Extracts from the Banbury Section of the Malpas Deanery Magazine of March, 1900
1 Induction of the new Vicar of Bunbury: "The Rev. S.P. Townend (late Curate of King's Norton), who was instituted to the Living of St. Boniface, Bunbury, by the Bishop of Chester on January 15th at the Palace, Chester, was inducted to the Living on Thursday, January 25th, by Archdeacon Barber."
A number of local Clergy are reported as being present. The prayers were intoned by the Rev. E. Evans (Vicar of Little Budworth) and the Lesson was read by the Rural Dean, the Rev.Canon Boyds.
The Archdeacon inducted the new Vicar and "an address by the Archdeacon on the duty of the clergy to the people, and vice versa, followed".
"The new Vicar read himself in on the following Sunday."
2 New Vicar's Letter: "My Dear Friends, You will notice that this month I have rearranged the Services of the Church, and to add greater interest in the Magazine I have brought before you the names of all who so willingly help in the working of the Parish. May I again call attention to the need of more Sunday School Teachers. If there are any ladies who will give an hour or two on Sundays in teaching the Children and helping at the Sunday Afternoon Service I shall be deeply grateful if they will communicate with me. We could do well with one or two more helpers in circulating the Parish Magazine.
On the first Sunday in February the Confirmation Class was formed, and there was a good attendance in the Ridley Chapel. May I earnestly ask any members of the Church who have arrived at the years of discretion and have not yet received the Apostolic rite of Laying on of Hands to send their names to me at the Vicarage without delay. I sincerely hope and trust that none will offer themselves for this most solemn Service without first counting the cost and understanding what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. The instruction at the classes is open to all the parish and anyone wishing to be present is invited to come. Even the confirmed members may, by attending, have their Spiritual life deepened and strengthened, and also many who have ceased to be regular Communicants may, through these classes once again, by God's help and grace renew their vows and promises. In conclusion, let us one and all pray for our parish that in God's own good time all shall know Christ from the least to the greatest."
3 Band of Hope: "The members of Mrs. Aspinall's Band of Hope assembled in the Grammar School, at 3 p.m. on February 2nd, for the purpose of receiving Mrs. Aspinall's gifts of Almanacs and books. In addition to these gifts each child received an orange and a bun at the conclusion of a short address by the Vicar."
4 Sunday Schools: "The prizes gained by the children were generously provided by Mr. Brocklebank. We very much regret that no parents were present to hear Mr. Brocklebank's most excellent address. The prophets of old strove to impress upon the Jews the great necessity for earnestness in training the young (Deut. VI, 4‑7). Many of the Talmudic sayings show what importance was attached to school‑training: Jerusalem was destroyed because the instruction of the young was neglected'; 'Even for the rebuilding of the Temple the scholars mast not be interrupted'; 'Our chief care, 'said Josephus, 'is to educate our children well. ' "
5 Clergy visiting: "All sick persons and others wishing to be especially visited by the Clergy are requested to give notice to the Vicar or Verger."
6 The War Fund: "A lantern lecture on `The Boers, their Ways, Country, Neighbours, and War' has been given at Burland, Radmore Green, Bunbury and Alpraham. The lecture, which is entirely new and up to date, is from the pen of the Rev. G.H. Ridette, three years an Outlander. Mr. H Chetwode, Spurstow, was the reader, while the lantern views were manipulated by Mr. Henry Bettley, Haughton. To the latter much praise is due for his energy: he organises these entertainments and was entirely responsible for the same. Unfortunately, the weather on each occasion was of the worst possible nature, consequently the lectures were sparsely attended."
From the four lectures, a total of £3 15s 0d was sent to the War Fund.
John Elsworth - Churchwarden in 2000
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