I am ordained to serve in Birmingham - 1890
At Worcester I slept in Canon Creighton's house (afterwards Bishop of London), He was away, but I had a latchkey. On the Sunday I had lunch at Dean Goth(?) and supper with Canon and Mrs Melville, most delightful people.
I was ordained in Worcester Cathedral by the Bishop of Worcester, Dr. Philpot on Sunday, March 2nd 1890. Ordained at the same time W. Welchman, later Archdeacon of Bristol, T.W. Longfield, T.S. Lawrence, W.C. Richardson. The ordination sermon was preached by T.G. Watton. On the following Sunday evening I preached my first sermon in St. Jude's Church, Birmingham from the text I Corinthians: I determined not to know anything among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified.
I have tried to make this the motto of my ministry and though conscious of many failures, I thank God that He has used me to be a blessing to many.
You can read about William's time at St Jude's, Birmingham, here.
I am writing this (Sept. 7, 1911) in the house in which I was born, and looking back over the years that are past I can only say that I am filled with wonder at the providential guidance of God through every step of life's journey, and to Him I give glory and praise.
Sept. 1918
I have just returned to Tunbridge Wells from a month's holiday in Somerset. I had the locum tenency at Chilcompton, and while there, cycled over the Mendip country, and to Frome, Bridgwater, Locking etc. The following lines are on "Somerset" (The Little Guide) Wade.
"Fair winds, free way, for youth the rover;
We all must share the curse of Cain;
But bring me back when youth is over
To the old crooked shire again.
Aye, bring me back in life's declining
To the one home that's home for me,
Where in the west the sunset shining
Goes down into the Severn sea."
The story is continued in the
Recollections of Evelyn, the daughter of his first Vicar, whom he married August 11th 1896. Evelyn begins her story on their wedding day.
Next chapter.