MR. JEFFERY: THE VOLUNTARY PRINCIPLE: (From the Plymouth and Devonport Journal.) The fifth anniversary of Hope Chapel, Devonport, was celebrated at a tea meeting in the Mechanics’ institute, Monday evening. The spacious apartment was inefficient to accommodate the immense concourse that assembled, and as soon as a large number had partaken of a social repast, they withdrew to the smaller fall to room for those in waiting for seats at the tables. The galleries also were filled. Tea having concluded at (even o’clock), the meeting proceeded to the more special business of the evening. On the dais were the chairman J. R. Jeffery, Esq., Liverpool, the Rev. Mr. Horton. Rev. minister of the Baptist congregation assembling in Hope Chapel, the Rev. S. A. Manning, of Frome, Richard Pinsent, Esq., Devonport, and in its immediate vicinity were observed Rev. W. L. Badham, Rev. J. P. Haddy, Baptist Minister of Ravensthorp; P. Adams, Esq., Plymouth; Rev. J. M. Charlton, President of Western College, Plymouth; Rev. S. Pugh, Minister, and superintendent the Devonport Wesley and District; Rev Mr. Page, pastor of George street, Plymouth; Rev. R. O. Moses, Baptist Minister, Lymington; Rev. John White, Presbyterian Minister, Devonport, with many of the leading lay members the non-conforming churches in the three towns. Mr. Pinsent said, in laying his budget before the meeting, it was fortunate that he had no new taxes to impose—(laughter); the contrary, they had a balance on the right side of the account (applause). The Chairman rose. He thought they would agree with him, after the statement that had just been read, that the voluntary principle which had so far been placed upon its trial, had furnished a triumphant example of what it could affect, compared with any State endowment, for the maintenance of religious worship (hear). … (discussion of Rev. Horton’s ministry and the building of the Hope Chapel) …
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Referenced
GRO0741 Devonport: Richard Steele Pinsent: 1820 – 1864