C. & C.C.S. that it was not unwillingness to pay, but poverty, which created the financial difficulty. But at the start of his ministry the prospect was gloomy. The parsonage needed a new foundation. The New London people had exhausted their resources in building the new church. Irishtown Church needed repairs.

Nothing daunted, the new Incumbent began at the beginning. In the Church Guardian, August 21, 1879, he wrote that the church had been repaired and papered with imitation oak paper imported from England, a new gate had been hung1 and congregations at New London and Irishtown were large and attentive. He reported that the Bishop would confirm on Monday, September 1. In the same newspaper, October 16, 1879, he told of the Bishop’s Visit, and that His Lordship gave Communion to two sick persons. Nineteen were confirmed, nine at New London, ten at Irishtown. The parsonage had been repaired, a new flue built, and prepara- tions made for winter. The C. & C.C.S. began to talk of reducing its annual grant, but the Rector began a new venture which he

describes in the 1881 report:

I have gathered around me here a band of young and old. We meet to study God’s blessed book, and after an hour devoted to that best of all studies we enjoy a short season of prayer and praise. In the public services of the Church, as well as in our own private devotions, we have been drawn nearer and nearer in ties which death itself cannot sever. No, I cannot leave them; but what am I to do? I have a family depending on my efforts for even the bare

necessities of life.

Some progress was reported. Mr. E. M. Welch procured a bell for the New London church. The next year the tower was com- pleted, the church was painted, and a small cabinet organ was bought. A great Tea which raised $326.40 provided the money which built the tower and spire. A gallery was built at the same time. At Kensington St. Mark’s Church was newly shingled.

From July to October, 1882, Henry Harper, a student in theol- ogy, managed the parish while Mr. Reagh went to Port Hill. The latter seems to have remained in the western parish until July, 1883, when he took up work in New London again. The 1884

C. & C.C.S. report reads:

During my absence from the parish St. Stephen’s Church has been thoroughly repaired, the roof has been raised and newly shingled, a tower and spire built, the inside plastered, a bell purchased,2 and a,.Communion service provided. For the latter we are indebted to Miss Holroyd and some kind lady friends in England. . . . Your mis- sionary was presented with a fine fur coat on the 27th

1. This is probably the iron gate still in use. It bears the initials D.H. which, according to Reagh Meek, stand for Dougal Henry, a blacksmith who lived at Stanley Bridge.

2. Mrs. Catherine Doughart used to tell that she remembered when her brother, John Adam Millman, brought the bell from Kensington to the church in his waggon. She boldly lifted

the clapper and made the bell ring out.