The Preston Guardian
Saturday April 14 1849
A Rough Squall In The Parish Church
On Tuesday last, a meeting of the ratepayers of Burnley was held in the vestry of St. Peter's Church, for the purpose of electing churchwardens for the ensuing year for the parish of Burnley. The Rev. Robert Mosley Master, incumbent of Burnley, was chairman in right of his office. He commenced the business by proposing that Mr. Armingson be churchwarden for the parish of Burnley, which was carried. He next proposed that Mr. Howard do act as sidesman for the ensuing year. An amendment was moved to this, to the effect that Mr. Joseph Sutcliffe be sidesman. The amendment was lost by a majority of two, so the original motion was carried. The rev. gentleman next moved that the Messrs. Magerison and Holgate be churchwardens for the parish of Habergham Eaves. An amendment was then moved to this by George Stansfield, Esp., magistrate, namely, that this meeting do not elect churchwardens for Habergham Eaves. The amendment was seconded, but Mr. Master refused to put it, stating it was not legal. Mr. Stansfield next moved the adjournment of the meeting, but Mr. Master also refused to put this. Mr. Stansfield then moved that the rev. gentleman leave the chair, since he would not put either motion or amendment to the meeting, and that Mr. Emmett do take his place. Mr. Emmett, after he was informed that it was not an actionable thing for him to take the chair, made his way towards where the rev. gentleman stood, for chair there was none; his friends pushing him forwards, whilst Mr. Master's friends pushed him back. Then began the fray, for, from words they came to blows, and from blows to kicks - many a blackened shin, torn coat, and broken hat, bore testimony to their disputes. About this time the police arrived, and were ordered by Mr. Master to clear the church, whilst he went and donned himself in his canonical robes, prayer time b eing fast approaching. The meeting then adjourned to the church-yard, after which it was indefinitely adjourned. The whole affair is a disgrace to religion, an insult to its minister, and a direct wrong to the free-will of the men of Habergham Eaves, who claim the right of managing their own affairs, without being bored with the hasty tones of their step-mother, St. Peter's.
_________________ Mel
Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!
|