Hopes to have Fr Boniface Mackinlay receive Bishop's approval and be sent to Fr Guy at Bungay. But, Fr President is going to Rome on 20th and will discuss the required "H. Sec" approval. Meantime can the Bishop provide approval from Fr Mackinlay as a suitable priest to assist Fr Guy in building a church etc etc at Beccles? If so he will go direct to the Bishop for his Missionary Faculties.
Downside AbbeyThanks the Bishop for the permission to appoint a priest to start a new mission at Beccles. Considers the priest should reside in Bungay and will make arrangements with Fr Guy there.
Downside AbbeySisters came 23 July 1903 and for 3 or 4 months had a Dominican or secular priest for all the services. Bishop Riddell then sent Fr Garnett, requesting them to provide £40 per year (plus collection money from the Convent Chapel). Masses were held at the priest's house and when the "little church was opened" services were held their instead. 18 months ago Fr Garnett wanted a rest on Saturdays and masses would be held instead at the Church on a Monday. The writer lists all that they do (including pay the stipend) - there are only 9 parish people. The Bishop is asked to establish a regular service to the Sisters for good order at the Convent.
The Dominican Sisters Convent, HunstantonFr Garnett has the funds for a Presbytery - a friend has promised £1,000. Compares his approach with the Cromer house and church. Expects to build: Dining room & study; WC next to larder; window near the porch; no back staircase; 5 bedrooms instead of seven. The presbytery would be given to the Diocese and Fr Garnett will be responsible for all funding and costs. This is a variation to the present scheme which will deliver Boys' Sacristy, Priest's Sacristy and Reception room next to the house. Must have a housekeeper's room - details what it would be used for, especially to give the housekeeper her own space.
If the Bishop could reply by return then Fr Garnett will catch the early Tuesday train to London to see the Architect.
Manuscript annotation on first page: "Agreed to + AR."
Requests a "line of recommendation" to the charity of the Faithful for himself and Fr Cox, the later will do most of the begging in Beccles. Requests permission to go begging for Beccles. Site (49 x 36 yards) in London Road, Beccles, purchased for £250. Requests faculties for Fr Cox and Canon Gunning. [A p.s.: "Poor old Gillett has completely broken down"]
Guy, Robert Ephrem Dom (-1899)Houses are difficult to come by and are expensive when available. Better to wait for land to become available and rent a house instead.
Crimmen, James (1840-1922)Despite a priest being zealous nothing can help support the growing congregation at Southwold better than an established priest. Requests the Bishop consider the services of Fr Mason for Southwold. A letter from the Bishop of 1 November 1895 required "£110 a year or £80 and a House" before placing a priest, but Mr Crimmen believes that the figures (of the collection) and the continued generosity of visitors demonstrate that this is now possible (over time).
Crimmen, James (1840-1922)