PARISHIONERS interested in the complete RESTORATION of the
PARISH CHURCH are respectfully requested to meet the VICAR and
WARDENS on FRIDAY next, at Twelve o'clock, in the Vestry, in
order to Nominate a Committee to see the above work properly
carried out.
J. C. BROWNE, D.C.L., VICAR.
W. WIGGINTON, } CHURCHWARDENS.
W. MILLWARD, }
Died, December 24th, 1858, Mr. Benjamin Dudley, Silk Mercer, High
Street. Mr. Dudley was descended from a very ancient Dudley family, and
he was very much esteemed for his honourable and strictly conscientious
principles. He was a most zealous supporter of the Church, and had not
a loving liking for the Romanists. Aged 78 years.
A very numerously attended public meeting was held on December 29th,
1858, under the presidency of Elliott Hollier, Esq., Mayor, to take
into consideration and determine as to the propriety of carrying into
effect, or of memorialising the Poor Law Board to rescind, an order
under their hand and seal of office, made and published by them, and
dated the 7th day of December, 1858, such order applying to and putting
in force forthwith within the said Parish the whole of a certain Act
(13th & 14th Victoria, chapter 57), entitled, "An Act to prevent the
holding of Vestry or other meetings in Churches, and for regulating the
appointment of Vestry Clerks," and under which order the annual salary
of the Vestry Clerk for the time being has been fixed at £120, payable
out of the Poor Rates. This meeting was very boisterous, severely
censuring the action of the Poor Law Board, but it was no use, as the
law had to take its unpalatable course.