Donaghmore Church of Ireland Parish Vestry Books

The two oldest books containing the vestry minutes of Donaghmore Parish are kept in the church safe with the parochial records. The earlier minutes of the vestries are interesting reading, especially to modern vestrymen, and to those who are now responsible for the repair of our roads and the maintenance of the poor, as showing the functions of these bodies in former times, and as containing the names of those who in bygone days managed the affairs of the parish, both civilly and (largely) ecclesiastically. Vestries formerly levied the church cess and parish rate, and had charge of the roads and the poor. In the oldest vestry book of Donaghmore parish the vestrymen present appointed their names to the minutes, which were read before the meeting adjourned, after the custom of the time, and although parishioners, they were evidently not all churchmen, nor was it necessary that they should be such. Vestries have a Common Law origin, but were subsequently recognised by Act of Parliament. The tendency of Statute Law has always been to curtail the civil functions of vestries and vest them in authorities other than ecclesiastical.

A vestry was originally a public meeting of all the rated inhabitants of the parish, and having generally met in the vestry, where the clergyman kept his vestments, the gathering came to be called a ‘vestry’.

Owing to the brief space at our disposal a limited number of short extracts from the vestry records must suffice, while only subjects of special interest will be inserted in the notes. The spelling in extracts and of surnames, is that given in the vestry books.

The first page of the earliest vestry book is missing; but it evidently contained the minutes of a meeting held at Easter, 1771-the names of those present being given on the second page-viz. Thos. Sacheverell (Vicar), James Johnston (son of Rev. James Johnston, the first Presbyterian minister of Donaghmore), Thos. Marshall, John Marshall, Joseph Marshall, Johnm Marshall, Hugh Marshall, and three others whose names are effaced. The cess applotters were Archibald Lowry and Thomas Marshall. The Marshalls formerly composed a numerous clan in Donaghmore-the two principal families residing at Buskhill and Annaghbane (later than Tullymurry).

The Buskhill family is still represented by the Misses Marshall (Buskhill), and George Marshall (Fourtowns). Dr. Hugh Marshall of Annaghbane was the father of John Marshall of Tullymurry House-who had issue, viz. Hugh, John, Joseph, Margaret, Anna, Elizabeth, Mary, and Robert (the only survivor and not resident in the parish). Dr. Hugh had two daughters, one of whom (Mary) married George Scott and the other (Anna) Dr. Morrison-both of Newry. A daughter (Anna) of Dr. Morrison married the Rev. F.J. Lucas, D.D., Rector of Mountmellick, and another (Marion) Dr. Hayes, A.M.S. Mrs. Lucas (died February 17, 1908) bequeathed to the Representative Church Body the sum of 50 pounds-the interest thereon to be applied towards the upkeep of the family tomb in the churchyard.

Towards the repair of roads, the vestry, October 2, 1771, agreed that ‘one penny an acre be applotted and levied off the inhabitants’ of the parish. Among the collectors appointed were: Alexander Harper, David McComb and Henry Mathers. Directors: Charles Ennis (Innes) (‘on that part of the Parish called Glenn’), James Cochran and John Weir, Applotters: Thomas Marshall and Henry…….. Amongst those who signed the minutes were Thos. Sacheverell (Vicar), William Mathers (churchwarden), and Richard Harcourt.

The Harcourts were among the oldest residents of the parish. Three of the family came to Ireland (from England) in 1688, and took part in the Siege of Derry and the Battle of the Boyne-one of these being Richard, who subsequently settled in Donaghmore-and whose son, Richard, was the member of vestry in 1771. This Richard had a son, John, who although a staunch churchman, became a strong anti-tithe man. He died in 1818. His son John (died 1877) married Jane, daughter of Thomas Woods of Shankhill (uncle of the late David Woods), and had issue, of whom were Rev. Richard Harcourt, M.A., D.D., of Baltimore, a prominent minister of the American Methodist Episcopal Church, who died in 1911; James, whose son, Dr. Richard Eugene Harcourt, is an eminent physician at Anfield, Liverpool; and Joseph (the last direct representative in the parish, and resided at Rose Cottage), who died October 11, 1903. A good authority, who knew the Harcourts intimately, thus writes: ‘They were amongst the finest characters I have known, faithful, simple, industrious, God-fearing….delightfully anxious to give pleasure to their friends. They were of the greatest integrity and were always noted for their reverences of law and order.’

Various levies were made by the vestry of April 21, 1772: Elements, 10s.; to carrying a child to Foundling Hospital (Dublin), 14s 1d.; parish clerk 5 pounds; sexton, 11s. 2d. ; applotters (Thomas Marshall and Archibald Lowry), 2s. 2d.; church wardens, 15s.-‘ ten shillings of this sum to be levied off that part of the Parish called Glen, and five shillings off Donaghmore.’ The following appended their names to the minutes: Thos. Sacheverell (Vicar), William Mathers, John Marshall, John Weir, Archibald Lowry, Hugh Marshall, Andrew McCall and Hugh McClory.

Vestry, August 24, 1772.-‘ The slating of the roof of the Church is finished, and it is approved. Thos. Sacheverell (Vicar), William Bourke, Robert McAllister, Thos. Marshall, Jonathon Welsh, and John Demry.’ The Vestry, October 6, 1772, ‘agreed that one penny an acre be applotted and levied off the inhabitants of said parish, before the first day of May next,’ to repair certain roads, one being ‘the road from the Church of Donaghmore to Tuscan Pass’ (Jerretzpass). Charles Innes and Isaac Corry, directors; Jonathon Welsh and Richard Harcourt, overseers. The other roads to be repaired are specified, and also the several townlands taxed for particular roads, together with their respective directors and overseers. The minutes of this vestry are very full, and beautifully written in a fine round hand, evidently by Isaac Corry. The following appended their signatures: Thomas Sacheverell (Vicar) Henry McBride and Robert Douglass, Churchwardens; Isaac Corry, Thomas Marshall, Samuel Ferguson, John Shannon, Hugh McLory, Alexander Douglass, Richard Harcourt, John McElroy and Jos. Morrison.

John McElroy was the great-grandfather of James McElroy (of Dromantine townland), the present representative in the parish. His son John married twice, and had issue by his first wife, viz. William, Joseph and John, and by his second wife (nee Harcourt), Samuel, Richard and James. William, the eldest son of the first marriage, went to America early in the eighteenth century, and left issue, John E. McElroy, who married Miss Arthur, sister of the President of the United States. President Arthur being a widower, Mrs. McElroy did ‘the honours’ at the White House during his Presidency. Mr. And Mrs. McElroy reside in the city of Albany, New York State.

Joseph Morrison was son of John Morrison of Ardkeeragh. He took a prominent part in the affairs of the parish, and was often employed as arbiter to settle local disputes. His son, John, was a doctor of medicine, and died in Newry, January 18, 1828. His son, Samuel, was well known for the active part he took with the United Irishmen in 1798. The Welsh Horse paid frequent visits to his father’s residence and threatened to burn his house in case he refused to disclose the whereabouts of his ‘profligate son.’ He seemed to have had narrow escapes from the soldiers, but to have always eluded them, hiding under beds and other secluded retreats, until finally a ‘house’ was built for him in a ‘turf stack.’ Where he remained till matters quieted down.

At a vestry, February 8, 1773, it was agreed ‘that the sum of one pound five shillings and five pence be applotted and levied off the Parish for nursing and carrying a child to the Foundling Hospital, and for one yard of flannel.’ There are numerous records in the vestry minutes of levies made for the purpose of sending deserted children to the Foundling Hospital, Dublin, a distance of 54 miles, the cost being about 1 pound in each case. In a particular instance (May 6, 1773, amongst the sums levied were 3s. for three panes of glass in the windows of the church, and ‘to a new gate for the churchyard, to be made in the form of a door,’ 1 pound 2s. 9d.

A vestry, October 5, 1773, agreed among other things, that’ the sums of one pound, ……..shillings and nine pence, should be levied to repair the School House of Donaghmore at the Church of Donaghmore, and that Andrew Marshall and Alexander McGoffin do agree with some person or persons to make such repairs.’ Amongst those who sign the minutes of this vestry are: Adam Wilson, John Main, Robert Waterson, James Findley and William Walker.

Vestry, February 8, 1774.-‘It is agreed that one pound two shillings and ……..pence be applotted and levied off the parish to repair the roof of the Church and the East window.’

The vestry, Mary 24, 1774, levied the sum of 4s. 10 1/2d. ‘to an advertisement in the Newry paper for punishing strolling beggars.’ It was ‘agreed that two persons be appointed in each townland to return the names of such persons as are real objects of charity.’ Strolling beggars at this date formed a numerous class. Doubtless it was customary at the time, and even in more recent years, for many of the poor to take up ‘begging’ of such mendicants would naturally be all the greater. We may be sure, too, that not a few of these were impostors, and hence stringent measures had to be adopted in regard to ‘strolling beggars’ by the vestry. The law against such was extremely severe at this time, and indeed had been so since the reigns of Henry VIII. And Elizabeth. The monasteries had largely ministered to the poor, but it was not till about sixty years after their suppression that the State interfered to make ‘provision’; but instead of relief it largely punished. The old laws of the above reigns were still in force at this date, but we are sure the members of the vestry were averse to their enforcement in either their spirit or letter. Hence we find the excellent provision adopted to ascertain in each townland the names of those who were ‘real objects of charity.’ The names of the good men who composed this vestry are worthy of record-viz. Thomas Sacheverell, vicar; William Walker and James Finley, churchwardens; George Vaughan, David Black, Jonathan Walsh, Thomas Marshall, Andrew Marshall, and Richard Harcourt.

Much business seems to have been transacted at the vestry held September 7, 1775. Sums were levied for the repair of roads, and applotters, collectors, and directors appointed. This vestry presented the sum of five pounds to be levied towards slating the roof of the church-the Rev. Francis Johnston (vicar) and Jonathan Welsh to be overseers. The vestry also levied 1 pound 14s. 1 ½ d. to Jonathan Welsh for ‘moving and lowering the pulpit and reading desk, and erecting a new pedestal for the pulpit.’ The following item appears in the minutes: ‘We present that the ground in the church on which Charles Innes, Esq., has erected two pews-shall be the property and shall always belong to the said Charles Innes and his Heirs.’ These minutes are signed by Fras. Johnston, vicar, Charles Innes, James Walker, Jno. Bradford, John Courtney (Beech Hill), John Cox, and a number of others whose names are frequently mentioned as vestrymen at this period.

The vestry held October 31, 1775, applotted the sum of 42 pounds 16s. 8d. ‘required to be levied off this Parish by the War (warrant) of the Treasurer of this County.’ The sum required to be levied by the County Treasurer’s warrant in 1779 was 47 pounds 4s. 6d. and that in 1781 amounted to 54 pounds 3s 4d. , thus showing a steady increase. ‘

‘At a vestry held in the Parish Church of Donaghmore, on Monday, the 15^th day of Jan., 1776, in pursuance of notice given the preceding Lord’s Day, and it appearing to this vestry that on the 10^th or 11^th, just in the dead time of the night, one of the windows of the south side of the church was broken open by some person or persons unknown, who burglariously entered thereat and feloniously took and carried away out of this church one large folio Bible, one large folio Common Prayer Book used in the church for Divine Service, the property of the parishioners of this parish, and that said burglars did also break the box where the records of this parish and the money collected for the poor are appointed to be kept, and did also spoil the lock of the church door and part of …..this church.’ The vestry ‘ordered and presented’ that a sum of ten pounds be levied and offered as a reward for the discovery and conviction of the person or persons that committed the burglary, and that an advertisement be inserted in the Newry and Belfast papers to that effect. Although at a subsequent vestry 2s. 8d is paid ‘William Wallace for giving information’ and 2s. 3d. to ‘the sexton for searching.’ No record appears as to ‘discovery and conviction.’

January 19, 1776, the vestry presented the sum of 2 pounds 8s. 6d. to be ‘levied off the inhabitants,’ and paid the Rev. Francis Johnston (vicar) to purchase four new Common Prayer Books to be used for Divine Service.

April 9^th in the same year the sum of 3 pounds 15s. was ‘levied off the inhabitants for repairing the roof of the church, according to the estimate given by James Parker.’ This vestry granted George Vaughan of Maryvale a space in the church on which he agreed to erect a ‘wainscott seat’-to be his property and ‘his heirs’," Similar grants were made to Andrew Marshall, David Black and John Cox. It will be noted that a corresponding grant was made to Charles Innes in 1775.

Nothing is said in the minutes regarding the payment of rent for these seats or pews, and quite rightly, Pew rents in any shape or form were and are illegal in ancient parish churches. All pews in such are the common property of the parishioners, and all have the right to be seated, though it does not follow that all have the privilege of possessing a pew. Pews and seats may, of course, be assigned to certain families or individuals, but they cannot be rented-nor can they be legally conveyed to a ‘man and his heirs’.

At a vestry held May 28, 1776, the sum of 3 pounds 13s. was ‘presented,’ to be paid Thomas Marshall ‘for rough coating, jointing, and white-washing the Church inside and outside.’ It is to be feared that vestries at this date had not very exalted ideas regarding church decoration. The writer is credibly informed that even in more recent times it was customary to lime-wash the portion then standing of the old Celtic Cross!

The minutes of a vestry held April 1, 1777, contain the following items: ‘We present eleven pounds, fifteen shil, be levied off the Inhabitants of this Parish, to purchase flags to flag the aisle’ of the church, and make other necessary improvements; also ‘the sum of eight shillings and three half-pence….for a copper box for collecting the poor money.’ The following appended their names to these minutes; Francis Johnston (vicar), Isaac Kidd, William Mathers, Chas. Innes, David Black, Hugh Marshall, Andrew Weir, Archibald Lowry, Robert Bell, Jos. Morrison, J. Bradford, Adam Wiley, Samuel Ferguson, Robert McAllister, Andrew McCall, John McElroy, James Walker, Jonathan Welsh, Thos. Marshall, John Shannon, John Harcourt, Andrew Marshall, Jas. Johnston, and Robert Copeland.

The church roof seems to have required much attention at this period. We find a vestry of June 9, 1778, levied the sum of ‘eight shillings and eight pence for repairing the roof of the church.’ Also on December 1, of the same year the vestry levied the sum of ‘sixteen shillings and three pence’ for a similar purpose.

On April 5, 1779, 41 pounds was ‘levied off the inhabitants’ of the parish for the purpose of re-roofing and ‘new slating this church this summer,’ and it was presented that John Weir and Andrew Marshall shall ‘lay out and choose the boards and slates.’ At subsequent meetings of the vestry each townland is assessed for a certain amount of the sum, which is increased to 56 pounds 18s. 0d.

A vestry, May 31, 1779, levied the sum of 1 pound 10s. to be paide ‘James Parker for making a stone and lime cornish to this church and for ruff casting and making the same like to the rest of the walls of this church and repairing the plaster in the inside that has been broken by striping and putting on the new roof.’ This vestry also levied the sum of 4 pounds 12s. to be ‘paid James Parker for buying a parcell of tenpenny nails and driving a nail in every slate.

At a vestry held in the parish church, September 5, 1780,’ a penny an acre was levied off the inhabitants towards the repair of several roads which are specified. The firectors mentioned are: Charles Innes, John Courtney, Isaac Corry, Rev. Francis Johnston, John Weir, Andrew Marshall, David Black, James Cochran, and Thos. O’Hare.

Vestry, September 2, 1788,-‘We present that no road that hath been formerly presented to be repaired shall at any further vestry be presented to be repaired until the overseer and collectors shall account on oath that the several sums that have been presented to be levied hath been honestly applied to the road for which it was presented to repair.'’ '‘e present that in future we shall not allow the overseer of the roads in this Parish to charge in his account at vestry more than one shilling for each day that he shall be employed in overseeing.’ We wonder had anything been ‘rotten in the state of Denmark,’ that necessitated these stringent ‘presentments’! Probably it was only a mistake-for such will happen even in matters and altogether secular, as the following case will illustrate. A certain Archdeacon discovered an error in the returns of a particular parish. An account 8s. 4d. appeared on both sides of the financial statement, as ‘balance due to wardens’ and as ‘balance in hand’-the totals on both sides by a clever exercise of mathematical acumen being represented as equal. The Archdeacon concerned sent the form back at once, called attention to the remarkable error, and asked for an explanation. In reply he received a polite letter expressing regret, and adding, ‘We discovered our mistake as soon as we had posted the form, but we did not think it worth while to recall it as we thought you would not find it out’!

Vestry, February 24, 1784.-‘ We present the sum of nine shillings and two pence to be levied off the Inhabitants of this Parish and paid to the Rev. Fras. Johnston to purchase a book containing three Quires of Strong Paper and Bound, with Pockets and a Flap, in Ruff Calf Skin, in which a register of all the Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials is to be kept.’ We regret to state there is no book of such elaborate design, containing parochial records, amongst those that have come down to us.

At the vestry held April 18, 1784, a large number of presentments were made, some of which were as follows: Ten shillings to purchase the sacred elements: one pound two shillings and nine pence to pay the sexton’s salary: two pounds to be paid to James Parker’ for his good and honest slating of this church’; and the sum of five pounds as the salary of the clerk, John Harcourt.

The following persons held the office of Parish Clerk the years opposite their names (as appears from the Ordinary and Primary Visitations): Thomas Sharp, 1725; John Harcourt, 1740; Charles Alexander, 1769; john Harcourt, 1774; John Harcourt, 1798; John Harcourt, 1774; John Harcourt, 1793. John Harcourt was succeeded by his son, John, who held the position for many years. He was succeeded by David Greenaway (of Lurganare), who remained parish clerk till the disestablishment of the church, and indeed nominally till his death, March 31, 1910. He was a devoted churchman and faithful parish clerk.

The office of parish clerk was formerly one of some importance, and was, moreover, a freehold under the Establishment. On occasions, it seems the clerk assisted the clergyman in the parish church, and wore a surplice in former times. In the vestry books of St. Peter’s Cornhill, London, September 22, 1575, it is recorded that the parishioners agree that ‘Robert Mydelton, our Clarke, shall not say any more serments pulicly in this churche.’ An instance of the clerk accompanying the clergyman to the ‘visitation of the sick’ occurs in the parish register of Manfield, Yorks. Against the burial entry of Thomas Smythe, Blacksmith, in 1604, it is noted that the deceased was ‘a recusant reclaiming and renouncing prayer when the vicar and clerk came to visit him.’ In the north of England long after the Reformation, it seems to have been customary for the clerk to wear a surplice, as the following extracts from church wardens’ accounts show:

St. Oswald’s, Durham, 1580.-‘Paid for iiii yards of linnen to ye clarkes surpcloth, and for making the same-5s. 2d.

Pittington. Durham, 1620.-For the clark’s surples and for making of it-xviiid.’

S. Nicholas, Durha, 1667.-‘Pd. To Annie Hedley for 8 yards and ½ of cloth for the sleeves of the Clerke’s surplice-7s.’

1678-‘For the minister’s and clerke’s surplesses necks? Lyneing and new cloth for the same-1s. 4d.’

1698-‘For altering the clerk’s surpcloth-1s.’ (Quoted from Surtees Society, Ixxxiv.)

It should be stated, however, that as clerks were in ‘some few instances in Holy Orders,’ probably those mentioned may have been clergymen.’

Vestry, September 7, 1784-‘ We present a half-penny an acre to be levied of the Inhabitants of this Parish to build a school house on the Glebe of Donaghmore.’ The vestry held in October the following resolved that inasmuch as this amount was insufficient to build and furnish the shoolhouse, a further sum of one farthing per acre be levied for the purpose.

The inhabitants of the parish seemed opposed to the rate; for it is thus recorded in the minutes of the vestry held March 30, 1785: ‘The town inhabitants refuse to pay that part of the Cess laid on this Parish for the building of a school house on the Glebe of Donaghmore.’ At a subsequent vestry held the following May, it was decided not to proceed with the building of the schoolhouse, as it would be ‘inconvenient and useless to the larger part of the inhabitants on account of their distance from it.’

Vestry, April 18, 1786-‘We present the sum of sixteen shillings and three pence to be levied off the Inhabitants of this Parish and paid to the Rev. Francis Johnston to buy a new Table Cloth for the Communion Table.’ This amount not proving sufficient, an extra 16s. 3d. was levied by the vestry, April 10, 1787.

The vestry of September 7, 1786, made a large number of presentments for the repair of roads on different parts of the parish, when various directors overseers, and collectors were appointed.

The minutes were signed by the following: Fras. Johnston (vicar), John Shannon, Chas. Innes, Jos. Morrison, David Black, Henry Neil, Wm. Kidd, Saml. Ferguson, Robt. Teat, Robert Shannon, Jas. Taylor, and Jno. Malone-who in the vestry minutes of September 4, 1788, appears as the ‘Rev. Mr. Malone,’ when he was appointed overseer and director of a road to be repaired at ‘Ballymacratty Mill.’

The vestry,----5, 1790, requested that ‘the churchwardens in future give regular notice to the different Congregations in ad. Parish of all the future vestries the Sunday before ad. Vestries shall be held.’

The sum applotted for the use of the parish at this Easter vestry, April 26, 1791, was 8 pounds 15s. 4 d. The amounts opposite the several townlands vary considerably. Among the largest are: Corgrey 13s. 3d; Killysavin, 12s. 5d.; Dromantine, 10s. 8d.; Ballylough, 10s. 7d. Some of the smallest are: Glebe, 2s. 1d.; Buskhill, 3s.; Maddydrumbrist 3s. 9d.; and Tullymurry 3s 10d.

At the vestry, April 10, 1792, ‘The Rev. Wm. Henderson (curate) is hereby allowed to give Wm. Ross (sexton) 2s. 2d. which remains in his hands to help to buy a spade and shovel, with which he may supply the Parishioners to make Graves, but all who can afford to pay-to employ him, and pay him 6% (?) for making a grave.’

It is part of the sexton’s duty to make all graves, and the fee for doing so is one of his perquisites, but unfortunately all parishioners do not see it in that light, with the result that the poor sexton suffers pecuniarily thereby.

The vestry minutes of October 16, 1792, are signed by the following: Wm. Henderson (curate), George Mathers, John McEllroy, James Walker, Robt. McAllister, Arthur Magenis, John Walker, John Magenis, Patt. O’Hare, John Fairies, David Ferish, and Robert Copeland-cess applotter for the year.

At the vestry, April 2, 1793. Among the sums levied are six pounds to "John Harcourt for officiating as Parish Clerk.’

The elaborate minutes of the vestry of September 5, 1798, are evidently the handwriting of several persons, but mostly in that of Isaac Corry, who appends his signature, as does George Vaughan and several others.

‘At a vestry held in the Parish Church of Donaghmore on the 22^nd day of April, 1794, the sum of twenty pounds six shillings was laid on Sd. Parish to answer the presentments therein mentioned,’ viz."

Glen 9 pounds 11 11 Andrew Marshall and Robert Copeland-Applotters

Donaghmore 10 pouns 14 1 " " " " " "

The Militia at this time occupied the attention of a number of vestries. Each parish was called upon at the time to provide a certain quota of men, who were chosen by lot, to serve in the Militia for three years. Those unwilling to serve were obliged to provide substitutes, who were selected in the same manner. Indeed, it seems the force was for the most part composed of the latter.

The vestry met March 10, 1795, ‘To consider the most proper method of providing the men necessary for the new levy of the Militia’-when it was resolved; ‘That for the purpose of enlisting substitutes to serve in the militia for this Parish, the sum of three half pence per acre be levied off the inhabitants of the different townlands.’ The following persons, amongst others (whose names are effaced), were appointed to ‘lift’ the amounts levied in the several townlands; John Maginnis, Lawrence Watts, James Connor, Ambrose Cooley, Hugh McKelvey, John Smith, Thos. McCartney, Terce. Heavy, Pat Treanor, John Savage, Artr. White, Sam McCullogh, Mick O’Hear, John Harcourt, Tom Marshall, John Burns, Wm. Cowan, Jo Morrison, Robt. Douglas, John Bradford, Dr. Marshall, Andw. Wilson, Sandford Kidd, David Weir, John Moffet, And. Marshall, Arch. Lowry, Christr. Jordin, Mohn McElvey, And. McCall, Nath. Weir, Henry McGuffin, James Marshall, and John Martin.

The vestry further resolved: ‘That the above money be raised and paid to the Rev. Wm. Leslie (curate) and Arch. Marshall, by Friday next the 13^th March, who are hereby appointed Treasurers and also Delegates with Mr. Courtney (Beech Hill) to go to Rathfriland to settle this business with the Governor and Dept. Governors.’

There seems to have been a previous levy made by the vestry in regard to the Militia (date effaced) for the purpose of ‘assessing the inhabitants of said Parish…..for a man that was drawn in the Millitia.’ When it was ‘Resolved, first, that one half penny per acre be levied of the inhabitants of the said Parish by the subconstables of the Parish and the subconstables to have one shilling in the Pound for collecting the same,’ etc.

‘At the vestry held in the Parish Church of Donaghmore (Pursuant to Legal Notice given) on Tuesday the 17^th of Oct. 1797 for the purpose of settling the affairs of the Parish in Respect of the Malitia (Militia) it being found that there is Nine men Drawn in said Parish, and that ther (there) is a Deficiency of Money to pay for the said Nine men-Resolved that one half penny per acre be levied off the Inhabitants of the several townlands in said Parish and paid to Mr. Arch’d. Marshall on the 20^th Instant for the purpose of finding substitutes for (and relieving the Parish for four years from being called upon for Militia men) Henry Murtagh, Ballylough, Josh. Cole, Lurganare; John Purdy, Ballymacrattybeg; John McClung, Tullymurry; Jas. Walker, Ballylough; Wm. Byrne Ringbane; John McCoulaugh, Tullymore.’

The members of the Donaghmore church vestry were presumably ‘men of peace,’ yet, notwithstanding their pacific qualities, they seem to have provided against the contingencies of war, for we find a few years later (December 19, 1804) the vestry met to consider and adopt ‘the best mode of raising the Parish’s quota for three men to serve to the Royal Army of Reserve’-when it was ‘Resolved that the churchwardens shall diligently exert themselves to procure the three men required by law as the quota for the Parish, and that the following persons form a committee to be aiding and assisting them in the execution of their office,’ viz. The vicar of Donaghmore (Dr. Brabazon Smith), Archibald Marshall, Andrew McCall, David Cavin, Daniel Walker, James Donnell, David Weir, Wm. Bradford, Hugh McKelvey, Joseph Taylor, Andrew Marshall, and Arthur McSherry.

Again, October 7, 1807, the vestry met to consider ‘the best means of raising eight men to serve in the militia,’ when it was resolved: ‘1^st, that sixpence halfpenny per acre be levied off the Landholders in said Parish. 2^nd, that one shilling and eight pence per head be levied off all the cotters in said Parish, liable to be ballotted for. 3^rd. That two shillings and sixpence per head be levied off all the male servants and artificers in said Parish, liable to be ballotted for.

We must return to a vestry held September 6, 1797, the minutes of which contain the following item; ‘We present that David Cavin be General Inspector of all the roads in said Parish, and to compell the inhabitants to clean the Water tables of the Different roads in the said Parish adjoining their holdings.’ It is to be hoped the ‘Inspector General’ did his duty, and was able to execute his commands!

The vestry, September 17, 1800-called ‘to grant money to repair the roads in the said Parish for the present year’-passed eleven resolutions, the first two of which are as follows: 1). ‘Resolved that the money laid on said Parish in the year 1798 has not been accounted for by any person.’ 2). ‘Resolved that one penny per acre be levied off the several townlands in Mr. Innes’s Estate, except Dromantine which townland is to be two pence, to be paid to Mr. Innes to Repair the Roads in said estate-Pat. Murtagh, Collector and overseer.’ Among the directors, overseers and collectors in the several townlands of the parish appointed on the occasion were the following; Isaac Corry, John Byrnes, Joseph McNeight, Joseph Wiley, Joseph Shanes, Chas. Courtney, Michl O’Hare, David Rice, Joseph McCollough, Hugh Books, Michl. Dooley, James Traynor, William Parker, Andrew Wilson, James McKelvey. Opposite some of the collectors’ and overseers names are written: ‘Not gathered at all’-i.e. the cess-and also ‘Not accounted for’-but we notice, later, in all cases-‘accounted for.’

At a vestry, April 20, 1802, the sum of 10 pounds was laid on the parish, and at another vestry on December 1 of the same year ‘one farthing per acre was levied off said. Parish for the purpose of sending foundlings and the repair of the church of said. Parish which makes in all 15 pounds 4s. 0d.’

The financial condition of the parish seemed prosperous, February 1, 1804, when the several cess collectors submitted the following report:

David Cavin 33 18 3

Robert Coplin 38 8 5

Archd. Marshall 44 11 0

Andrew McCall 1 15 9

Archd. Marshall 13 9

Pounds 119 7 2

Towards church repairs the vestry, May 31, 1803, laid the sum of 20 pounds on the parish. The following sums, among others, were levied by the vestry held on Easter Tuesday, 1805-‘For the sexton-including spade and shovel-1 pound 10s. 4 d.; and for making a gravel walk up to the church 2 pounds.’

A vestry was held on September 9, 1807, for the purpose of examining the accounts of the preceeding year, ‘1^st, Resolved that the collectors for the roads for that year have not neither (either) collected nor (or) expended the cess for the year 1806, and that they are hereby required to attend at this church on the last day of Sept. –Instant-to which day this vestry is adjourned, and there be prepared to pass their several accounts on Oath otherwise steps will be taken to Invorce (enforce) such Collectors to account.’ Signed; Brabazon Smith (Vicar), David Black, Archd. Marshall, David Weir, Alex. McGuffin. We fail to understand how the collectors could have been expected to expend money they had failed to collect! The vestry held on ‘the last day of September ‘having made fourteen levies for the repair of various roads, resolved to adjourn till October for ‘the express purpose of examining the accounts of such collectors as have not settled for last year.’ In the minutes of the October meeting there is no reference to the matter. Probably all ‘accounted,’ but the fact should have been recorded.

The vestry of Easter Tuesday, 1808, called for the purpose of levying the annual church rates, the appointment of cess applotters, etc., resolved that the following sums be raised, among others:

Pounds s. d.

Sacred elements 1 0 0

The clerk 6 0 0

Churchwardens 1 0 0

Applotters’ fees 0 2 2

The vicar seemed much perturbed that no levy was made for the sexton’s salary at the above vestry, and entered the following ‘Protest,’ appended to the minutes; ‘Though I have as vicar of the Parish signed the act of vestry: yet I protest against the proceedings, as the Majority would not vote any salary to the sexton for ensuing year-Brabazon Smith-Vica.’

The following vestryment appended their signatures to the minutes: Alex. McGoffin, Andw. McCall, Arch. Marshall, Wm. Shannon, Arthur Magennis, David Weir, Saml. Morrison, John Walker, David Caven, Jas. McGoffin, John Harcourt, and Jos. Kidd.

A stormy vestry was held April 4, 1809, when the Vicar was ‘offered may insults.’ The brief minutes consist of two short resolutions, which were passed-after which the storm commenced and the proceedings terminated. The Vicar appended the following note to the minutes: ‘At the period of the proceedings in said vestry Mr. Archibald Marshall of Buskhill in the Parish having exerted much clamour agains me, and offered under the necessity of quitting the church, before the annual business was transacted; and all those who wished for regularity in church (Thos. Walsh of Maddydrumbrist, together with Robert Hamilton of Ringclare, of the Presbyterian Communion and who is one of the churchwardens) followed me out and left Archibald Marshall’s party in Church. Brabazon Smith-Vicar of Donaghmore.’

A vestry was held May 2 following, doubtless to complete the business interrupted on the previous occasion, when it would seem peace reigned. The minutes of this vestry are signed by the vicar and the following members: James Thompson, William Mathers, John Harcourt, Henry Mathers, George Mathers, William Hinton, Edw. Larkin, Wm. Hull, Isaac Cauls, Wm. Mathers, James Walker, George Greenaway, James Lockhart, Bernard Rice, Joseph Cole, John Handlin, and Hugh Rice.

The vestry, May 2, 1812, levied the sum of 26 pounds 6 s. 4 ½ d. to pay William Mathers ‘the Parish costs and expenses that the said Wm. Mathers had been put to in his official capacity’= as churchwarden. There is no record in the minutes as to the reason of William Mathers having incurred ‘costs and expenses,’ but probably, as we shall see later, the matter was connected with church repairs-the action of the warden therein being that exercised in his ‘official capacity.’

The vesty, December 22, 1812, resolved that 80 pounds be levied off the inhabitants of the parish towards the improvements and repairs of the church. Signed-Brabazon Smith (Vicar), William Mathers, And’w. Wilson, Quinton Shannon, John Young, Saml. Ferguson, and John Harcourt.

Vestry, October 1818-‘There assembled at the Vestry 12 persons, nine of whom left the said vestry as they would not consent to make a rate for repair of the Parish Church of Donaghmore which was the object of said Vestry.’

Those that remained resolved that the following repairs (among others) were considered ‘absolutely necessary’: Painting and Whitewashing the church, Sounding board for the pulpit, Prayer Books for the Communion Table and Pulpit, Communion Plate, and ‘gate and Piers for the Church yard,; entrance, etc.

It was ‘resolved unanimously that towards affecting the foregoing and any ……work that may be required, as well as whatever else may be deemed necessary, the sum of sixpence be forthwith levied off the Landlords of said Parish for each and every acre they respectively hold’; and further, it was resolved that in case the ‘sixpence an acre’ does not prove sufficient to cover the repairs, an additional rate should be made’particularly for painting the said church inside and outside.’

The faithful three vestryment who remained with the vicar (the Rev. Brabazon Smith) on the trying occasion were: William Mathers, Edward Innes, and John Harcourt.

A ‘Notice to the Public’ by Peter Rooney appeared in the advertisement columns of the Newry Telegraph, November 1, 1813, portion of which is as follows: "Having seen in the Newry Telegraph of Saturday last, an advertisement stating that there was wanted immediately, a person to undertake the carpenter’s work of Donaghmore church according to agreement entered into by Mr. Peter Rooney, and left unfinished by him,’ etc. Peter then proceeds to enter his protest against the charge, declaring that it was a ‘most gross and scandalous falsehood,’ and was made against him ‘for no other purpose than to influence the public mind in a suit now pending between him and the churchwardens for the amount of his contract.’ He relies on the following ‘certificate’: ‘We the undersigned Parishioners of the Parish of Donaghmore in the County of Down, do hereby certify that we viewed and examined the work done by Peter Rooney, Carpenter, for the Parish Church, and found the same fully executed and done in every respect agreeable to the contract entered into by him. Arthur Innes, Archibald Marshall, Wm. Kidd, Robert McCall, Andrew Marshall.’

A ‘Notice’ by William Mathers, Churchwarden was published in the Newry Telegraph, November 5, 1818, thus: ‘I, William Mathers, churchwarden of the Parish of Donaghmore, having seen an address "to the public"….signed Peter Rooney, find myself constrained in vindication of such facts and truths as will in a short time fully appear, to contradict the various statements therein set forth,’ etc. William Mathers makes out a strong case against Peter Rooney’s contentions. He has on his side the Vicar of the Parish (Rev. Dr. Smith) and the vestry (October-, 1818), which resolved ‘That Peter Rooney who undertook the repairs of Donaghmore Church has not fulfilled his contract with the churchwardens, and he has greatly injured and damaged the flags of said church, and that the churchwardens shall call upon him to fulfill his agreement.’

We are unable to find in the vestry minutes or elsewhere any record of legal proceedings having been instituted in the case.

The vestry, April 13, 1819, levied the sum of 40 pounds ‘to finish the School house’ (and 5 pounds for the building of an iron gate for the grave yard and for putting on cap stones on the pillars). There was, of course, an earlier applotment towards building the schoolhouse, of which there is no record as the vestry minutes for a few years are missing. The schoolhouse was built in 1818, costing the sum of 81 pounds 10s., but it would seem though '‘uilt'’was not ‘finished’.!

The appointment of parish schoolmaster (and the superintendence of ‘the affairs of said schoolhouse’) was assigned by the vestry, May 1, 1820, to a committee; but, notwithstanding, the office seems to have been delegated to ‘a meeting of the Parishioners,’ convened May 24, 1820, when, among seven candidates for the post, William Robinson was chosen, at a salary of 30 pounds for one year, he (William Robinson) paying the sum of two shillings and six pence rent for the accommodation of House and Garden.’ Doubtless the building of the schoolhouse was only a re-building, for we find a parish school here at least since 1725.

The succession of teachers up till 1790 was as follows: Thos. Sharp, 1725; Charles Alexander, 1769;John Harcourt, 1774; Samuel Sloan, 1776; James Parker, 1781; James McMahon, 17822; John Maxwell, 1783, Robert Creighton, 1784; Robert Credon, 1786; David Cavin, 1787; Michael McKey, 1790.

The subsequent teachers were; William Robinson (1820-pupils 29 Presbyterian, 26 Roman Catholic, and 12 Church of Ireland); Joseph Forsythe (1834); Miss Eliza Stewart (daughter of the Parish Clerk); Miss Jane Sergison (resigned 1863, after holding the appointment nine years, when she married John G.M. Sharp); Miss Thompson; Miss McDermott (became Mrs. Adams); William Speers; Miss Wilson; Miss McNess. The school seems to have flourished till the establishment of the National Board, when it declined, and finally collapsed. It was supported by the Chruch Education Society, but it shoud have been made a National School when such were instituted. Shortly after the appointment of the present rector a school was organised under the National Board, and held at Dromantine in a fine building (where formerly a good school flourished) lent for the purpose by the late Arthur Charles Innes. Dromantine National School flourished for a few years under the efficient principal teacher, Mrs. Browne, and on her resignation it was transferred to the parish school house, as the Donaghmore Glebe National School. The principal teachers were: Miss Dormer, Miss Lyons, Miss Boardman (now Mrs. Fox), Miss Livingston (later Mrs. Sloane), and Miss Nicholl (deceased).

The school became an Erasmus Smith school on July 1, 1906, with Miss Nicholl as teacher, who was succeeded by Miss Winifred Anderson (now Mrs. Smith); and on November 2, 1911, the school was amalgamated with the Donaghmore National School, one of the terms of the agreement being that the Rector of Donaghmore for the time being shall have the nomination of the assistant teacher.

Towards building a schoolhouse in Lurganare, the vestry of May 1, 1820, levied the sum of 20 pounds, provided the proprietor of the estate ‘gives from under his hand that he will give over the Right of the Site of said school-house, together with the occupier of the farm at present, which Documents are to be produced at the next vestry and entered in said vestry Book-otherwise this grant to be void.’ The conditions were not complied with in this case and hence the grant became void.

The above vestry made in all fifteen presentments, the eleventh being: ‘We present that Robert McCall be Treasurer for this year, and that he is to Inspect the Different Public Works in the Parish, and at the next Vestry report on the same.’ The ‘Public Works’ of Donaghmore are not specified!

The vestry, July 18, 1820, levied the sum of one halfpenny per acre on the inhabitants of the parish to repair the tower of the church, binding the church books, and plastering the porch.

The vestry, April 24, 1821, levied the sum of 8 pounds for desk, forms and rough-casting the schoolroom. (This vestry ‘resolved that from (for) the future the Constables of the Parish is (are) to collect the church cess at two payments.’)

On September 21, 1821, 8 pounds 4 s. was levied by the vestry for the purpose of ‘Repairing the windows, seats and boarding the Communion Table, New Cup, flooring the Porch, together with a new Cover for the Communion.’ Rev. John Mountgarret and Arch. Marshall are ‘to be pleased in the finishing of the work and to have a liberty of calling in any person they please to assist them in having the work sufficiently done.’

The following appears in the vestry minutes, April 9, 1822: ‘We request that Mr. Finlay be Treasurer for the rough casting of the school-house, and laying out the sum of 8 pounds, paid into his hands, and that when finished he will make the necessary application – to the Society of Discountenancing Vice for the regular sum made and provided for in that case, and we hope that the Rev. John Mountgarret will assist him in doing so.’ This statement seems somewhat mixed, but doubtless the ‘regular sum made and provided’ was for a distinct purpose other than that for rough-casting the school-house. The following curious item appears in the vestry minutes of the same date: ‘We present that the sum of 10s. is sufficient for burying an aged person, and the sum of 5 s. for a young person, and that a note must be had from a respectable person from the townland the poor person dies in before they can obtain it.’

A vestry was held May 13, 1822, when the sum laid on the parish at the Easter vestry was approved and confirmed-viz. 28 pounds 0s. 6 d. The townlands paying the largest amounts were Corgrea (Corgary), 2 pounds 2s. 8 ½ d., Killysavin, 2 pounds 0s. 5d., Ballymacrattybeg, 1 pound 12 s. 0d. , and among the smallest are Buskhill, 11s. 2d., and Glebe, 4s.

Top rebuild the Corgary schoolhouse, the vestry, April 2, 1823, thus presented; ‘We present the sum of 15 pounds to be laid on the Parish for re-building the school house at Corgrea, when there is a satisfactory Title made out by the representatives of the late Captain Enissis (Innes) to the Churchwardens and that the sum of 5 pounds be laid on likewise for repairs of the church.’

The vestry of May 12, 1823, agreed that the 15 pounds laid on the parish for rebuilding the schoolhouse in Corgary go to the repairs of the church, ‘as the necessary document has not been produced by Mr. Innes.’ A levy towards church improvements was made by the vestry, October 6, 1824, when it was ‘Resolved that the sumof fifty pounds be laid on this Parish’to defray the expenses of repairing the flooring of the church, including the flagging in the aisle, together with the chancel, the purchase of communion plate, a folio Bible, there quarto Prayer Books, a napkin, and ‘other matters that may be judged necessary for the proper and decent celebration of Divine service.’

To put up a bell in the church ‘and for erecting a proper and sufficient place to hang such Bell’ the vestry, held June 24, 1827, levied the sum of 160 pounds. This amount was ‘levied off the landholders’ of the parish, and to be laid in three equal installments during the years, 1827, 1828, and 1829.

The minutes of this vestry are signed by M.J. Mee (vicar), Smithson Corry, David McMaster, Andrew Marshall, Samuel Boyd Marshall, Andrew Marshall, and another, that evidently of a frail old man, who writes in a trembling hand merely the words ‘James Mc…….,’ (James McConnell???) probably forgetting to add his full surname!

Vestry, May 26, 1828-‘Resolved that the sum of 10 pounds be hereby laid on the Parish, for the purpose of buying coffins for the poor, and defraying the expenses of sending such foundlings as may occur in the Parish to the Foundling Hospital Dublin.’ The full amount applotted at this vestry for various purposes amounted to 85 pounds 8s. 6d., showing a large increase in the rates as compared with former years.

The composition of the tithes occupied the attention of the vestry in 1828. Several special meetings of the vestry were held-at which the proceedings were somewhat lengthy and elaborate-for the purpose of bringing the parish under the operation of the /Tithes Composition Acts, according to the provisions of 4 George IV. c. 99, and 5 George IV. c. 3. The moving spirit in the matter seems to have been Trevor Corry, who was appointed chairman of the special vestries, while the several parties immediately concerned took a prominent part, viz. The vicar (Rev. M.J. Mee), John Vaughan, the Lessee of the Manor of Donaghmore; the Lord of the Manor, the Lord Primate (by correspondence); and the members of the vestry (attending on the several occasions), viz. Arthur Innes, Joseph Weir, Samuel Boyd Marshall, Danl. O’Hare, John Marshall, Saml. Ferguson, Joseph Carswell, Wm. Harshaw, And. Wilson, Jas. McCullagh, John McKelvy, Joseph Taylor, Danl. Magennis, John Graham, John Young, John Copland, Jos. McNight, James Gammell, and James Parker.

The following is a synopsis of the proceedings: Vestry, June 23. 1828-‘Resolved that proceedings to be taken to make composition for all the Tithes of the Parish-Vicarial and Rectorial.’

It was agreed ‘that the sum of Two Hundred pounds shall be paid as the annual composition under the said Act, for the Vicarial Tithes payable out of said Parish.’ To this the Vicar assented. It was resolved, and agreed on by the lessee (John Vaughan), ‘that the sum of Two hundred and fifty pounds shall be paid as the annual composition for the Rectorial Tithes payable out of said Parish.’

Adjourned Vestry, July 14, 1828-The Primate’s letter was submitted-giving his consent to the agreement-of which the following is the latter portion;

‘Now we John George, Lord Archbishop of Armagh, Primate and Metropolitan of all Ireland, do hereby give our consent that the said Marshall Joseph Mee should agree with the said vestry to receive the said sum of Two Hundred Pounds sterling as a composition for all the Tithes payable to him the said Marshall Joseph Mee within the said parish, Provided that the said agreement shall be accepted and assented unto by some vestry in adjourned meeting to be holden in said Parish in pursuance of said Acts. Given under My Hand this Twenty-sixth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight. Signed, John G. Armagh.’

(The Primate of this date was Lord John George Beresford.)

This being an ‘adjourned vestry’ the agreement regarding the vicarial tithes was ‘accepted and assented unto by the parties according to the terms of the Primate’s letter. The composition, ‘200 pounds per annum,’ is to ‘continue unvaried for twenty-one years whatever the price of grain may be,’ and to be paid half-yearly, vix., on November 2 and May 2. At an adjourned vestry, August 2, 1828, a letter was submitted by the vicar from the Lord Bishop of the Diocese (Dr. Saurin), portion of which is as follows: ‘As I presume what has been offered, and you have accepted, is a fair value, I can make no objection to it. Nothing then remains but that the Commissioners should assess it on the Parish.’

In regard to the Rectorial Tithes, John Vaughan received the following letter from the Primate’s agent, Arthur J. Kelly, dated July, 1828: ‘I again repeat that if the composition is satisfactory to you the Primate is contented.’

Vestry, July 13, 1829-Among the resolutions passed was one to the effect that 100 pounds be laid on the parish, and ‘levied off the landholders’ for the purpose of finishing the tower of the church, and paying for the bell-including the ‘expenses of putting it up.’

At the vestry, September 21, 1829, it was resolved to empower Smithson Corry to apply to the Lord Bishop of Dromore to procure a loan from the Hon. The Board of First Fruits ‘to put the Church of Donaghmore in thorough repair.’ On December 21, 1829, the sum of 288 pounds was levied on ‘the landholders of the Parish ‘by the vestry for church repairs-according to ‘estimate laid before the Lord Bishop of Dromore by the Architect of the Board of First Fruits.’ Of above amount the sums payable by the several townlands vary considerably-among the largest being; Corgary, 21 pounds, 18s. 11d.; Killysavan, 20 pounds 14s. 11 ½ d.; Dromantine 17 pounds 9s. 3 ½ d.; Ballyblaugh, 17 pounds 5 s. 9 1/2d., etc.

The parishioners seem reluctant to be further assessed for church repairs, according to the following resolution passed by the vestry, April 25, 1831; ‘Resolved, that the Parishioners do not think it incumbent on them to lay on any money for the purpose of repairing or finishing the repairs of the church of Donaghmore at this vestry.’ The sum of 38 pounds 2s. 9d. was still required to finish the repairs, which the vestry, held on May 16 following, decided should be raised ‘by individual subscriptions rather than by Parochial assessment.’ Trevor Corry and James Gammell were requested at the vestry to ‘lay out’ the money in hand, and that to be raised by subscription on the repairs of the church.

Signed, M. J. Mee, Arthur Innes, Ralph Vaughan, Thos. Walsh, John Mahood, and David McMaster. David McMaster (of Aughantobber), who was a prominent vestryman and frequently acted as deputy churchwarden (for Trevor Corry), was grandfather of Hugh and Trevor McMaster, the present representatives of the family so long resident in the parish.

Vestry, April 23, 1832. Among the sums levied were the following items:

For Foundlings 10 pounds Os. 0d.

For Coffins for the Poor 5 pouns 0s. 0d.

The proceedings of the vestry from this date onwards posess few features of general public interest. Among those who signed the vestry minutes for a number of years at this period were: Rev. M.J. Mee (vicar), Rev. Norman Johnston, Isaac Mathers, Andrew Cuppels, James Lockhart, David McMaster, Thos. Marshall, Thos. Walsh, Peter Stewart, Bernard Rice, John Harcourt, William McConnell, John Wilson, Isaac Kidd, Robt. Gibson, John Porter, Thomas Kerr, James Sturgeon, John Clark, etc.

John Clark signed the minutes of vestry for the first time, Easter 1806. He was an Englishman, and proprietor of the "old Fourmile House’ (now Church View) in the townland of Aughentobber. He had issue two sons, William and Elijah (whose names frequently appear as vestrymen), and a daughter, Sarah, who married Joseph Patterson. Mrs. Patterson died October 1, 1899, and is survived by her husband and daughter, Miss Fanny Jane Patterson, of Church View House.

Select vestry, December 28, 1838-It was resolved by this vestry that appeals be lodged against the valuations put on the townlands of Aughentobber and Maddydrumbrist, and against the measurements of the same, together with that of the adjoining townland of Derrycraw. It was also decided to appeal against the valuation put on the houses of Bernard Rice in the latter townland.

At the vestry, January 5, 1839, John Harper of Corgrea (Corgary) gave notice of appeal (in a somewhat lengthy and legally-worded document) against the valuation put on his dwelling-house and offices, and of his intention of ‘applying to the Committee of Appeal to be held in Rathfriland on the 23^rd inst.’ For redress. A large number of appeals were lodged against the valuations put on in various townlands in the parish at this time, following the Civil Survey of 1836.

The church cess for the year 1839 was only 14 pounds 3 s. 6d. The amount levied on the glebe lands was 2s., which the kind and considerate vestry (April 29) decided was ‘not to be collected’!

An ominous resolution was passed at the vestries held March 28, 1842, and April 17, 1843, viz. ‘That we do not deem it expedient to lay on any sum (or sums) of money at this vestry.’ Signed, M. J. Mee (vicar), John Campbell Quinn (curate, etc.

There seems no record of church cess having been laid on the parish after April 12, 1841, when the amount levied was 8 pounds 18s. 6d. for the following purposes: Foundling, 5 pounds, coffins for the poor, 3 pounds; applotting cess, 10s.; collecting same, 8s 6d.

For several years from this date the principal business of the vestries seems to have been the appointment of churchwardens and ‘passing accounts.’ Among the names of vestrymen not already mentioned were George Turner, Elijah Clark, John Megarry, William Porter, John Jordan, David Wiley, William Harcourt, Robert McCormick, James Sergison, David Gamble, Joseph Mathers, David Greenaway, etc.

At the Easter vestry, April 3, 1877, among other appointments was that of the select vestry-the names being: Samuel Gordon, Joseph Patterson, George Gordon, John Gordon, J.T.C. Quinn, David Greenaway, Wm. Mathers, Wm. Harcourt, Wm. McClean, John Mehaffy, James Heasley, and James Colvin.

The allocation of 250 pounds to the parish by the Representative Church Body was notified to the vestry, April 23, 1878, the interest of which (10 pounds per annum) is to be credited towards the parochial assessment.

The above vestry resolved on the erection of a chancel and other extensive church improvements, including new pews and east window. It was agreed by the vestry, April 15, 1879, church were duly executed and carried into effect in the most satisfactory manner at an expense and outlay of 242 pounds 19s. 9d.’ Of this amount, the total sum collected by subscription was 180 pounds 19s 6d.