|
Michael Powell
|
| Home | Concepts | Stories
& People |
Scripture
& Practice |
Spirituality
& Perception |
Theses | Links | Contact
Details |
|
|
Stories & People - Paper 7
A
TWICKENHAM DUO
This
paper, based on the archives of Twickenham United Reformed Church, provides
us with case studies of a Builder/Deacon and a Borough Surveyor/Church
Secretary.
Twickenham
United Reformed Church has a significant part of its history available on
line at www.twickenhamurc.org.uk/history
and I am grateful for the
church’s permission to reproduce material from it.
Introducing
the diary he started in 1856, Slade recapitulates the story of his birth in
In
these notes I have not been drawn into the intricacies of Slade’s
migration from Methodism early in life, through his central Congregational
period, to a final Baptist period. He shopped around but was essentially the
same person throughout.
Slade
introduces himself
I
bought this book in
Was
born at Upton Noble in the
When
26 years of age I got tired of Wincanton. Although I had a wife and a dear
child I had a serious mind and wanted to see the world, nothing would do,
but I must leave all and to
In the
March of the year 1848 I left
In the
latter end of the year 1852 I was short of employ and left the shop where I
had been for nearly five years, not knowing what to do, I committed my ways
to him who has promised to direct one, and all who trust in him, and he
opened a way of life for me that I little expected. I started on my own
account and the Lord sent me a plenty of work and now, the time I am writing
is the 17 day of Feb 1856 and I am doing very well having enough for 3 men
and myself.
Slade
talks about his religious perspective
I
shall be very brief in this part of my history, as 34 years of my life was
spent in sin, running after the vanities of this wicked world, seeking rest
and finding none. Having when about 7 years of age gone to a Methodist
chapel school on Sundays, and hearing good men pray, it had a great effect
on my mind. I began to think seriously, and the Spirit of the Lord strove
with me, which is the first serious Impressions, I can recollect.
But
Alas, they were like the morning dew, they soon wore off, and my parents
both being ignorant of the plan of salvation, cared little for their own
souls or the souls of their children (at that time).
When
about 17 years of age I was apprenticed, at Wincanton a little town in
Somersetshire where I had a very bad example set me a boy as I was without
anyone to care for my Spiritual welfare.
About
that time a great revival took place among the Methodist at Upton Noble, my
native village, and among many others my own poor ignorant Father, was said
to be converted, and then I became serious myself and felt I should like to
become a child of god. I have got up on the sunday morning and walked over
to
He
reads Baxter and Wesley
July
6. .[1856]..I
find the advice of that good man, Mr Richd. Baxter to be good in my case, he
says, question yourself, and as how you are going on, and often and
repeatedly. (had a good time at chapel this morning, found it good to talk
to the boys in the school...)... ...
July
27.[1856]
Saturday evening. This has been a week of trial mixed with much mercy. I
find the cares of business which are incessant, to much for my weak body. My
health is very delicate... I look forward to a good day tomorrow. Mr Harvers
is to preach in our little chappell in the morning, and the Lord's supper in
the evening... Mr Westleys Journal has interested me much of late: it is
very instructive. ...
New
Year is often a time to take stock
Jan
24. [1861]
...Trade is very dull and many are out of employment at the presant. The
weather is very unfavorable. We had a terrible hurricane on Thursday 21st
which did much damage and many persons got hurt. The steeples of churches
blown down, one wing of the Crystal Pallace at Sydenham was blown down &
many houses injured. After a winter of severity and much distress the spring
seems far in the distance - But looking at the state of
Jan.
4th. [1862]...My
Brother Tom came to see us on the 23 of Dec. and returned on the 27th. per
Great Western. Mrs and Mr Hunter from
This last year has been an eventful one; the death of
Dec.
31st.[1865] ...Christmas has
passed away and the weather has been very mild - Much drunkeness and riot by
many people - Went to Clapham, Brixton & St Martins Lane on Boxing
Day... got home safe... I have lost much of my jobbing work through the
treachery of my men - Am finishing of my corner shop for Mr Goatly. It is to
be a butchers let on lease for 21 years -
My anticipations for the next year are but poor what with loss of customers,
high wages demanded by workmen - and every thing as far as business goes
looks gloomy - My only hope is in God...
Jan.
1st.[1870]
New Years Day - The old year is once more past away, full of events, and to
many it has been a year of sorrow and trouble. Trade by most has been very
bad. The building trade has had a severe check - so many failures by
unprincipled people, and so many thousands of houses built and standing
empty has made a panic in the trade... I have had a busy year and a
profitable one - have added 3 rooms to my own house and made other
alterations. Built the bakers shop at
Jan.
1st.[1872]
New Years Day - The old year is once more past away, full of events, and to
many it has been a year of sorrow and trouble. Trade by most has been very
bad. The building trade has had a severe check - so many failures by
unprincipled people, and so many thousands of houses built and standing
empty has made a panic in the trade... I have had a busy year and a
profitable one - have added 3 rooms to my own house and made other
alterations. Built the bakers shop at
Dec.
29th.[1872]
...Xmas is past over once more. We have been very happy and quiet, have not
been from home, but little company. This year has been a year of steady
progress... On the whole I think it has been one of the happiest of my
life.... I am as well as I ever was but feel a little more inclined to rest
and quietness. Provisions are dear: bread 8` the 4lb loaf, Beef 10d, Mutton
10d, Pork 8d, potatoes 16/- per sack - carpenters wages 8d per hour
The
purpose of the business is to provide for the family
Aug
25. [1856]...I
am about beginning to build 4 cottages. I have worked hard and been careful
and have I think sufficient to finish them. Thou O My Father hast made me
thy steward, and may thy blessing attend my labours, and may the provision
which I am trying to make for my children, be under thy special care... I
know the responsibility of a parent, I trust the Lord will give me wisdom to
do a parent's duty. I feel anxious for my 2 brothers, who are going to
July
10.[1857]
I am now in my new house and my Shop is nearly completed...
Family
connections are maintained
Aug.
1.1857
Returned from Wincanton & Upton. Been down for 5 days... ...
Sept.
5. 1857.
I have this day received a letter from my two brothers in
Dec.
29 [1858].
The old year will soon expire... Christmas day my family and myself were
quite to ourselves. We had a piece of roast beef, a goose & plum pudding
- a good old english dinner. Sent poor old Mr Wiltshire a dinner
July
1[1859].
To day - or rather this evening we have been visited with a terrible
Thunderstorm... The rain fell in torrents to the depth of 8 inches - God in
his goodness has spared both me and mine. May my heart be truly grateful to
him for it. I have again been enlarging my premises in the yard. I have now
better warehouse room than I had.
August
2nd. 1860 Went down the country and saw my
relations - took my boy Arthur with me... During my stay, 9 days, I shot 24
rabbits, they being very plentiful - Bought 5 home to Twickenham. Came back
on the 12th and brought my mother with me - She staid with us a week and
returned.
Family
responsibilities, joys and sorrows are never far away
Sept.
14th [1862]
. Business is not very brisk. I have 3 moving jobs in hand and a job for Mr
Twining's Museum (to slate the roof). But I bless God that I have a trifle
coming in from my houses. But my family of 6 children are expensive...
Jan.
11th.[1867]
My Brother Jacob, 34 years of age, is come from
Holidays
and grandchildren become part of the story
July
17th. [1876]
My Daughter Julia & self started for
May
8th.[1877] Mrs Norton, my
Daughter, safe
At
the age of 70, Slade says he is too old for building. However, with his
son’s help work continues for another ten years. References to holidays
and travel become ever more frequent.
Dec.
20th.[1887] Sold
Feb.
6th.[1888] I am this day 71 years
old... I don't expect to be very robust again. I went to the tricycle show
at the aquarium on the 31 Jan and a fine show it was, but my Quadrant I
prefer and count it best for me... I am now having a bath put in to Staunton
Lodge - cost from 10 to 12£. Every body want baths nowadays but the people
die all the same and don't seem to be any healthier than their forefathers.
Indeed this is the age of fads. ...
Feb.
6th [1888] . I am this
day 71 years old... I don't expect to be very robust again. I went to the
tricycle show at the aquarium on the 31 Jan and a fine show it was, but my
Quadrant I prefer and count it best for me... I am now having a bath put in
to Staunton Lodge - cost from 10 to 12£. Every body want baths now a days
but the people die all the same and don't seem to be any healthier than
their forefathers. Indeed this is the age of fads. ...
Feb.
6.[1897]
I am this day 80 years old... Since I last wrote in 1895 how many changes
have there been? Many dear dear old friends have gone to rest, and I seem
left almost alone. My contemporys are all gone before one, but my dear wife
have been spared to me although a cripple and unable to walk... We have been
to
Slade
often comments on the political situation and his financial concerns
Dec.
5 [1857]
I have neglected my Diary this last month. I am resolved to be more diligent
in the future. Trade is very dull, the panic both in
Jan [?]3. 1858
- I have made out all my Bills and sent most of them out.. I find I stand
very well with regard to my temporal affairs. The year has been on the whole
prosperous. Bless the Lord for his mercy and goodness...
May
7[1858]
I have this day got my Lease granted & signed, which I hope will be all
for the best. Have had a trying day. Business is very urgent. I find it a
bad thing to be in the hand of lawyers. A most severe taste to meet their
demands. I trust that my Children when grown up will try to avoid them. ...
May
16 [1858]. Cast down - but not
destroyed. I have severe trials in my business. Having got my lease settled,
I find the payments are very heavy, but in looking over my books, I find I
have sufficient to pay all, and about 60£ left. Only my money is out, but
if my creditors will have a little patience, I shall (by God's blessing) get
on very well. This is the most trying year I have experienced, since I have
been in business...
Sept
31st.[?] [1858] Went to Brentford
with my men & apprentice to the County Court as plaintiff - G.Score
Defendant. Amount, ballance of bill £5.4.7d. Got the full amount and my
expences. Dick Claridge, W.Gaylor, and A.Bullie from
Feb.
5th. [1865]...Business
is fair for the time of year. I am Building 3 small cottages for myself - in
the Second
Various
types of work are undertaken
May
22. ..[1859].We
have a plenty of work. My men are busy. This last week we have made some
forms for the Teddington friends. They have the students come to preach to
them - as yet they have only a barn for their preaching place. They are
trying to get up a chappel. May the Lord bless them...
Sept. 5 [1859]. I
have now some heavy orders on hand... I have the contract for repairing all
Apsley cottages. The amount of contract is £375.10.0 and I trust by his
Guidance it will not be a bad job - I have also a wardrobe price £25.0.0
which will be a good job...
Nov 6. - 1859
This last week has been a rough one. The weather has been unusaly rough.
Much damage has been done both on sea and land and many lives lost. My
Apsley cottages are nearly finished, and right glad I shall be when the
matter is settled as the tenants have given me more trouble than any job I
ever had before... I am thankful for work, but not for such evil disposed
persons as I have to contend with. Mr Cox at The Poplars is giving me a deal
of trouble. After doing his work and trying to oblige him, he is not willing
to pay me.
Sept.
2nd.[1860]
I have finished my furnishing job at Sunningdale and a very nice job it has
been - Mr Reed is perfectly satisfied - Bless God for His goodness.
March
2nd. . 1861 Trade is dreadfully bad. We have done nothing scarcely since
Christmas in the selling department. But this last 2 days work had dropped
in and bless God I still have hope... My boy William will be out of his time
in June. I have 2 other apprentices and Woollet is still with me, but I have
more general repairs to houses now than I used to have. Cabinet work not
being much called for here, and what we make does not pay. As it is so nigh
Feb.
24th.[1862]
Nearly another month is past... I see the last report speaks of bad luck
&tc - but I am apt to complain to soon... Business is better and I have
no reason to complain, and why should I. Batcombe Lodge is nearly completed
and I am commenced yesterday 22nd. with another Villa to be called Longleat
Villa after the celebrated seat of the Marquis of Bath in Somersetshire...
March
29th. [1862]...I
am progressing with my house called Longleat Villa, whilst Batcombe Lodge is
not let. The weather has been so wet. It has rained nearly all through the
month...
Jan.
1st..[1865]..I
built 3 shops in
Dec.
20th.[1879] Sold
As
an employer of labour, Slade is often under pressure
May
2nd [1858]....The
week past has been a busy one, having had on several extra workpeople. I
feel my responsibility to be great May the Lord help me...
Dec.
13th [1858] Have been
very unwell this last fortnight - Have my winter complaint bad cough - what
is worse I have been declining spiritually... Business is brisk for the time
of year. Richard Pond, my old master's son is come to work for me. I hope he
is a thoughtful young man. May I have grace to set a good example before my
men & boys... Went to
Sept.
10th.{1864]
Saturday evening. My man Woollett has this evening given me a week's notice
to leave me after being with me for seven years... For along time past he
has been dissatisfied and has been slandering me behind my back, and has
made my 2 apprentices dissatisfied. I have placed confidence in him by
sending him out to my customers - which he has turned to his own account by
getting my work away - and now to crown the whole, Him and Pond has taken a
shop close by me and is about opening against me - What the result will be I
am at a loss to say...
Business-religion
interface
May
11th [1856].
For this last fortnight I have had little time or opportunity for writing,
my mind having been much drowned in business and the cares of this life...
There have been many large meetings lately of the enemys of my master Jesus,
and these men would make the sabbath a day of toil, but glory to god they
have not succeeded. The Lord has frustrated their designs, the legislature
has decided in favour of the sabbath. Glory be to God.
My
business is extended from one man. I have 3 and a prentice but I am not
ambitious... I am surrounded by those who are ignorant, who profane the
sabbath by buying and selling, but they do not get rich. I keep the sabbath
and delight in the Lord, and although I labor hard, I am happy and the Lord
prospers me. He shall be my guide while life lasts.
Jan
11[1859].
Wrote to Mrs Robertson for the amt. of her a/c which has been owing 8 months
after due. Offered to take the goods back in part payment - Herd a student
preach last evening. Felt encouraged at hearing the word.
A
business mentor gratefully remembered
John
Nash Goatly died Nov. 2nd. 1862 aged 52 years. And we buried him at
Ealing old church on the 8th. This man was the only man that ever took me by
the hand in business. I have found in him a friend, and in him I have lost
one...
Slade
is much concerned about his Chapel’s building finance
A
scheme was then set on foot by a few of the leaders of this movement to
borrow six hundred pounds and pay off the debt... and to this I consented.
But some few were not satisfied by this but wished for alterations in the
property that would involve a very heavy outlay... amounting in all to about
2800 pounds. My name was put with another as Treasurer but my partner took
every thing into his own hands and I never saw any of the books or
accounts... and feel sorry ever my name was associated with a proceeding
which instead of helping the cause of Christ, I am afraid will be a heavy
clog to it. I would advise all my children to beware how they act in all
these matters... I would hope the matter may end well and that my fears may
fall to the ground.
April
24.[1872] I have well and
prayerfully considered the matter of the Diaconite and feel convinced it is
the Lords will I should do something to help on his cause...
Service
as a Deacon is matched by local community service
(1873
March)
Omitted to say I was chosen by the ratepayers for a member of the Local
Board for 3 years. I am still performing my duties attending its meeting
once every fortnight. Have the drainage question in hand - which is a
difficult one.
Feb.10th
[1903].
Abraham Slade, the writer of the foregoing diary, passed away at
Top
Borough Surveyor and
Engineer, Twickenham
Secretary, Twickenham
Congregational Church
From
the
Thames
Valley
Times –
Wednesday 17 October 1928
.
A
native of Somersetshire, Mr. Pearce came to
He
came to Twickenham in October, 1898 and for thirty years held the
responsible position of surveyor and engineer, first to the Urban District
Council, and latterly to the Town Council.
Twickenham
was at that time little more than a village, with a population of 1,600, but
with the coming of the trains, the cutting through of
Other
works included the raising of the grounds several feet Radnor House so as to
prevent the occasional flooding that would have made riverside gardens an
impassability. The Teddington Lock was in course of construction, and Mr.
Pearce seized the opportunity by arranging with the Thames Conservancy and
the contractors to have the excavated material barged down stream and
deposited on the gardens, saving the town many hundreds of pounds in so
doing.
Another
important project of those days which threw a heavy responsibility on his
shoulders was the construction of the sewage works and refuse destructor.
With
the increasing population came the need of new schools and in the
construction of these some of Mr. Pearce's best work was done, for he was a
keen educationist and knew exactly what were the requirements of an
elementary school. The Orleans Schools, which were erected in 1910, were
followed a year later by the
To
the improvement of the riverside path between Marble Hill and
The
purchase of York House and the coming of incorporation had placed increasing
burdens and responsibilities upon his shoulders. The alterations necessary
to York House were much larger than was anticipated when taking over the
building, and this work, coupled with the transfer of the offices from the
old Town Hall, came at a time when the surveyor and his department were
working at their hardest.
To
the Congregational Church on the Green, of which he was deacon for eighteen
years, he was a devoted member and supporter, the children, especially,
having in him a supporter and friend. He was its church secretary, and it is
not too much to say that its existence to-day as a church is in no small
measure due to his life and influence.
Twickenham
Rotary Club, whose motto, "Service above self" inspired his
everyday life.
Another
of his outside activities was the Lower Thames Valley Association of
Surveyors, of which he was secretary
In
a tribute the chairman of the Twickenham Education Committee referred to
Pearce’s great love of the town. He never hurried. He was always
deliberate in his opinions and work and had a restraining influence on many,
whom I might call impetuous members of the committee and Council. The town
had been built up in the last ten years and many of the things he did we
shall like to look upon as monuments to his memory, for the improvement of
the borough coincided with his period of office. I have found his help of
immeasurable value when attending on our behalf, conference with Government
officials. His eloquent and masterful way of presenting our case has been of
the greatest assistance to us and the town. He loved Twickenham as few men
do.
I
am grateful to Twickenham URC for putting some of their history on line and
even more for their insight in seeing the relevance of the working lives of
two significant people concerned with different aspects of building and the
built environment.
Abraham
Slade came from
This
story is reflected in Slade’s religious comments. Conversion was not just
an inner and spiritual matter but was the basis of an acute ethical
sensitivity to the way he, his work force and his customers behaved in
business. It was morally wrong to be disloyal to an employer, and not to pay
one’s bills if a customer. These early pains seem to have gradually given
way to a sense that God can be trusted when times are difficult and can be
gladly praised when things in the end go well. Slade’s story can be read
as a business man’s persistent pilgrimage along a track that was often
rocky and difficult. Despite the difficulties, God can be praised.
It
was 50 years later in 1898 that Fred Pearce, also originally a
We
have no insights here into his inner religious life. What we do see is a man
elected to the Diaconate and entrusted with the responsibilities of Church
Secretary. That points to a strong, practical discipleship.
It
seems to me that we have two strong types here, Slade the tradesman who
through hard experience becomes a successful business man, and Pearce the
professional who through competent and committed public service wins great
respect. In their ways and their time they were, I am inclined to feel,
authentic, true Lay People.
|
|
|
© copyright www.building-theology.org.uk |
||
|
|