Has not heard from the Bishop after a fortnight and concludes that no-one is willing to take his place at Aldeburgh. Despite having announced his departure he will stay put and say no more about it.
Manuscript annotation: "[indecipherable] exchange with you. [indecipherable] to him till you have written to me. Nov 4/29"
Aldeburgh
349 Archive Record results for Aldeburgh
Encloses reception forms for two people under instruction for last six months.
Abbot Egan and others speak highly of the Oblates of St Benedict who could take on a house, Eaton Lodge, for a school. It has enough rooms, grounds and a separate street entrance. Two nuns visited and are pleased with the house. Fr Davidson can guarantee their rent for three years, He has asked them to write to the Bishop. Asks the Bishop to approve of the foundation which could be in place by the time the church opens.
Manuscript PS: "It is a fact that a man from Yorkshire is coming to see the house next week and is not the usual estate agent stunt."
Manuscript annotation: "Answered. Written to Bishop Brown and Abbot Egan. Let me have any other letters you may have about them. Feb. 2/25."
Possible pressure to be brought on the (wealthy) Chatham nuns to buy the property in Strood. Cannot guarantee attendance numbers but the Ursulines (still missed by people here) drew on Saxmundham, Leiston, Thorpe and Orford - so there could be between 20 and 50.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAParishioner [unnamed] "is going off her head". Asks leave to carry on in Presbytery if she locks up the chapel (to keep out the nuns from Northampton). If her cash goes elsewhere then it really does not matter. Other parishioners will be pleased to return the presbytery. The Baptist minister's daughter said she wished to become a Catholic.
Manuscript annotation "Answered".
Asks to go on Retreat. Might as well if he is awaiting the Bishop. p.s. "I have announced to my people that I am moving."
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAPersuaded a friend in London to lend £250 at 5%, Abbot Egan to guarantee the interest. Mr Fookes [sic] a hard and immovable man. The current tenant at Eton House, Mrs Galsworthy has offered the first quarter's rent for the sisters to set up school; eager to see the nuns here because she wants to send her daughter to the school. Invites the Bishop for a Confirmation in August. Requested faculties for Fr Hogan SJ (at St Edmunds) who is visiting for 10 days. Asks for approval to attend a retreat at Parkminster.
Manuscript annotation: "Yes to all. May 11/25."
Fr Davidson prefers to stay in Aldeburgh and see the Church finished - never willingly go to Thetford. Bishops letter helpful in clarifying his mind on this. Invites Bishop to stay and enjoy the sea air.
Manuscript annotation: "Answered. Fear it is definitely marching orders, in 3 weeks' time. All vineyards of the Lord, big or small, as the Lord's, where souls are to be saved. You will not be long at Thetford, for I desire for you far bigger things."
Fr Davidson thinks things will be easier for his successor since he is the target of individuals making scandal & maligning him. And their cheating. Encloses an inventory. Corrects the Bishop's view of his income - only small. He had thought Thetford was an offer but after a further year in Aldeburgh he would certainly have gone there. Happy with any place, except four, and will go wherever the Bishop sends him.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAConvenient date for Fr Davidson is 3rd Sunday of Lent March 23rd. March is treacherous here - hope we can keep you warm.
He has no responsibility for other loans.
Manuscript annotation: "Arranged 3rd Sun in Lent."
Suggest Aldeburgh visitation at 6.30pm before Confirmation as it's a bit of a strain to get to Leiston and back in time to do it all again at 11 in Aldeburgh.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAOption to visit Leiston for 9.30 mass and brief visitation. Breakfast at the Smith's; leave for Confirmation and Visitation at 8 at Aldeburgh. High Mass on Tuesday at which Fr Mason will preach.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAMrs Simpson's illness (thickening of cardiac arteries) means she needs medication after 12. Asks for a dispensation for her. ("Incidentally she is leaving all her property to the church"). Asking for permission to raise £1500 against the presbytery to finish the church.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BASends 10/- for the Simpson dispensation. Asks for leave to borrow £500 against the security of the house next door (worth £1500) to build a permanent sacristy and undertake certain interior decoration. This scheme is small and unpretentious; another matter to finish the Church.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAMr & Mrs Hutchinson are the right sort of people. The house will want painting on the outside - but not an expensive job. Asks for a Diocesan loan of £30 to cover the bills already forwarded. The Tower has been such a source of expense - most of which he has tackled.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAUncertain about what to do about the house [Crockerhill?]. Not allowed to go in, nor knows the position on letting it. Will try to get £80 rent. Fr Davidson is aware Mrs Simpson has written to the Bishop but has had nothing to do with it. It will be an asset to the parish. He does not know the state of the place which has been vacant for a year.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAVery grateful for the loan of £30. A great help and encouragement.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BA£400 due at end of month; has asked Mr Reade to send bill to Canon Tonks. Did the Canon like Bedford?
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAUndated.
Thanks for cheque - the increase is very acceptable. In a year's time the parish will be in a very different financial position, but assistance now is cheering.
Mrs Hutchinson decided not to rent Crockerhill. Rev Mother has provided an estimate for using it as a Catholic Hostel. She would be low risk. Fr Davidson might try that himself for French or other foreign students.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAHe will send on Dr Somers' receipt. He did not employ Mr Reade; he acted for the buyer.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BA