which it lay from England. He next explained the phenomena of hot winds, trade winds and the difference in the climates. He then urged upon them the desirability of being friendly with each other on the passage;and when they arrived at their destination to be steady, sober and industrious, and he had no doubt but by the grace of God many of them in time would become their own masters. He told them not to go to South Australia with an idea they would have little or no work, as it was a colony where they would have to work hard and face many difficulties. He strongly advised them in all matters to be prepared for the worst, yet he had no doubt......that by labour, economy, sobriety and perseverance, there was nothing could prevent them becoming prosperous......... Some of them going out were Dissenters, and others perhaps belonged to no particular body; but he would suggest to them when they arrived in the colony, and were doing well, they would not forget the Church of England, which had been instrumental, in a great measure, in providing for their equipment and comfort in their long and, no doubt, tedious voyage. They must read the Bibles, prayer books, and other religious publications which had been given them, and not only would they conduce to their spiritual welfare, but they would materially assist their temporal welfare - (cheers). The meeting was afterwards addressed by the Rev Mr White, Incumbent of St James, Millbrook and by Messrs Band and Meadows - St Paul's school choir was also in attendance, and enlivened the evening's proceedings with some excellent singing, and thus was passed a pleasant evening by the emigrants for the last time in their native country. Shortly after six o'clock on Wednesday morning groups of persons were to be seen wending their way towards St Paul's School Stayley, which had been arranged as the place from which the emigrants should take their departure. It was about half-past six when we arrived there and already were some of those present who were about to leave the place of their birth, with all its varied and pleasant associations, for one which was to them comparatively unknown. Upon entering the schoolroom we found the Rev W W Hoare busy superintending the various matters requisite in so important a thing as 71 persons emigrating at once. As the emigrants continued to arrive they were sent into the girls' schoolroom, while the boys' school was kept for the accommodation of the friends and public. We were admitted amongst the emigrants and found them on the whole very cheerful; but here and there were small groups taking their last kiss or shaking the hand for the last time, while the words "Good bye" in a voice half choked with deep feelings, was uttered. The most affecting sight was to see the poor, little innocent children of two or three years of age, perched on their father's shoulders, wondering, no doubt why there was so much crying among grown up people...... When the door was opened...the people emerged into the entrance of the school, where the Temperance Brass Band was in waiting to head them up to the railway station. The scene at the time was an extraordinary one. The road was filled with thousands of people, anxious to get a glimpse of the emigrants, while the bells of St Paul's sent forth a merry peal. It was perhaps the last time many of them would hear a church peal of bells, as there are not many such found in colonies. At length the band struck up with the Robin Hood quickstep and the procession moved off in a very orderly manner, headed by an emigrant and his wife, the former of whom had passed 53 years of age, and he was perhaps as cheerful as any in the group. When the emigrants arrived in the road friends rushed up to them.... Shaking hands....exchanging kisses. The little children on the men's shoulders were seized by the people , who gave them kisses, and a "God bless them", and then let them go to be seized by another person....Through these interruptions the procession became very irregular, and in this state went along Huddersfield road, Stamford street and Market Street to the railway station. Along the route the streets were thickly peopled and at the windows of various houses the inmates were shouting and waving handkerchiefs etc. Having arrived at the station, and after a short time had elapsed (during which great care had to be exercised by the railway officials and a force of policemen, to prevent any accidents), a shot was fired precisely at eight o'clock, and the train moved off amid the cheers of the assembled multitude, and the waving of handkerchiefs by the emigrants, as they commenced their journey of some teens of thousands of miles..... |
|
March - Tea Party for St Paul's Cricket
Club The members of the cricket club connected with St Paul’s Church Sunday School, Stanley, held their first team meeting in the above school, on Saturday evening last when upwards of 200 persons partook of an excellent team, and the number was afterwards increased to between 300 and 400. The president of the club, the Rev. W. Worth Hoare, occupied the chair and opened the proceedings by observing that he was glad their first gathering had been so successful in drawing together so goodly a number to take tea, and thereby assisting the club in some measure to carry out the objects for which it was formed. He was one who advocated various kinds of amusements being provided for the benefit of those who attend the Sunday School, as well as giving them instructions on that day in the reading and explanation of holy scripture. He had asked the Earl of Stamford and Warrington to grant him the use of a field for the club, and have enough successful in obtaining one near the school. The game of cricket was a noble one , and was pretty well participated in in this part of the country. It required them to be steady, watchful, and good tempered if they would become good players. Other plans should also be attended to in order to provide amusements for winter as well as summer evenings. They could not so well play at cricket in the interim therefore they might get up concerts, lectures, tea parties to. and thus endeavour to make winter indoors as joyous as summer in the field. He concluded by calling on the school choir (under the conductorship of Mr John Marsden, who had kindly given their services, to sing the Cricketers Song (this was followed by more songs and recitations). Irvine Dearnaley contributed some piano pieces and then the Secretary of the club, Henry Kay spoke of the past season where they had only lost three out of fifteen matches. |
|
April-New classroom added to the School in honour of Shakespeare's 300th anniversary. The rooms were intended to provide a Library and Reading Room and were financed with the proceeds of a Bazaar and concert. |
| May - St Paul's Sunday School Whit Walks The procession of teachers, scholars and friends of St Paul's Church Sunday School Stayley to the number of 1003 persons and attended by the Waterside Brass Band took place yesterday week. The procession left the school about nine o'clock .....and looked remarkably well, the females being dressed with great taste and judgment, and it was evident from some cause or other they were better dressed than any other procession in the town. The following is the number of scholars etc. Female scholars 441; male 396. Female teachers 48; male 48;adults 70. Total 1003. |
| June - Closing of the adult schools The schools which have been in operation for the attendance of recipients of relief unable to attend the sand hill or other places were finally closed yesterday by order of the committee. |
| November - Condition of the operatives (From the Ashton Reporter) There has probably been no period since the panic commenced when the operatives have been in a worse condition than they are at the present time. Many of the mills are completely closed, and nearly all that are running are only working about three or four days a week. Empty houses and empty shops are to be found in every Street, and we fear there are numerous empty cupboards. It is however some consolation to be told by men whose judgement is entitled to great respect that we are passing through the most critical part of the panic, and that before long there will be a general improvement in trade, and the number of unemployed operatives will decrease, never more to be as high as it is at the present time. We sincerely wish their prognostications may prove correct, for the distress now existing is awful to contemplate. |
| November - Guy Faux On Saturday evening the teachers of St Paul's Sunday School gave their annual recital of the drama of 'Guy Faux' in their school-room. ... The proceeds are to be devoted to the fund for enlarging the school. |
| November - Intellectual entertainment St Paul's Essay and Reading Society On Wednesday evening, the members of St Paul's Essay and Reading Society gave their second entertainment in the above school, when a very respectable number of persons were present. The admission to the reserved seats was sixpence, and to the rest of the room one penny, and the money thus obtained will be expended in buying books for the above society. This type of event seems to have gradually replaced the lecture series. Regular meetings of the Essay and Reading Society ran throughout the winter months with programmes of readings and music provided by the school choir.. |
| December - Secular Lectures Lectures delivered at the Peoples Educational Institute by Mrs Harriet Law of London. 200 people present of which many were female. ...... Opponents spoke in opposition to her views to which she responded. “'She received a hearty vote of thanks at the close of the lecture, to which she responded and said she hoped Stalybridge would not be long without a secular organisation". |
| December - Christmas at St Paul's The annual tea party in connection with St Paul's Church Sunday Schools, Stayley was held on Christmas Eve when about 400 of the teachers, scholars and friends of the schools sat down to a first class tea, which was served up in a large room which had been adapted for the occasion by throwing both schoolrooms into one. This large room was most splendidly and tastefully decorated, and its appearance when the worthy pastor sat on the platform, surrounded by the school choir and other friends, was a scene which could not be surpassed, if equalled, by any other Christmas party in the country. |
| 1865 |
| January - Lecture on Shakspere Rev W Worth Hoare, BD delivered a lecture on Shakspere at the Mechanics' Institute. The lecture was interspersed with music from St Paul's School Choir under the leadership of Mr Meadows and accompanied by Mr Irvine Dearnaley "in his usual efficient style". (Ashton Reporter). |
| January - Stayley Ragged School Annual tea party held in Stayley school-room with upwards of 140 persons including about 20 mothers who attend a mothers class at the school. The tea had plenty of roast beef, spice loaf etc provided chiefly by their kind benefactoress Mrs W Worth Hoare. The room was decorated with mottoes : Glory to God in the highest, The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good, Cease to do evil and do well, Be not weary in well doing. There were Chinese lanterns and a pleasant evening was spent in singing and reciting, in which the scholars showed great improvement over former years.... The Rev W Worth Hoare addressed the children chiefly on the motto Excelsior, urging the scholars to adopt that for their motto and go on progressing. James Buckley of Fox Hill, and Mr William Band, the superintendent, also addressed the meeting, and the proceedings terminated with singing the doxology shortly before ten o'clock, each person receiving an orange on leaving the room. |
| January - Uncle Tom's Cabin Members of St Paul's Cricket Club performed the interesting drama Uncle Tom's Cabin in the school-room Stayley..... An excellent string band was in attendance....... |
| March - Grand Tea Party and Sale of Work at St Paul's Stalybridge (From Ashton Reporter) A celebration of Shakspere....among the ardent admirers of England's greatest genius are many ministers of religion, and foremost among them in this district is the Rev W W Hoare, the worthy incumbent of St Paul's, Stayley. (They had already had a concert and sale of work towards the cost of the Shakespere wing in the school, but the £300 they raised was £200 short of the total needed). The sale and a donation from Robert Platt then cleared the debt. In the school the boys and girls rooms were combined and the walls hung with paintings lent by Robert Platt John Marsland Albert Hall G and J Adshead, Rev W W Hoare, Cornelius Goddard, J Heginbottom and Mr Hughes The room looked exceedingly well, particularly when graced with the presence of a considerable number of the ladies of the town and neighbourhood. In one corner......was a stall well stored with a vast assortment of plain and fancy goods, both useful and ornamental. This stall was presided over by Miss Storrs and Miss M Waterhouse, assisted by Mrs Hoare, and in the course of the day realised about £24. In the Shakespere Room was a large German Tree which had been filled with goods, but was now empty. On the mantelpiece was a group of figures made out of wood and dressed by Miss S A Hall a Sunday School teacher. There was also a bust of Shakespere by Mr Charles Winterbottom "who works the gravestones for St Paul's churchyard". The room was also decorated w with mottos. At 6 o'clock was the tea party where 600 sat down to a first class tea. Mr Hoare spoke about the progress of the Shaksperean wing. Ideas about extending the school had been put on hold until after Millbrook church was built. The school now had room for an additional 250 scholars and a reading room. Although the sales had not met the total needed, Mr Robert Platt gave £100 to make up the deficit. - There followed, in the Reporter article, a named list of the " influential ladies and gentlemen of the neighbourhood " who comprised a "most fashionable audience". |
| April - Death of Richard Cobden Flags were flying over mills in Stalybridge and on the Town Hall. At 10 o'clock Mr Platt's mills ceased work. (He was a friend of Cobden) The male adults assembled towards eleven in Stanley Square and moved in procession to St Paul's Church Stayley, amongst the ringing of muffled peals at the various churches.... Mr Platt told them that they had the rest of the day off. Some shops were closed, while some houses had their blinds drawn and the ringers from Holy Trinity rang a muffled peal in honour of Cobden. |
| April - Employment prospects improving Two mills were starting up again after being stopped for three years. And in May the Reporter noted Better times coming The mills are on full time, with a larger number of hands than for the last three years. Several shops which have been closed for three years are now being prepared for a "display of summer goods". |
| May - Assassination of Lincoln A meeting in Stalybridge Town Hall was organised at short notice to express their "abhorrence of the awful crime". A number of clergy and ministers were on the platform, including W W Hoare. Rev W Worth Hoare moved the first resolution of the meeting: "we the inhabitants of Stalybridge in public meeting assembled, desire to give expression to the profound feelings of horror and grief with which we regard the assassination of President Lincoln and the murderous attack upon Mr Seward, and at the same time to place upon record our utter abhorrence of the perpetrators of such foul crimes, as enemies of religion, humanity, and social order. " |
| May - St Paul's Sunday School, Sermons The Annual Sermons, with collections in support of these schools are to be preached in St Paul's Church on Sunday May 21st both Morning and Afternoon by the Very Rev. E. Newenham Hoare, MA, Dean of Waterford and Chaplain to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland when the attendance and liberal assistance of all friends are cordially requested. A suitable selection of Hymns, Anthems etc. will be sung by the Church Choir, assisted by the Choir of the Sunday School. |
| June - Whitsuntide St Paul's Sunday School Stayley - Number of female scholars 388, males 308 ; adult male scholars 25; adult female scholars 24 ;children in ragged school 107 ; total number of scholars 852. Teachers : males 42; females 45;teachers at ragged schools 17; total teachers 114;total teachers and scholars 966. The procession left the school about nine o'clock headed by the Delph Brass Band Railway trip St Paul's took 600 to Matlock Baths. In all, 6000 left from Stalybridge Station on Whit Saturday. |
| July - Change ringing at St Paul's On Wednesday last, eight of the Society of Change Ringers of St Paul's Church, Stayley ascended the tower and rang a muffled peal of grandsire trebles comprising 2520 changes which was conducted by Mr Jeremiah Walton. |
| September - Party St Paul's Reading Room About 400 of the members and friends of St Paul's Reading Room sat down to an excellent tea in St Paul's School room, Stayley, after which the Rev W W Hoare occupied the chair. In the opening remarks of the chairman, he alluded to the late "panic" and stated that while it lasted the meeting room had been thrown open to the public, but now that it was over the usual fee of 1s 6d per quarter would be charged for the enjoyment of the full privileges of the reading room, library etc. During the "panic" considerable improvements had been made for the accommodation of members as well as additional privileges provided and it was trusted that those for whom the increased facilities for knowledge had been made would avail themselves of the opportunities which were now offered. |
| October - Church Missionary Society Meeting On Monday evening a public meeting in support of the Church Missionary Society was held in St Paul's School-room, Stayley, when probably owing to the unfavourable state of the weather, the audience was but scanty. |
| October - Party and Presentation at St Paul's The members and friends of St Paul's Reading-room, numbering about 50 persons, spent a very pleasant evening last night week at the opening of the new room in connection with the above society. After partaking of a cup of excellent coffee made by Mrs Bright one of the members, several addresses were made by persons present, and the rest of the evening was spent in singing and reciting. During the last three years the reading-room has been in the school, and any person has been allowed to read the papers - free of charge, the expenses being paid by a few voluntary subscribers; but as trade is now in a more satifactory state, it was agreed that when the new room opened, the old charge of 1s 6d per quarter should be re-commenced. As the Rev. W W Hoare has been the president of the institution since its commencement (sixteen years ago), the members thought that this was a fitting opportunity for expressing to him, and also to Mrs Hoare, their esteem and regard for the interest they have taken in it, and accordingly an address, beautifully written and in a gilt frame, was presented by Wm. Band and Isaac Heywood, two of the olderst members |
| October - Confirmation at St Paul's On Wednesday afternoon the touching ceremony of confirmation, or laying on of hands upon those who are baptised, and come to years of discretion, took place at St Paul's Stayley, when 110 persons from St Paul's, 50 from Trinity Church and about 30 from St James Millbrook received the blessing of the Right Rev Dr Jacobson, Lord Bishop of Chester. The church was well filled by an attentive audience. |
| December - Christmas Festivities The Christmas Party in connection with St Paul's Church Sunday-school was held in the large schoolroom where no less than 700 persons were present. |
| December - Crockford's Clerical Directory Gives the population of the parish as 3919. |
| December - Ragged School Chistmas Party The scholars of the above school were provided with their usual Christmas tea party on Saturday, in their school-room, by the benevolent patrons and patronesses who for many years have contributed, not only to this annual feast, but also to the religious and secular education of the children attending the school...... The proceedings closed by all present singing the Christmas Hymn, and as they went out they were each presented with an orange. The school was beautifully decorated by the scholars and teachers, with evergreens and mottoes, the taste displayed being remarkably good. There was also a magnificent and well - filled tree, furnished by Mrs Hoare, which afforded great pleasure to the children, as well as those of a more mature age. |
| 1866 |
| February - Church of England Sunday School Teacher's Congress at Dukinfield This was the fourth annual Congress. There was a service in St John's in the afternoon followed by a tea party in the Mechanics Institution with 700 present increasing to 800 after tea. One speaker spoke of : "the want of punctuality in teachers and scholars, and then the importance of the Bible being read carefully in the school. Teachers should always endeavour to make themselves interesting to their scholars even though they had to descend, as it were, to the lowest of their class in plainness of language. .... Teaching should never be dull or stupid, but always cheerful and interesting. Vice was powerful and attractive outside the school, and must be met by increased attraction within the school. He..... contended for the regular visiting of the homes of such scholars as absented themselves..... The importance of teachers living up to the principles they professed to teach was dwelt upon with great force". |
| March - Uncle Tom;s Cabin The teachers of St Paul's Sunday School gave a rendition of "Uncle Tom's Cabin", the proceeds of which were intended to defray the expences of a band at Whitsuntide. The schoolroom was crowded and an excellent string band, under the leadeship of Mr James Swallow, gave their services and were well appreciated. |
| May - Stalybridge Floral and Horticultura Society was formed and held its first exhibition of flowers, plants and vegetable and fruits at St Paul's School Room, Stayley on Wakes Monday and Tuesday. |
| June - Monthly summer open air services recommence. |
| September - Church of England Sunday School teachers Congress at Greenfield. Fifth annual congress of.... teachers of Mossley, Stalybridge and the neighbourhood... held at Christ Church, Friezland Greenfield. Suggested approach to Sunday School organisation : Infant group to be taught little else than the Lord's Prayer and Ten Commandments. The second group should be prepared for confirmation as soon as possible. The third, or, advanced group should be confirmed Sunday scholars all of whom should be communicants. Finally there was the large group. There was a great difficulty in getting Sunday-school teachers. Spoke of larger rooms where one teacher could supervise 30 or 40 scholars "it was also a question whether they would be able sufficiently to look after the scholars during the week to secure their attendance on Sunday." Next speaker compared figures from 1851 religious census a 1861 royal commission which showed that change of each figures had almost be one equal to dissenters in the ten year period. Proposed four test on Sunday School effectiveness - Influence on Sunday morning church attendance. Influence on the appreciation of parental responsibility throughout the country. Influence on filial respect and general dutifulness and authority He justified his first point by reference to the Mann report which seemed not to produce Sunday morning congregations. |
| October - Rejoicing at Copley Mill, Stalybridge The coming of age of James J Winson, grandson of the late James Wilkinson, was celebrated in St Paul's School with the cost of the whole event met by the Wilkinson family. The schoolroom was decorated with flowers and heathers and a model of St Paul's Church and yard was done in flowers. There were mottoes around the room: "Success to Copley Mills"; "Success to the executors of the late James Wilkinson, Esq"; "The employers and employed";"The Bible - the source of England's greatness". Between 300 and 400 sat down to dinner prepared by Mr Jennison of Belle Vue. After dinner, the school choir sang and Mr Hoar proposed the health of James J Wilkinson, Esq. There was an address presented on behalf of the employees: "...And we hope the same good feelings will continue to prevail between employer and employed as heretofore.." Mr J J Wilkinson: "...for the interests of the employers and the employed were identical...." Mr Hodson on the Panic: "...the three trustees had more than once met in the counting house at the time the mills were running three days a week to discuss the proprity of closing the mill until the return of better times, but they thought of the condition of the hands always turned the scale, and order was to keep the number fingers of the operatives at work...[cheers]" Among the guests: Revs. J Galbraith, J Paulett and W H White.......Mrs Hoare and numerous ladies and gentlemen well-known in the town and district. The Ball - Two rooms in the warehouse were decorated and Stalybridge Old Band provided the music. "The people of Copley Mill for once at least have had a happy day and one which will not be forgot as long as memory lasts." |
December - Annual Christmas Tea Party After tea Rev W W Hoare was in the chair and addresses were given by Rev J Paulett, Messrs James Buckley, Alexander Smith, J Swallow, Henry Ireton Jones and John Shaw, a navvy. The subjects treated were the Sunday school which was said to be in a very prosperous condition ;the benefits of the Essay Class in improving the minds and tastes of those who attended ;the musical abilities of the choir ;the tasteful decorations of the room ;the Barnsley colliery explosion ;and the genial and beneficial influences of Christmas. The choir, as usual, acquitted themselves in a very creditable manner in the somewhat difficult pieces allotted to them. Mr Wardle presided at the pianoforte, and the evening of Christmas day was passed in a manner which will be looked back upon with pleasure in days to come. |
| December - Lecture St James School Millbrook: A lecture on "Water" was given by Rev W W Hoare. It was intended for the navvies engaged at the waterworks and there were about 80 present plus residents of Millbrook. Rev W H White and Rev J Galbraith also addressed the meeting which was brought to a close by the choir singing the glee "God bless the Prince of Wales". |
| 1867 |
| January - Irvine Dearnaley had left St Paul's and become organist at Ashton Parish Church. |
| January - Liberation Society meets in Ashton Society for the Liberation of Religion from State Patronage and Control - Auxiliary for Ashton under Lyne and neighbourhood - The public meeting of this Society will be held in the Ashton Town Hall on Monday January 21st January Carvell Williams, Esq and the Rev R W Dale, M A of Birmingham will be present. (Ashton Reporter). Carvell Williams was national secretary of the Society and R W Dale was a nationally renowned Congregational minister. |
| January - St Paul's Ragged School, Knowl Street On Saturday last the scholars attending the above school, to the number of about 120, and 20 of the mothers who attend the Mothers' Class in connection with the school, sat down to a most excellent tea, with beef sandwiches, current bread, tea and preserve cakes After an evening of much enjoyment, the scholars were dismissed with oranges and nuts. |
| March - Funeral of a navvy's child On Sunday last a funeral took place at St Paul's Church, Stayley which attracted much notice, from the fact that many of those who attended it were dressed in a somewhat different manner to what people usually are at funerals. It appears that at the "top huts" Brushes, one of the navy's children died last week, and the funeral being arranged for Sunday a few of the navvies were invited to attend it. Tea was provided for the families residing at the top huts by Mrs Gibson, and paid for by those who attended. Before the funeral started a hymn was sung and prayer offered over the remains of the deceased, which were followed to the graveyard of St Paul's, Stayley by twelve navvies, dressed in clean white linen slops. After the funeral the navvies went to the house of Mrs Garside, Grove Inn, Millbrook, where dinner had been provided and paid for by them, and after dinner they returned to St Paul's School, where a discourse was delivered by Mr Alexander Smith. |
| May - St Paul's Sunday Schools The annual sermons in connection with the above schools were preached in St Paul's Church in the morning and afternoon by the Very Rev E N Hoare, M A Dean of Waterford, and the collection amounted to nearly £27. |
| June - Sunday School teaching. A large and deeply interesting meeting was held in the school-room of St Paul's Church... to hear a lecture from Mr W Smith of Glasgow, on Mimpriss's system of Sunday school instruction. The Rev W W Hoare occupied the chair, and briefly introduced Mr Smith, who addressed the meeting at some length. He spoke of the nature of Sunday school work - the average age of the scholars-features of mind at that age - the class of teachers doing the work - and the lesson matter, all things considered, best suited to both teachers and taught. |
| June - Whit Friday Processions St Paul's Stayley The teachers, scholars and friends, to the number of 1100, visited Mr J Donnell's, Brookfield, the Parsonage, Mr G Adshead's the Stocks and Mr Thomas Harrison's. The Shepherd 's band and the Copley Band were in the procession. Hymns were sung at the various places visited. |
| August - Change Ringing St Paul's society of change ringers rang a peal of "grandsire triples" - 2226 changes in one hour twenty minutes. |
| September - Sunday School Congress at Stalybridge Held at Holy Trinity, Castle Hall church. A tea party followed in Holy Trinity school - 700 sat down to tea - not all could be served at once. Rev. Mr Bell of St John's : At the beginning Sunday Schools were not much thought of-"many decent people intimated that it was scarcely proper for the clerk to be mocked by the young ragamuffins in the responses of the church " Comments on quality of teaching compared to that given to Romanists and Unitarians to the detriment of the CofE. Pointed out the importance of arranging cover when absent. Another speaker :" some of the dissatisfaction expressed at the present Sunday school system was prompted by the love of change. Every one was for trying his own panacea. Pointed out that in some dissenting Sunday Schools quite prominent men and their wives taught - could clergy persuade the elite of their congregations to do the same? |
| October - School Concert The Choir of St Paul's School, Stalybridge, intend giving a musical entertainment in their school (for the purpose of raising money for repairs) on Wednesday 16th October. Admission First seats 3s; 2nd seats 2s;3rd seats 1s. First part: Selection from Handel's Judas Maccabaeus Second part - Glees, songs etc. |
| November - Guido Faux On Saturday evening about 400 persons assembled in St Paul's School-room for the purpose of witnessing the annual representation of Guido Faux by the teachers of St Paul's School.... On Tuesday night the annual bonfire and display of fireworks took place in the neighbourhood of the school-room. |
| December - Christmas Party The teachers of St Paul's Church Sunday school.. made great preparations for their annual Christmas tea party. For some time past they have worked almost night and day in order to produce as pleasing an effect as possible in their school room, and those who visited it on Christmas Day were compelled to admit that they had displayed great taste and judgement. About 750 persons sat down tea on Christmas Day and after that refreshing operation had been disposed of the meeting was held under the presidency of the ever active Incumbent, the Rev W W Hoare..... An excellent selection of hymns, carols, madrigals, and readings, interspersed with an occasional address were gone through during the night. In one glee old Father Christmas introduced over a dozen fairies to the audience, who received them with the greatest applause. Some excellent music was given, but we can only allude to the fact, or we should like to have given a well-merited commendation to some of the musical performances. The party was a thorough success and when it is known that the object was to increase the sick fund of the school, all must rejoice that it was so well supported. |
| December - First Mention of William Murphy The Reporter: "A mission of some kind or other at the head of which stands the now well-known Mr Murphy of Blackburn have engaged the People's Hall for a series of lectures on several of the doctrines taught by the Church of Rome - the writer hopes that care will be taken if the lectures and go ahead so that the trouble trouble experienced elsewhere may be avoided." Prohibition of Mr. Murphy's Lectures in STALYBRIDGE.— A meeting of the Stalybridge magistrates was held at the Town-hall yesterday morning, respecting the proposed anti-Papal lectures by Mr. Murphy in that town. It being known that the governing committee of the People’s Hall would not allow it to be opened for the purpose of these lectures, the magistrates passed resolutions ordering the police force to take such measures as were necessary to assist the committee in carrying out their determination. Houston and Mackey (associates of Murphy) delivered lectures. 300 present. There was a large police presence to prevent trouble. Working classes were apparently keen to support the authorities in making sure that the lectures went ahead. Reporter wondered about the wisdom of such lectures at the time (there had been Fenian scares and trails). The lecture began with hymn and prayer before the Irish lecturer began. Bills advertising the lectures had been stolen. He attacked the doctrine of purgatory ; payment for masses for the dead. Suggested that Irish accepted such low wages because their religion allowed them to supplement them with pilfering. He appealed to working men to protect their wages by opposing Romanism. Much more anti-Romanism of a scurrilous nature. Remarks received with much cheering. Some Irish lasses waited for the lecturers outside the hall, but they got away in a cab and with the protection of a number of men. The second lecture - 150 present including a dozen women. Lecturer attacked growth of nunneries and suggested that there should be a government inspector of nunneries. Large police presence, but no trouble. Third lecture about 500 present including a number of strangers. Lecture was on the confessional and the audience "cheered very lustily". |
| December - Robert Platt's generosity Ashton Reporter: "(because Stalybridge suffered more than most in the cotton panic) the distress existing at present is very great although not seen on the surface as much as during the panic. Acting on his knowledge of the matter, the Rev W W Hoare of St Paul's lately wrote to Mr Robert Platt acquainting him to some extent with the state of things, when that gentleman with his usual generous-heartedness sent nearly £200 to be distributed amongst the poor of the town. " |
| 1868 |
| January - William Murphy Ashton Reporter: "Since Murphy came "town has been in a more or less excited state...... There can be no doubt at all that through his lectures townsman has been set against townsman husband against wife, mothers against daughters, and in numerous instances, the peace and comfort of families have been seriously disturbed.......... The fact is that serious mischief has been caused in many family circles through the visits of the lecturers belonging to the Evangelical mission." Murphy was an anti-Catholic lecturer operating under the auspices of the Protestant Evangelical Mission. His activities earlier in Birmingham had led to serious rioting - hence the nervousness of the local magistrates. The Reporter described one of Murphy's meetings in Ashton: A large number of persons - very large number of women, some of them of the "rougher class of the gentler sex". Some near the platform displayed large sticks. As on other nights there was much cursing and swearing, and ribald jokes were freely indulged in. "At length a cry was raised 'Murphy is coming' and forthwith about a dozen shillelahs were brandished in the air, drawing nearer and nearer the platform, while the audience shouted and cheered as though the greatest hero of the day had put in an appearance....... The platform was mounted and round and round went the formidable looking sticks, and amongst them could be clearly distinguished the bright ten chambered revolver of Mr Murphy. " The Reporter described Murphy's preaching: "Murphy :slow speaker - long pauses at the end of sentences - voice clear and loud. His ideas are not very connected, but he seldom fails to carry the audience. He wears his hair long and when he is in the height of his denunciation of some real or imaginary evil, his arms fly wildly about and very little of his face can be seen through the long hair which hangs over it.." -
He said he had not asked for protection, he could protect himself and produced a ten chambered revolver - this brought the audiences approval.
Among the audience "young men about 40 of whom smoked their pipes until the lecture commenced ". Murphy had a regular group of "heavies" who became known as the "Stalybridge Lads". |
| January - Old Folks' Tea Party Dinner to three hundred old folks at Stalybridge. The Rev W W Hoare responded on behalf of the clergy. He alluded to the tea party of the old folks in summer, and said they were now called to a dinner in midwinter. He was sure they all felt thankful to Mr and Mrs Robert Platt for another display of their accustomed bounty. He hoped they might be spared to give them many more. In conclusion he urged upon the old folks to look to another and a better world. |
| February - Church of England Temperance Reformation Society On Monday evening Mr James Taylor, secretary of the Chester and Manchester Diocesan Church of England and Ireland Temperance Reformation Society attended a meeting under the auspices of St Paul's branch held in the school-room Stayley....The speaker was most attentively listened too, and must have had a convincing effect, for about twenty of the audience joined the St Paul's Band of Hope before leaving the room. |
| March - Uncle Tom's Cabin The teachers of St Paul's School performed the above drama on Saturday night to a crowded house, in fact many persons were unable to gain admission. It is to be repeated in a short time. |
| April - Major disturbances in Ashton and Stalybridge following Murphy lectures Rioting between mobs of (mainly Irish) Roman Catholics and Protestants broke out in Ashton and Stalybridge. In Stalybridge the area around St Peter's Roman Catholic Church was the centre of the disturbances and much damage was done to property. A youth was struck with pellets fired from a pistol and a priest from St Peter's, Stalybridgewas charged with firing the shot. |
| April - Confirmation at St Paul's Friday 3rd April at half past eleven in the morning the Bishop of Chester held a confirmation at St Paul's Church when about 170 persons were examined by the Bishop as to their knowledge of the doctrines and duties taught in the Church of England catechism. They met in the school-room, and from there they went in procession to the church. The sun shone brilliantly upon the 100 females dressed in white and a very pleasant effect was produced. The males were exceedingly clean and neat, and were little behind the gentler sex..... There was a large and respectable congregation present. The questions were brief, but the responses were in clear and distinct tones. The Bishop delivered an exhortation and was listened to with the deepest attention. The event created much interest in the parish of Stayley and in fact in other parts of the borough. |
| May - Further serious rioting in Ashton The lack of action by the magistrates was criticised,and troops from Ashton Barracks had to be called in to disperse the mobs. St Anne's church was attacked and up to 200 houses destroyed before order was restored. A placard appealed to Ministers to speak out against what was done in the name of Protestantism. |
| May - Comment on Murphy and the general view of his activities From a letter to the Reporter: Claims Irish have kept away from Murphy's lectures, but this has not prevented them from being insulted in the street and the workshop...... "The great body of those who attend Murphy's lectures are young lads and lasses, who do not care the toss of a button for any creed or faith in Christendom. They go for the fun of the thing, and if possible, for a" shindy ". There are also a few grown men who attend and a few silly women...... What amazes me is that many respectable people who do not attend Murphy's lectures have some sort of sympathy with him. They cannot for shame to go and hear him, but they have a secret liking for him and his methods, and a lurking dislike of the Irish and their religion..... |
| May - Serious rioting in Stalybridge "For six months Stalybridge has been in a chronic state of excitement about Fenianism, Protestantism, Puseyism, Catholicism, Rowdyism and in fact more" isms" than we chose to describe or even name in these times of perils and difficulties......... Riots since Saturday morning eclipsed all others. (Ashton Reporter) On Saturday afternoon groups of lads and lasses bedecked with orange ribbons, scarves, even orange Garbaldi jackets went to Ashton for Protestant demonstration in the Town Hall. About seven o'clock 100/200 marched through the town wearing Orange handkerchiefs. On Sunday afternoon another body of youths and lasses went, wearing orange favours, from the meeting of the Protestant Mission towards Ashton by passing through the Irish area.. They had water thrown at them by the Irish. Many went to Ashton to see what was going on. A mob was turned back by the police at Cockbrook who then went to Bridge Street and began attacking Irish property. Chief Constable Chadwick, police and specials moved towards the area. Furniture and windows were destroyed. Shots were fired here too and a man was hit. A number of people were rendered homeless. |
| June - Whitsuntide processions St Paul's Church Female scholars 480,males 370 total 850;female teachers 70, males 64, total 134 grand total 984. Vols in library, 1800. Members of Essay and Reading Society 90,newsroom 36, total 126. Band of hope 60. This return is the largest of any school, by about 300 teachers and scholars. The school is described to be flourishing - an opinion with which all must coincide. The proceedings arranged for yesterday were, to be accompanied by the Shepherd's Band and visit first St Paul's parsonage ;2nd residence of T Harrison, Esq., West Hill ;3rd residence of James Buckley, Essex., Fox Hill ;and next the residence of C H Sladen, . Today there is a trip to Shrewsbury and the ancient Uriconium. St Paul's Church School headed the list for number in the procession, and probably the Catholics were the next. St Paul's had several new banners, and the teachers and scholars looked exceedingly well. The Protestant Evangelical Mission walked in the afternoon.... When most other schools were enjoying themselves in fields around the town. The Catholics had a larger procession than the Protestant Evangelical Church - but numbers swelled with people from Ashton. Members sometimes wore green ribbons and they had a green silk banner. "St Paul's Church Sunday School made a capital procession and were highly praised for their large number and pretty display. They had some splendid flags and banners, and there was great anxiety to see the procession, but it was difficult to get near it in some parts of the town. The cheap trips by rails have not been as well patronised as on some previous occasions but the trips by waggons and carts have had more support than usual. This was no doubt owing to the scarcity of money among the working classes compelling them to adopt the cheapest mode of enjoying a day's pleasure. (196 went from St Paul's to Shrewsbury). |
| July - St Paul's Band of Hope Last Saturday afternoon the members of the above band met in the school - house, and along with a few of their friends, walked in procession, headed by the Rev W Worth Hoare, BD, president of the society, into a field at Harpley, kindly lent by Mr Joseph Platt, for the purpose of having a picnic and an evening's enjoyment..... After thoroughly enjoying themselves in the field until near nine o'clock the whole party, numbering about 120 formed a procession, and returned to St Paul's School, where Mr Hoare addressed a few words of encouragement to the members, commending them for the step they had taken in the cause of temperance, and said he hoped they would continue to be, during the course of their lives, total abstainers from intoxicating drinks. - Mr Alexander Smith, in moving a vote of thanks to those friends who had favoured the Band of Hope with their company, said he would be glad to enrol them as members of the society. A hymn was then sung in front of the parsonage, and the party broke up much gratified with the pleasant picnic. - Several new members have been added to the society. |
| September - Parliamentary Elections Election address by James Sidebottom Conservative candidate for Stalybridge seat: "The present contest seems to turn upon the question of the Irish Church. Believing that the Churches of England and Ireland are inseparably connected, I should give my strongest opposition to either the disestablishment or disendowment of the Irish Church, or to any other measure which tends to weaken the Church of England as by law established....... I could not support Mr Gladstone's policy. Nathaniel Buckley Liberal candidate : "Mr Gladstone's measure.... I should support.......... (it) is but the rendering of a simple act of justice to those from whom it has already been too long withheld ". (The 1869 Act disestablished the (Anglican) Church of Ireland, a body that commanded the adherence of a small minority of the population of Ireland, disassociating it from the state and repealing the law that required tithes to be paid to it. The opposition to the Bill often, as in Stalybridge, took an anti-Catholic tone. Sidebottom's campaign was accused of raising the cry of "No Popery" to throw odium on the Liberals. Another letter suggested that there was an alliance between Sidebottom and Houston and Quin, associates of Murphy. ). |
| September - St Paul's Reading and Essay Society The members of the above society held their annual tea party in St Paul's school on Saturday last, when about 500 friends and supporters sat down to an excellent tea. The Rev W Worth Hoare, BD, presided and the school choir conducted by Mr Meadows gave a selection of music ;Mr Cheetham, organist at St Paul's officiated at the piano. During the evening Mr Hoare on behalf of the Sunday school teachers and members of the prayer meeting, presented Mrs H J Jones, the late Scripture reader, with a writing desk and an envelope case. |
| October - Meeting to discuss arrangements for procession at laying of the foundation stone of public baths. Rev W W Hoare BD presided. 8 friendly societies, the Volunteers, the Athletic Club and 9 Sunday Schools wanted to take part. They decided to exclude the youngest children and not include any scholar under 13. CofE schools to walk together, their place ahead of the Dissenters was decided by ballot. Ballot used too to do decide order of Dissenter schools. Freemasons were take a prominent part in the procession as Robert Platt was a long-standing Mason. |
| October - St Paul's Essay and Reading Society -
First of the winter meetings. "the audience was very large, the reserved seats being well patronised by ladies and gentlemen of the neighbourhood, and, in fact the district. |
| October - St Paul's tea party On Thursday evening a tea party was held in St Paul's School room, the object being to aid a fund for providing a new tea service for the school....... The tables remained during the meeting, and at intervals apples and grapes were distributed to the audience which Numbered some 400 - 500. The Sunday school choir were in excellent voice and grave a selection of glees, duets, and quartets in an admirable manner.......... Mr H C Bayley delivered an interesting address on Sunday school work, and pointed out it was a mistake to imagine Sunday schools were only for one day, as instanced in the varied working of St Paul's Sunday school........ |
| November - Conservative victory in first Paliamentary election in Stalybridge The Telegraph after referring to the Conservative victory at Ashton, says: "The neighbouring and newly enfranchised borough of Stalybridge, which has the honour of listening to Mr Murphy's inflammatory harangues, shows similar hostility to Mr Gladstone's policy [on the disestblishment of the Irish Church] by electing Mr Sidebottom. We congratulate the great Conservative party on having won the powerful alliance of Mr Murphy. After two such victories, who will say that fanaticism is powerless to decide political contests, or to succour 'religious' ministers in distress. " |
| December - Trade depression The year ended with great depression of trade - many unemployed. |
| 1869 |
| January - Advert for curate for St Paul's Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Saturday 02 January 1869. A curate of decidely Evangelical opinions wanted for St Paul's, Stalybridge. - Address "The Incumbent" |
| January - Ragged School Tea Party The children attending the Ragged School, Knowl Street, assembled in St Paul's School room on Saturday when they were treated to an excellent tea, accompanied with sandwiches and currant bread, at the expense of the kind and active lady patroness of the school and other generous friends..... A Christmas tree in the Shaksperian room was an object of attraction, being presided over by Mrs Hoare, assisted by Miss Bailey, Miss Bradbury and Miss Kay. Mrs Hoare also kindly presented each of the children with an orange. A portable writing desk was presented to Mr Thomas Hall, who has raised a choir in the school, for his services in that direction. A very pleasing evening was passed, and it would be difficult to say whether the scholars derived more pleasure from the treat they were partakers of, than the guests did in being present on so interesting an occasion. We may state that the school has been very successful in its manner of elevating the lowly to better positions. |
| February - St Paul's Essay and Reading Society Room filled with "a very respectable audience". Among the readers was Hoare on Shakespeare. Star of the evening was Mrs C C Bayley on the harp. Dr Wardle again played a piece on the piano. |
| March - Last meetings of the Protestant Evangelical Society in Stalybridge On Sunday last Mr W Murphy preached two sermons in the Foresters Hall to very large audiences. Tomorrow Mr Houston is to preach in the same place, and if echoes are to be relied on, he will give some revelations in connection with proceedings at the Foresters Hall during the last twelve months, as well as in connection with Mr Murphy. It appears there is some schism in connection with those who have been at the Foresters Hall, and the Protestant Evangelical Mission have taken premises behind the Freemason's Arms, High Street. Another echo is to the effect that Mr Murphy has caused a legal notice to be served on Mr Ainsworth for what he has lately stated about him. |
| April - Advert for concert The Annual Musical Entertainment In St Paul's School Room, Stalybridge Will take place on Thursday 15th April 1869 The first part will consist of Reserved Seats 2s ;second seats 1s and third seats sixpence each. [The concert did not take place owing to the death of Mr Hoare] |
| April - St Paul's Ragged School On Tuesday evening a very interesting and successful gathering was held in the new room in Knott (Knowl)? Street, which has been fitted up for the use of the ragged school in connection with St Paul's, Stayley, by Mr James Buckley of Fox Hill. The teachers and choir of the school, assisted by a few friends from the St Paul's Essay and Reading Society, gave a public reading and musical entertainment. The Rev W Hoare, BD, occupied the chair and among those present were Mrs Hoare, the lady patroness of the school ;Mrs Buckley ;Mr and Mrs Bayley of Manchester; Mrs and Miss Wilkinson of Brookfield ;Mr James Buckley, and the Rev C Brierley, African missionary. The proceedings commenced with the glee "Glorious Apollo" which was beautifully sung by the choir under the leadership of Mr Thomas Hall;after which the Chairman, in the course of a very excellent address, drew attention to the powerful influence of the Anglo-Saxon race. He said their religion, their language, their institutions - civil and religious - were destined to overspread the globe, and in fact, to become dominant everywhere; hence the duty of every Englishman and every English - woman, however humble or however exalted, doing something towards the education and elevation of the race. Mr Hoare also alluded to the extension of the franchise as a step in the right direction, and a further motive for advancement in the matter of education. He next gave a humorous description of the early career of St Paul's Ragged School when it could not boast of either the forms or gas. The children had to get upon old boxes, while a few ginger beer bottles did duty has candlesticks. The school had continued improving, however, until they had now a good room, comfortably light with gas, and a sufficient number of forms and desks. They had a choir, a library and a penny bank in connection with the school. - Mr H O Bayley read Dickens's description of a contested election, which kept the irascible faculties of the audience in full play. One of the scholars also created much merriment by the song of "The rocky Road to Dublin". Several songs and readings were given by members of the school, and during the evening addresses were delivered by the Rev C Brierley, Mr James Buckley and Mr William Band. Mrs Bayley gave a selection of airs on the harp, and Miss Wilkinson sang "Why do summer roses fade" and "The bells of Averdavery". All passed off in a successful manner and we understand that in addition to the work now being carried out in the school, the Rev C Brierley intends holding weekly Thursday evening services. |
| April
- William Worth Hoare, the first vicar of St Paul's died suddenly on 13 April
1869. The loss of their Vicar had a profound effect on members of the parish,
the school and local clergy. One of them,
Thomas Freeman,the incumbent of Mellor, marked the event with a poem
which was later published in a collection of Freeman's verse.
17 April - From The Ashton Reporter: "Nothing has thrown a greater gloom over Stalybridge for many years past than the sudden death of Rev. W. W. Hoare, B.D.....The deceased was the oldest borough clergyman or minister, having been incumbent of St Paul's for 29 years.....The funeral will take place on Monday and we understand that the teachers of the school have decided that should the usual school processions take place on Whit Friday, no banners are to be displayed, nor will any band join the scholars, many of whom intend wearing a piece of crape round the arm. We only re-echo a universal sentiment when we say that the parish of Stayley has sustained a loss which will probably never be made good". |
| April - Funeral of Mr Hoare On Monday morning, the remains of the late Rev. William Worth Hoare, B.D., incumbent of St. Paul’s, Stayley, were interred in the beautiful burial ground attached to the church where he had ministered for nearly thirty years. The melancholy circumstances attending his death and the universal esteem in which he was held, drew together an immense concourse of persons, who displayed their grief in a very marked manner. Long before the time for the mournful proceedings commencing thousands of people were congregated in the neighbourhood of the church and schools, and a general feeling of sympathy was manifested with Mrs. Hoare in her sad bereavement, with the congregation on the loss of its beloved pastor, with the parish on its deprivation of the services of a practical Christian, and with the teachers and scholars at the loss of their adviser in all that tended to their intellectual, moral, temporal, and religious elevation. It was interesting, although occasionally painfully grieving, to listen to the many incidents that were told by those composing the assembly, of the kindly feelings and benevolent deposition of the gentleman whom they were all mourning about. One told how he distributed forty shillings a week to forty old people of his parish, so that they could obtain a few additional comforts on the down-hill of life ; while another told of the aid he had given to some of their family during the cotton panic, and others of the sound advice he had given them in the hour of trial and difficulty. Of the thousands who were present not one had an unkind word to say of the deceased ; while in the parish itself the feelings of the people were so manifest that the mills were closed during the forenoon, the shops were made up, and the blinds of the cottages occupied by the people were lowered from a spontaneous desire to show the respect felt by the operatives for he who so lately lived and moved among them. |
| April - Sermons in memory of Mr Hoare On Sunday morning the Rev M A Read, M A, of Hyde, preached in St Paul's Church, Stayley, and as it was generally understood that allusion would be made to the late incumbent, the Rev W Hoare, the church was crowded and hundreds could not obtain admission. In fact there was no room after 10 o'clock although the service does not commence until half an hour after that time. The preacher gave a sketch of the life and labours of Mr Hoare, dwelt with great force upon his many virtues, and earnestly urged all to be prepared for death, which sometimes came when least expected. In the afternoon the church was again crowded to listen to the Rev J A Page, vicar of Tintwistle who gave a very impressive discourse in connection with the death of the late pastor of the place. A very general desire has been expressed that the discourses should be published. |
May - St Paul's Whitsun procession St Paul's Scholars: 487 F 396 M Total 883 Teachers 76 F 65 M Grand total This year 1024 last 984 |
July - Address to Mrs Hoare and her reply Mrs Hoare replied from The Poplars, 159 Plymouth Grove, Manchester My Dear Mr Smith, - |
Rev. James Mosey Cranswick, DD, - formerly a Methodist minister,
missionary in India and also, at one time, proprietor of a school in Manchester
is appointed as St Paul's second Vicar.
September- Induction of Dr Cranswick The Rev James Mosey Cranswick, DD, having been appointed to the incumbency of St Paul's, Stayley, officiated for the first time on Sunday morning. He read the thirty nine articles at the conclusion of Morning Prayer. In the afternoon he preached his first sermon, which left a very favourable impression of the preacher upon the minds of all who heard him. |
| September - St Paul's Reading Room The members the above society held their annual tea party in St Paul's School, on Saturday, when upwards of 500 persons took tea. Afterwards Mr Henry O Bayley occupied the chair, and commenced by reading letters of apology from Dr Cranswick, the Revs A B Read, and C Brierley. In his opening address, the chairman took a retrospective view of the origin and growth of the society, gave an interesting and encouraging report of its present position, and showed how it was conferring many benefits upon the neighbourhood. He concluded by urging upon all the advantages to be gained by attending and supporting the reading room.... - It oozed out during the evening that Mrs W Hoare, with her usual liberality had kindly presented the members of the Prayer Meeting Class and the Mothers' Class to the number of 50, with free tickets to the party. |
| October - Digging his own grave On Tuesday, Mr Meadows, clerk and gravedigger at St Paul's, Stayley, was digging a grave on the south side of the church, when the sides fell in, and he was covered up to nearly the chest with earth. In addition a gravestone from an adjoining grave fell, and it was only by supporting it with his hand until assistance arrived that Mr Meadows could keep it from falling upon his head. He was ultimately rescued from his perilous position, and the same evening was following his usual labours. |
| October -
Memorial for Mr Hoare At a meeting in the school of seatholders, it was decided to install two windows and a tablet in honour of their late vicar. A subscription fund was opened in addition to the £50 already raised by the Sunday School teachers for a memorial over Mr Hoare's grave. |
| November - British and Foreign Bible Society - Meeting at Stayley. A large meeting of the above society was held in St Paul's School, Stayley, on Wednesday evening. Mr John Cheetham presided, and was accompanied by the Revs Dr Cranswick (of St Paul's) and L Saxon, and Messrs Swallow (a deputation from the parent society) Benson, Evans and others. After a hymn and prayer, the Chairman remarked that the society had been established sixty five years, and during that time it had been carried on with great wisdom and usefulness. One striking feature in this busy century for a future historian to record, was the life and vigour of two religious institutions - first, the British and Foreign Bible Society ;and secondly the various missionary societies amongst us, - both of which had at heart the diffusion of the truth amongst all men. |
| November - Secularist lectures at the People's Hall Stalybridge. Charles Bradlaugh, a prominent secular lecturer and also an MP gives three lectures on secularism on 7 November 1869 |
| December - Rifle Volunteers Church Parade On Sunday last the 13th C R V attended a divine service at St Paul's Church, Stayley. Not 1 & 2 Companies mustered at the Town Hall at 9 am and preceded by the band, went through Market Street, and Caroline Street....... They marched to St Paul's, where the Rev Dr Cranswick preached an eloquent sermon from Haggai ii, 7. After the service they marched back to the Town Hall where they were dismissed. |
| December - Christmas Day Party at St Paul's On Christmas day the annual tea party was held in the schoolroom, and was very numerously attended, as indeed it always is. The room was most profusely decorated with evergreens, flowers flags mottoes, wreaths, festoons, shields, &c., and if there was a fault about it, it was that it was almost overdone..... One door in the room was kept closed and appropriately decorated in honour of the late W W Hoare, B.D., the late incumbent of the Church the mottoes here were, " He walked with God and was not, for God took him " He being dead yet speaketh" and " He preached unto them Jesus and the esurrection." On each side ot the door were models of the church and school in immortelles. There was also a funeral card of the deceased, two photographic likenesses,and a copy of the hymns sung at the funeral. This particular feature of the decorations attracted much attention, and the effect of the whole was certainly of a grand and dazzling character........ |
| 1870 |
| January - Watchnight Service Dr. Cranswick, the esteemed new vicar of this church, opened the new year by a midnight service in the school room. He preached from Rev. xxii, 7, “Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” There was a large congregation, and the rev. gentleman stated that it was his intention, as soon as arrangements could be made, to hold frequent services, not only in that room, but in another part of the borough. |
| March - Sermons On Sunday last two sermons, in aid of the incidental expenses connected with the church, were preached by the vicar, the Rev. Dr. Cranswick. The rev. gentleman took for his text in the morning, John xii 3; and in the afternoon, Matt. xiv. 2&—27. There were large congregations on both occasions, and the collection amounted to £32 |
| March - ST. PAUL’S LITERARY SOCIETY LECTURE, by the Rev. Dr. CRANSWICK Thursday, March 24th, at 7 50 p.m. Subject: “Some English Words, and the Lessons they Teach.” Admission: Front Seats, 6d.; Second, 3d.; Back, Id. |
| April - Advertisement for a treble and tenor for the choir WANTED a TREBLE and also a T E N O R for the choir of St. Paul’s Church, Stayley. Applications to be made to F. H. CHeetham, Esq,.Eastwoods, Stalybridge. |
| April - ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STALYBRIDGE TEMPERANCE SOCIETY The annual meeting of this society was held on Friday night, in the Mechanics’ Institute. There was a very good attendance. The Rev. Dr. Cranswick who was warmly received, was called upon to support the resolution. He said he was not a total abstainer, but he would not consider himself a Christian if he did not abstain. The Christian salvation was the great thing, but temperance was a great adjunct in furtherance of the gospel. In speaking in favour of temperance, he expressed a regret that the were not more ladies present, as they exercised great influence on their male friends and relatives. He referred to the state of the society, and said those who were teetotallers should do all in their power to reclaim those who had given way to drink. |
April - Cinder Hill Branch School of St Paul's, Stayley. A room in Cinder Hill has been duly licensed by the Bishop of Chester for divine service, and was opened for evening service on Tuesday, the sermon being preached by the Rev. Dr. Cranswick, vicar of St. Paul's. The congregation was encouraging for the attempt, and it is intended shortly to commence a Sunday-school in the same place. [Cinder Hill faced the bottom of Huddersfield Road at the junction with Mottram Road]. |
| May - St. Paul's School Anniversary. The annual sermons in aid of the Sabbath-school in connection with St. Paul’s Church, Stayley, were preached on Sunday last — morning and evening by the Rev. Dr. Cranswick vicar, and the Rev. A. Read, B.A., of Hyde, addressed a discourse to the children in the afternoon. Suitable hymns and anthems were sung by a large number of the female scholars, assisted by the choir. Mr. F. H. Cheetham had, for several, weeks, had the children under training for the occasion, and their performances did him and themselves the greatest credit. The total collections amounted to £51, being the largest ever made in the church ; but it is expected that, with the help of several donations yet to be received, the anniversary will altogether produce about £60. Dr. Cranswick has abandoned the afternoon service in St. Paul’s, and proposes for the future to have evening service instead ; the large congregation on Sunday evening was a most encouraging beginning, and augurs well for the future. |
| June - The Old Folks' Tea Party The Rev. Dr. Cranswick who was received with applause, said : I am very glad to meet you here to day. I see among you a good many faces that I know, and I have just been saying to Mr. Inspector Chadwick that I am rather surprised to find that some of my aged women friends are accustomed to indulge in a pipe in public whom I have never seen smoke in private—(laughter),—so that I shall be able to give them a pipe, if necessary, in days to come. It is quite a new feeling to me to meet so many aged people as I am meeting today—people that I meet privately in their own houses—and I have met with one or two to day that I met here last year. I cannot but, think of my ancestors when I see you aged people together, for my grandfather died at the age of ninety, a good old Christian; and my great grand father died in his 102nd year.—(Cheers.) I remember very well hearing my father say that when he died he died in his chair, and he said to his eldest son, “ Matthew, its all light; its all light.”—(Applause.) Now, I should like everyone: of you, when you come to the last hour, to feel of you, to feel that you are not in the dark, but in the light.— (Applause.) And it is your own fault, mind you, if you come to the last hour and are not in the light, for you live in a country with plenty of opportunities for knowing the right way, and with the ability, by God’s grace, to walk in it. (Hear, hear.) I see by the report that you are not sectarian in your association ; but I suppose it does not follow that a minister of Christ is to shut his mouth because of that ? I do not stand before you as a young man, though to look at many of the faces before me I think they ought to be out of the room, for they seem every bit as young as I do.—(Laughter.) But, as a minister of the Gospel, I cannot think I ought not to say to you, as aged people near the confines of eternity, that you ought to be looking forward to the life to come. I intended to say that whether it pleased you or the newspapers or not; and it was my duty to say it, and I do say it. |
| June - Return of Mr Brierley Return of a Missionary.—The congregation of St Paul's, Stayley, will be glad to hear that the Rev. Charles Brierley, who formerly laboured so earnestly as curate of their church under the late esteemed vicar, the Rev. W. W. Hoare, is about to return to this town, after having been engaged in the missionary work at Sierra Leone, Africa, where he has ministered with gracious effect. The rev. gentleman’s self-denying services and unwearying exertions on behalf of the distressed operatives of this district during the memorable cotton famine, will be still green in the memories of not a few, and thus we need scarcely bespeak for Mr. Brierley a cordial and affectionate reception. |
| June - Whit Walks St. Paul's, Stayley. – Scholars Females,406, males 393 ; total 799. Teachers :–Females 56, males 46 ; total 102. Grand total 901. Vols.in library 1,300. Members of Mutual Improvement Society 76. General state of schools improving. Friday, to leave the school at nine a.m.,headed by the Deighton Brass Band, and visit Messrs James Wilkinson's, T. Harrison's, and John Cheetham's, and pass through the leading streets of the town to a field kindly lent by Mr.James Wilkinson. |
| September - Sermons St. Paul’s Church. — Two sermons were preached in St. Paul’s Church, Stayley, on Sunday last, that in the morning by the Rev. Dr.Cranswick, vicar, and that in the evening by the Rev. J. D. Kelly, B.A., vicar of Christ Church, Ashton, when collections were made amounting to £23, to defray the cost lighting the sacred edifice with gas. |
| October - Lectures on Infidelity. On Sunday evening the third of a series of lectures on the evidences of revealed religion, was delivered in St. Paul’s Church, by the esteemed vicar, the Rev. Dr. Cranswick. The title of the discourse was “ Some of the difficulties of Unbelief,” and we may simply say that it was able, powerful, and argumentative throughout, and dealt crushingly with the pitiable tenets of secularism. As an evidence of the powerful character of the lecture, we will simply quote the following remarks with respect to them, in the Infidel’s organ, the National Reformer, of Saturday last “ The Rev. Dr. Cranswick of St. Paul’s, Stalybridge, has entered the field against infidelity, and in a lecture delivered in the church on Sunday evening, has, at any rate to his own view, triumphantly refuted the arguments of the whole heretical school. Of course it is easy to conquer an absent foe, especially when the victorious forces are marshalled and led by a Doctor of Divinity so able as the pastor of St. Paul’s. " (The Ashton Reporter). |
| November - DR. MASSINGHAM ON CHURCH AND STATE. LECTURE AT STALYBRIDGE. The above formed the title of a lecture delivered in the Town Hall Stalybridge by the Rev. Dr. Massingham of Warrington. The vicar of of St. Paul’s, Stayley, occupied the chair, and was supported by the Rev. J. Hadfield, (curate of St Paul's, Stayley). Rev.W. H. White, (vicar of St. James Millbrook), Rev. J. B. Jelly-Dudley, (vicar of St George's), Rev. J. H. Killick, (curate in charge of New St. George’s), Mr. Councillor Bates, Mr. Bates, Mr. Hopwood, Councillor Roberts-Dudley, Councillor Peace, Councillor Meller, Messrs. Rowles, Swann, Stevenson, Rothwell, C. Buckley, etc. etc.. The room was crowded to excess. Dr. CRANSWICK, who was greeted with loud applause, in opening the meeting said that since he came into Stalybridge he had steadfastly abstained from mixing in politics of any sort, either popular or local, because he had a notion that he had business of his own in connection with his church that required all his attention. It seemed to him, however, since a meeting was held in that hall last week, that if it was the the duty of a dissenting minister to take the chair and attack the Church of England, it was equally the duty of a minister of the Church of England to defend her.—(Loud applause.) He did not profess that night to be taking so much a political as a religious part, because it appeared to him, as a clergyman, more a religious than a political question, but if it came to that point in whatever light they may view it, he thought it was the duty of a clergyman, when the Church of England was attacked to come to the front and be ready to defend her,—(applause)—and that was so far as he knew, the right way in which to view it, and he meant to act by it so long as he was in Stalybridge.—(Applause.) It was not his intention to come there to propose a resolution, because they did not look upon it as a private meeting, and he thought it would be unfair and unworthy to do it under cover of a lecture, and say it gave the opinion of Stalybridge upon the matter ; they wanted to do the thing fairly and above board.—(Hear, hear.) He had without any communication with anyone, and on his own responsibility, telegraphed, after the meeting last week, to Dr. Massingham, and asked him to come to lecture,—to give those who wished information, and to be enlightened on that subject, an opportunity of becoming so, because they knew exactly, or pretty nearly so, what was before them. (Ashton Reporter). |
| November - Lecture by the Liberation Society Advert: SOCIETY for the liberation of RELIGION FROM STATE PATRONAGE and control. A FREE LECTURE will be delivered in the Town Hall Stalybridge, on Thursday, November 20th, by J. Carvell WILLIAMS, Esq , Secretary of the society, on ‘‘The Position and Prospects of Religious Liberty in England." The attendance of all intelligent men and women interested in the question, or prepared to receive information, is earnestly invited. The Chair will be taken at Half past Seven. STALYBRIDGE ROWDYISM Any person entering the Town Hall of Stalybridge on Thursday evening, expecting to hear a lecture from Mr. J. Carvell Williams, the secretary of the Liberation Society, would be painfully impressed with the necessity of a system of education and religion radically opposed to those at present in force. We were told that strangers had come a considerable distance to listen to Mr. Williams, having previously read some of hisaddresses, and having heard of his reputation as a public speaker. Of course they were disappointed,for of course the inevitable Leach, Dixon,Saville, and Co. were there, with their hosts of ignorant, clamouring dupes, to prevent the lecturer being heard. We are exceedingly sorry to have to write in this tone respecting our townsmen, but the interests of truth require it. Leach, who appears to have been the prime mover of the uproarious proceedings, it should be remembered somewhat in favour of the town, has only recently come to reside here, after having made several other places of former residence too hot for him. He has been taken up here by the Tory party, and is regarded by the rank and file of that party as one of their principal leaders. This silly fanatic, whose empty ravings at Droylsden and other places we have had several recent occasions of chronicling, has managed to secure the confidence and approbation of a large number of ignorant youths, whose defective education is giving no inconsiderable anxiety to the orderly and well-informed members of society. In no part of Africa, amongst no tribe of red skinned Americans, we think, would it be possible to collect some five or six hundred such thoughtless reckless, roaring savages as were airing themselves at the Stalybridge Town Hall, under the respectable auspices before mentioned. Men of high character and sterling ability, such as Messrs. Hutchison, Green, Evans, and Sutcliffe, received no more attention than the most perfect strangers. The boys—for nineteen-twentieths of the audience consisted of youths from seventeen to twenty—roared as if they had been collected for that purpose exclusively, and were doing it for a wager; and some newly-elected members of the Town Council, we regret to say, applauded the performance as if it were some credit to the town. In Stalybridge we have an odd way of replying to a political opponent, by having all the talk to ourselves or taking care that he is not heard. For nearly an hour one of the most popular and gentlemanly platform-speakers in Great Britain was roared at by these horrid nincompoops, as if he had come on a mission inimical to the interests of the people, and contemplated their spiritual and political bondage. Our hope is that the system of national education, which has not come one day too soon, may be the means of curing these people of their unseemly propensities. We are credibly informed that a newly-elected Town Councillor went round last Sunday to request the teachers and elder scholars in our church schools to be present and oppose the speakers at this meeting. (Ashton Reporter) |
| December - Christmas Eve Party The annual tea meeting in connection with this school took place on Christmas Eve, and was attended by about 500 persons. The schoolroom, as well as the church, had been profusely and handsomely decorated, the mass of evergreens, enlivened by flags and flowers, showing how much time and care had been devoted to the pleasing work. .... The church choir, as well as the school choir, were in attendance, with Mr. Bradley at the organ and selections from the “ Messiah,” with music of a more miscellaneous character, was given at intervals, as well as several recitations. There was also a liberally-decorated Christmas tree, the articles surrounding which were sold in aid of the sick fund for scholars and teachers, and we are glad to say that upwards of £30 was realised from this source. The gathering was of the pleasantest nature throughout. |
| 1871 |
| January - Midnight Service On the last night of the old year, the departure of 1870 and the entrance of 1871 were observed in a devotional manner at St. Paul's, Stayley. Special hymns were sung on the occasion, the church choir being present, with Mr. Bradley at the organ. The rev. vicar (Dr. Cranswick) preached a most impressive sermon, founded on our Lord's parable of the ten virgins, and a few minutes before midnight the whole congregation, which was not very large, indulged in silent prayer. As soon as twelve o'clock had struck, the hymn “ From all who dwell beneath the skies,” was sung, and the service concluded with the doxology and benediction. |
| February - Lecture by the Rev J M Cranswick at Glossop On Monday evening last, a lecture was delivered in the Temperance Hall, under the auspices of the Protestant Defence Association. by the Rev. J M Cranswick, D.D., Vicar of St. Paul's, Staleybridge. The subject of the lecture was " Popery and Paganism, or the religion of modern Rome compared with the religion of ancient Rome." The chair was occupied by W. Sidebottom, Esq. The attendance was very good. |
| June - Cranswick street preaching On Sunday evening last, a rare circumstance took place in Higher Tame-street. At the cconclusion of divine service in St. Paul's Church, Stayley, the Rev. Dr. Cranswick, wearing a gown, proceeded to the above street, and mounting a chair, he proceeded to address a very respectable assemblage upon the necessity of the strict observance of the truths contained in the Bible. |
| June - Review of Cranswick's "Image Worship of Rome" We are thankful to see the learned clergy of the Church of England again grappling with the sophistries and heresies of Rome. The pamphlet before us contains “a correspondence between the Rev. Dr Cranswick, vicar of Stayley, and the Rev. C. L. Monaghan, Roman Catholic Priest, Hadfield,” on the subject of image worship in the Church of Rome. The priest manifests great flippancy, but very little talent or real knowledge of the controversy, whilst the learned vicar makes it quite evident that he has fully studied the subject. He writes with sufficient courtesy, but he brings home the serious charge of idolatry to the Church of Rome with abundant argument and learning. Such local controversies are well fitted both to arouse and inform the minds of the English people, and to teach them what vast issues are again at stake, and we hope this correspondence will have a wide circulation. (The Bulwark, Or, Reformation Journal: In Defence of the True Interests of Man and of Society, Especially in Reference to the Religious, Social and Political Bearings of Popery, Volume 20 .1871). |
| July - Cranswick on the invincibility of the British Army In his sermon on the 25th of June, the Rev. Dr. Cranswick said : — “ It used to be a fine and a most affecting sight in London to see the late Duke of Wellington in his place at the early services in St. James’s Chapel. No matter whether it were summer or winter, no matter how occupied during the week with the affairs of the State or the administration of the army, the venerable white head of ‘ the Iron Duke’—England’s greatest soldier—was always to be seen bowed in reverence and humility before his God, at that early hour. What a rebuke, and what a lesson, to the self-indulgent carpet knights of our day! True religion gives mettle and efficiency to a soldier. ‘ Call out Havelock and his saints,’ said the Commander-in-chief in the Burmah war, ‘ they are never drunk or incapable, and they are always ready.’ A noble compliment to the pious Baptist captain and his regiment of praying men. ‘ No men fear less than those who fear God most.’ No soldiers ever show themselves more invincible than those who can pray as well as fight, nor have any swords proved more resistless than those wielded by the right hands that know their way through well-thumbed Bibles. With all deference to the opinions of amiable and well-meaning sentimentalists, I dare to hold that whilst Havelock was every inch a soldier, he was every inch a Christian. Who were the men that maintained the liberties of England against the despotism of the Popery- loving Stuarts? They were the famous ‘ironsides’ of Cromwell. While raising his troops, Cromwell told Hampden that he ‘ would not have drunken tapsters, low rake-hells, and beggared gamblers, but honest God-fearing men, who would fight for conscience sake and not for plunder.’ And truly they were never beaten ; and Prince Rupert’s fiery horse, and Newcastle’s savage ‘lambs ’ went down before them like grass before the scythe. And who were they ? They were men mostly of the same position in life as the majority of our volunteers; but whilst they kept their swords sharp and their powder dry, they did not neglect to say their prayers. Here was the secret of their invincibility." |
| July - Orange Order at St Paul's The Rev. Dr Cranswick on the duties of Orangemen. The above gentlemen addressed some excellent advice to the members of the Hepzibah Lodge of Orangemen, when they visited St. Paul's Church on Sunday last. |
| August - Cranswick on the Sins of Nations On Sunday evening the Rev. Dr. Cranswick preached in St. Paul's Church, Stayley, to a very numerous congregation. ... The rev. doctor explained some of the principal events connected with the late Franco Prussian war, and drew several interesting comparisons therefrom, showing how the general population were called upon to suffer for the sins of nations which were brought about by those in power. He illustrated the present unfortunate position of Paris, and showed that the events that had recently taken place there might be looked upon as the judgment of God upon a nation which had given itself up to voluptuousness, and neglected the pure paths of Christianity. .. The discourse was a most eloquent one, and was listened to with considerable attention. |
| October - Afternoon Services A notice in the Reporter announced that St Paul's would be holding afternoon services in addition to those in the morning and evening. |
| November - Enlargement of the church Notice: Whereas at a MEETING of Pew and Seatholders, held in the vestry on June 28th last, (present, the Vicar in the chair; Messrs. R. Rates, James Brierley, John Buckley, L. Carter, Edward Clayton, W. Conway, H. Hinchliffe, D. Howard, J. Meadows, James Bowles, Jonathan Shaw, C. White, and R White), it was moved by Mr Rowles and seconded by Mr. Bates, and carried….that the vicar be requested to summon a meeting of Pew and Seatholders to take into consideration the enlargement of St Paul's Church. I hereby give notice that in compliance with the above, a MEETING OF PEW AND SEATHOLDERS, of St. Paul's Church will be held in St. Paul's School, on Wednesday evening, November 16th, at 7 30 . J.M.CRANSWICK, Vicar. The Enlargement of St. Paul’s Church, Stayley.—It will be seen by advertisement that a meeting of the pew and seatho!ders of the above church, will be held in St. Paul's Church Schools, on Wednesday evening next, for the purpose of coming to some decision as to the re-pewing of the church, and also enlarging it. We believe the proposed alterations will be a great improvement to the interior of the building and it is satisfactory to know that about £2,000 have already been subscribed towards defraying the necessary expenses. |
| December - Christmas in Stalybridge " Twelve of the clock" had scarcely struck on Sunday night when the air was filled with discordant sounds- a mixture of music from brass instruments and singing, all proclaiming the fact that Christmas Day had arrived," and that all good Christians should awake. The old-fashioned custom of observing the " waits" is interesting, and worth being kept up amongst our present, catalogue of peculiar customs, but the style in which the advent of the Saviour is celebrated at Stalybridge is simply disgusting to say the least of it. A group of drunken fellows might be seen here and there attempting to sing " Christians, Awake," and they were generally followed by a number of young girls and youths who uttered the most filthy language it is possible to conceive. The streets were thus disturbed nearly the whole of the night, and so great was the nuisance that one might have imagined that the dregs of society had been suddenly lot loose on the place. The Shepherds Band, the Old Band, and the Borough Band visited various parts of the town, and played suitable pieces in good style. They continued their visits during the whole of the night, and succeeded most admirably in disturbing the sleep of many a tired inhabitant. On Christmas Day there were a number of entertainments provided. In the morning service was held in the various churches and most of the chapels. Particular care was taken in decorating some of the sacred edifices. At St. Paul's Church the decorations were very neat, and they had been carried out to a great extent by the daughters of the late James Sidebottom, Esq., M. P. Of course, Mr. Meadows was behind the rest, and he brought up a batch of valuable workers. |
| December - Funeral of a Sunday School Secretary The remains of Mr. Samuel Garlick, for several years one of the secretaries of St. Paul s Sunday-school, and a ringer at St. Paul's Church, were interred in the church-yard adjoining that place of worship on Saturday afternoon. The bells were muffled and a solemn peal was rung on the occasion. On the arrival of the funeral procession within the building, Mr. Irvine Dearnaley played the “Dead March” in Saul with much effect, and the service for the burial of the dead having been impressively read by the Rev. Dr.Cranswick. the choir sang Luther's hymn. Mrs Taylor singing the solo with her usual ability. The psalms were also chanted, and after the interment had taken place Mr. Dearnaley played the overture to the “Messiah” in splendid style. The deceased was only twenty years of age, and was very much respected. |
| 1872 |
| August - Laying of the foundation stone of the North Transept extension.
September - Bazaar held at the Mechanics Institute for funds for the construction of the North Transept. Subscriptions raised for the scheme included major donations from T Harrison £850; Jas. Buckley £800; Jas. T Wilkinson £630 and Ralph Bates £500. The total amount raised from the Bazaar and subscriptions was £6000. |
| 1874 |
| September - Church re-opened after completion of the North Transept and extension of the Sanctuary and Chancel. The opportunity was taken to remove the organ from the west gallery to the south side of the chancel and enlarge the instrument to three manuals, this was jointly paid for by Ralph Bailey of Cocker Hill, Thomas Harrison of West Hill, James J. Wilkinson of Brookfield House, and Robert Wilkinson of Huyton, the work being undertaken by Thomas Hill. The enlarged building was re-opened on September 5th, 1874. |