Author: Administrator

Kingsteignton: Tea and Testimonial: in spite of an attractive parish church, an agreeable minister, and the performance of divine service in accordance with modern practice in certain high places, nonconformity is progressing satisfactorily, especially that branch of known Congregationalism. The neat chapel erected a few years since, principally at the expense of Pinsent, Esq., has almost become too straight to accommodate the numerous worshippers that flock to hear the ministries of the respected pastor, the Rev. R. W. Row. On Good Friday in each year, it is a custom with the society to hold tea and public meetings which never fails to be well attended, whilst at the same time it has the tendency of cementing more closely in unity the bonds of Christian brotherhood. This year the affair was doubly attractive for — unknown to the minister – and principally through the instrumentality of Mr. Pinsent, of Were Barton, a sum more than sufficient to purchase a gold watch was subscribed and presented to that gentleman at the public meeting after the tea, at which J. Bolton, Esq., presided. A young lady named Walling handed the watch and a purse of sovereigns to the Rev. gentleman, at which he looked surprised, could scarcely believe his eyes, and was too overpowered to speak word. The Chairman then divulged the secret that that was a small present purchased by subscription from the congregation, as a token of respect and high estimation in which they held him as a Christian minister. Mr. Row was so overcome with this unexpected act of kindness, that he could only express his thanks in broken sentences intermingled with tears that moved all present; it was an affecting sight that will not readily be forgotten. The Rev. Mr. Cooksley, of Torquay, also addressed the meeting, after which a vote of thanks was proposed to Mr. Pinsent and the subscribers to the testimonial for their handsome Present; Mr. Pinsent responded. Mr. Cornish proposed vote of thanks to the ladies who presided at the tea, Miss Pinsent, Mrs. Luscombe, Misses Beardon (2), Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Widdicombe, and Mr. Walling; Mr. W. Smallridge, bachelor, with that becoming blush of modesty, if not of timidity, that has hitherto precluded him from “popping the question, “responded” in a neat and graceful speech, that could not fail of winning the heart of someone at least of the fair ones present towards him, so that will be wonder if before another, anniversary he will be out of the category of those who are usually called on to respond for the ladies. The meeting terminated with the usual compliment to the Chairman.

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

GRO0369 Hennock: Gilbert Pinsent: 1840 – 1918
GROxxxx Hennock

Kingsteignton: Good Friday Presentation: The Independents had very agreeable tea here on Friday and made the same the occasion of doing the very agreeable thing of presenting their minister, the Rev. R. W. Rowe, with a gold watch and purse of sovereigns. The present honoured alike those who gave it and he that took it. The Rev. gentleman had the misfortune to miss his watch some time ago, and his friends, unbeknown to him, got up a subscription to present him with another. That he was overwhelmed with emotion when the presentation was made is not to be wondered about, especially as the presentation was made by a young lady, Miss Walling. The tea was served by Mrs. W. Widdicombe, Mrs. Edwards, Miss Pinsent, and Mrs. Walling, and provided by Mrs. Beardon. Some very good addresses were delivered, the pastor acknowledging the gift with much feeling.

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

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