Diaries kept by one or possibly two clerics, perhaps a father and son in different denominations, between 1897 and 1936.
3 volumes (16cm x 14cm) two half red roan and one black, over green watered silk with gilt lettering to the front boards of 2 volumes; marbled edges, 2 volumes in very good condition, the third missing its backstrip and with its front board detached.
Handwritten Vicar’s or Minister’s notes in a mixture of black and red inks and at least two hands; circa 700 manuscript pages. A collection of several different compilations relating to the running of various chapels and churches, with notes on the content of sermons and where delivered.
Vol 1 (1899): Sermon Diary, backdated to 1897 and completed to 1931, recording the subject of each, for morning, afternoon and evening; the sermons being given at numerous locations, including in several parts of London, St. Nicholas, Hereford, and Shimplingthorne, Norfolk. At the rear, a continuous sermon list begins, relating to Shimplingthorne, Norfolk, dated 1921-25.
Vol 2 (damaged spine): Lists of candidates, members and deaths; and donations received and given (such as to the Christmas Poor Fund) (1900-1914), relating (seemingly) to Baptist chapels in Blackburn, Lancashire. Followed by a continuation of the Shimplingthorne, Norfolk, sermon lists from 1925 to 1932 and a single entry for St. Osyth, Clacton in 1936.
Vol 3: Collected subjects of interest and quotations - in appearance a Cleric’s equivalent of a Gentleman’s Commonplace Book - gathered, perhaps, as material for use in sermons, many dated 1907/8, and some later to 1921. At the rear, lists of religious illustrations that have engaged the writer’s attention. pp224
