Wheathampstead
as seen by the
Herts Advertiser & St Albans Times - 1876 

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Price of Herts Advertiser in 1876 was 
Three Half-pence

This is a general interest item which may explain why residents were tempted to emigrate.

FREE EMIGRATION TO QUEENSLAND

Free passages are granted by the Government to Female Domestic Servants of all kinds, who are quite free to engage with whom they please at the best wages they can get.  Wages £25 to £50 a-year all found.

Free passages given to Agricultural Labourers whether married or single. Wages £30 to £50 a-year with board and lodging.

Assisted Passages to Mechanics on payments of £4.  Wages as under. -

The above need not want work a single hour after landing.

Apply personally or by letter to Agent-General for Queensland, 32, Charing Cross, London, S. W,; Mr. A. A. Dorant, Auctioneer, St. Albans, or F. F. Johnson, Wormley.

This is a general interest item 

A HISTORY OF THE INCOME TAX

A history of the income tax is not (says the Western Daily Press) pleasant reading for those who have had to pay it, but from a national point of view the fluctuations have been curious.  When Sir Robert Peel revived the tax, in 1842, to carry out his great tariff reform, he taxed no income under £150, and the tax was not extended to Ireland till 1853 eleven years after Great Britain had had the pleasure of paying it.  In 1812-3 the tax was at the rate of 7d. in the pound, and thee was no change till 1853-4, when for the first time income of £100 and upwards were charged.  Between this time and 1861-2 the rates varied as follow:-

In the Budget of 1863-4 the differential rate was dropped and all incomes over £100 were charged alike - an abatement of £60 being allowed off incomes under £200.  The changes since then have been numerous, as the following table will show:-

In the Budget of 1872-3 the abatement was extended to £80, and was off incomes under £300.  By Monday night's Budget Sir Stafford Northcote goes back to Sir Robert Peel's minimum income of £150, and he allows £120, off all incomes up to £400.  Such is the history of the tax which has caused more vexation than any tax of modern times.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD.

DEDICATION FESTlVAL. It is intended to· hold the Dedication Festival of the Church of St. Helen on Wednesday, the 3rd May; The Hon. and Very Reverend the Dean of York will preach at the three o'clock service, and in the evening the sermon will be delivered .by the Rev. Frederic R. Farbrother, curate of Lynton, North Devon, and formerly curate of Wheathampstead. The choir of the church will be augmented by members of the choir from Peterborough cathedral, and others. The offertories will be devoted to the fund for the enlargement of the organ.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

THE "MESSIAH" -On Good Friday the members of the St. Alban's Sacred Harmonic Society performed this great oratorio in the Congregational Chapel to the highest satisfaction of an appreciative audience.  Mr. J. Tompkins conducted, while Mr. E. C. Tompkins acted as leader, and Master Rose presided at the piano.  The solo music was rendered principally by the Misses Parsons, Nettleton, and W Rose.

CHURCH CHOIR CONCERT. - The members of the choir of St. Helen's church gave a very attractive and miscellaneous concert of sacred and secular music in the Schoolroom in this village on Wednesday evening.  The labour and trouble of organising and carrying out the whole thing devolved upon Mr. Algernon Pike, whose self-sacrifice was very amply remunerated by the success with which his efforts were attended.  There was a large and appreciative audience, which included the Rev. O. W. Davys, Mrs. Davys and family, the Rev. Mr. Curtis and Mrs. Curtis, Mr. G, R. Robbins and Mrs. Robbins, Mr. Noel Fenwick, the Misses Fenwick and many others.  A judicious selection form Judas Maccaboeus comprised the first part of the programme, which opened with a capital execution of the overture "Largo."  This was succeeded by the chorus, "O, Father, whose Almighty power," the rendering of which was an indication of the good training which the choir had undergone.  Mr. F. A. Batchelor sang the recitative and air, "I feel the Deity within."  and "Arm, arm, ye brave" in a very appreciable manner, and the violoncello obligato by Mr. J. Tong (Codicote) was very creditable as far as it went.  "We come in bright array" (chorus) was nicely sung, and the trio and chorus, "Disdainful of danger," which followed, was listened to with wrapt attention, and at the close the performers were accorded a demonstrative round of applause.  A flattering ovation was given also to Mr. Pike for his rendering of the recitative and air, "Sound an Alarm."  Mr Wynn's cornet obligato was very spiritedly played and was most effective.  The latter remark also applies to the the rendering of the chorus, "See the Conquering Hero Comes," which received an encore.  The second part of the programme was as follows: - Selection from "Norma," (Bellini), instruments; glee, "Hail! smiling morn," (Spofforth), choir; song, "Sweethearts," (Sullivan), Mr. Algernon Pike; duet, "Tell me where do fairies dwell," (Glover), choristers - Smith and Green; glee, "Strike the lyre," (Cooke), the choir-men; part song, "The dawn of day" (Reay), the choir; song, "The anchor's weighed" (Braham), Mr. Algernon PIke; gell, "Mynheer Vandunck" (Bishop), the choir-men; Flute solo, "Operatic Airs," Mr. F. A. Batchelor; song, "The stirrup cup" (Pinsuti), Mr. G. Nash; trio, "My sweet Dorabella," Messrs. Pike, W. Batchelor, and F. A. Batchelor (Mozart);  comic song, "Doctor Quack," Mr. J. Tong; comic, "The enraged Schoolmaster," Messrs. G Nash, W. Batchelor, Pike, Gatward, and W. Tong (Elliot).  The duet by the choristers, Masters Smith and Green, was creditably sung and deservedly honoured with and encore.  ..............  "My sweet Dorabella" was enhanced by the manner in which Miss Findlay executed the difficult piano accompaniment.   ...........(not all detail included here)...   The audience appeared to have been highly gratified with the concert, the music throughout being rendered with excellent time and precision.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

DEDICATION SERVICE  - [There was a very long and detailed description given for this service - a few details are given here]    

The Clergy present at the service were the Dean 0f York, Rev. O. W. Davys, Rev C. Vaughan, Rev. Cannon Gee, D.D., Hon. Alfred Grqy, Rev. W. L. Pope, Rev. Andrew Kershaw, Rev. H. F. Johnson, Rev. W. W. Malet, Rev. Robert Baker, Rev. G. E. Prescot, and Rev. H. Jephson.

[Further details were given]

The sermon was listened to with deep attention by a crowded congregation.

The total amount of the collections during the day was £11 3s. 6d.; which will be devoted to the fund for the enlargement of the organ.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

INTERESTING CEREMONY. - The foundation stone of a Congregational Chapel will be laid in this village on Tuesday by Mr. Alderman Wiles.  The ceremony is appointed to take place at three o'clock in the afternoon, and at 6.30 a public meeting will be held, presided over by the Rev. Josiah Viney, of Highgate.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE
of a
NEW INDEPENDENT CHAPEL

Mr. Edward Sutton Wiles, of St Alban's laid the foundation stone of a new Independent Chapel in this village on Tuesday afternoon in the presence of a very large concourse of people.  The site obtained for the new building, which is intended to accommodate about 300 persons, is in close proximity to the old chapel in Harpenden Road.  The causes which have operated to bring about the necessity for a new place of worship of this kind will be found fully explained in the speeches which were made on the occasion.  Non-conformity is making very considerable progress, and hence the requirement for a place better adapted to comfort and convenience than the dilapidated, incommodious, and badly ventilated building now extant.  On Tuesday the weather proved very favourable for the occasion, and the greatest success attended the ceremony as will as the after proceedings.  From the road to the site of the new chapel there were some very attractive decorations.  Flags of various devices, banners stretched across the pathway, and wreaths and flowers displayed with suitable effect were ample and manifest indications of the festival character of the proceedings that were to take place.  "Welcome to all" was the inscription emblazoned on the first of the banners referred to, and beyond was the text, of similar device, "May Christians dwell together in unity and peace serving the Lord."  Owing to the non-arrival of several gentlemen friends at the hour appointed for the ceremony to take place, the proceedings were considerably delayed; but the spectators, numbering four or five hundred, many of whom had taken time by the forelock to secure good positions, awaited the performance of the ceremony with perfect equanimity.  It was not until nearly four o'clock, almost an hour late, that the ceremony was commenced.

The proceedings were opened by the singing of the 81st hymn from the Congregational Hymn Book, and the Rev. Mr. Wooffendale, of Dr Oswald Dyke's Church, London, engaged in prayer.

The Rev. J. S. Hoppus (minister of the Independent Chapel, Wheathampstead) said before laying the stone it was necessary that he should place a few facts before those who were met together.  It was about three years ago since he was first called to preach the gospel of Christ in the adjoining chapel.  At that time the state of the chapel and Sunday School was far from flourishing, but from the first the blessing of God rested upon the labours of them all.  There had been a large increase of the numbers of the Sabbath School and a steady growth of the congregation until it had been found impossible to give proper accommodation to them.  Those that formed the attendance at the first had since attended up to the present time.  Soon after this tide of prosperity set in it was decided to erect a new place of worship, not only because of the increase of the congregation, but because of the badly-ventilated and dilapidated state of their present chapel, the walls of which were only on nine-inch brickwork.  They did not see  how anything could be done with the existing place to adapt it to their requirements; but it would do well for the purposes of the Sunday School, and where they could have such amusement and instruction as would bend to the intellectual, moral and spiritual elevation of the working people.  Having agreed to have a new sanctuary they found that the cost would amount to £1000, including the land - that was to say, to build a chapel that would accommodate 300 hearers of the gospel, which the chapel now being erected is to accommodate.  They were very poor people and it was with something like fear and trembling that they undertook the work; but they had confidence in God and their cause, and before this, splendid victories had been won in the Christian Church as well as in science and art. Towards this sum the Congregational Chapel Building Society kindly promised a load of £100, without interest, to be paid back in 10 years, and also a grant of £25 - (hear, hear).  Their own people had done to the utmost of their power, and many friends had contributed and collected towards this great and good work.  In order to complete this building they still wanted at last £300.  That was a very large sum for a small congregation to raise.  There was a great deal of good in starting well and in their first step being right.  It was their happy state at the present moment not to be in debt.  But all is well, they must remember, that ends ends well.  They had yet to crown this edifice and they wanted to crown it with freedom - that was to say, freedom from debt.  They were too poor to risk a debt, and he hoped that the offerings of Christian friends that day would go far in helping them to reach that happy state.  Few of those who stood round the stone had any idea of the struggle the committee has passed through in ringing about the present measure of success of their work, but there was cause for gratitude to God who had helped them and delivered them out of difficulties.  In this spirit let the offerings of that day be made.  To them was intrusted the care and keeping of this house of God and it should be their constant aim to preserve its inestimable priviliges. There was a beautiful custom in ancient Greece which was intended to show how truth passed on from age to age.  Lighted torches were placed in the hands of swift youth who run till they fill breathless to the ground, when another would take up the torch and run till he fell breathless to the ground, and another and another until at last they reached the goal.  And so it should be with them in connection with this.  When some fell breathless in the battle of life and the great battle of the Cross, in the interests of Christian truth, it was their desire and prayer to Almighty God that those coming after them might take up the torch of truth from their hands that it might pass on to the latest period of time.  In introducing Mr. Wiles to lay the stone, Mr. Hoppus observed that Mr. Wiles had been long interested in the prosperity of this church, and it was a singular fact that a relative of his laid the foundation stone of the old chapel and collected all the money to defray the cost of the chapel.  He concluded by asking Mrs. Ploughman to be kind enough to present the trowel to Mr. Wiles.

The stone was then duly laid, and the declaration was received with three hearty cheers.

Mr. E. S. Wiles, in the course of a few remarks, inferred from the presence of such a large number of spectators that they considered this and interesting occasion.  It was not in the mere fact of the stone being laid for a Congregational Chapel, which was to take the place of the small chapel which he had known for  great may years, so much as in the fact of the place being intended for the proclamation of the truths of the glorious gospel that they wee so much interested in meeting together.  He trusted that all felt an interest in the Scriptures, and that they felt there should be no admixture of human teachings which were opposed tot he work of God.  They were met to inaugurate a place of worship for the of the truth in its simplicity, but he recommended , as their minister, whom they all thought of very highly, would be one of the first to do, that they should not only attend to what he enforced from his lips, but compare what he said with the word of God, and thus resemble those noble people who "searched the scriptures daily to see whether these things were so."  He concluded by referring to the late Mr. George Sutton, well known to many of the older inhabitants of Wheathampstead, as an active individual in connection with the building of the little chapel which was now in a dilapidated state.

The Rev. J. S. Hoppus here announced that he had received the following subscriptions form friends who were unable to be present:- Mr. John Cunliffe, Langley Gale £10; Dr. Gilbert. F.R.S., Harpenden, £5; Mr. B. Humphage, Turnham Green, Hammersmith, £1 1s.; and Mr. Irons, Harpenden,  £1.  An appeal to the spectators to place their offerings upon the stone was next responded to, and the subscription, including those announce, amounted to about £44.

Mr. Charles Lattimore, who was afterwards called upon to speak, said it might be asked what business he had amongst them that day.  He answered that it was the interest he took in their cause, and his desire to promote their welfare - (hear, hear).  There were two things which he must just shortly notice, for he would not trespass on their time.  The first was - Is there any necessity for this building? - (a voice: Yes).  That was the question that would strike all rational men.  He would answer that - knowing, as he did, the great dearth of spiritual instruction and spiritual knowledge in this parish - (hear, hear, and applause); knowing, as he did, that the great portion of so-called Protestant clergymen put on the habiliments of overt ritualism - (cheers) - these things had created a necessity for this chapel, which he hoped might be instrumental in disseminating that knowledge which tends to make "wise unto salvation."  The next point he came to was as to the means of carrying this out.  He was truly grieved to see everyone offering to the extent of his means to contribute to this work - grieved for the necessity of doing so - but he rejoiced to see the spirit which animated them on the occasion.  No cause could possibly succeed in which the heart did not participate.  He was grieved because all the land round and the very land where that (the parish) church was built and the great portion of this parish were originally given by Edward the Confessor for religious purposes to all future times, and he was grieved to think that they should be obliged, by their resources, to club together to get some small part of this land which Edward the Confessor gave for religious purposes some centuries ago, and then to be charged for it at the rate of something like £400 per acre!  If these things were not true they would be questioned by others.  The committee had great difficulty in procuring this plot of land - (hear, hear) - so great was the opposition which arose in an independent quarter.  If Edward the Confessor could appear before them what would he say of the use that was being made of his property that they should be obliged to give and extravagant price to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for permission to use a small portion of the land for religious purposes which he gave as a free gift for that end altogether.  Although men might devise well, yet the seditions and perversity of men might turn these gifts into curses to others.  There was some satisfaction to know that this was a church which was to be based upon the religion of the Bible and the Bible was truth.  They must take care therefore that their ministers did not wander from the truths it contained. Great deeds had been accomplished by the Nonconformists of this country.  They had fought for the Bible in its integrity when others had run riot; and after the revolution and separation of Church and when dissent occurred in the Church it was to Nonconformity they looked for the integrity of the Bible and the maintenance of the Protestant truths for which their forefathers shed their blood - (cheers).  This cause was worthy of their adoption and he hoped non would be insensible to its advantages.  He felt they had a worthy minister and asked them to give him all the support they could.  He was a Churchman, but he held the principles of the Bible for which his forefathers and progenitors had shed their blood, and he rejoiced to see the teachings of the Bible once more acknowledged in his own native parish - (cheers).

A special hymn was then sung, commencing - We come the Saviour's name to praise.

After a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Wiles for laying the foundation stone, proposed by Mr. Lockhart, seconded by Mr. John Smith, the Rev. T. Watts concluded with prayer.

Tea was provided in the old chapel at five o'clock when upwards of two hundred ladies and gentlemen sat down to partake of refreshment.  The front and interior of this building had been most profusely decorated, and the walls and platform were embellished with tastefully executed mottoes and devices, the whole being the work of Mr. Edward Lockhart.  The children of the Sunday-school, numbering between 170 and 180, were about the same time presented with oranges.

A public meeting was held in the chapel after the tea had been cleared away, and was very largely attended.  The attendance included the following gentlemen, most of whom were also present at the ceremony in the afternoon:- The Rev. Josiah Viney (chairman), the Rev. J. S. Hoppus, the Rev. Samuel Baedlaw Mcall, M.A., the Rev. T. Watts, the Rev. S. V. Driver, Rev. J. Bird (Hatfield), Mr. Edward Wiles, Mr. Fisk, sen., Mr. R. Gibbs, sen., and jun., Mr. T. Ploughman, sen., and jun. (London), Mr. Watt (London), Mr. J. Sinclair, Mr. W. Brock (architect), Mr. John Norris (Hertford), Mrs. T. Ploughman, sen., &c.  Of the friends who were present at the afternoon ceremony, Mr. Allen Anscombe (Harpenden), Mr. S. Cherry (St. Alban's), and Mr. J. Johnson (Luton) were unable to stay to the meeting in the evening.

The meeting having been opened with prayer and the singing of the 219 hymn - Where shall we go to seek and find,  A habitation for our God -

The Chairman, in an interesting speech, referred to his acquaintance with Harpenden and Wheathampstead in years past, and congratulated Mr. Hoppus and his congregation upon the work they were engaged in.  He dwelt upon the spiritual significance of the work "enlarging," which had been applied in connection with the sanctuary; and concluded by expressing his regret amidst some approbation that the committee had not determined to build a chapel capable of accommodating 500 instead of 300 persons.  He should be pleased to give £10 toward the work, and if the committee thought it worth while reconsidering their determination he would give another £10 - (cheers).

Mr. Chennells, who was received with applause and listened to with attention, gave a brief account of the history of the old chapel in which they were assembled, and the many trying changes and vicissitudes it has passed through up to the time of its present flourishing condition.

Mr. E. Lockhart next gave some facts relating to the present condition of the church.  He said he was a teacher in the Sunday school, where the children originally numbered 40 and they had increased to 175 and about ten teachers.  Thus it would be seen they ad great need of further help and more teachers.  There were many, he knew, who attended this place of worship and who might if they chose render some little assistance in the schoolroom in the morning.  He hoped those who had the time would do what they could to assist in training the young.  With respect to the building committee, it had been very hard work to get even the amount of money that they had - (hear, hear).  If some knew the difficulties the committee had had to contend with in collecting subscriptions and obtaining the ground they would be surprised.  The money already collected, including promises, amounted to nearly £600.  The building now commenced was to cost, with the ground £1000, so that they really wanted £300 to complete the building, after the loan had been advance.  He quite agreed with the observations of Mr. Viney with respect to the size of the place.  It was their intention to have made it larger, but as a committee they did not lose sight of the fact that they had not their own money to dispose of, but that of the poor man, and it was the poor man they were really considering al along; they had been aiming to cultivate his mind by teaching him to write and read, and to do all they could for him by drawing  him to the house of God.  By doing this they had materially increased their numbers, and hence the need for a new chapel.  He thought the mere fact of their cutting short the building would not prevent them at any future time from carrying out their original idea.  It was far better to postpone it for the present than to build in debt - (hear, hear).  However they would go on with spirit and perseverance to accomplish their original plan.  He had taken a great interest in their welfare - (hear, hear) - and he was willing to double his exertions if the people would show him encouragement - (applause).

The Rev. S. B. McAll and the Rev. S. V. Driver next addressed the meeting, and were succeeded by Mr. Carles Lattimore, whose speech in reality was an amplification of the remarks he had made in the afternoon.

The Rev. J. Viney, with several other gentlemen, here left to catch the train, and the chair was taken by the Rev. J. S. Hoppus.

Addresses were delivered by the Rev. T. Watts, the Rev. J. C. Bird, and the Rev. W. Kelsey (Codicote); and some complimentary votes of thanks having been passed, shortly afterwards the proceedings were brought to an appropriate conclusion.

A collection which was made at the doors, brought the offerings of the day to a total of £50.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

THE NEW INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. - We are informed that it is agreed to make the new chapel, the foundation-stone of which was laid last week, thirteen feet longer in accordance with the plan originally contemplated.  When complete the chapel will measure 57-ft. 6-in. by 35-ft.  Contributions in aid of the work will be thankfully received by the Rev. J. S. Hoppus, the minister. 

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

DIVORCE CASE - In the Court of Probate and Divorce on Wednesday, the 24th instant, before the Right Hon. the President and a special jury, the case of Wilsher v. Wilsher and Calverley, came on for hearing and adjudication.  Mr. Middleton appeared for the petitioner, a baker who married the respondent on the 18th October, 1863, at St. Mary's Islington, and lived with her at the Folly, Wheathampstead.  There are two children.  In August, 1873, the petitioner discovered that his wife had committed adultery with the co-respondent, and she has since lived with him at Notting-hill. - Decree nisi, with costs

Correspondents.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD CHAPEL
To the Editor of the Herts Advertiser

Dear Sir, - Allow me an inch or two of your space to confirm the testimony of Mr. W, E, Wainwright to the work done by my esteemed friend, the Rev. W Wainwright at Wheathampstead.  Having frequently supplied his pulpit, both at Wheathampstead and Codicote, I can testify that I never visited a more flourishing and united village church and congregation than that under his pastoral care.  The rev. gentleman's labours proved in excess of his strength; but in the condition of things in both places, he had, in his life-time, a reward that many might envy.  I watched the growth of the cause at Codicote from the services in a large barn until the present comfortable chapel was built.  May both causes still grow in proportion as they did from 1853 to 1865. - Faithfully yours, Thomas Cheshire.  Richmond House, Cliftonville, Margate, May 30th.

_________________________________

WHEATHAMPSTEAD CHAPEL
To the Editor of the Herts Advertiser.

Dear Sirs, - My attention having been called to an anonymous letter in your journal of May 27th, containing calumnious statement, and false insinuations, I beg your insertion of my reply thereto in your next publication.  I am not in the habit of noticing anonymous aspersions preferring to leave the "moral assassin" who stabs in the dark to feed on the secret pleasure of a degraded mind; but as I find my "Lay Churchman" is a lodger just by, and recently-appointed schoolmaster, of some five months' standing, and bearing the euphonious name of "Algernon Pike," I consider it due to myself to notice this jesuitical letter.  Two charges are therein contained.  First: that an exhorbitant sum was paid for the land required for sewage works through my opposition.  I reply: This charge is a base calumny: that I did all I could to induce the committee to stand to their first purchase of East Mead, and offered to assist in the disposal of the surplus land (if any) that the parish  might obtain their sewage land for a trifling sum.  This was defeated by one of the committee, and caused the necessity of taking my land.  When they required to take possession of my land I met the committee, with their solicitor, at the Swan Inn -  Mr. Harrison, the Government Inspector, being present - when the sum of £100 was offered to me as full compensation for my loss, which was endorsed by Mr. Harrison as a fair offer, and accepted by me, with the express view of saving the parish from all avoidable expenditure, and I concluded there would be an end of the matter so far as I was concerned.  Judge then of my surprise upon receiving afterwards repeated letters from Mr. Edwards, offering me various reduced sums of £75 and £80, annexed to certain conditions about payment of rent, &c., upon such lands.  I had then no alternative but to comply with Mr. Edwards' written request, on June 6th. 1874, in which he says, "Lord Cowper is going to arbitration, I wish you would do the same, as it would save the parish much expense."  I agreed at once to do so, and the award of that arbitration was made by a referee chosen by the parish arbitrator.  Mr. L. N. Edwards has numerous letters from me, all desiring to save the parochial money, and I call upon him to publish them if these if these statements are disputed; and I also refer any one to  Mr. Thomas Blain, one of the committee, as to the calumnious statement, that I was the means of causing an exhorbitant expenditure.  And after serving this parish for many years at the Board of Guardians as chairman, and surveyor of the roads, at a considerable expenditure, I repudiate all such charges with contempt.  Secondly; Your correspondent insinuates "that I am unable to judge of the dearth of spiritual instructions and knowledge in this place."  A residence of five months, as schoolmaster, will hardly qualify him as a religious censor, nor to become my confessor; but I will relate a few circumstances attending the services in this church at sundry times, which, I confess, were unaccompanied with any edification.  Previous to the alterations, and during an outing of the present incumbent, I remember an assemblage of the parishioners at church, on a Sunday morning, waiting till half-past eleven o'clock for a minister, when the churchwarden, Mr. James Mardall, was compelled to dismiss them with regrets at the occurrence.  During another outing in a following year, a substitute arrived on the Saturday, and took up his abode at the rectory.  The churchwarden met him on the Sunday morning, and speaking to him about the services, the substitute enquired who he was, and upon being informed, replied in a manner which caused him to fear an outbreak.  The service proceeded, and when he came to the Litany the clergyman threw up his arms shouting, "God save the Queen," calling upon the clerk to follow him!  The congregation rose, and some left the church; upon which the churchwarden requested me to get the person out of the reading desk as he feared to go near him.  I got him to follow me into the vestry, and afterwards to the rectory, where I was obliged to stay with him during the remainder of the service, as well as during the  whole afternoon, lest he should return and make another riot in the church.  In the evening he appeared with a sword and revolver, and locked himself in a bedroom.  The case became serious, and two medical men being called in pronounces him insane.  A fly was then procured, and he was sent in charge of a police-constable to Hatfield Station.  But your correspondent says we blow a weekly trumpet now, proclaiming our intended performances on the ensuing Sabbath.  True, you are thus imitating the Pharisees of old, only we are not told that they levied black-mail on their assemblies!  I have heard the "real presence" proclaimed there, and I confess that I never derived any spiritual edification therefrom.  Your correspondent's delicate insinuation about "soiling one's nest," I scarcely understand; but he may remember that Ahab charged Elijah with troubling Israel in his day, and I commend his answer to his serious consideration.  In conclusion, are you, Algernon Pike, the anonymous author of that scurrilous letter signed "Lay churchman"?  If you are, I call upon you to disprove the facts contained this letter;  otherwise I shall consider yu a base calumniator.  
Regretting to occupy so much of you space, I remain, Mr. Editor, faithfully yours, C. H. LATTIMORE.  Wheathampstead Place, June 1.

LAY CHURCHMAN
a reply as demanded.
To the Editor of the Herts Advertiser.

Sir, - So C. H. Lattimore has actually found out that I am "Algernon Pike, schoolmaster in this village"; in virtue of my office I have occasionally to administer chastisement, but I never knew it received amidst such howling as by you writhing correspondent.  It does no matter to me as a "lodger," still less to the suffering contributors to an exhorbitant rate, how the spoils have been divided, since the site of the sewage tanks was changed from the property of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to the land which C. H. Lattimore calls "my land."  He knows, what everyone knows in the parish, that he fought the committee inch by inch, and drove them into heavy legal and arbitration expenses, because he wanted to take a certain piece of land (the "surplus" land of his letter) from "one of the committee."  Let your readers judge now whose letter is "jesuitical," and whether I am guilty of a "base calumny."  Next, C. H. Lattimore has done good service for the "present incumbent" when he states that only one service has been omitted (he does not say how many have been added) in seventeen years, and he also knows perfectly well - what I have had to ascertain from enquiry - that this was in consequence of the clergyman who was engaged for the duty finding his wife having died by his side during the night preceding his engagement, and being so unnerved thereby that he forgot to communicate in time with the churchwardens.  I abstain from comment upon "the pleasure of a degraded mind" found in making public the misfortunes of another gentleman, once suffering from temporary insanity brought on also by a terrible domestic bereavement, but now, I hope, after a lapse of some thirteen years, perfectly recovered.  The assistance of a second clergyman had, I find, upon that occasion been secured, and the church service, so unexpectedly interrupted, proceeded.  It is a noteworthy fact, however, that these misfortunes happened before C. H. Lattimore took his somewhat prolonged "cuting" from the church, and when its affairs were under his especial patronage and protection, shown by the fact of his acting as assistant churchwarden.  It is more a physician's than a schoolmaster's question whether insanity be infectious?  If so, it will account for certain hallucinations in the letter last week, culminating in the delusions that an offertory is "black mail," and that the writer is the "prophet Elijah."  How about the "surplus" vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite?  His polite insinuation that our church congregations are pharisees holds good for every religious body which announces its services by bell, notice, or advertisement;  evidently, therefore, C. H. Lattimore is "the last of the Sadducees."  Happy will it be for the peace and quietness of his "native village" if, after having received "the stabs" of the "moral assassin," there is in his case no resurrection.  With regard to "the real spiritual presence" (not corporal), it argues this quasi-Churchmans own "great dearth of spiritual knowledge." and I would advise him to rub up his Church Catechism at once.

As C. H. Lattimore thinks he has caught a "Pike," but I mean him to find he has caught a "Tartar," I may add that, having in the first instance no desire to become conspicuous seeing I have only been "five months" in the village, and furthermore, expressing s I do the sentiments of all the "Lay Churchmen" I know in the parish, I need not now be afraid of individualising myself.  And now that this will be my last stripe upon this disordant "trumpet-blower," I must suggest to him with reference to our "intended performances on the Sabbath" (by which he means, I conclude, our musical services) a further reference to the following passage from Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice":-

The man that hath no music in himself
Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils;
The motions of his spirit are dull as night
And his affections dark as Erebus:
Let no such man be trusted. - Mark the music.

I am, sir, your euphonious correspondent,  ALGERNON PIKE, Wheathampstead, June 7th.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

FATAL ACCIDENT. - Mr Brabant held an inquest at the Horse and Jockey, Marford, on Wednesday, on the body of Thomas Vigus, 15 years of age.  The deceased, who was in the service of Mr. Norris, builder, Hertford, the contractor for the erection of the new chapel at Wheathampstead, was engaged in carting some stone sills, when, through want of attention to his duties, the cart was drawn on to the bank at the side of the road and overturned.  Deceased was knocked down and almost instantly killed, the front of the cart, which was burdened with a load of some 30 cwt., having fallen across his chest.  A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

ANNIVERSARY FETE. - On Monday, July 17th, the first anniversary fete took place in connection with the Ancient Order of Foresters established in this village in connection with the Luton district in February of the present year, and which Court now numbers 96 members.  The brothers met at their Court House, know as the Bell and Crown kept by host George Bray, at a quarter to one o'clock, where they formed in line and the procession proceeded through the village, headed by brother Warren, mounted, in his Robin Hood dress; next came the chief officers of the Court and then the St. Albans Volunteer Band, followed by brothers bearing the banners and insignia of the order.  Having arrived at the north end of the village the procession halted in front of Viscount Kilcoursie's house, where the band played a short time, then returned through the village, again halting at Mr. W. Thrale's the band played a lively air, and proceeded to the meadow, so kindly lent by him, and here a good substantial hot dinner (which gave great satisfaction) was provided by host Bray in a large open barn handsomely and tastefully decorated by the brothers, 80 of whom sat down.  Dinner being over, brother Warren, who was instrumental in raising this Court, was called upon to speak, and in appropriate terms proposed a vote of thanks to the officers of the Court for the way in which they had performed their duties, and also to brother Bar for the active part he took in the decorations.  A vote of thanks was then given to Mr. W. Thrale for the use of the meadow and also to Mr. J. Ransome for his kind assistance, which both met with a hearty response.  In the meadow various kinds of amusements were provided for the people and children, the admission to the meadow being 3d. - school children half-price.  Mr. J. Coles attended with his round-a-bouts, shooting-gallery, and various stalls;  there were also foot races, hurdle and junvenile races.  Early in the afternoon the tradespeople closed their shops, and the inhabitants generally appeared to spend a happy day.  We noticed many brother Foresters from Harpenden, Luton, St. Alban's and Hatfield, who all spoke in high terms of the admirable manner in which every thing was conducted.  About half-past nine the band marched out of the meadow, and after stopping on the way and giving Mr. W. Thrale three cheers, the company separated.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

INQUEST. - Mr. Brabant held an enquiry at the Walnut Tree, on Thursday, into the cause of the death of Jane Woodward, fifty-eight years of age, whose body was found in a stubble field the previous day.  Deceased was an infirm old lady and was in the habit of wandering about.  The jury were satisfied from the evidence that deceased died from natural causes.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

CRICKET MATCH. - A very interesting game at cricket was played at Gustard Wood on Saturday week, between the harvest men who have been employed by Mr. Finch and Mr. Blair respectively.  The bowling of G. Archer was very creditable, and William Jackson contributed materially to the success of Mr. Finch's men, who came of victorious with 36 runs to spare.

HARVEST FESTIVAL. - The annual thanksgiving took place in the parish church in this village on Tuesday last, commencing with a choral celebration of the Holy Communion at ll.30.  In the evening the Rev. F. Brown, M.A., delivered an admirable sermon upon Jeremiah v chap., 24th verse, to a very large congregation, the offertory being devoted to the fund for the maintainance of the parochial schools.  On the following day, the  Rev. O. W. Davys, the rector, gave his annual treat to the parishioners, the Sunday School children, and the most regular attenders of the day schools, when nearly 600 children and their friends sat down to tea in the Rectory grounds.  The evening was enlivened by various games, the Codicote Brass Band at intervals playing selections from a well-arranged programme of popular pieces; the school children also adding to the amusement of the visitors by giving an open-air concert of well-known songs and rounds.  The evening concluded with the ascent of a large fire balloon, followed by three hearty cheers for the Rev. and Mrs. Davys and family, the visitors, and others.  The Harvest Festival will be continued on Sunday, when the Rev. F. Brown will again preach the sermon.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

LONGEVITY.- Four sisters have spent a day together here, whose united ages amount, it is believed, to as many years as there are days in a year.  Two are still inhabitants of this parish, but the eldest now resides at Whitwell, in the parish of Paul's Walden; she states that she is 106 years of age, and can remember a stag hunt on No-man's-land, when she, and another child, having run into a barn, the stag took refuge there also; they were much frightened, but a kind gentleman dismounted, and took them by the hand, which proved to be His Majesty George the Third; she is hale, hearty, and happy.

SACRED CONCERT AT THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL

Assisted by some friends the teachers and scholars belonging to the Sunday School in connection with the above place of worship, gave a concert of sacred music in the old chapel, on Tuesday evening, i aid of the building fund of the adjacent new chapel now in course of completion.  Mr. Edward Lockhart made all the arrangements of the evening, and the energy and assiduity which characterised his efforts undoubtedly materially contributed to the success with which the concert passed off.  The chapel was adorned with a variety of appropriate scripture texts and mottoes, and considerable pains had been taken as usual to give the place a pleasing and comfortable appearance.  The choir and the principle performers, who were elevated on a platform.  On the opening of the curtain a very pretty scene was presented to the audience, which the rustic beauty of the village lasses, who were arrayed in readiness to take part in the performances of the evening, contributed in an interesting and important degree to enhance.  the ladies generally wore white muslin, trimmed with scarlet, and this uniformity was very picturesque.  The chorus consisted of about forty performers, the principal vocalists being Miss S. A. Parsons and Mr. William Rose.  Mrs. Myers was prevented by a cold from executing the part in the programme allotted to her.  Mrs. Michael Seabrook acted as leader, Mr G Rose as pianist, and Mr. E Lockhart as conductor, while Miss Pring presided at the harmonium, and Mr. Wyn, of the Welwyn Brass Band, accompanied on the cornet.  All the choruses were very creditably sung and the singing of the choir testified to no ordinary amount of painstaking on the part of those who had been their instructors.  Miss Parsons sang from Judas Maccaboeus, with some slight trepidation, the solo, "From Mighty Kings:" but in the second part, her rendering of "Wise Men Flattering" - substituted, in the absence of Miss Lockhart (who was unable to attend through illness), for "The Reaper of the Flowers" - was marked with effect, and was characterised by that easy and clear style which we have before commended in that young lady's singing.  Mr. W Rose, accompanied by his brother whose accompaniments were exceedingly well executed, sang very accurately the music left for his interpretation, and thee is little doubt that when time has mellowed and filled out the love of his rather promising voice, he may make a vocalist of some distinction.  His best performance was the recitative and air, from the Messiah, "Thus saith the Lord" and "But who may abide."  The leader, conductor, and accompanist severally rendered good services, and a t the conclusion of the programme they received the formal thanks of the audience.

The Rev. J. H. Hoppus said he did not think it right to allow their friends to leave that house without thanking them for their kind co-operation in giving that concert.  He thanked those who had given their presence, for without them the concert could not have been a success.  Therefore they were much indebted to those who had formed the audience - so they were to those ladies and gentlemen who had "discoursed sweet music" to them - (applause)- and also to those ladies and gentlemen who had come from St. Alban's to help them; he therefore did not think it out of place in propose a vote of thanks to all who had taken part in the concert, and to those who had come to meet them so kindly and so generally -(applause).  they saw the picture before them and it was scarcely necessary for him to say that it represented an immense amount of labour.  Mr. Lockhart had done all and promoted the evening's entertainments almost alone -(applause).  there were friends who had co-operated with him, but he thought it right thus to mention the services rendered by Mr. Lockhart, and to take that opportunity of thinking him.  Mr. Lockhart had devoted two days to the work of decorating the platform.  hey did not look upon their choir as a very splendid organisation; but after a good deal of practice they had done their best, and it was hoped that their efforts would be accepted, and so some extent appreciated.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to all who had taken part in the evening's entertainment, and also to Mr. E. Lockhart, for the prominent part he had taken in carrying out the general arrangements.

MR. LOCKHART acknowledged the vote of thanks accorded.  He said he thought the concert itself had proved a success, and he believed that pecuniarily it would also  be satisfactory - (hear, hear).  His idea was at the outset that he might be able to clear £20.  He was very pleased to say that he thought, when they came to count up the tickets sold and the money taken, they would not be very far short of that.  He was satisfied if they had appreciated what he had done for their enjoyment and for the cause of the adjoining church, which they hoped to ho into very shortly.  If they felt that they had thoroughly enjoyed the concert and that it had pleased them to such and extent that they should like to come again, he should have no objection to get up another concert, but it must be at some time distant.  Their friends at Harpenden, he proceeded to say, had heard a great deal about his concerts on behalf of the Nonconformist cause, and they had been over to him and asked whether he would give them a concert at Harpenden for the benefit of their harmonic society.  It took him a little by surprise, but the same time he always like to be ready when he was wanted - (applause).  He had consented to their request conditionally, namely, to provide a concert if he might take half of the proceeds towards their new buildings at Wheathampstead, while, if there should be any loss, he should not be held responsible -(laughter).  It would not be a sacred, but a secular concert, and he should have the assistance of some friends from London.  If this offer were accepted the concert would take place in the National Schoolroom at Harpenden, about the 2nd or 3rd January - (applause).

MR. LOCKHART suggested, in a few appropriate remarks, that many friends from a distance who felt an interest in the work, and might be disposed to assist, should have the opportunity afforded them.

The idea having started by some friends in the room, a collection was made at this point of the proceedings on behalf of the building fund of the new chapel, and Mr. Chennels realised a sum of 30s by going round with his hat, a sum which Mr. Lockhart thought would be sure to raise the proceeds for the evening to the sum he had anticipated.

The proceedings were brought to t conclusion by the singing of the first verse of the National Anthem.

The total sum realised by the concert was £30 10s.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

The church Choir announce that they will give a grand evening concert on Thursday next, commencing at 7.30pm., consisting of sacred and secular music, the sacred part being a selection of Mendelssohn's oratorio, "St. Paul," including an overture "Andante con moto", arranged for violin, flutes, tenor, bombardon, and harmonium; solos, "Jerusalem, thou that killest" (with violin obbligato accompaniment), and "Be thou faithful unto death;" while amongst the choruses we find "Now this man," "Stone him to death," "to Thee, O Lord" chorale, "How lovely are the messengers," and "O great is the depth," with recitatives intervening.  The secular part includes glees, part songs, and solos (vocal and instrumental).

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

CHURCH CHOIR CONCERT.- The church choir gave a grand evening concert in the National School, on Thursday last, the sacred part of which consisted of a selection from Mendelssohn's Oratorio "St. Paul,"  which was performed in a most creditable manner; but we forbear saying more as we shall be able in our next issue to give it in detail.  Suffice it to say that the room, though large, was well filled, as was naturally expected by all seeing that the weather which has lately been so inclement was more favourable, and from the fact that the reserved seats were mostly taken a week before the concert.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

TESTIMONIAL. - A testimonial consisting of a handsome gold watch and chain, valued upwards of 70 guineas, has just been presented to Mr. Charles Blain, the water bailiff to the River Lee Conservancy, by the Lee traders, merchants and manufacturers.  The watch bears the following inscription:- "Lee Traders Protection Association.  Presented to Mr. Charles Blain, of the River Lee Conservancy, in recognition of his valuable services in organizing and carrying out the above scheme of protection, December, 1876."  We may mention that Mr. Charles Blain is the youngest son of our respected neighbour, Mr. Thomas Blain, of Wheathampstead, who, it will be remembered, in the year 1870 was presented with a similar testimonial by his friends and neighbours as a mark of their respect and esteem.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

CHOIR CONCERT.- On Thursday, the 27th ult., a concert was give by the Church Choir, in the National-school, in this village, and the part music was under the direction of the Rev. O. W. Davys.  The programme was a most attractive one, consisting of sacred and secular music; the sacred part consisting of  a selection from Mendelssohn's Oratorio "St. Paul."  It would be too much to say that this concert was beyond criticism, but for a village concert it was a great success.  The first piece performed was the overture "Adante con motto," which, although well played by most of the instruments, was not well received by the audience;  The bombardon so effective in the following choruses was a little out of tune in the overture.  The chorus, "Now this man," was sung with great precision.  Chorister Smith next sand "Jerusalem! thou that killest the prophets" with great confidence, being greatly assisted by the Rev. A. F. Curtis's masterly playing of the violin.  Next came the chorus, "Stone him to death," the staccato parts of which were very effective.  The tenor air, "And they stoned him," sung by chorister Green and Messrs. W. Batchelor, Pike, and Riley, who did themselves full justice.  After which came the tenor solo, "Be thou faithful unto death," which was sung with great taste and feeling by Mr. Algernon Pike.  "How lovely are the messengers" came next, followed by the grand chorus, "O great is the depth," both of which choruses were well received.  The secular part was introduced by the Wheathampstead Handbell Ringers, who made a successful debut by their performances of the "Lap changes."  Next came part-song.  "The village chorister," followed by song, "To the woods," in which chorister Green was deservedly encored.  The Rev. A. F. Curtis next gave a violin solo, a "Rondo" of Mozart's, and it speaks well for the rev. gentleman's splendid rendering of the piece and the musical taste in the village, that an encore was enthusiastically demanded.  Next followed Mr. Pike's song, "Let me like a soldier fall," which brought out to great advantage his firm tenor voice.  The glee, "foresters sound the cheerful horn," was sung in really good style by the choirmen, and was well received by the audience.  The cornet duet (a novelty to the audience) by Messrs. F. A. Batchelor and C. Cain was deservedly applauded.  At this part of the programme it was found necessary to insert another song for chorister Green, who rendered "Home, sweet home" in a manner which should have done credit to a cathedral chorister.  After this a series of comic songs were given by Messrs. Clarke, Riley, and Tong, who were severally encored.  The concert was brought to a close by the singing of Bishop's famous glee, "The fisherman's good night," followed by "God save the Queen."  The piano accompaniments in the sacred and part of the secular music were played by Miss Pindlay with ability and good taste; and it must be gratifying to those who have got up the concert to find that their efforts were rewarded by a well-satisfied audience and a large increase in the proceeds over those of the concert given last Easter.