Board of Guardians: Wednesday: (W. Creek, Esq., Chairman): The Chaplain! Hint to Resign. : The Chaplain’s report was first read as follows June 10, — I have examined the girls school, the 3rd class in their catechism, which appeared to be known, but not intelligibly — the writing books showed some improvement. Gave the 2nd class their collect to write out, which they professed to have learnt the day before, not one could so directly, and only two decently — the spelling indifferent. Gave the 1st class the gospel to write out, which was learnt the Sunday previous, but only one did it well—most of those who attempted it made some mistakes in their spelling, and do not appear to know the difference between the pronoun “thee, and the definite article “the,” with other mistakes equally glaring, still I disposed to think, with these imperfections, that the school is now receiving more attention than it has lately been receiving.” Mr. Courtier would like to know the age of these children in the 3rd class. Mr. Law said the ages of them could not be defined, as they were not ranged according to age, but according to what they knew. Mr. Pinsent said it was very inconvenient for the Board to be continually pestered with these derogatory observations from the chaplain, relative to the girls’ school, and he very much wondered that Mr. Good adopted such a course. Mr. Palk agreed with Mr. Pinsent that it was a great pity the chaplain should adopt such an uncharitable course — where most charity should be looked for, the less was to be found. He thought the sooner the chaplain left his office the better — (hear, hear). Mr. Courtier said he did not know whether he was in order or not, to move a resolution relative to the chaplain. The Chairman thought it the more regular to bring up the report of the House committee first, which was done, and it was found to contain a very flattering remark on the girl’s school, which was received and adopted. Mr. Courtier moved, and Mr. Palk seconded “That the conduct of Mr. Good, the chaplain of this union, towards Miss Heath, the schoolmistress, has been, and is still cruel and vexatious. His many charges against her of moral delinquency, inattention, and neglect of the children have been examined into by committees appointed by this board to investigate the charges, who have reported to this board, that all the charges against Miss Heath, were unfounded. The Board of Guardians cannot help pitying such conduct in a Christian minister, it being unbecoming and indecorous, showing a little of charity, but very much like revenge. The Board having lost that confidence which ought to exist between one of their servants and themselves, do order Mr. Alsop, the clerk, to write the chaplain to desire that he will desist from such conduct in future, or resign the office he now holds under this Board.” … (ongoing discussion) …
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0518 Devonport: John Ball Pinsent: 1819 – 1901