regulated management. Annual statements were made, and circulated
amongst the members, the greatest number of whom is reported in 1855,
exactly thirty years from its formation, the number being 363 while its
highest amount of capital is reported in 1863, £4,964, and from that time
the fund was each successive year reported to be less, and in 1868, five
years later, was £4,288, £676 having been expended over its income, which
told very plainly the society was not in a solvent condition. On the
11th day of June, 1850, several plots of building ground were offered for
sale by auction, Messrs. Norton and Reeve were vendor’s solicitors, I
bought two of those plots for the sum of £58, thinking perhaps I might
erect a dwelling thereon, as I had hitherto been glad to hire a cottage
for my use, but even in that matter I had been very fairly accommodated.
I now took an apprentice, John Crowther, that he might learn to make
boots, he was rather a sharp lad, and we got on together very fairly.
Early in 1851, another new rector, Mr. Hunter Francis Fell, came to our
parish, with four daughters, who very laudably acted as curates in taking
the oversight of the parish, and carrying on the infants’ and adults’
schools with commendable and praiseworthy efforts.
I was now busily engaged in preparing to build two cottages and a
workshop, having taken in 10,000 bricks the previous autumn that they
might be ready for spring work. Mr. Saml. Neslen, of Lowestoft, was my
carpenter, and Mr. Thomas Swatman, Sen., my bricklayer, we went in for
building in good earnest, as something must be accomplished in the way of
building by the roadside near Mutford Bridge. My wife’s youngest sister
was appointed to attend the school as governess, but it was soon found
her nerves were not sufficiently strong, her rest was broken, which
threatened to undermine her health, my wife was invited to attend for a
time, and see how her sister went on, she did not become at all strong,
and consequently my wife was permanently engaged as mistress of the
school, and I was engaged in superintending the building of cottages
destined to become our future residence. This year was noted for the
great exhibition in Hyde Park, the world’s fair. I had several
invitations to go to witness that large gathering, but my time and money
was required in other directions, thinking that building might be the
only one that I should have an opportunity of ever again being engaged in
on my own account. The new rector soon felt at home in the parish, ready
to speak a healing word and perform a kind act, when he heard the voice
of sorrow from without, for he knew that “the sorry of the world worketh
death.” He was desirous that his flock should “abound in every thing in
faith, utterance, knowledge, and in all diligence, and also in love.”
During the summer my cottages and shop were completed, I gave up my
former cottage and came to reside in one of them, which was light, and
bright, and airy, and I thought it a great mark of Divine favour that
this marvellous piece of work had been accomplished. Now again more than
ever the boot trade engrossed my attention: I worked on, the trade did
not fail, it was said that machines were being invented which would do
the work quick, and hand work would be at a discount. I was not troubled
at this. I felt that my Heavenly Father had opened the way for me, and
that the same kindness and favour would be continued; my duly was clear
to be “diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” There
was enough work to employ me a whole year or more: gardens to be
arranged, fences to be removed, ground to be levelled and planted, walls
and outbuildings to be constructed, and altogether such a metamorphosis
as fixed me and others in wonderment as to how it all had been brought
about. After having done as much as was necessary to the new places for
a time, and as there was no time for idleness, heads and hands must work
in earnest, while the eyesight is good.
Another lad now came to me to be instructed, John Mays: he suffered from
lameness in his hip, but his hands and eyes were free, and with those two
lads and a journeyman, we got through a good quantity of work.
Mr. Fell visited me and approved of my building and arrangements, he said
it was a very pleasant and open healthy neighbourhood, hoping it would be
appreciated by its owners, and good and lasting health enjoyed by its
attendants and tenants.
In 1837, I, with George Nobbs, were appointed constables of the parish:
the duties were to preserve order, to go to the public houses if sent
for, and to attend upon the coroner and summon the jurors in case of
inquests.
There were four inquests during my two years of service. The first was
at the “Boar Inn,” Oulton, on the 25th of May, 1857, before J. K.
Sparrowe, Esq., coroner, on the body of Robt. Baldry, who was killed by
the wheel of a tumbril passing over his head. The second was taken at
the “House of Industry,” on the 9th day of October, 1857, before B. L.
Gross, Esq., deputy-coroner, on the body of William Jinkerson, aged 47
years, who fell down and expired. The third was taken at the “Wherry
Inn,” on the 14th day of November, 1857, before J. E. Sparrowe, Esq., on
the body of George Wade, who was drowned accidently during the thick
darkness of November 10th. The fourth was taken at the house of Mr.
Thomas Roe Woods, on the 20th day of April, 1858, before J. E. Sparrowe,
Esq., on the body of William Mace, who was killed by the horn of a
bullock, which pierced the front of his head, on the premises of Mr.
Woods.
This year, 1858, the East Suffolk Railway was forwarded in good earnest,
the piles driven in the water to support the bridge were all driven by
the 31st of August, ready to bear its burden. The bridge being done the
first load of earth passed over November 26th, the first engine passed
over on the 17th of December, first train of carriages passed over on the
25th of February, 1859, and was afterwards opened for public traffic as a
railway, on the 1st of June.
During this year Mr. Barnard built the chapel at the corner in Carlton
Colville, and it was opened on the 6th day of September for Divine
worship, the preachers were Mr. Alfred Bourne, in the afternoon, and Mr.
John Alexander, in the evening, who choose for his text on that occasion
_Matthew_ vii, 7, 8, in which the venerable man exhorted his hearers,
that having obtained this house of prayer, there were still other
blessings they needed that they might grow in grace and in the knowledge
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He also enlarged on the privileges
brought by the gospel, a great festival—“Redemption by the blood of
Christ.” This is the one grand blessing which comprehends all other
blessings. The table is always spread, the company are always welcome,
the season is always pleasant, and the joy is always new, we were to pray
for a spiritual appetite that we might enjoy this feast, be fed
continually with the bread of life, and drink of the wine of heavenly
consolation, no longer to entertain an appetite for the vanities of the
world, but that with the Psalmist have the Lord for our Shepherd, leading
us by green pastures and still waters, that we may rise to sit at that
table, which is for ever spread in heaven.
The new chapel services were appreciated, a goodly number attended each
Sabbath from the Oulton side of the bridge, as also in the Carlton
district, where the chapel was erected, the churches, in those respective
parishes being a long distance from thence. The residents of the
locality having taken counsel together resolved to present a testimonial
to Mr. Barnard, for the great kindness he had conferred, and on Wednesday
evening, the 4th January, 1860, a large assembly, including several
friends from Lowestoft, met at the chapel, and presented that gentleman
with “Dr. Kittos Commentory on the Bible,” together with a handsome table
lamp, hoping that himself and Mrs. Barnard might be spared many years to
investigate its sacred truths, which some of us, who were present on that
interesting occasion, feel assured has been realised, for although more
than twenty years have rolled away, and some who worshipped with us in
that place are gone to their rest, yet the founder and Mrs. B. survives,
and the chapel services are being continued, and we hope also by many
enjoyed, knowing the Great Master’s service is perfect freedom.
May 28th was the severest gale in this season ever remembered: Four
mackerel boats were missing from Lowestoft with all their crews, and also
two cutters (carriers). As the 18th of June arrived, all hope was
abandoned. Six from our town, boats and cutters, and eleven from
Yarmouth and Gorleston, with a loss of about 200 hands! Nine of them
belonged to the parish of Oulton. The evening of the 21st October, was
very remarkable for changes. In the short space of two hours we had
thunder, lightning, rain, hail, snow, wind, and frost, accomplished by an
Almighty power. An aged and sincere friend, who had preached to us many
times in Mr. Barnard’s chapel, whom we called “Captain Ducker,” was
called to his rest January 20th, 1861, aged 70 years. His last service
with us was on the evening of Sunday, December 23rd of the preceding
year. And it might be truly said of him, as was recorded of
Barnabas:—“He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith,”
rejoicing to see believers added to the Lord, and walking in fellowship,
as children of a King.
Another solemn event took place in our parish. Mr. Fell, rector of
Oulton, died at Worldham, Hants, on Sunday, November 10, aged 71 years,
having held the living from 1851. Here, then, we see merciful men taken
away; and, when rightly considered, they are taken from the evil to come.
My wife had conducted the school through the late rector’s incumbency,
and is still going on with the same. The Prince Consort died on the 14th
of December, and was buried on the 23rd of the same month. Thus:
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform.
“His ways are past finding out.” “Lord, make me to know the measure of
my days, that I may know how frail I am,” and, further, that I may be
prepared for that great and solemn change, which I feel sure must soon
arrive.
In January, 1862, Mr. Charles Snell was presented to the living at
Oulton, vacant by the death of Mr. Fell. He comes into residence, and
finds out the relative position of his parishioners, the domestic
comforts of some, and the troubles and mishaps, and cares and sorrows of
others, all needing a word of counsel, as also a word of consolation, and
thus they are supported amidst the trials and conflicts of this mortal
life, which are almost continually pressing upon them. Here, then, the
good man is inducted into the living.
He asks the aid of heavenly power,
To guard him in the evil hour.
And resolves to warn and teach, according to the standard of divine
truth, and resolved to exemplify the bearing of a Christian minister, by
the grace of God. To show unequivocally and impressively that “all have
sinned and come short of the glory of God,” and then comes free
justification by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus. He takes his safe stand upon this doctrine, and affirms that it
is “God who hath set forth Jesus Christ to be a propitiation, through
faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of
sins, that are past through the forbearance of God.” And should he be
asked, “Is the blood of Christ sufficient to atone for the whole world?”
he replies, “Quite so; but only _efficient_ to save those who being
justified by faith, enjoy also peace with God, through our Lord Jesus
Christ.” And, as the apostle Paul asserts, in his fifth chapter of
Romans:—“By whom we have now received the atonement.” Truly, this is the
comfort wherewith we desire to be always comforted.
Mr. Dovey, the Baptist minister at Lowestoft, preached his first sermon
in that town in December, 1844, and continued his ministrations for
seventeen years. His last sermon, as pastor was delivered February 23rd,
1862. Mr. Aldis, his successor, came to Lowestoft in the same year. Mr.
G. S. Crisp died on the 30th May, 1863, at the age of 79 years. This
good man was for many years a preacher of the gospel at the
Congregational Chapel, at Lowestoft, and for many years came and preached
the word of life at Carlton Colville, and was so engaged at the time the
new chapel was built, although soon afterwards called to put off the clay
tabernacle, and enter into his rest, of which he had long been seeking
and preaching in days that were past. Here, then, the gospel has been
preached; sinners have been warned and invited; Jesus Christ hath been
set forth as a willing Saviour. But, alas! There are so many who think
the gospel is so far beneath their attention they cannot understand how
it pleases God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that
believe. They refuse to believe that the gospel is of God, and that they
are bound to receive it, and must not cavil or raise objections. It is
for the acceptance of all who possess any views worth having, and those
who still continue to neglect this great salvation will in the end find
that it will grind them to powder. Such was the sad experience of that
infatuated and misguided wretch who on the 14th April of this year fell
by the hand of the executioner, at Ipswich, for the murder of Ebenezer
Tye, at Halesworth.
Having now commenced the fifth year of the chapel services at Carlton, it
is suggested that a testimonial be presented to Mr. Hinde, expressive of
the appreciation of the attendance as to the spiritual services supplied
by that gentleman, and ably conducted by him in that House of Prayer. On
the evening of Friday, the 15th of January, 1866, a handsome writing
cabinet was presented to Mr. Hinde, at the chapel, a large gathering
having met on that interesting occasion. I do not exactly remember if
the number of services were announced that Mr. Hinde had conducted, but
it shall be recorded here with gladness:—During the first year 31
services; second year 51; third year, 46; fourth, 56; and to January
15th, 17; then to the end of the fifth year, 39, making again 56; and
these numbers are all exclusive of week evening services, and afterwards
they were successfully continued, and we believe are so still. But
before I quite take leave of my Carlton friends, I am reminded that there
was another earnest and devoted servant of God, a veteran in the Master’s
service, and who usually shared each service with his friend, Captain
Ducker—I allude now to Mr. Delf, of Lowestoft, who is also gone to his
rest. Their last united service was on the evening of November 4th,
1860. We admired the vigilance of the two good and faithful evangelists,
who desired to be found instant in season—yea! and out of season!—so that
they might finish their course with joy, and serving their generation, by
the will of God, entered into rest.
There is just one other incident I cannot pass over in connection with
Carlton Chapel. The friends, organised a series of special services,
called “Revival Meetings,” in which the writer took part. They were
seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The first was held
on the evening of March 18th, 1861; the second, March 20th; the third,
March 25th; the fourth, March 26th; the fifth, April 3rd: the sixth,
April 12th; the seventh, April 17th; the eighth, April 24th, and the last
of those services was performed on the evening of the 1st May—happy
sacred seasons, and were by some long remembered, and thanking the
friends who came to Carlton, I will now take my leave.
Again, as I remember to have taken leave of the Vicar of Lowestoft—Mr.
Cunningham—who always took a lively interest in the Pakefield Friendly
Society, of which I was still agent, under Mr. Henry Seppings, as
secretary, having served under two secretaries previously, who had been
removed from the office. There were generally those present at our
meetings who were pleased to witness the good man’s smiles, and to hear a
few courteous words in furtherance of the well being of the society,
which were always well received. I will here insert the inscription on
his tomb:
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
FRANCIS CUNNINGHAM,
42 Years Rector of Pakefield, and from 1830 till within a few
months of his death, Vicar of Lowestoft,
Born July 27th, 1785; Died August 8th, 1863,
Aged 78 Years.
I will now close my observations for the present year, by stating the
harvest home festival was celebrated on the 3rd of September.
“The way of the Lord is in the sea, His paths are in great waters, and
His footsteps are not known.” “He bloweth with His wind, and the waters
flow.” We have recently witnessed some terrific gales—November, 1864.
Six steamboats have put into Lowestoft harbour with a great number of
dead cattle on board. The judgments of the Lord are a great deep, who
can understand? Many scenes of affliction, disappointment, sorrow, and
death beset our path. Martha Bone, of Ryburgh, Norfolk—my wife’s eldest
sister—suddenly called away by death, reminding us again to prepare with
all earnestness, for “Behold! the Judge standeth at the door.” May the
Lord, in His mercy, give us grace to be so prepared.
I have now before me a charge to a Dissenting minister jotted down:
1.—Preach Christ crucified, and dwell chiefly on the blessings
resulting from His righteousness, atonement, and intercession.
2.—Avoid all needless controversies in the pulpit, except it be when
your subject necessarily requires it, or when the truths of God are
likely to suffer by your silence.
3.—When you ascend the pulpit, leave your learning behind you, if you
wish to preach more to the hearts of your people than to their heads.
4.—Do not affect too much oratory. Seek rather to profit than to be
admired—a timely, wholesome, affectionate, and salutary charge.
The Sabbath Schools Union festival was celebrated on Mr. Crabbbe’s lawn,
on Tuesday, August 16th, 1864. The harvest was begun about a week
before.
After a lapse of nearly four years, Mr. Samuel Abbott, of Lowestoft, is
again invited to take part in the good work at Carlton Chapel.
The foundation-stone of the new chapel at Mutford Bridge was publicly
laid on the 30th day of May, 1865, by Mr. Chew, of Norwich. There was at
the time a strong cold wind, blowing from the west, yet a good number of
friends were present on the occasion. On the 28th June died Martha, the
wife of John Bullard. During the latter years of her life, she walked in
the ways of the Lord. Her conversion was considered to be brought about
by the revival and other religious services at Carlton Chapel.
The Oulton Chapel (Mutford Bridge) was opened for public worship on
Tuesday, the 12th of September. Mr. Miller preached in the afternoon;
then afterwards a public tea in the chapel was held, and addresses given
in the evening. The services at this house of prayer are still
continued, and many have found them “times of refreshing from the
presence of the Lord.”
An inquest was held at the “Wherry” Inn, on the 25th August, before F. B.
Marriott, Esq., on the body of William Codling, aged 16 years, who was
drowned by the upsetting of a boat in Oulton Dyke, on Tuesday, August
22nd, 1865. Here are again some of the joys and sorrows that beset and
bestrew our pathway. A company of young lads think themselves competent
to manage a sailing boat, but coming home at night the boat upset, its
occupants were immersed in the water, and one of the party drowned.
Among the events noted down of this year, 1866, the death of Ann Challis,
my wife’s youngest sister took place. She had been afflicted for several
years, and died on the evening of the 22nd January. On the same evening,
Charles Cutler was accidently drowned in Oulton Broad, he having kept the
beer-house at Carlton, near Mr. Bullard’s shop several years. Their
bodies were buried on Sunday, January 28th—my sister in law, at Oulton,
and Mr. Cutler at Carlton Colville, and on the 31st of December of the
same year, died Elizabeth, his wife, so that in their deaths they were
not long divided.
Mr. John Burton, of Lowestoft, fell down his stairs on the night of
Sunday, August 19th, and was so fearfully injured that he died within ten
hours afterwards.
Dangers stand thick through all our paths,
To push us to the tomb.
The harvest of this year was generally begun on the 13th of August, and
it was rather showery during the remainder of the month, yet we had some
bright days, so that the wheat was secured in good condition, but it was
very wet during the month of September. Wednesday, the 5th, was the only
day in that week suitable for barley carting, and then it rained at six
o’clock in the evening. Thursday, 13th, was the next fine day; men were
employed in lifting and preparing the corn for carting, only to be
followed by a heavy rain next morning, so that the only day in that week
for carting was Saturday, and then it again rained by six o’clock in the
evening. Patience and prayers are needed.
The harvest-home festival was unusually late, owing to the unfavourable
state of the weather. The corn could not be carried before Thursday,
September 27th, yet there is still great cause for thanks that the corn
is secured, that provision is made for our returning winter, and that our
Heavenly Father is good and merciful still, although we are so prone to
murmur.
January, 1867, arrives with its abundance of frost and immense blocks of
drifting snow. Two or three of my old neighbours are removed by death in
quick succession—Archer Beales, the elder, on January 5th, aged 74; the
wife of Robert Newbury was called home, January 12th; and John Cox, my
wife’s father, died on the 19th January, aged 76 years, and buried on
Sunday, 27th, having lived a widower 19 years and 11 months. Thus Death
is commissioned to remove us, from the Prince Consort, in the palace, to
the peasant in his humble cot. At this time, also, is stricken down my
old neighbour and friend, George Mobbs, a man of strict integrity, who
served with me in the office of parish constable, having removed to
Mutford, and, after having lived there five months, died, and was brought
to Oulton, and buried on Sunday, the 10th March. Then, again, at
Lowestoft, Sergeant Hargraves, drill-instructor, is walking out on Sunday
evening, the 5th May, when he was suddenly taken ill and died, at the age
of 41 years, calling to us, who are survivors of these painful events,
that the ways of Jehovah are far above our finite and limited conception.
A sad event occurred in the spring of this year by the upsetting of a
boat on Oulton Broad. On Good Friday, April 10th, 1868, a party of three
young men engaged a boat, that they might amuse themselves upon the
water. The wind on that day became strong, and, themselves unskilful in
managing it, very soon overturned, and all were immersed in the water,
two of them—James Ellis Fisk and John Knights—both aged 18, were drowned.
It was a sad spectacle the jury were called to view, as they were laid
side by side, prepared for burial. Their life had vanished as a dream,
when one awaketh.
My two new cottages were built this year; they were begun on Thursday,
the 5th March, and in due time were completed. This was a remarkably hot
and dry summer, as by a note to hand:
There has been a very long drought, June passing almost without rain.
A little fell on the 2nd., and now we are arrived at the 17th of
July, and on this day it has pleased God, in His mercy, to command
the rain to descend in abundance, with a sharp tempest, the two
previous days having been very hot.
The harvest was generally begun on the 24th of July, and at Mr. Barnard’s
farm, at Carlton, the whole of the corn was gathered in by the 30th of
that month, and the harvest-home festival celebrated at Oulton, on the
20th August.