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| timeline: 1900-1924 | |
| 1900 | |
| 1902 | |
| February - Petition presented to the House of Commons Petitions were presented by Mr. M. White Ridley from the parishes of Christ Church and St. Paul's, Stalybridge, praying for a remedy for serious position of education resulting from the Act of 1870. Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Tuesday 04 February 1902. |
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| 1904 | |
| December - Election Meeting Of the two Radical meetings last night, the most important was at St Paul's School, Stalybridge, where Mr. R. Needham. presided. Included in a large attendance were the Rev. W. Harrison. Mr. J. W.Summers, the Rev. G. S. Walker, Mr. A.Dishington, the Rev. H. Hawley, the Rev. T. Wilshaw, Councillor J. H. Hvde. &c. Mr. Cheetham admitted that there might be certain industries producing almost exclusively for the homemarket in respect of which a plausible and superficial case could be made out on the side of Protection, but this did not apply to the cotton trade. In the case of all trades it would be easy to show that the gain which resulted from protective tariffs would go intothe pockets of the capitalists, and not of the employees. Under no conceivable oirouinstances could the cotton trade make one penny out of Protection, and there would be an enormous risk of loss, because the cost of every manufacturing process would beraised. If we were to lose our command of the markets of the world for our cotton trade, it would mean that at least two-thirds of the spindles and looms would cease running. The country would also sustain a great moral injury from Protection, which would lead to “log-rolling” and the lowering of the dignity of the British Parliament. A vote of confidence in the candidate, moved by Mr. Hawley, seconded by Mr. Warr, and supported by Mr. Allan Bright. M.P., was carried. Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Thursday 29 December 1904 |
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| 1905 | |
| January - Patron Saint Paul's Church Stalybridge: Mrs. Dugdale, sister of Major and Miss Harrison, of West Hill, Stalvbridge and wife of Mr. Adam Dugdale, of Griffin Lodge, Witton, Blackburn, has recently been appointed a Church patronage trustee of the living of the above church. The other trustees are the Lord Bishop of Chester, the Lord of the Manor of Ashton-under Lyne, and Mr. William Lees, of Birkdale. Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Friday 13 January 1905 |
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| June - Flag post struck by lightning During a thunderstorm on Monday the flag pole at St Paul's Church, Stalybridge was shattered by a flash of lightning, and at Waterloo, Ashton-under-Lyne, a tramcar was struck and set on fire. People ran from the surrounding houses with buckets of water, and soon the flames were extinguished, the car being subsequently taken to the depot at Denton for repairs. |
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| October - Runaway horses at funeral Yesterday afternoon the remains of Mr. John Hallas, a popular townsman and the oldest fireman in the borough, were conveyed for burial at St. Paul's, Stalybridge, on the tender from the fire station. This was drawn by two powerful horses. One of these is a flighty animal with a bad habit f taking fright. On leaving the churchyard this animal plunged away, startled his companion, and both of them dashed off at a terrible pace. .he two drivers jumped off the tender, or they must have been badly hurt. The runaway horses of the vehicle just missed dashing into two electric cars. The tender collided with an electric standard and smashed some railings. Fortunately, no one was injured. Manchester Evening News 27/10/1905 |
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December - Baby's body found in churchyard |
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| 1906 | |
| February - Mission in Mottram Deanery A great mission was inaugurated in the Rural Deanery of Mottram on Saturday by the Bishop of Chester, who held a reception of the missioners and mission workers at St. Paul's Stayley. Dr.Jayne delivered an encouraging address, and in the evening the work commenced in the various parishes in Stalybridge and Dukinfield. Church-people throughout the district are taking a keen interest in the event, as the outcome of which it is anticipated that the congregations will be largely augmented. The missioners at St. Luke's are the Rev. C. H. Sharpe, head of the Gloucester Diocesan Mission, and the Rev. C. H. Bagott,Vicar of Mossley. Yesterday afternoon Mr.Sharpe delivered an address to a large body of men on “ Religion," and pointed out the relation of spiritual belief to one's every day life. Services have been arranged to take place during the dinner hours at the mills and workshops in the various parishes. (Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser ) |
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| June - Whit Friday This time-honoured custom was observed as usual on Whit-Friday morning. The scholars mustered in good numbers, after singing a couple of hymns at the Vicarage proceeded on their march in good time. The route taken was the usual one and there was no departure from custom of past years. Perhaps this is not altogether satisfactory from a certain point of view for a salutary change in some directions would be a decided improvement. We passed several Church Schools in procession through the town and were highly gratified to note the numerical strength of each contingent. St Paul's procession numbered 971 as they entered the gates of West Hill, and several laggards joined later on. Miss Harrison and Mrs Dugdale dispensed liberal hospitality as in past years. Long may they continue to do so on this annual occasion is our sincere wish. After buns and coffee in the School the scholars went to Copley Meadow, and spent the afternoon and evening in sports and games. A good band played sweet selections of music throughout the afternoon in the field, and when the sun was setting many weary children retired home, tired but very happy, for their "Whit-Friday Walk" had been a pleasant and enjoyable one. |
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| August - Sunday August 5th 1906
- Flower and choir Services 10-30 a.m. Morning Prayer and Holy Communion NICENE CREED – Whitfield in E Preacher – Rev. THE VICAR 3 P.M. MUSICAL SERVICE 6-30 EVENING PRAYER |
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| August - From the Magazine Clergy: Rev. Thomas Holmes Sheriff, M.A., late Thorpe Mathematical Scholar of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Surrogate, Rural Dean of Mottram, The Vicarage. Rev. Charles B.Phipps, M.A. LL.D. (Senior Exhibitioner, Trinity College, Dublin) 52, Acres Lane Organist and Choirmaster Mr E.H. Sidebottom FRCO, Parkcroft, Glossop Deputy Clerk and Superintendent of Graveyard ? Mr Longville, 13, Richmond Street. EDITORIAL Comments on Education Bill which may affect the way schools can be used by Churchpeople, although they shall have the use of the schools on the evenings of weekdays and on Sundays for parochial and Sunday School purposes.......but, Education Authorities have power to make such alterations as they see fit...."Churchpeople may well feel grave grounds for fear". OUR church services: Our talented Organist and Choirmaster, Mr E H Sidebottom, FRCO has lately introduced a Litany of his own composition into the music of St Paul's. We congratulate him warmly on its success, for many people have spoken very highly of it. We also are glad to say that some visitors to our Church have kindly bestowed words of praise on the music of St Paul's. The church had a Men's Brotherhood which as well as having its own services also provided teachers for Sunday School. |
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| December - Advert for Choir master Saint Paul's Stalybridge - Wanted organist, choirmaster - large church, fine organ; Sundays and week day duties as arranged, £50 to £60 as agreed upon - apply (letter only) Vicar and Wardens |
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| 1907 | |
| February - Grand Bazaar A Grand Bazaar held in Stalybridge Town Hall to wipe off a debt of £300 on St Paul's Churc, the balance to go towards the building of a new infants school, and the alteration of the present old school to meet the requirements of the Board of Education as a mixed department only has been most successful. It was a great effort for a single parish to make, but the parishioners are enthusiasts for religious eduction, worked with such a will that the object was achieved. The bazaar was an object lesson in generosity, enthusiasm and hard work, and all concerned are to be heartily congratulated on the brilliant success achieved. The net profits will amount to about £2,100. Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Tuesday 19 February 1907 |
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| August - Infant mortality The Vicar of St Paul’s, Stalybridge, has drawn attention to the fact that Stalybridge has the highest percentage of infantile mortality in Cheshire. Having been painfully struck. he says, with the large number of burials of children in the churchyard, he examined the burial registers and found that exactly one-fifth of those buried from July 28th 1906 to the corresponding date in the current year were under 12 months old, and more than half of the total number were under ten years of age. |
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| November - Bishop at St Paul's The Bishop of Chester preached at St Paul's Church, Stalybridge on Sunday, on the occasion of the Mayor’s official visit. Thirty pounds taken at the offertory are to be equally divided between the Ashton District Infirmary and the local Sick Nursing Association. |
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| 1908 | |
| August - Bridal Paganism! Considerable comment has been excited in the district of Stalybridge near Manchester, by criticisms on the conduct of wedding parties made by a local curate, the Rev. J. Muirhead, in the monthly journal of St Paul's Church. The rev. gentleman writes: " Many bridal parties seem not to know that a marriage service in church is a religious service, and they do not kneel during the prayers, but sit bolt upright and engage in conversation, often in loud tones. "Twice recently, when the bride and bridegroom were kneeling at the altar, we had to stop in the prayers and request the bridal party to behave themselves. " On another occasion, as soon as the bride and bridegroom appeared in church, after having signed the register, we heard a cheer in church. When we went to see what it meant we saw a man standing on a pew waving his hat, evidently calling for cheers, while another man we saw with his hat on in the church. Such conduct is bad. " But we repeat, lest any think we are suggesting that there is more irreverence here than elsewhere, that it is as bad in some other places. A year or two ago we saw in a church in another county a bridal party throwing hassocks at one another. It means, we suppose, one of two things, either (1) that many baptised Christians are half pagan, or 2) come to church on such ' occasions in a state of intoxication-and even then they are half pagan". Gloucestershire Echo - Thursday 06 August 1908 |
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| August - Reverence in Churchyards The Rev. T. H. Sheriff, Vicar of St. Paul’s Church, Stalybridge, in this month’s Parish Magazine, refers to the practice of emoking in churchyards. The Vicar points out it is as irreverent a proceeding as smoking in church. “ But there are some people, not only in Stalybridge, but everywhere, who have no idea of reverence,” he adds. Mr. Sheriff also complains of women with shawls on their heads and children flocking to the churchyard when funerals are taking place. Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Friday 07 August 1908 |
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| December - St Paul's Women's Service One of the largest meetings yeat held in connection with the women's monthly service took place at St Paul's on Sunday afternoon. The address was given by J Muirhead, the curate, and the service included a number of musical items. |
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| 1909 | |
| January - Messiah A performance of Handel's Messiah at St Paul's attracted an audience of over 1000. The Choir and orchestra were conducted by Harold Burgess, St Paul's organist. The bass part was taken by W L Whitaker who was the principal bass on Saint Paul's choir. The organ was played by the organist of St James, Ashton. (Stalybridge Reporter 2/1/1909) |
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| January - Criticising a collection The collection taken at a recent performance of the “ Messiah ” at St Paul's Church, Stalvbridge, realised £11 14s. l½d. In the current issue of the Parish Magazine, the editor thus refers to the matter. “ The coins numbered 1,048. Three were half crowns; three, florins; 21, shillings; 106, sixpences ; 450, threepenny pieces; 353 pennies; 113,halfpennies; 466 were coppers, and only 27 were higher than sixpences. We can hardly say that the grace of God has touched a man’s heart until he learned to be, not merely just, but liberal as well. Yet some people wonder why they get solittle good at church. They get as much good as they are willing to pay for.” Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Monday 11 January 1909 |
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| February - Curate wanted CURATE WANTED, Easter, or can wait- large church, bright services; manufacturing, suburban, moderate: £180 to £190 at least, according to duties.- VICAR, St Paul's. Stalybridge, Cheshire. |
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| April - Vestry meeting Rev. T. H. Sheriff, Vicar, Presided. Mr. Smith presented the churchwardens' accounts, showing that they commenced the year with a balance in hand of £35 10s. 6d. The total receipts were £301 2s. 8d., and the total expenditure £323 0s. 5d. They had a deficiency of £27 17s. 9d. The Vicar said he gave away the whole of his stipend last year. In nominating Mr. George Radcliffe as his warden, the Vicar referred to the proposed new infants' school, and said they were now waiting for the “ scheme ” to be approved by the Board of Education. Mr.Smith was re-elected people's warden. The Vicar nominated Messrs. Clayton, Smethurst, T.Williamson and J. Pasher sidesmen, and the people's sidesmen appointed were Messrs. Jesse Gartside, A. Wainwright and D. Taylor. Messrs. MacLaren and McDermott were elected lay representatives. |
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| October - Presentation to Vicar after 21 years service Various articles to the value of over £120 have been publicly presented to the Rev. T. H. Sheriff, who has been Vicar of St Paul's, Stalybridge, for more than 21 years, and Rural Dean of Mottram for seven years. The chair was taken by Major Harrison, of West Hill, Stalybridge. Mr. Williamson, the oldest ex-warden, made the presentation, following which Miss Harrison handed to Miss Sheriff, the Vicar's sister, a gold pendant brooch of pearls and peridots. The articles presented to the Vicar were a silver-gilt pedestal fruit dish, with two smaller ones to match, pair of silver entree dishes, two proof etchings, after pictures by Leader, ancient four- fold screen in Spanish walnut and Cordova leather, gilt and embossed. |
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| November - Gorse Hall Murder From reports in Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser [The murder of Mr Storrs of Gorse Hall, Stalybridge remains unsolved and has featured in television programmes, books and magazine articles over the years.] Mr. Storrs was a large employer of labour, both as a contractor and mill owner, is evidence on which the police are working. A kindly and generous man, he was regarded as an ideal master, and by the townspeople was generally beloved. By the congregation at St. Paul's Stayley, he was much respected. He was a member of the Diocesan Board of Church Schools for Cheshire. Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Friday 05 November 1909 Among the local
gentlemen in the church were Dr. McCarthy, Councillor James Bottomley, Councillor Abel Many Floral Tributes. Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Wednesday 17 November 1909 Funeral of John Worrall, coachman of Gorse Hall: In the afternoon the funeral of the coachman,who, had he not committed suicide by hanging
himself, would have been called at the inquest, will take place in the churchyard of St. Paul’s, Staley, and nobody except the mourners wlil be allowed to enter the churchyard. Worrall was connected with Christ Church, and the service will be conducted by the Rev. J. Grant Bird. |
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| December - Funeral of Samuel Hill In the graveyard of St. Paul's Stayley, there was quietly laid to rest yesterday afternoon the remains of Mr. Samuel Hill, of Stalybridge, one of the leading dialect writers of Lancashire. Mr. Hill was the author of “ Old Lancashire Songs and their Singers”, “ Lancashire Poets and their Poems,” “ Foirewood,” “Little Spodger's Dog”, “ Bygone Stalybridge” and other publications, and a fitting tribute to his worth was paid by the present dialect writers who, despite a heavy down-pour of rain, attended the obsequies. |
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| 1910 | |
| January - Politics in school, complaint against teacher COMPLAINT AGAINST A STALY BRIDGE MISTRESS INVESTIGATED. A complaint that a mistress in the infants, department of the St Paul's School, Stalybridge took politics into her class a few days before the election in the town was examined by the Stalybridge Education Committee, sitting as the General Purposes Sub Committee. It was complained that the mistress asked the children to stand on a form and say whether their fathers were voting Liberal or Conservative. She then told them that they could all vote in a miniature election the next day, but that they should vote for Mr. John Wood the Conservative candidate, as Mr. Wood and the congregation of the church had built the school, and if Mr. Bright, the Liberal candidate, won, their schools would be taken from them. She finally (the complaint was) said to the children : “When you say your prayers to-night, you must pray that Mr. Wood will get in, and then you will keep your school.” The mistress, the other teachers, and the managers of the school attended the meeting at the request of the committee. The mistress denied that there was any truth in the statement about the prayer, and only admitted that she gave a lesson on the general election. This lesson, she said, was in keeping will the curriculum of the school. The committee, after long discussion, decided by majority that the charges had not been sustained and that there was no necessity to censure the teacher |
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| February - Church Missionary Society Meeting The Annual meeting of the Stalybridge, Dukinfield, and Hyde Auxiliary of the Church Missionary Society was held at the Stalybridge Town Hall on Monday, and was addreseed bv the Rev.J. A. Hickman, of Western China. The Secretary's report stated that the local contribution for the year amounted to £128 12s 3d., of which amount £40 8s. 6d. was raised in Holy Trinity (Stalybridge) parish, and £20 in St. Paul's (Staley) parish. |
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| 1911 | |
| January - Messiah A performance of Handel's Messiah on New Year's Day at St Paul's conducted by Harold Burgess, St Paul's organist. |
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| October - From the Magazine Mr. Sheriff is now Hon Canon of Chester. Other clergy: Rev. J Grenville Biggs, MA, Brookfield; Rev. E.M. Baker, M A, Belgrave Place, Mottram Road. Organist: Harold Burgess Lay Reader and Churchyard Superintendent Mr A E Oates, 2 Cranworth Street. Electric Light Church to be closed from October 8 for 4 weeks for wiring the building for electric light and re-decoration. Curate's Fund Mention of a Curate's Fund - the church received no grant in aid which some our neighbouring parishes receive. A collection for this fund to be made at the Men's Service. Scouts Mention of the Scouts going to camp using a hand cart rather than the train "it gives the boys practice in route-marching, which, if not too long, gives them training in muscle and discipline." Congregations "Our attention has been called to the fact that the congregation on Sunday mornings for some months has been much smaller than usual, while the evening one has been little affected. It is well understood that we sympathise with those whose work compels them to get up early during the week; and many have made this the excuse for non-attendance in the morning. Yet some of our regular morning worshippers are among those who have to be at work at 5-30 on week days; so that there probably is another reason. Will some of our friends see if they can solve the difficulty for us? North country people are proverbially outspoken, and we know that the Vicar will welcome any suggestions on the subject, and adopt them, if practicable. " |
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| 1912 | |
| February - Confirmation The Bishop of Chester conducted a cpnfirmation service at St Paul's Church, Stalybridge, when 100 candidates were presented. The majority of them were connected with St Paul's Church, but others came from Holy Trinity Church, Stalybridge, Christ Church, Stalybridge, All Saints Church, Micklehurst, St John's Church, Dukinfield and St Paul's Church, Compstall. Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Tuesday 27 February 1912 |
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| September - Death of Mrs Holgate Brown - wife of a former Vicar of St Paul's A Preston Benefactress. Chiefly for her wide philanthropy and largely also for her kindly and genial disposition, tho death of Mrs. Holgate Brown will bo keenly felt everyone in the district. Mrs. Brown passed away Thursday at tiie residonoe of M iss Horrocks, 3, Ribblesdalo-placo. The deceased lady responded generously every charitable call whether religious or secular that was made upon her. Her name has been honourably connected with too many worthy and noble causes for it over to lapse into oblivion. was only year ago that she presented the Preston Royal Infirmary tho modern and fully equipped sterilising room adjoining the operating theatre, which was the generous gift of Dr. R. 0. Brown. She and her sister also found the money for the erection of tho passage connecting the main building with the children’s wards. And these, arc but two of innumerable philanthopic acts. Mrs. Holgato Brown was the third daughter of Mr. John Horrocks, who was, for many years a partner in the firm of Messrs. Ilorrocks Jacson, and Co., cotton spinners, Avenham-etroot mills, a building that is now utilised for variety of business purposes, and was christened and married at the Preston Parish Church, whore tho funeral service will conducted at 11 o’clock this morning prior the interment at tho cemetery. Nearly all the members of her family have predeceased her. Her eldest sister, wife of the late Major Wilson, of Cooper Hill, died in 1862 ; her sister Agnus in 1858 ; her father in 1866; her mother the following year, and ber brother, Mr. John Horrocks, who took active part in public affairs and was honorary organist Christ Church for many years, died in 1868. In .luly of 1866 deceased lady married the Hev. Richard lioigate Brown, brother of Dr. R. C. Brown, and then vicar of Highlane, Marple. The Rev. Mr. Brown was appointed lionary Canon of Chester Cathedral and -Rural Dean of Stockport. He was vicar of Staley, near Sfcalybridge, when he died in 1887, leaving no family. Since her husband’s death Mrs. Holgate Brown hs. been in residence with her sister. Miss Horrocks, at 3, Ribbledale-placo. (Preston Herald - Saturday 07 September 1912 |
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| November - Hydn's Creation at St Paul's Said to be the first of a number of musical performances planned by Harold Burgess, St Paul's organist. The performance was conducted by George Wrigley of Ashton Parish Church while Harold Burgess played the organ. Among the soloists was Norman Allin who came from Ashton and who would later have a distinguished career in both opera and oratorio. Biographical note |
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| December - Messiah 29 December: performance of Messiah by soloists, an augmented church choir conducted by George Wrigley with Harold Burgess on the organ. The soprano solos were taken by Master Walter Willerton a member of St Paul's Choir and the tenor, John Booth had appeared at the Quuen's Hall in Sir Henry Wood's Promanade Concerts. The audience was said to have numbered 1500. |
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| December - Messiah at Ashton Parish Church A perormance of Messiah given at Ashton Parish Church with a chorus of 100 made up of the choirs of the Parish Church, the Parish Church Sunday School and St Paul's Stalybridge. Harold Burgess played the organ and George Wrigley conducted |
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| 1913 | |
| March - Lack of curates Referring to the creation of a fund to support the training of new clergy, Canon Sherrif spoke of the difficulty of finding new curates. He thought the problem was that the men who in the past would have entered into the ministry now were reluctant because of the difficulty of being assured of finding a benefice. He observed that in many cases a man could not entertain these posts because he would have to have private means to take them up. |
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| June - Church Attendances Mr Sheriff wrote in the Magazine: "Before passing on, we would earnestly exhort every child of God to consecrate each Sabbath by beginning it with Him, and not leaving the "fag-ends" of the day for worship. It is God's day, when He requires our prescence in His House and at His Holy Table. We should be glad to see a better attendance too at the usual week-day services and on Saint's days. While the toilers are busy with their labours - doing the work God has given them to do - it is beautiful to think that there are others who join the clergy - the special pray-ers of the parish - in the great work of intercession for all our needs before the throne of grace. Are there are not many in the parish who have opportunity to do so?" |
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| June - Diocesan Quota June 1st was Diocesan Sunday with special sermons and offering in aid of Diocesan Funds. In the past "each parish sent up to Chester as its contribution to the larger life of the Church just such a sum as might be raised on the particular Sunday under the old system, now a definite amount is required to be raised either on that day or sometime during the year. This parish has been asked to contribute nearly £16. Members of the congregation will be glad to learn that this sum was nearly raised by the collections in church; the remainder has been made up by a very kind donor whom we thank. The coins given at the collection were of a higher denomination than usual, which fact shows that the congregation, in the morning at least, realised its responsibility and endeavoured to rise to the occasion." |
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| June - Crowning of the May Queen Friends of the Church of England Waifs and Strays Society, and all who are interested in children and their efforts, w ill be glad to know that the pretty little function of crowning the May Queen, as got up by the juvenile members of St Paul's branch, was quite a success in spite of the unfavourable climatic conditions. The procession, headed by the band of our Boy Scouts, a detachment of the troop forming a guard of honour for the May Queen, was quite imposing, and it was a great pity that it was prevented byu the weather from traversing the route originally intended, as doubtless many were waiting to see it, and also to help by their donations. The ceremony which should have been performed in the Vicarage garden had to take place in the schoolroom. The performance gave evidence of the great care and trouble that had been exercised in training the little artistes, every one of whom discharged their duties in a very pretty manner. A profit of a little over £7 was made, which goes to the funds of the branch for the support of a cot in the Southport Home. |
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| June - Whit Friday A strong contrast to the unpropitious weather experienced at the crowning of the May Queen was that enjoyed on Whit-Friday for the annual procession of Sunday School scholars. It could not have been more favourable, and the day's pleasure was greatly enhanced in consequence. St Paul's, as usual held their own so far as numbers is concerned, about 1000 taking part in the procession. The little girls in their white dresses and carrying their bouquets looked very sweet, and it must have been gratifying to the parents to watch them pass. Another pleasing feature, and one of which St Paul's has cause to be proud, was the number of young men who walked in the procession. |
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| December - Performance of "Messiah" George Wrigley of Ashton Parish Church was the conductor while Harold Burgess, St Paul's organist again played the organ. Among the soloists were Norman Allin (of Ashton) and Sam Hempsall both of whom had appeared the Queen's Hall in London. Sam Hempsall was known as the Yorkshire Tenor and made a number of recordings of popular songs. Recently Handel's' "Messiah ” was given at St Paul's Church, Stalybridge before a largecongregation, and commenting on the matter a writer in the current issue of the Parish Magazine writes pointedly as follows :—“ The crowds attracted from the surrounding districts, as well as from Stalvbrideel testify to the popularity of the imperishable work and also to the abilities of the performers. To say that all who came were more than satisfied would be only to express the truth. . . . If, however, tha measure of the gratification of those who had the pleasure of hearing the music be judged by their contributions, a different tale would have to be told. The collection at this service amounted to £14 8s. 10d., and the number of coins was no fewer than 1,200. Comment is superfluous.” Huddersfield Daily Examiner - Thursday 08 January 1914 |
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| 1914 | |
| July - Wrong grave There was a distressing occurrence at the funeral yesterday at St Paul's Church, Stalybridge of Miss Alice Garlick, aged 21 years, daughter of Mr. John Garlick, of Vaudrey-street, Stalybridge. After the service in church the mourners were proceeding to the graveside when it was discovered that the wrong grave had been opened. The mistake occurred in a singular way. The number of the grave on the old grave paper, which was dated 1910, had become partly erased, and this caused the gravedigger to open the wrong grave, though singularly enough this belonged to a family of the name of Garlick. As soon as the mistake was discovered the officials of the church rendered every assistance. |
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| 1915 | |
| April - Morbid Curiosity "There exists a strange custom in this part of the country in connection with funerals." writes the Vicar of St. Paul's, Stalybridge, in the parish magazine. "The clergy are constantly being asked to conduct services in private houses immediately before the coffin is closed and removed. No doubt the custom is of long standing, and on that account entitled some consideration. Nevertheless it is somewhat difficult to understand what purpose cab be served by such a service. Obviously it cannot benefit the deceased and the necessity and the advisability of it being held in the house is questionable. While discussing funerals one cannot but deprecate the morbid curiosity which moves many otherwise uninterested people to continually attend certain funerals. Were the motive in attending simply a show of respect for the departed and sympathy with the mourners, there could be no cause for complaint. Unfortunately the usual motive is merely thirst for the sensational." (Liverpool Echo) |
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| 1916 | |
| January - Military Funeral The interment took place this afternoon at St. Paul's, Stalybridge, with full military honours,of Private Thomas Smith, Royal Lancashire Fusiliers, of 7, Bridge-street, Stalybridge. The deceased soldier, who was 34 years of age, enlisted shortly after the outbreak of the war and went to the firing line in Flanders in the early part of July last. After a few weeks he was taken ill and was in hospital from September last to his death on New Year's Day. He died at the Bannock Hospital, Mill Bank, London. He leaves a widow and five children. (Manchester Evening News). |
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| April - PROFLIGACY AMONGST THE RICH Stalybridge Canon Defends Working Class. Speaking at St. Paul's (Stalybridge)Vestry meeting, this morning, on the coming national mission of repentance and hope. Canon Sheriff, the vicar, said he thought no one could deny that such a mission was needed. Materialism end indifference to religion which had obtained such a firm grasp on the people of our land, had not relaxed their grasp through this cruel war as it was hoped they would, and to his mind the class which had been most blamed in the past-the working class-was the least blameworthy. When one thought of the profligacy and extravagance amongst the richer members of our English people before the war, and when one thought of the indifference manifested by those richer members to the claims of public worship-and he ought also to say to the the claims of Christ's religion - one feels how true were the Master's words: 'How hardly shall they that have riches enter the Kingdom of God.' This mission was what it said it was. It was a mission of repentance and hope to try to rouse in those in whom the spirit was roused a deeper sense of repentance and a conviction of sin in the past |
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| 1920 | |
| 1923 | |
| November - Death of Canon Sheriff The death is announced, at the age of 69, of the Rev. T. H. Sheriff, M.A., vicar of St Paul's Stalybridge. Two years ago Canon Sheriff was obliged to undergo a serious operation, since when his health has gradually failed. He had been an honorary Canon of Chester Cathedral since1911, and was an outstanding personality in the Mottram Rural Deanery. |
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| 1924 | |
| January - Memorial to the Rev. E M Baker unveiled in North Transept. | |
February - Rev. B. B. Slater appointed Vicar of St Paul's
The Rev. B. B. Slater. M.A. Vicar of St. John's Church, Redhill announced at morning service on Sunday that he had been offered, and after due consideration, had accepted the living of St. Paul's, Stalybridge. The living is in the gift of four trustees, of whom the Lord Bishop of Chester is one and it was the warmth and unanimity of the invitation that led to its acceptance by the rev. gentleman. St. Paul's Church. Stalybridge has seating capacity for a congregation of 1,200, and the parish has a population of about 7,000 persons. Stalybridge is situated on the Tame in Cheshire, and is 8 miles distant from Stockport. It has a town hall, market hall, free library, mechanics' institute, and a public park with an area of over 60 acres, and mansion containing library and collections. There are cotton mills, iron foundries and machine and engine works in the borough. The population of St. Paul's is partly industrial and partly residential. The Rev. B. B. Slater is the younger son of the late Rev. B. B. Slater. M.A. (Cantab.), who was for 55 years Vicar of St. Bartholomew's. Sheffield. He was educated privately and at Trinity College, Cambridge, of which he was prizeman and theological exhibitioner. He took his degree in 1893 with 2nd class honours in the Theological Tripos, and was for six years curate of Rock Ferry, Cheshire, to which county he is now returning. In 1901 he became Vicar of All Saints. North Peckham and in January, 1913, he came to St. John's. Redhill to which living he was preferred by the then Bishop of Southwark. He married in 1907 Frances Mary, only daughter or Mr. Henry Hart. J.P., of Rotherham, Yorks. |
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