Thanks for kind wishes on his election to Abbot of Downside. Visited Beccles some weeks ago and much impressed by this beautiful church. Some day it will be a strong centre of religious life in the district.
Ramsay, Henry Havelock Leander Abbot (1863-1929)Will look up the matter when in Aldeburgh next week. He recalls two cheques, £100 and £10. The second was dishonoured as the Sisters had closed their bank account when leaving Aldeburgh. The £100 was sent to the solicitor, Yorke, to pay for the first site for the church.
Tonks, Joseph Rev (1863-1943)Saw Mrs Chaderton Johnson in church - she will be comfortable at Mrs Kearns till her new house is ready (same road as Bunbury's).
Thought letter was about matrimonial case. But I know Rome is slow.
Manuscript annotation: "Answered. Rome had sent back 2 questions: 1. Is Such still alive 2. Has he been baptised. Referred them to my papers. Sent info as to 2; 1 I said yes - must await further answer. Oct 28/25"
Encloses suggested plan (sketch) for new church. Anxious to start to find money now. Suggests making use of existing walls & to add on 30ft which would include sanctuary, sacristy & vestry for servers. Architect's rough estimate is £2,300. If Bishop approves he will get more detailed specifications and plans.
Clare, Wallace George Rev FRSA, FIGRS (1895-1963)Fr Page had told him Bishop would want to know if Church had a damp course. Fr Clare says it has. He would think builder would not bother to put one in a Granary.
Bishop annotation: "Thanks. But have you never considered future use of Barn - Church as a club room? Feb 23/26".
£400 due at end of month. Has asked Mr Reade to send bill to Canon Tonks. Arrangements for payment may involve a post-dated cheque as Fr Davidson wishes to see this small builder paid early. [Bishop manuscript annotation: "Do with this (Canon Tonks) as you see fit, i.e. send cheque at once or wait till Davidson's return"]. Fr Davidson will try to raise more money in Spain with help of the Spanish lady here. Lost the Bishop's questions regarding Religious Instruction - but says there are 14[13?] in Aldeburgh and 12 in Leiston who attend Catechism; he does extra help for individual cases. [Bishop manuscript annotation: [?] another copy [?][?]full up!]. Parnell trouble: with the Bishop's support Fr Davidson will have the strength to deal with her (described as a bully and ultimately a coward) and be friendly but not discuss parish business. A Real hope for the Church by December.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAAccepts the Bishop's decision as God's Will. He cannot pay the cost of removal to another poverty stricken place having spent every penny in erecting the Church and dealing with the Convent. Can he have a loan (on easy terms) of at least £50? Has Bishop's word he will not be long at Thetford. Aldeburgh congregation are loyal and very good and will be distressed at his leaving - especially to Thetford.
Manuscript p.s. : "I have just received your second letter - I will do whatever you wish. You know my feelings."
Apologises for being spiritually misbehaving with discontent and goes on to say ".. I am determined to act as though I was remaining here forever and leave the future in the hands of obedience." Mrs Battams will be writing to request a loan for the Leiston Church Building Fund and is likely to lodge securities for it. Fr Davidson says he will work hard to pay the debt off as rapidly as he did for the Aldeburgh loan.
Manuscript annotation: " Sorry. No money to lend or grant! Mch 25/25."
The Bishop approves of the interior design for the church? Architect, Builder and committee all approve. Cost less than £50, and is a step towards the final design. Canon Marshall says the Bishop enjoyed his stay - all depends on the weather and we were fortunate.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAFr Davidson knows Mrs Simpson and will wait for her to raise the matter. Keen to see Aldeburgh finished and Leiston built. Asks for permission to hold all services on Sunday 27th in the Convent as alterations will start after Easter and continue for a week.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BASketch of door which would make a big difference - remove the need to get into the garden or church by the kitchen. Details enclosed [not present] of a plot in Leiston. Mr Crush's report [not present] on damp in the Tower exonerate builder and architect. £200 from the sale of land would help Fr Davidson to recover a little and concentrate on one debt to the Diocese.
Manuscript annotation: "Send letter of Encouragement. Leave [?] to put in the door. Get Young, architect, to go on with Tower work as soon as possible before hard frosts come."
Asks for return of collections list for parish. Ready to start Leiston building, having sent the bishop Mr Alan Reid's sketch, which can be put up for £1000. Requests permission to borrow the money. Wants to keep the Army hut for entertainments, whist drives, letting, etc.
Davidson, Charles Madgwick Rev DD BAFr 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."
A long letter with much to demonstrate his unhappiness with the Bishop’s comments. If such comments had come after his suggested head-to-head then he’d be a broken man. All his work and efforts in Hunstanton are not appreciated. Despite everything the care of the Church has not suffered; he is appreciated by his congregation (and non-Catholics); the £100 cheque on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee is evidence of that. Many have said that he should write (or let them write) to the Bishop for a release from a position to difficult for him. The death of Provost Stokes have made it more necessary – and then he is offered North Walsham. “You are suggesting I should go from the frying pan into the fire!” At his age and in his health he could not found a new mission.
manuscript annotation: "Appointed him to Sudbury. Exchange with Heptonstall before end of July. July 17/28."
The mass for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth Brown has been said. Visitors are coming - the church is so tiny, where will they hear mass? Wish for a rich man to help build a beautiful church like the one in Wells!
Heptonstall, Donald V Rev (-1954)21 July celebrating Silver Jubilee of the opening of the Church - Canon Garnett (1st priest) will sing the Mass and preach in the evening. A gathering of clergy and lay people for lunch. Garden fete on 7th August - his cousin Princess Genaro de Bourbon and her husband will be there. The Sisters are doing very well - 10 pupils and 7 adults (as "P.G.s" - paying guests). Another rates demand - will investigate. Understand that Sudbury is down to 1 mass, "owing to Doctor's Orders" - a great pity, if true.
Heptonstall, Donald V Rev (-1954)Fr Filmer wishes to take the sermon at the end of Mass. Propose to bless the new church on Monday [St Neots Church]. Have a tabernacle to reserve the Blessed Sacrament. Four canons plus a number of other clergy have promised to be present - hope the weather improves before Wednesday.
Malone, John F Rev (-1970)Fr Malone has seen the doctor - opinion that a change was advisable but not essential. Fr Malone lists reasons why it would be difficult for a supply to take over. Also he considers that he could be seen as "crocking every few months" and at the Bishop's expense. Will take a few days off. Happy to go wherever the Bishop decides to send him - or to stay where he is. Encloses [not present] cuttings and photographs of the church opening.
Malone, John F Rev (-1970)Requests dispensation for a mixed marriage - discovered arrangements at a Registry Office - the man is good working material, the girl (a few years out of our school) is less good. Church work progressing well - will be a very nice church.
manuscript annotation: "Sent dispensation. Congrats on St Neots Chapel Dec. 26/30".
Presents the Vestment Chest account for St Neots which is due for payment in 7 days. Asks for a date for the opening ceremony, sometime after Easter. Mission passed off well, although the Dominicans did not send their best man but still charged the rate for large parishes. Unemployment is growing in the town. Chivers Ltd. have taken over Windovers old premises to process canning peas, etc for three months of the year. The Edison Bell Co. have laid off people and word is that the company is collapsing.
manuscript annotation: "Sent cheque £8-18-6 Mch 11/31"