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Dr Cranswick - A preacher much in demand
Preaching was how a Victorian clergyman made his mark, and Dr Cranswick was much in demand as preacher travelling as far as Wrexham and Worksop to preach or speak at meeting of the British and Foreign Bible Society. |
July - Marriage with deceased wife's sister
This case involved a man who wished to marry his deceased wife's sister. He approached the Vicar of St Paul's, Dr Cranswick, who declined to carry out the ceremony. (At this time it was not legally permitted to marry a deceased wife's sister - although there was agitation for the law to be changed).
The couple next went to St George's, Hyde, and, not revealing their relationship, were married. When the deception was discovered a very strong letter was sent to the couple. Publication of this letter - written by the Vicar of St George's, but sent on by Dr Cranswick - drew strong criticism locally and in the Manchester Guardian which described "a somewhat painful case, arising out of what comes very close to clerical persecution". [Gilbert and Sullivan's "Iolanthe" (1882) speaks of "that annual blister, marriage with deceased wife's sister"] |
October - St Paul's Sunday and day Schools
The anniversary sermons were preached on Sunday by the Rev. Dr. Cranswick, vicar of St Paul's Stalybridge. There were large congregations, the attendance in the evening, being exceptionally good. In the afternoon a suitable address was delivered to the scholars by the Rev. R H. Giles, curate-in-charge of St. Matthew's district. The collections in aid of funds, realised £37 4s. |
1880 |
October 18
- Death of Dr Cranswick
The Rev. J. M. Cranswick, D.D., Vicar of St. Paul's Staley, died at the vicarage, on Monday forenoon, after an illness of some weeks' duration. The rev. gentleman, who was 54 years of age, was appointed to the living on the death of the first vicar, the Rev. W. W. Hoare,B.D., in 1869. The cause of death is said to be heart disease, accelerated by congestion of the lungs. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow, four daughters, and two sons, one of whom was only recently ordained and appointed to the curacy ot St. Paul's, Sheffield. The death of the Rev. Dr. Cranswick is deeply regretted in the neighbourhood.
Obituary from the Manchester Guardian - "The death is announced, at an advanced age, of the Rev. Dr. James Mosey Cranswick, vicar of St. Paul’s, Staley, in the diocese of Chester. Dr. Cranswick was originally in the Wesleyan Methodist ministry, his first station in Manchester being in the Blackley district of the Oldham-street circuit, where he was stationed in 1857-8. He subsequently retired from the regular ministry of that denomination, and became the principal of the well-known Cheetham Hill School, at Rhodes House, Cheetham Hill, which he conducted for some years. In 1863 he entered the Church of England, in which year he was admitted into deacon’s orders by the late Bishop of Manchester, and ordained priest in 1869. His first curacy was at Christ Church, Harpurhey, where he remained until 1869, when he succeeded the Rev. W. W. Hoare in the vicarage of St. Paul’s, Staley. In 1858 the deceased received the degree of Ph.D. from the University of Jena, and in 1874 the degree of Doctor of Theology. Ho was the author of two controversial publications—“ Does the Church of Rome inculcate and sanction the worship of images?” published in 1871; and "The Romeward movement in the Church of England,” published in 1873. The late vicar was a popular preacher and platform speaker, especially on controversial subjects." |
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Canon Canon Richard Holgate Brown becomes the third Vicar of St Paul's.
From the Journal of the Manchester Geographical Society: "Canon Brown was the son of Dr Brown, a physician in practice in Preston, and was born in that town in 1832. In his youth he was educated in his native town, whence he proceeded to Cambridge, and graduated at Christ College. He took his B.A. degree in 1855, and was ordained deacon in that year by Dr Graham, then bishop of Chester. In 1856 he took priest's orders, and two years later secured his M.A. degree.
His first curacies were at St Catherine's and St Paul's, Higher Tranmere, and in 1860 he was appointed to the perpetual curacy of St Thomas's, High Lane, Marple, which he held twenty-one years, acquiring during that time a name for great excellence of character and indefatigable spirit in Christian work. In 1872 he was appointed rural dean of the Northern Division of Macclesfield, and in 1881 of Stockport, which was made a separate deanery. In this office he succeeded the Rev. C.K. Prescot, then rector of Stockport, who had held the position until he was over eighty years old.
In 1875 he was appointed honary canon of Chester by Bishop Jacobson, and in 1880 he was presented to the vicarage of St Paul's, Stalybridge, in succession to the Rev. J.M. Cranswick, D.D. It caused him considerable pain to leave High Lane, where he was exceedingly popular, both as a preacher and a pastor, and had spent a considerable sum of money on the church, but the condition of his wife's health rendered a change of residence necessary, and he accordingly accepted the presentation. While at High Lane he was a member of the committee and acted as one of the house stewards of the Stockport Infirmary, and showed his interest in that institution by regularly attending the meetings. For a number of years he also acted as guardian of the poor for Marple, and attended the meetings of the board at Stockport. At the time of his death he was trustee of the Stockport Grammar School.
After moving to Stalybridge he was identified with several movements of an important character. He was a member of the School Board, and his intense interest in educational matters was displayed in many ways. The volunteer movement found in him a steady supporter. He was hon. Chaplain of the Stalybridge detachment of the 4th C.R.V., and subscribed liberally to its funds. In the Masonic body he also occupied a prominent position, and in all that he undertook he acted with vigour and uprightness. Few men surpassed him in vigour of thought and the faculty of organisation. Canon Brown's connection with the Geographical Society dates from its earliest days. At our first meeting in the mayor's parlour he evinced the greatest possible interest in the proceedings. At the close of the meeting he handed in his card, and expressed his willingness to render whatever assistance he could. From that time he proved a powerful friend of the Society. His cheerful manner and manly presence at all times secured the respect of all who were brought into contact with him; but a far deeper influence grew upon his colleagues at council meetings. His genial nature was pleasant to associate with, and he showed a power of grasping the details of the subjects brought forward, and appreciated the far-reaching benefits the Society can bestow on the commercial community of this kingdom. He advocated most strongly the necessity for geographical teaching in the higher-grade schools and universities, where the subject has been almost ignored hitherto.
The removal by death of such a as Canon Holgate Brown leaves a void difficult to fill, and it forces upon us one of our saddest experiences since the formation of the Society. He was twice married. His first wife was a daughter of Mr Paul Catterall, a manufacturer, of Preston. She died during his residence at High Lane, and was buried there. His second wife, who survives him, is a daughter of Mr John Horrocks, also of Preston. "
He
was a genial, good natured man, whose charity was unbounded. He soon set to
work to improve as for as possible the interior of the Church, in which he
was very ably seconded by Mrs. Brown and others. One of the first things done
to move the pulpit from its position in the centre of the chancel.
The east window, not giving sufficient light for the chancel, two new lancet
window were inserted at the joint expense of the Canon and T. Harrison, Esq.,
Mrs. Platt and J. Newton. Esq., afterwards filling them with stained glass.
A new cloth for the communion table was given by Miss Harrison, Mrs. Platt
and Miss Harrison jointly giving the brass rails. Brass gas standards were
given by J. A. Newton, Esq. Another great improvement in the chancel was the
decoration of the east wall, the funds for which were provided by J. J. Wilkinson,
Esq., whilst Canon Brown was responsible for the cost of new organ pipes to
face the west door, and for the most elaborate decoration thereon, as well
as those in the chancel. Other gifts of his were the beautiful panels in the
vestry screen, and the brass book rest in the pulpit.
During his incumbency the vicarage was enlarged at a cost of £1,000, the
work being commenced in 1881; the gallery class room was added to the schools
in 1883, and also a new heating apparatus; whilst, a few months before the
Canon's death, four and a quarter acres of additional land were secured as
an extension of the Churchyard, at a cost of £400. |
December - Mrs. Cranswick
Advert: (widow of the late Rev.Dr. Cranswick, (St. Paul's Stalybridge) RECEIVES into her home, 28, Dover-street, Oxford-road, Manchester, as BOARDERS. Young Ladies attending the High School. |
| 1881 |
| Work begins on enlarging the Vicarage. |
| 1883 |
April - Confirmation
The Bishop of Chester assisted by Bishop Kelly the Archdeacon of Macclesfield held a number of confirmations, including one at St Paul's on April 15 1883 |
July - Cook wanted
WANTED, in a clergyman's small family, a thoroughly good COOK, aged betweeu 30 and 40, Churchwoman ; no kitchenmaid. State wages and all particulars.—Address, by letter only, to Mr. R.Holgate Brown, Stayley Vicarage, near Stalybridge |
September - Freemasons
After their council meeting, the Freemasons, headed by the Stalybridge Borough Band, went in procession to St. Paul's Church, where an eloquent sermon was preached by the Rev. Canon Brown, P G. Chaplain, and an offertory taken on behalf of the District Infirmary and the Provincial Fund of Benevolence. In the evening a banquet took place in the Town Hall. |
December - Christmas Party
The annual Christmas tea party in connection with these schools was held on Saturday evening, and was largely attended, about 700 partaking of tea. After tea the Vicar, the Rev. Canon R. H. Brown, presided, and in the course of a long and interesting address referred to some losses which had been sustained by the death of several of the congregation.
After calling attention to the want of increased school accommodation he referred to the service of the church, and said some, he thought, found it inconvenient to attend church at the hours now fixed for divine service, and he should, if desired to do so, put himself out of the way and fix a third service at a suitable hour. After alluding to the cottage lectures, which are held periodically at the houses of some of the parishioners, and remarking that he should be very glad if others would offer their cottages for these meetings, the vicar spoke of the great assistance he was receiving from his colleague, the Rev. E. Oldfield, curate of St. Paul's (late of Christ Church, Chester), in visiting the sick, and taking part in the work of the parish generally, and concluded, amid applause, by wishing them all every happiness and prosperity in the future. A long programme was then gone through, comprising songs, glees, and suitable recitation |
| 1884 |
November - Formation of Manchester Geographical Society
Rev R Holgate-Brown of Staley was among those who had consented the join the provisional committee of the Manchester Georgraphical Society. The idea for the Society had come from the visit of H M Stanley to the city. |
November - Concert at Greenfield
On Saturday evening a grand concert was held at St Mary's School, Greenfield the object of which was to raise a fund towards church expenses. There was a capital and appreciative audiences assembled, who listened to a grand treat of vocal & Instrumental music and bellringing, the latter being contributed by the splendid band of 40 performers with St Paul's, Staley. The Rev. J. Cheetham presided at the piano. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the performers. The sum of £12 was received.(Huddersfield Chronicle). |
| 1886 |
November - Deanery Meeting
Stockport Rural Deanery.–In connection with the movement for church extension in the rural deanery of Stockport, a meeting: has been arranged to be held in Stalybridge, in the middle of December, under the presidency of the Rev. Canon Brown, M.A. Vicar of St. Paul's Stayley, and Rural Dean of Stockport. The Bishop of Chester has promised to be present and will deliver an address on the subject. The necessity for the provision of additional churches in several portions of the rural deanery has long been apparent, and the bishop of the diocese some time since appointed a special commission to inquire into and report upon the matter. It is probable that early efforts will be made in various districts in the deanery to provide additional church accommodation. |
| 1887 |
August - Death of Canon Holgate Brown
Canon Brown died 16th August 1887, and was interred at St Paul's Church, Stayley. A very large number of people witnessed the funeral, and the regret so keenly felt at the death of the rev. gentleman was evinced by the fact that the majority of the spectators were moved to tears. As the vicarage is near to the church the cortege has but a short distance to transverse, and the coffin was carried from the house to the sacred edifice. The volunteer band led the way, playing "The Dead March" from Saul, and was followed by a detachment of the corps, with arms reversed. Then came about two hundred of the school teachers and members of the congregation, followed by the Freemasons, and after them a number of gentlemen and also representatives of the School Board and other societies with which the deceased canon had been associated. The Manchester Geographical Society was represented by Mr F Zimmern, one of our secretaries. |
November - Thomas Holmes Sheriff appointed
The Rev. Thomas Holmes Sheriff, M.A., Vicar of Holy Trinity, Birkenhead, has been appointed to the Vicarage of St Paul's, Stalybridge, which has been vacant since the death of the Rev. Canon Brown. The rev. gentleman was late Thorpe scholar at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and took his degree as Bachelor of Arts in 1877, and was ordained deacon the same year and priest in 1878. He held the curacy of Cbeadle in 1877-8,and the senior curacy (to Dr Espin, Chancellor of the Dioceses of Chester and Liverpool) of Wallasey (Cheshire) in 1878. In 1880 he took the degree of M.A., and in 1883 was appointed Vicar of Holy Trinity, Birkenhead, which was valued at £115 per annum. (Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser)
December - Rev T Holmes Sheriff, M.A.
Preaches his
first sermon on December 18, 1887. |
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| 1888 |
November - Choir members wanted
St Paul's Stalybridge - WANTED BASS and MALE ALTO - Apply by letter only to the Vicar. |
| 1890 |
| 1891 |
May - Advert for teacher for St Paul's School
WANTED, fully certificated ASSISTANT TEACHER. Churchman, good disciplinarian, £70 and possible bonus, £15 extra, at least, if able act choirmaster.— Apply Vicar, St. Pauls Stalybridge. |
October - Harvest
St Paul's Stalybridge - The annual harvest thanksgiving services were held yesterday in this church. The preacher at the morning service was the Rev. E. Bigoe Bagot, of Manchester and the Rev. T.H. Sheriff occupied the pulpit in the evening. |
| 1892 |
December - Choir master wanted
CHOIRMASTER WANTED, St. Paul's Stalybridge. Must sing a good tenor ; two practises; large church; terms, £40 a year and to pay two voices, - Apply the Vicar. |
| 1893 |
Tenor Bell recast
The tenor bell was recast. The bell was originally hung in the belfry in 1839.
August - Advert for curate
St Paul's, Stalybridge.; dio. of Chester.- CURATE wanted, priest, good churchman, earnest, large church, choral services, good stipend. Rev.T H Sheriff.
.....November
St Paul's Stalybridge - WANTED PRIEST, GRADUATE, good churchman; large suburban church, important parish; £160 to good visitor and preacher. Diocese of Chester. Rev. T H Sheriff |
| 1895 |
April - Vestry Meeting
St. Paul's, Stayley - The annual vestry meeting t St. Paul's Stayley, was held on Easter Monday morning in the chancel of the church, the Vicar, the Rev. T. H. Sheriff, presiding.– Mr. Thomas Williamson, the people's warden, presented three sets of accounts, referring to incidental expenses, the clock houses, and the church houses. The receipts from the clock houses are devoted to the bells and the clock, and those of the church houses to the choir expenses. As the clock houses have an excess of income over expenditure, and the church houses a deficiency of income the wardens, as a matter of convenience, made a transfer of money from one to the other. The balance-sheet presented by Mr. Williamson showed that they had had altogether from the clock houses a sum of £210 9s. ll½d, which had been spent in incidental expenses for the choir, &c., that amount of surplus income having been received from the commencement of the clock houses account. The incidental church expenses during the year had amounted to £137 11s. 3d. (including £44 16s. 2d. for repairs and re-arrangement of lighting), and the receipts to £145 2s., these including receipts for repair funds, £22 6s. 10s; offertories £71 11s. 2d.; interment fees, £31 4s.; Mrs. 'Platt's bequest (the fifth of 10 annual payments of £20). There was, nevertheless, a balance due to the wardens on the year of £15 19s. 8d., against £9 9s. last year. The accounts further showed that the amount of subscriptions received for the replacing of the tenor bell was £62 8s. 6d. and the expenses for the same amounted to £63 19s.– The accounts were unanimously accepted.–The Vicar nominated Mr. Albert Wainwright to act as his warden again.– Mr. Thomas Wainwright proposed the reappointment of Mr. Thomas Williamson as people's warden.– Mr. J. Saville seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted. The Vicar reappointed as his sidesmen Messrs. Smith, G. H. Storrs, and T. H. Wainwright: and the Vestry reappointed Messrs. M'Dermott, R. Needham, and J. Saville . Messrs. Ratcliffe and Taylor were similarly re-elected lay representatives. |
| 1896 |
February - Bazaar
Grand Bazaar : Ashanti Village. February 12-15 1896 Stalybridge Town Hall
Entertainments: St Paul's Orchestral Band will play at intervals each evening - half hourly concerts by talented musicians. Edison's latest inventions continually in view. |
October - Faculty granted
At Chester Consistory Court , the Rev. T. H. Sheriff, Vicar, and the wardens of the new parish of St Paul's, Stalybridge. applied for permission to remove the old gallery front and substitute a new pitchpine front. It was also desired to remove the font, to place a brass tablet in the church, and stained glass in four of the windows, representing Scriptural subjects, to erect a new porch, and make other alterations at a cost of £450, to be defrayed by voluntary subscriptions. The faculty was decreed. |
Building of South Transept - In
1896 £2,400 was raised by subscriptions and a bazaar which was
held in the Town Hall over four days during February. The bazaar was considered
to be a remarkable financial and social success. The money raised was used
to pay for the re-seating and re-flooring of most of the church, a completely
new heating installation with radiators etc. and the building of the South
Transept (the North Transept had been completed in 1874). At the same time
the Harrison family provided the alabaster reredos in the Sanctuary. The Vicar,
Canon Sheriff, said at the annual Vestry meeting, that he was glad the church
extensions and improvements would be completed before the end of the century
and that the church was now a perfect Latin cross as the architect had intended.
Services of re-dedication were held in
October 1899 when the vicar preached at the morning service and the
Ven. Archdeacon Woosnam, Vicar of St. Margaret's Church, Dunham Massey, preached
at the evening service. The following Sunday Dr Jayne, the Bishop of Chester,
came to St. Paul's and took for his sermon the text Ruth 11:4 about Boaz -
that "
all were labourers together in the harvest field". |
1897 |
January - Dedication of the reredos at St Paul's
by Archdeacon Woosnam. The reredos was a gift of the Harrison fam |
| Consecration of the additional burial ground |
