Jamaican Family Search Genealogy Research Library

Extracts from the research of Mary Mill –

 

Church of England in Jamaica

 

with particular reference to

 

 St Thomas in the Vale, 1816 to 1832

 

 

 

Note – in my extracts –The Royal Gazette, Kingston, Jamaica – in the British Library Newspaper Library and/or in the National Archives, London

 

 

 

Rev William Godfrey Pollard Burton, (c1791-1847), was Rector of St Thomas in the Vale from 18 September 1816 until his death on 29 July 1847 –

 

www.familysearch.org International Genealogical Index – William Godfrey Pollard Burton baptized at Faccombe, Hampshire, England, around May 1791 – parents William and Harriet Burton

 

Rev W G P Burton’s parents –  

 

www.theclergydatabase.org.ukRev William Burton, Curate, then Rector of Faccombe with Tangley, Hampshire, from 1789 to 1792 – Patron Sylvanus Bevan

 

www.theclergydatabase.org.uk Rev William Burton, from 1791 to 1808, Vicar of Horsford, Norfolk, and from 1793 to 1808, Perpetual Curate of Horsham St Faiths, Norfolk – Patron Philip Stephens

 

‘The Gentleman’s Magazine: and Historical Chronicle for the year 1809’ – Deaths – 1808 – Dec. 12.  At Montego-bay, in Jamaica, after a few days illness, the Rev. William Burton, late of Horsford, Norfolk.

 

http://books.google.co.uk – ‘The Patrician’ edited by John Burke, Esq, author of the ‘The Peerage’ – Vol. III, published 1847 – Deaths – 1847 – Burton, Mrs. Harriet, widow of the late Rev. William Burton, formerly rector of Faccombe cum Tangley, Hants, and afterwards rector of Trelawney, in the island of Jamaica, in the Cloisters, Windsor Castle, aged 78, 11th Feb.

 

‘The Gentleman’s Magazine’ published 1847 – Deaths – 1847 – July 29.  At Spanish Town, Jamaica, the Rev. W. G. P. Burton, for 32 [31] years Rector of St. Thomas in the Vale.  He was the second son of the Rev. W. Burton, formerly Rector of Faccombe cum Tangley, Hants, and afterwards of Falmouth Trelawney, Jamaica. 

 

 

Rev W G P Burton was educated at Westminster School, London – http://books.google.co.uk – ‘The record of old Westminsters: a biographical list of all those who are known to have been educated at Westminster School from the earliest times to 1927’, by Westminster School, published 1928 ……… William Godfrey Pollard Burton, Rector of St. Thomas-in-the-Vale, Jamaica ……….

 

http://books.google.co.uk – Society for the Conversion and Religious Instruction and Education of the Negro Slaves in the British West India Islands – Report…. for the year 1827 ……’,  published 1828 – page 18-23 – Rev W G P Burton’s St Thomas in the Vale Report for the year 1827 – includes – ………… since he came to the Island, (18 years ago,) ……………………………….

 

In London in 1815 he was ordained Deacon and then Priest by the Bishop of London –

 

Guildhall Library – Diocese of London records of ordination – Ms 9531 – 24 – Part II – Page 4 – 1815 – At an Ordination held in the Chapel Royal St James’s Palace on Sunday the 8th day of January the twenty five following persons were admitted into Holy Orders – 12 Deacons and 13 Priests – Deacons – include – William Godfrey Pollard Burton a literate person

 

Guildhall Library – Diocese of London records of ordination – Ms 9531 – 24 – Part II – Page 5 – 1815 – At an Ordination held in the Chapel Royal St James’s Palace on Sunday the 11th day of June the fourteen following person were admitted into Holy Orders – 7 Deacons and 7 Priests – Priests – include two for the West Indies – William Godfrey Pollard Burton literate – John McCammon Trew literate – (Trew was also destined for Jamaica)

 

By 20 January 1816, Rev W G P Burton was back in Jamaica.

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 27 Jan 1816 – Extra Ps, page 29 – St Ann’s, Jan 20, 1816 – Jamaica Free School – The Rev Wm G Burton respectfully informs his Friends and the Public, that the above School will be reopened on Thursday, 1st February next. The Rev W G Burton is also prepared to receive such Private Scholars as his Friends may think fit to entrust to his charge, upon the same terms as his predecessor.  For particulars apply to the Headmaster at the School.

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 18 May 1816 – Ps, page 21 – Civil Appointments – May 16 – Rev William G Burton to Rector of the parish of Vere

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 28 Sept 1816 –  Ps, page 19 – Died – In St Thomas in the Vale on the 8th inst the Rev William Williamson, many years Rector of that Parish – Ps, page 23 – Civil Appointments – Sept 18 – The Rev Wm G Burton to be Rector of the Parish of St Thomas in the Vale

 

http://books.google.co.uk –‘The Colonial Journal’, Vol. II, July to December, 1816 – page 559 – JamaicaMarriages – 1816 – Nov. 6.  At St. Andrew’s, the Rev. Wm. G. Burton to Mrs. Eliza Ledwich 

 

On 19 December 1816, an act was passed in Jamaica entitled – ‘An act for providing curates for the several parishes of this island and for promoting religious instruction amongst the slaves – see – http://books.google.co.ukThe laws of Jamaica: comprehending all the acts in force, passed ...: Volume 6published 1817 – page 493

 

 

In 1817 and until 1 August 1834, Rev W G P Burton owned slaves in St Thomas in the Vale, and had slaves in his possession as Rector of St Thomas in the Vale – see – National Archives, London – Jamaica Slave Registers, 1817-1832, St Thomas in the Vale – and – Slave Owners’ Claims for Compensation, St Thomas in the Vale, 1834 –  see also – www.ancestry.co.uk   Jamaica Slave Registers – scans include some of Rev W G P Burton’s St Thomas in the Vale returns of slaves as owner and as Rector

 

Note – scans of the Jamaica Slave Register on www.ancestry.co.uk  are incomplete – pages/sides omitted are those on which no slave is mentioned by name

 

A debate in the House of Lords on 4 March 1819 included mentions of the 1816 Jamaica Curate Act.

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 24 April 1819 – Sup, page 10 –

 

Imperial Parliament.

-------------

House of Lords,

Thursday, March 4, 1819.

State of the Slaves in the West India Islands.

 

Lord Holland, in pursuance of the notice he had given, rose to call the attention of the House to the measures which had been adopted by the Colonial Legislatures, in consequence of the Address of that House, in June, 1816.  Though he did not anticipate any objection to the Motion he intended to make, he thought, from what had already passed respecting the Colonial regulations, both in that House and elsewhere, to make a few observations on that subject.  Their Lordships would recollect, that the Address of 1816 arose out of the very unfortunate transactions which had occurred in the island of Barbados.  It was the great object of that Address to induce the Colonies to adopt the measures calculated to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate events.  The Address accordingly expressed a wish that his Majesty’s Government would recommend to the Colonial Governments the carrying into execution some measures for preventing the illegal importation of Slaves, and for the improvement of those already existing in the islands.  With regard to the first object of the Address, he was happy to learn that measures had been readily adopted by all the islands for its accomplishment.  If any delusions and alarms on the subject of the Address had existed, they had been dissipated by the temperate and judicious conduct of the Legislatures of the different islands. He should therefore, say no more on that part of the subject, but with respect to the other objects of the Address he thought some observations necessary.  The result of the measures adopted for the moral and religious instruction of the negroes did not appear so far as he was informed, as satisfactory as those which, under the name of Register Acts, &c had been carried into effect to prevent the illegal importation of slaves from Africa.  He was, however, happy to say, that the Colonial Legislatures had shewn commendation.  When considerable pecuniary sacrifices were made, in order to attain an object, it was surely to be presumed that those who made them were sincere.  Confining himself to the island of Jamaica, he had to state, that an Act had been passed there about a year and a half ago, to provide for the appointment of twenty Curates to give religious instruction to the negroes, at the rate of 300l currency each.  It had been found, however, that this sum was not sufficient to induce the necessary number of respectable Clergymen of the Church of England to go from this country and undertake the task.  But, whatever defect there might be in this measure, he saw no reason to impute it to any unwillingness or want of zeal in the Colonial Legislatures.  It had been found, as he had said, impossible to procure Clergymen regularly educated for the Church of England, inclined to go the West-Indies at the salary offered, and he knew not what farther measures had been adopted by the House of Assembly of Jamaica to obviate that objection; but experience had shewn, that persons, educated in a higher sphere of life, were seldom so successful in communicating religious instruction to men in the unfortunate situation of slaves as humbler instruments.  In doing full justice to the House of Assembly for the motives which had induced the passing of the Act for appointing Curates, it at the same time ought not to be disguised, that some Acts framed in a very different spirit had been passed – he meant those against the influx of Missionaries, which placed in the hands of the Colonial Government a power, inconsistent with these principles of religious liberty, which, in his opinion, ought always to be held sacred.  However, when even in that House, in the Legislature of this country, he could find but comparatively few persons disposed to carry their principles so far as he was, he could not think that the conduct of the Representatives of the Colonists, in passing those Laws, could, in fairness be made a ground for impeaching their sincerity.  As experience had proved the advantage of employing persons in a humble situation of life to communicate religious instruction to the negroes, he would recommend the employment of a sect, against whom he thought no objection could be maintained – he meant the Moravian brethren.  He wished that the Colonial Assemblies had given more liberal encouragement to Missionaries; but at any rate he hoped they would avail themselves of the assistance of the worthy men of the sect to which he had alluded.  According to the plan originally adopted for the propagation of Christianity in North-America, an Establishment was made, not only for Curates, but for Schoolmasters.  He should think that this plan could be adopted with great advantage in Jamaica and the other islands, and that Missionaries from the Moravians, or other sects, might be appointed Schoolmasters.  In making the recommendation contained in the Address, for the general improvement of the negroes, their Lordships certainly did not confine their views to mere physical comforts.  The supply of negroes from Africa being cut off, the black population of the West-India islands were placed in a situation in which they must necessarily make great improvement.  The Colonists, doubtless, looked forward to this improvement; but at the same time it was natural, in their situation, that they should exercise much caution with respect to the measures they were led to adopt in the different stages of its progress.  Conciliation on all those subjects was the duty of the British Parliament.  What ideas he threw out, therefore, were merely by way of recommendation.  Many were of opinion that no further improvement could be made in the condition of the West India slaves, until they had acquired a greater degree of religious instruction; he was therefore induced to propose a plan embracing that object.  All Colonial proprietors or agents were now compelled by law to register the number and the ages of the negroes on their respective estates.  He would propose that in this Register there should besides be added the number of the negroes who had been baptised, and arrived at the possession of a competent knowledge of the Christian religion.  As there was a deficiency of regular Clergymen, this Register might be made on the certificates of Moravian brethren.  All the negroes thus proved to have attained to a competent religious knowledge, he would admit to give evidence in Courts of Justice.  The Right Reverend Prelate saw that temporal inducements were requisite to procure Clergymen to preach the Gospel, he could not think it improper that such inducements should be held out to the negroes to become Christians.  Such inducement was the more necessary, when the manner in which the question of conversion to Christianity presented it self to the mind of the slave, when recommended to him by those who had authority over him.  It always appeared to him that his master had some selfish view in the recommendation.  On the contrary, if he found that a knowledge of Christianity gave him importance among his companions, he would be eager to obtain it: for, notwithstanding the degraded state into which the original sin of the African Slave-Trade had plunged these unfortunate beings, they still possessed the ambition of distinguishing themselves.  The right thus acquired would also be for the advantage of the master; and it was to be presumed, that every person of that class, of a well-constituted mind, would be proud to see the number of negroes, so marked by moral and religious improvement, increase on his estate. – Such conduct would cement the union which ought to subsist between the parties.  The slave would not consider the distinction he acquired as a conquest from the master, nor would the master be jealous of its enjoyment by the slave.  He again wished it to be understood, that what he stated was merely in the nature of a recommendation.  He had no intention of proposing any motion or resolution.  He would not discuss what might be the rights of this country with respect to Colonial Legislation.  He should only say, that nothing but the most dire necessity could excuse any interference of Parliament with the local Assemblies.  If a measure was good, though only one-fourth of it should be obtained through the medium of the Colonial Legislatures, that portion was better than the whole obtained in a way in which its execution, if at all possible, would be very imperfect.  For these reasons, though he had no motion on the subject to make, he had thought it right to trouble their Lordships with these observations.  There was sometimes a strong inducement thus to travel out of the record, as in that House opportunities offered for expressing opinions which might perhaps have some weight with those who possessed influence and authority elsewhere.  He concluded by moving an Address, for an account of the measures adopted by the Colonial Legislatures in consequence of the recommendations contained in the Address voted by their Lordships in June, 1816.

Lord Bathurst applauded the moderation and judgment with which the Noble Lord had brought forward his motion, and was, like him, convinced that the important object he had in view would best be obtained by giving time to the Colonial Legislatures to mature the measures they were disposed to adopt.  With respect to the registering of slaves, the colonies had passed Acts.  These Acts differed from each other, and that very difference was a proof of a sincere disposition to attain the object which had been recommended to them; and also that, when they did not accomplish all that had been recommended, the deviation proceeded from no concerted design.  In this last respect they all differed in one point, from the recommendation to enact that slaves not found in the register should be immediately declared free.  No clause to that effect was to be found in any of the Acts, but it was provided that, after being detained one year, if not claimed, they should then be free.  A clause in the different Acts, that a copy of every register should be sent to this country, was a most desirable object.  Since these Registration Acts had been passed by the Colonial Assemblies; it was in the contemplation of his Majesty’s Government to recommend other measures to be adopted here.  They would propose the passing an Act making all sales of estates contracted for in this country void and illegal, unless a description of the slaves on the estate accompanied the sale.  If there appeared to be any slaves on the estate which were not included in the colonial register, such slaves should be held not to be made over to the purchaser.  As the value of estates depended chiefly on the slaves, this would be a most important check; for, if correct registers were not kept in the Colonies, it would be impossible to obtain money for estates sold here.  The proposing of this measure had been delayed until the Colonial Assemblies had passed their Register Acts, because it was wished not to do any thing which might at such a time appear to interfere with the free exercise of the authority of these Assemblies; but now he had no hesitation in stating, that a Bill for this object would very soon be introduced into the other House of Parliament.  In what the Noble Lord had said respecting the appointment of Curates, he had done justice to the intentions of the Legislature of Jamaica.  The salary of 300l currency, which amounted to little more than 150l had been found insufficient; and, besides, the duties which the Curates has to perform were not described.  The objection as to salary had, however, been removed, and he hoped that proper appointments would speedily take place.  The Noble Lord thought that there was a difficulty in procuring a proper supply of Clergymen of the Established Church, and certainly considerable difficulty had been experienced in that respect, though the Right Reverend Prelate who had been applied to had made every effort to overcome it.  Great difficulty arose from this circumstance, that no person can be ordained by a Bishop, except for some specific preferment or duty within the Diocese of the Prelate.  The Bishop of London, usually made the appointments, but in fact he had no legal authority over the West India islands.  In the beginning of the last century, it had occurred to Bishop Sherlock, that there was some thing irregular in the exercise of that authority; and upon investigation that was found to be the case.  Still, however, it had been found necessary to continue the practice of ordination for the Colonies; but in doing so, the Bishop of London overstepped, in some measure, the bounds of his authority.  There was, of course, no little difficulty in the Bishop taking all the responsibility on himself.  When a person was ordained for general colonial service, it was well known that the examination was not of precisely the same nature as that which would take place were he to exercise his clerical duties within the Diocese.  It would, therefore, be advisable to obtain some security, that persons ordained for the Colonies did actually go to them, and, when there, did not immediately return to act as Clergymen in this country.  The Noble Lord had adverted to means of enabling a certain portion of the black population to give evidence in the Courts of Justice; and it appeared to him that for that purpose it was necessary for the negroes to possess a competent knowledge of the Christian Religion.  He agreed with the Noble Lord in this view of the subject; for the mere certificate of baptism would not be proof of improvement in religious knowledge, if the negroes could obtain it without due preparation.  They would willingly be baptised three or four times over, as they believed it to be a charm against enchantment. He readily acceded to the motion of the Noble Lord.

The Bishop of London said, the Noble Lord, who had in so able a manner brought forward this question, had done him nothing but justice in attributing to him a sincere wish for the religious and moral improvement of the negroes.  He could not, however, agree with the Noble Lord in the manner in which he had proposed to communicate that religious instruction.  The Noble Lord had been too ready in concluding that recourse ought to be had to sectaries, and that temporal inducements were necessary to induce Clergymen of the Church of England to perform their duty.  The Church of England had as yet had very little opportunity of making efforts in the Colonies.  The Clergymen appointed for Jamaica had, in some publications, been blamed for not doing more they had yet accomplished; but what was expected of them was really beyond their physical powers.  There were in Jamaica 19 parishes, of great extent, each of these parishes was from 30 to 40 miles long, and about 20 or so broad, it was not possible, therefore, for any man to maintain that sort of communication with the population of such parishes as might subsist between a Clergyman and the population of a parish in England.  When he was informed of the act granting 300l currency as salary for Curates, he made inquiry among merchants acquainted with Jamaica as to the propriety of that sum, and they assured him, that it was not sufficient to maintain any person in the character of a Gentleman.  In consequence of his representations on the subject, the salary had been increased to 500l currency, which he understood amounted to something between 230l and 250l sterling.  This it was expected would be found sufficient, and thus one great difficulty as to the appointments was removed.  He did not yet, however, know what conditions would be proposed along with the salary.  What the Noble Secretary of State had said on the subject of the appointments was correct.  It had been found, after an inquiry made by the Law-Officers of the Crown, that the Bishop of London had no jurisdiction over the Colonies.  They had, however, from the necessity of the case, continued to act, and had corresponded on the subject of appointments with the Governors of the West-India Islands.  The Learned Prelate proceeded to detail at great length measures which have been adopted for the religious instruction of the negroes, and observed, that instruction was best confided in the hands of the Clergy of the Established Church.

Lord Holland explained, that in using the words “temporal inducements,” he meant what was admitted, that the salary was thought insufficient for persons educated for the Church of England; he had therefore recommended the Moravian brethren as a means of removing that difficulty.  The Noble Secretary of State was not-correct in saying, that he thought a competent knowledge in the Christian religion necessary to the admission of negroes to give evidence in Courts of Justice.  He wished it to be distinctly understood, that he had given no opinion on that question.  He has merely said that many persons were of opinion, that a considerable degree of religious instruction must precede any improvement in the condition of the slaves, and it was with a view of conciliation that opinion he had suggested the plan which he had briefly described.

The question was then put, and carried, nem dis.  

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 2 Dec 1820 – page 6 –

 

Vestry-Office, St Thomas’ in the Vale, Oct 21, 1820.

Any Person or Persons being in the possession of a Building in the vicinity of Dover-Castle, Rio-Magno, or Williamsfield Plantation, which might be converted into a suitable Place to perform Divine Worship in, by the Curate of this Parish, will render in Proposals to the Vestry, which will be held on the 9th day of December next, stating the terms upon which they will rent the same.

                                                                                 By order,       James S Lane,  Clk  Vest.

 

Vestry-Office, St Thomas’ in the Vale, Oct 21, 1820.

Whereas the undermentioned Work is required to be done at the Church of this Parish, any Person willing to undertake the same, will render in Proposals to the Vestry, which will be held at the Bog-Walk Tavern, on Saturday the 9th day of December next, with the name of a Surety for the due performance of the same.                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                  By order,      James S Lane,   Clk  Vest.

 

Mason’s Estimate.

To fill in, and raise the floor of the Church three inches,

and to cover the same with flagstones or tiles.

Carpenter’s Estimate.

To repair the shingling of the roof where required

 

 

British Library – ‘Historic Jamaica’, by Frank Cundall, published 1915 – extract –

 

Church of St Thomas in the Vale ….. blown down by a hurricane in March 1822, and was shortly afterwards rebuilt.  A Tower was added to the church in 1830.  The church was destroyed by earthquake on Jan 14, 1907 …..  In 1820, and for some years after the rector was Rev William Buston [Burton]   

 

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 31 May 1823Ps, page 24 – Died – In Spanish-Town, St Catherine’s, on the 22nd inst, Mrs Elizabeth Burton, the wife of the Rev W G Burton, Rector of the parish of St Thomas in the Vale.

 

Spanish Town Cathedral – marble wall monument – two female figures – Inscription below –

 

remember what the will of heaven ordains is good for all: and if good for all, then good for thee. – to the memory of elizabeth, wife of the revd w. g. burton, who died suddenly, 22nd may, 1823 “we know not what we ask.” 

 

At the bottom right corner – ‘Richard Westmacott, RA, South Audley Street, London’ = Richard Westmacott, the younger, knighted in 1837

 

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 27 Dec 1823 – Sup, page 9 – 

 

Third Annual Meeting

 of the

Jamaica District Committee

 of the

 Society for the Promoting of Christian Knowledge.

-------------

Present.

The Hon Wm Burge, Attorney-General, in the Chair.

Hon Geo Cuthbert

Rev J M C Trew

Hon W J Stevenson

Rev John Stainsby

Hon Wm Rowe

Rev E F Hughes

Hon Joseph Barnes

Rev W G Burton

Sir M B Clare, Knt

Rev J Jefferson

Richard Barrett, Esq

Rev Thomas Alves

William Lambie, Esq

Rev Robert Dallas

Hamilton Brown, Esq

Rev William T Leacock

John Lunnan, Esq

Rev S H Cooke

Rev Lewis Bowerbank

Rev George Heath

Rev Alex Campbell

 

 

The minutes of the last Quarterly Meeting, and a Report prepared by the Secretaries, by order of the last Annual Meeting, being read,

Ordered.  That the Report now presented be received, and that the same be forthwith printed under the direction of the Secretaries.

On motion of the Hon George Cuthbert,

Resolved.  That his Grace the Governor be respectfully requested to become Patron of the Institution.

The Hon George Cuthbert and Richard Barrett, Esq being appointed a Deputation to wait upon his Grace with this request, and his Grace being pleased to accede to the wishes of the Institution.

Resolved.  That the Thanks of this Meeting be returned to his Grace the Duke of Manchester for the countenance and support given to the Institution by his acceptance of the office of Patron.

Ordered.  That the Report of the St Ann’s Parochial Sub-Committee be printed with that of the District Committee.

Mr Bowerbank being requested, on motion of Mr Stevenson, to permit his Sermon, preached this day at the Annual Meeting of the Clergy, to be printed at the expense of the District Committee, and Mr Bowerbank having consented.

Ordered.  That the Sermon be printed and stitched with the Report.

The Rectors of St Thomas’ in the East and St Thomas’ in the Vale having strongly recommended that grants should be made from the Funds of the Institution, in support of Schools in those Parishes,

Resolved, That Mr Trew [Rector of St Thomas in the East] and Mr Burton be permitted to retain two-thirds of the Subscriptions in their respective Parishes, in aid of schools therein established.

Adjourned till the second Wednesday in April next.

------------------

It appeared, from the Report laid before the above Meeting, that since the commencement of the Institution there have been received from the Parent Society 1054 Bibles, 524 Testaments, 1042 Common Prayer Books, 1018 Psalters, and 14,194 School Books, Religious Tracts, and other useful Publications, a great proportion of which has already been disposed of throughout the Island, and the rest form Depots in the different Parishes, at the disposal of the respective Incumbents.

 

 

http://books.google.co.uk‘The Christian Remembrancer: or The Churchman’s Biblical, Ecclesiastical, & Literary Miscellany’ – Volume VI, January to December, published 1824 –

Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

Extracts from the Report of the Jamaica District Committee, &c. &c. &c.

Jamaica, 1824.

The Jamaica District Committee of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, having now reached its second anniversary, it is due to those who have contributed to its funds, to be informed of the manner in which those funds have been appropriated, and the designs of the institution carried into effect.

At the first quarterly meeting of the Jamaica District Committee, a special committee was appointed for the purpose of selecting from the Society’s catalogue, such books as should be deemed most proper for circulation in this community.   In fulfilment of this duty, a list was prepared and transmitted to the Parent Society, which promptly directed its book-sellers to send all the books required.  This shipment, consisting of fifty-four Bibles, twenty-four Testaments, forty-two Common Prayer Books, eighteen Psalters, and thirteen thousand six hundred and forty-four other tracts and publications, together with two complete sets of the Society’s books and tracts, in fifty volumes each, cost the Society two hundred and eighty-five pounds sixteen shillings and four pence, and was charged to the District Committee, including the cost of shipment, at one hundred and fifty-nine pounds sixteen shillings and nine pence sterling.  The Society was subsequently requested to send out one thousand Bibles, five hundred Testaments, one thousand Common Prayer Books, and five hundred and fifty tracts, all of which were likewise speedily sent, and were charged to the District Committee at two hundred and thirty four pounds thirteen shillings sterling.  In payment of these books, the treasurer has as yet been enabled to remit only three hundred and fifty pounds sterling.  Of these publications a general depot was established at Kingston, under the charge of Mr. Philip Young, from whom an apartment was hired for the use of the institution, and who undertook the sale of the books in Kingston, as well as to assort and despatch them to the other parishes.  From this general depot, books have been issued to each parish in the numbers stated in the annexed table, to the care of the respective incumbents, to whom discretionary power was entrusted to dispose of them gratuitously, at the reduced prices, or at the Society’s full prices, according to their judgment of the circumstances of the applicant.  A great proportion of the books has thus already got into circulation, and the remainder forms a depot in each parish.

The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, in consequence of the rise of kindred Societies having, for their special objects, the support of missions and the establishment of schools, has of late years in a great measure confined its operation to that branch of the general design which consists in the publication and distribution of books and tracts.  The Jamaica District Committee has hitherto followed the example in this respect of the Parent Society, with the single exception of a grant of forty-five pounds, to the school established at Bath, under its patronage.  In pursuing this course, the District Committee has been influenced by necessity, as much as by choice, and the obvious consideration that, in this mode only, could the benefits of its limited recourses be widely and generally diffused throughout the community.  But it has not been without regret that it has, in several instances, resisted the importunities of some of the best friends of the institution, who anxiously urged, that a portion of the funds should be directed to an object certainly of the highest importance – the increase of virtuous and pious education, for the lower orders of the free population, by assisting in the formation and support of schools.  This regret has however been of late greatly alleviated by observing the rise of a general and simultaneous feeling throughout the island towards establishing schools in those situations, where the want has been chiefly felt.  The secretaries having, at different periods, addressed inquiries to the parochial clergy, for the purpose of ascertaining the state of education in their respective districts, and procuring such other information as might guide the future operations of the District Committee, the following statements are chiefly taken from their replies. 

……………………………………………………………..……………………………………..

St. Thomas in the Vale.

From St. Thomas in the Vale, Mr. Burton states: “There are three schools in the parish, the first the parochial school, for the education of ten poor children of free condition, and at which there were till within a few weeks back, when sickness diminished their number, ten private scholars.   This school is kept at a house in the immediate neighbourhood of the church, and under my own eye, the scholars are occasionally examined, and they are catechised every other Sunday in church; of their improvement in religious and other useful knowledge I can speak most favourably.

“The next to be mentioned is a private school in the neighbourhood of Guy’s Hill consisting of ten scholars, whose education is similar to the proceeding, and whose readiness, in replying to the questions both in Mann’s and Mant’s Catechism, as well as their pertinent answers to several questions from myself, did credit alike to their teacher and themselves.   The last (but from what has been reported to me,) by far the largest school is in an opposite part of the parish called “Above Rocks.”  As this is the most populous district in the parish, and the population within a small compass, (I have reason to believe) the number of scholars to be very considerable: it is supported by dissenters and conducted on their principles, and as I have not felt myself called upon to visit it.   I have, however, supplied it with the Society’s books, through the medium of a member of your Society.   The parish school uses none other than the Society’s books, and the children are brought up in the principles of the Established Church.  The other school is also supplied by me with the books.”  

………………………………………………………..…………………………………………..

 

 

British Library – ‘A History of the Diocese of Jamaica’ by E L Evans B.D., M.Th. formerly Suffragan Bishop of Kingston and Bishop of Barbados, published 197? – Chapter 4 – The Creation of the Diocese and the First Bishop – extract –

 

By Letters Patent in 1824 George IV established the Bishopric of Jamaica and included in it the Bahamas and British Honduras, as well as the island of Jamaica.  The first Bishop, Christopher Lipscomb, vicar of Sutton Benger in Wiltshire, was consecrated in Lambeth Palace Chapel on the 25th July, 1824 together with Bishop W. H. Coleridge of Barbados.  Lipscomb arrived in Jamaica on 11th February, 1825, being received with military and other honours; he was installed four days later and given a seat in the Legislative Council (on the analogy of the English House of Lords of which some Bishops in England were members).

Writing to the Bishop of London on the 18th February, he described his arrival in Barbados first and then Jamaica.  “I had very great satisfaction in stressing the cordial manner in which the Bishop of Barbados was received by all classes of people but I cannot allow those attentions to have exceeded the manner in which the inhabitants of this island” (Jamaica) “welcomed their Bishop.”

He landed at Port Henderson and was received by a Guard of Honour.  The Governor’s carriages were sent to convey him and his party to Spanish Town, where he was met by the Speaker of the House of Assembly.  “The whole road was lined with the black population evincing their delight by the most graceful and heart-felt gesticulations.”  At King’s House (where there was another Guard of Honour) he was met by the Governor, the Duke of Manchester, who introduced various dignitaries to him and at 11 o’clock took him to the Church (now the Cathedral) where the Rector, Bowerbank, led him to a seat at the Altar.  After his brother as Secretary (Henry Lipscomb) had read the Patent he was conducted to “a very appropriate throne raised in good taste and surmounted by the Mitre.”  On his return to King’s House he noted “the decorous behaviour of all classes, particularly the Black population who had been so long anxiously expecting my arrival and saying ‘Cannot think what come to Massa Bishop!’ ”

 

 

http://books.google.co.uk –‘The Christian Journal and Literary Register for the year of our Lord 1825’, Volume IX, published 1825 – Report from the ‘Jamaica Gazette, Feb. 19’ – the arrival of the Bishop of Jamaica – extract – 

 

“Upon the conclusion of the service [at Spanish Town Church], his lordship accompanied his grace the governor to the King’s house, followed by the admiral and the other persons who had formed the procession, where a levee was held, and they were severally introduced to his lordship, together with the mayor and recorder of Kingston; John Lunan, Esq. and the Hon. William R. Rennalls, the members for St Catherine’s; Sir Michael B. Clare, and George William Hamilton, Esqrs. members for St. Thomas in the Vale; L. Lynch, Esq. the member for Manchester; William Heath, Esq. the member for St. James; the masters in chancery, and the clergy; with the last the bishop withdrew, and held a long conference.

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 12 March 1825 – PS, page 24 –

 

Addresses to the Lord Bishop

---------------

Of The Parish of St Thomas in The Vale.

To the Right Rev Father in God Christopher, by Divine permission Bishop of Jamaica.

 

May it please your Lordship,

The Magistrates, Vestrymen, and other Inhabitants of the Parish of St Thomas in the Vale embrace the earliest opportunity to congratulate your Lordship and family upon your safe arrival in this island.

We hail your Lordship’s appointment to the See of Jamaica as the beginning of a new and auspicious period in our history and we feel grateful to his Majesty for this eminent proof of his paternal care and anxious solicitude to promote the best interests of his loyal and faithful subjects in this valuable Colony. 

The selection, my Lord, which his Majesty has been graciously pleased to make of a Gentleman, so well qualified in every respect to discharge the sacred duties of his high station, affords us the liveliest hopes that, while a more extended diffusion of the principles of our Holy Religion shall be effected, the character of the people of this island will be justly appreciated, and candidly made known.

We confidently anticipate, my Lord, the greatest and most lasting benefits from the exercise of your Lordship’s sacred functions, and we beg leave to assure you that we will, to the utmost of our power, support and promote the great object of your Lordship’s presence among us.  And we fervently pray to the Almighty Disposer of all human events to bless your Mission with success, and your Lordship and family with health and happiness.

His Lordship’s Reply.

Gentlemen,

I beg to offer my best thanks to the Magistrates, Vestrymen, and other Inhabitants of the Parish of St Thomas in the Vale, for this gratifying proof of their respect for that sacred office to which I have been called:  And, under a deep sense of its numerous difficulties and serious responsibility, I cannot fail highly to appreciate the assurances, conveyed in your Address, of your support and assistance in my arduous and important duties.

--------------------

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 19 March 1825 – Ps, page 23 – Married – At River Head Estate, St Thomas in the Vale, by Rev Lewis Bowerbank, Rev W G Burton to Elizabeth Rodon, eldest daughter of Wm Lord, Esq.

 

 

National Archives, London CO 137/267 – Covering dates: 1824-1826 –

 

Correspondence from the bishop of Jamaica, Christopher Lipscomb to the Secretary of State for the Colonies relating to his appointment and work, his visits to Grand Cayman, Honduras and the Bahamas, and to other mainly ecclesiastical matters. Some of the correspondence relating to the religious instruction of slaves was printed for Parliament, and extracts from the printed version are also included in this volume. 

 

The Correspondence includes –

 

‘Statement of the parishes, clergy etc. of Jamaica, October 1825’ giving total slave populations; names of clergy; numbers, locations and condition of churches and other places of worship; and details of schools – Statement sent from Jamaica by Bishop Christopher Lipscomb to the Colonial Office – and the version printed for Parliament

 

 

Below – Statement of the parishes, clergy etc. of Jamaica, October 1825 – County of Middlesex – sent from Jamaica by Bishop Christopher Lipscomb to the Secretary of State for the Colonies – columns 1 to 6 of 11 – followed by columns 7 to 11 of 11 –

 

county

Names of

parishes,

and extent in

Square Miles.

 

Slave

Population.

clergy:

church,

where situated,

and about the

number it will

contain.

 

rector,

and about the Value of Living.

island

curate.

Assistant

curate.

 

  -    -    -    -   -   -   -   -   -   -         m          i          d         d          l          e           s          e          x       -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -     

1.

St. Ann.

 

365.

 

24,761

 

G. W. Bridges

 

£996 –

 

 

U. G. Rose

 

Wm. Pinnock

J. G. Rose

John Smith

 

St Ann’s Bay.

 

500 Persons.

in tolerable repair.

 

 

2.

Clarendon.

 

312

 

17,608

 

G. C. R. Fearon

 

£802. 11. 3.

 

 

J. Smith.

 

 

 

None.

 

Nearly Centre

of Parish.

 

200 Persons.

in pretty good repair.

 

3.

Manchester.

 

238.

 

 

17,416

 

R. W. Dallas.

 

£1118. 2. 0.

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

 

Mandeville.

 

400 Persons,

new & in good repair.

 

4.

St. Mary.

 

184.

 

 

25,402

 

 

W. Girod.

 

£578. 2. 0.

 

 

M. C. Bolton.

 

 

D. McCaw.

 

Port Maria.

In tolerable

repair

 

200 Persons.

 

 

 

5.

St. Thomas

in the Vale.

 

128.

 

12,050

 

W. G.  Burton.

 

£739. 6. 8.

 

 

None.

 

 

P. Burton.

One extremity

of Parish.

60 Persons

lately undergone

a thorough repair.

 

6.

St. Catherine.

 

95

White

350.

Free Coloured

1,600.

Slaves

7,357.

Total 9,507.

 

L. Bowerbank.

 

£1040. 0. 0.

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

 

Spanish Town.

 

1050 Persons.

 

 

 

 

7.

Vere

 

93.

 

7,759

 

W. J. Utten.

 

£608. 0. 0.

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

2 miles from the

Sea, at Southern extremity.

 

200 Persons.

bad repair.

 

8.

St. John.

 

83.

 

6, 295

 

Jas. Dawson.

 

£548. 0. 0.

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

One extremity of

Parish.

60 Persons.

 

Church & Rectory very much out of repair

 

 

9.

St. Dorothy.

 

51.

 

4, 759

 

W. T. Leacock.

 

£628. 0. 0.

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

Nearly

Centre of Parish

in …… repair

contains about

300 Persons.

An Organ.

No Bell.

 

chapels of ease,

where situated,

and about the

numbers they will contain.

dissenting

Places of

Worship.

 

schools.

 

remarks.

One at Brown’s Town.  200 persons, in good repair.

A room at Walton School, and a

chapel at Goshen. 

One Wesleyan

chapel at Belmont, one at Guy’s Hill, and one at St Ann’s Bay.

Free School at Walton founded 1721. - 16 on the foundation, & 28 private. - Revd. U. G. Rose master. - Boys grounded in classics leave at 14 years of age. Several other minor schools not free

This Parish ought to be subdivided into

Ocho Rios,        )

St. Anne’s Bay, )  District: with a chapel for

Moneague,        )                 each. 

Pedros,              )

One at Lime Savanna capable of holding 200.  Billiard-room near it, opened on Sundays.

Mr. Croft, a Wesleyan, attends Halse Hall Estate every fortnight.

Sunday School in contemplation.

This Parish ought to be subdivided into, at least, three districts.  It is in a sad state – Black & Brown Preachers do much harm among the Slaves – Divine Service is interrupted by the post which arrives on Sundays, & by many other violations of ye Sabbath.

Three (Moravian)

chapels in Mile-Gully are voted by Vestry.

 

 

Two Moravian chapels in Mile-Gully district

Act for free school passed house of Assembly, waiting King’s approbation 1824. 

The Moravians have been very active in this Parish, and effected much good among the Slave Population.

One at Highgate good repair, injudiciously built, might be enlarged, 230 persons

W. Pinnock attends Prospect Pen every Sunday, D. McCaw at Decoy &c. -

 

None.

Free School at Port Maria, 10 boys on foundation, Geo. Greenwood Master salary £100 per annum.

The Parish might be divided into

Port Maria )

Bagnals      )  Districts.

Highgate    )

One at Williamsfield, built by subscription, 60 persons, just finished not yet consecrated.

 

One Wesleyan at Above-Rocks Mr. Barry Minister.

One free school where 10 poor children of free condition are educated.

This Parish is much infested with Black and Brown Preachers who, in defiance of the law, inculcate the most dangerous Doctrines, and levy exactions from the deluded Negroes. 

 

None.

One Anabaptist & one Wesleyan

Beckford’s free School founded 174.. then limited to 20 whites - but augmented in 1817 to 30 without distinction of colour. Mr. Marcus Master, salary £140. Parish School same Master & Salary, 20 children - & 13 private. 

The state of the free coloured People in Spanish Town is very deplorable - without the means of support & without the inclination to work.  The children are brought up in idleness & vice.  Schools of Industry are much wanted.

 

None.

 

None.

A free school founded 174.. Head master Revd. J. Utten, Visitor ye Bishop

  A Sunday school, above 20 free people. 

Church, School, and Rectory attached.  Masters must be of Established Church, & in Holy Orders. Number of scholars to be regulated by state of funds. Trustees -Governor, President & Members of Council &c. -

 

None.

 

None.

 

None.

This parish is divided by a range of Mountains into the Vallies Guanabo, & Luidas. It is proposed to rebuild Parish church & Rectory in a more central situation in Guanabo - and to build a Chapel for Island Curate in the vale of Luidas. Slaves in General in a very neglected state.

None

Two Houses in Old Harbour Bay Wesleyan and Anabaptist

well attended

One School near Old Harbour Market

Mr. Fuller a free person of colour is the Master. 

A Chapel is much wanted at Old Harbour in this Parish, where the population is dense, & cannot attend the Parish church.

  The Revd Mr Stainsby has offered to give Land at Somerset in the Mountain District for a Chapel.   

 

Note – in 1825 the St Thomas in the Vale Church and the Chapel of Ease at Williamsfield – both contained considerably more than – ‘60’ persons

 

 

Below – ‘Statement of the parishes, clergy etc. of Jamaica, October 1825’ – County of Middlesex – comparing column 11 – Remarks – on the Statement sent by Bishop Lipscomb, with column 11 – Remarks – on the version printed for Parliament by the Colonial Office –

 

Sent by Bishop Lipscomb

Printed for Parliament

Column 11 – REMARKS

Column 11 – REMARKS

Parish 1 – St Ann 

 

This Parish ought to be subdivided into

Ocho Rios,       )

St Ann’s Bay,  )  District with a chapel for each

Moneague,       )

Pedros              )

Parish 1 – St Ann

 

This Parish ought to be subdivided into

Ocho Rios,       )

St Ann’s Bay,  )  District with a chapel for each

Moneague,       )

Pedros              )

Parish 2 – Manchester

 

This Parish ought to be subdivided into, at least, three districts.  It is in a sad state – Black & Brown Preachers do much harm among the Slaves – Divine Service is interrupted by the post which arrived on Sundays, and by the many other violations of ye Sabbath

Parish 2 – Manchester

 

This Parish ought to be subdivided into at least three districts.

 

Parish 3 – Clarendon

 

The Moravians have been very active in this Parish, and effected much good among the Slave Population

Parish 3 – Clarendon

 

The Moravians have been very active in this Parish, and effected much good among the Slave population

Parish 4 – St Mary

 

This Parish might be divided into

Port Maria,  )

Bagnals,       )  Districts

Highgate      )

Parish 4 – St Mary

 

This Parish might be divided into

Port Maria,  )

Bagnals,      ) Districts

Highgate      )

Parish 5 – St Thomas in the Vale

 

This Parish is much infested with Black and Brown Preachers who, in defiance of the law, inculcate the most dangerous Doctrines, and levy exactions from the deluded Negroes.

Parish 5 – St Thomas in the Vale

 

The state of the free-coloured people in Spanish Town is very deplorable, Schools of Industry are much wanted.

 

Parish 6 – St Catherine

 

The state of the free coloured People in Spanish Town is very deplorable – without the means of support & without the inclination to work.  The children are brought up in idleness & vice.  Schools of Industry are much wanted.

Parish 6 – St Catherine

 

Church, School, and Rectory attached; Master must be of the Established Church, and in Holy Orders; number of Scholars to be regulated by state of funds; Trustees, Governor, President, and Members of Council, &c.

Parish 7 – Vere

 

Church, School, & Rectory attached.  Master must be of Established church, & in Holy Orders.  Numbers of scholars to be regulated by state of funds.  Trustees – Governor, President & Members of Council &c. –

 

Parish 7 – Vere

 

This Parish is divided by a range of Mountains into the Vallies Guanabo and Luidas.  It is proposed to rebuild Parish Church and Rectory in a more central situation in Guanabo; and to build a Chapel for Island Curate in the Vale of Lindas. Slaves in Guanabo in a very neglected state.

Parish 8 – St John

 

This parish is divided by a range of Mountains into the Vallies Guanabo, & Luidas.  It is proposed to rebuild Parish church & Rectory in a more central situation in Guanabo – and to build a Chapel for Island Curate in the vale of Luidas.  Slaves in Guanabo in a very neglected state.

Parish 8 – St John

 

A Chapel is much wanted at Old Harbour in this Parish, where the population is dense, and cannot attend the Parish Church.

 

Parish 9 – St Dorothy

 

A Chapel is much wanted at Old Harbour in this Parish, where the population is dense, & cannot attend the Parish church.

The Revd Mr. Stainsby has offered to give Land at Somerset in the Mountain District for a Chapel.

Parish 9 – St Dorothy

 

The Rev. Mr. Stainsby has offered to give land at Somerset in the Mountain District for a Chapel.

 

 

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 31 Dec 1825 – Ps, page 19 –

 

The following is the clause of the new Clergy Act, which fixes the fees to the Rectors of each parish;

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid:

That from and after the passing of this Act the several Rectors shall be entitled to demand and receive the following fees: 

 

Funerals.

 

Meeting the corpse at the parochial ground and reading only the grave service -

Meeting and interring at any other place with grave service - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -

For the full service of the Church, and afterwards attending the corpse to the parochial burial-ground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  - - - - - - -

If from the Church to any other place of interment than the parochial burial-ground, then in addition - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  - - - - -- - - - - - - - -  - - - - - - -

For each tablet or cenotaph erected in the Church - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - -- -

For any grave with brick work, and building a tomb over it - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -

For a vault, not exceeding in dimensions 10 feet square, constructed with stone or brick, or enclosed with railings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

For every tomb erected over a single grave - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

Marriages.

 

In Church on Sunday by Banns - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -

By Licence - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In any other place, or on any other day - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

Christenings.

 

Baptism in Church on Sunday - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In any other place, or on any other day - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

For travelling to perform any service, in addition to what is given above, for every mile beyond the first mile from the Church, or his place of residence - - - 

Extracts from the Register, comparing and attesting each - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

£        s      d

 

  1      6      8

  2    13      4

 

  2    13      4

 

  2    13      4

16      0      0

  8      0      0

 

16      0      0

  5      6      8

 

 

 

  1      6      8

  2    13      4

  5      6      8

 

 

 

          5      0

  1      0      0

 

  1      0      0

  0      5      0

 

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 7 Jan 1826 – Ps, page 22 –

 

Clerical Establishment.

------------------

Abstract of the Act to consolidate and amend the several laws relating to the Clergy of this island, and to invest the Bishop of Jamaica with Ecclesiastical jurisdiction.

 

1

The first clause repeals the several Acts relating to the Clergy, and recites the letters patent of the Bishop of Jamaica, and enacts that all such laws, ordinances, and canons ecclesiastical, as are now used in England, as far as relates to the due ordering and ecclesiastical regimen of, and jurisdiction over, the Clergy, shall be in force within this island; but providing it shall not extend to any judicial authority, spiritual or temporal, over the lay inhabitants, or to abridge the jurisdiction of the Governor, as ordinary in probates of wills, letters testamentary, of administration, or of guardianship, or induction to the ……[? several] Churches, or other authority, juridical or otherwise, usually exercised by the Governor.

2

The second clause appoints a Registrar with a salary of 300l and an apparitor, with a salary of 90l.

3

The Judges of the Supreme Court authorized to aid in enforcing and carrying on the provision of this Act.

4, 5, & 6

Rectors’ salaries fixed at …l [? 600l] per annum, subject to a deduction of … per annum, the interest of which to be applied to the maintenance of Rectors’ widows and children, and trustees appointed to manage it, under the Act passed the 1st Geo IV.

7

Rectors empowered to lease glebe lands for 21 years.

8

But not to grant any lease until existing leases expire.

9

Oaths to be taken on granting leases, but not to lease the parsonage.

10

Not to receive fees out of their own parishes.

11

Rectors declared freeholders, and to vote at elections.

12

Not to marry unless banns published three times, or by license from the Governor, under penalty of 100l.

13

Fixing the fees of Rectors as follow:  

(For which see the Postscript of our last publication).

14

Rectors to appropriate a portion of time every Sunday to instruct free persons and slaves.

15

They shall reside in their parishes, and officiate every Sunday, and catechize one hour, at least once in every week, on a day by them to be fixed.  Receiver-General not to pay stipend, without a certificate of such residence and service from the Bishop; except during leave of absence from the Governor, granted upon a certificate from the Bishop, or, in his absence, the Archdeacon, or in absence of both, the Commissaries, or Rectors of St Catherine’s, Kingston, and St Ann’s; but no leave of absence to be granted, unless they provide Curates approved of by the Bishop, but such leave of absence not to exceed eighteen months Domestic Chaplain to the Governor excepted, as also the Chaplains to the Council and Assembly.

16

Rectors or Curates absent for three months together, without leave, or for that period, though at different times, in one year, without the Bishop’s consent, and appointing a substitute, to forfeit 200l, which Receiver-General is empowered to deduct from his stipend, on a certificate of the absence from the Bishop.  If absent more than eighteen months, the Bishop may declare the living vacant.

17

No lapse of stipend to injure the widows’ fund.

18, 19

Rectors and Curates to visit estates, workhouses, hospitals, and goals, as directed by the Bishop, and enter in a book, at each place, the times of his attendance and duties performed.

20

No fees to be taken from slaves.

21

Justices and Vestry of parishes empowered to lay a tax, to purchase land for burial grounds, and to build Chapels and parsonages.

22

Declares it is a neglect of duty in Justices and Vestry not to keep Churches, Chapels, Church-yards, and parsonages, in sufficient order and repair.

22

Justices and Vestry to cause lands, granted for use of Rectors, by private persons, to be run out, and boundaries ascertained, and in cases of trespass to proceed for recovery.

 

Note – 22 – appears twice in the Jamaica Royal Gazette. 

23

Taxes under this Act to be recovered in like manner as other taxes.

24, 25

Rectors prohibited from permitting burials in Churches, under penalty of 500l and compensation to be granted in parishes, as follows: - St Catherine’s , 70l;  Kingston, 110l;  Port-Royal, 30l;  St Andrew’s and St Thomas’ in the East, 50l each;  Portland, 20l; St Ann’s, St James, Hanover and St Elizabeth’s, .0l each;  Clarendon, 30l;  St Dorothy’s, 20l;  Vere and St Thomas’ in the Vale, 90l each, and every other parish, 80l.

26, 27

No Minister of the Established Church to officiate in this island, other than Rectors or Curates, without a licence from the Bishop, and paying one ……. … shillings and eight pence to the Registrar, which shall remain in full force, in cases of death or resignation, until revoked by his successor.

28

Rectors unable to discharge duty from age, infirmity, or other cause, Bishop may cause them to nominate a fit person to perform the duties with a stipend to be approved by the Bishop; and in case of refusal to nominate, after six weeks’ notice, the Bishop may appoint, and fix the stipend, not exceeding 500l for a Rector, and 300l for a Curate, to be deducted from the stipend of the person unable to do his duties; notice to be given of the name of the person appointed to the Vestry.

29

Rector empowered to appoint Clerks, but not to be removed without consent of the Bishop.

30

Curates allowed 500l annually, to be paid quarterly, on certificate of Bishop, as to residence and discharge of duties, except in cases of leave of absence, similar to Rector, and their duties regulated in same manner – See clause 15.

31

Priests or Deacons may solemnize marriage.

32

Curates may marry slaves on estates or in Chapels, but banns to be published with consent of Owners, Attornies, &c.

33

Curates not otherwise to interfere in duties of Rectors, nor receive fees for any duty, except by authority of Rector, of forfeit to him 20l for each offence, to be recovered before any Justice; in case of repeated offences, the Bishop may punish even to suspension.

34

Parishes may assist each other in building Chapels, not exceeding 600l.

35

Registers of baptisms, marriages, and burials, to be kept by Rectors, in books provided by parishes, in fourteen days after ceremony.

36

When such ceremonies performed by other persons, instead of Rector, a certificate to be transmitted to him to be entered.

37, 38

Registry to belong to parish, but kept by the Rector; a book must also be kept registering christenings, marriages, and burials of slaves.

39

Copies of all registers, heretofore in use, to be sent to the Registrar, to be deposited in his office at St Jago de la Vega, to be called “The Bishop’s Office of Registry.

40, 41,

& 42

Curates to make a return every three months to Rectors to be registered.  Rectors, on the 30th of June, every year, to send copies to Registrar, attested on oath, as also a copy, by the 30th of June next, of all registers hitherto kept.

43

Report of such returns to be made to the Bishop before the 31st of July next, who is to report such as have been neglected.  The Registrar to cause alphabetical lists to be made, to be open to public search.

44, 45

Registrar to cause books to be secured and arranged within three months, under penalty of 100l and be paid for recording at the same rate as the Secretary of the Island.

46

Copies from register, certified by Registrar, or if from parish books, by oath of person comparing with register, to be admitted in all Courts.

47, 48

Persons making false entries in registers, or altering or destroying it, or copies transmitted to it, guilty of felony. – Errors may, however, be corrected:  Rectors still entitled to fees for copies of registration.

49

All proceedings exempted from stamp duty.

50

Penalties to be recovered in Grand and assize Courts.

51

In case of demise or absence of the Bishop, Archdeacon empowered to act, and, in his absence the Commissaries, and Rectors of St Catherine’s, Kingston, and St Andrew’s.

52

Registrar’s office to be open on all lawful days from seven in the morning until three in the afternoon, under penalty of 50l for each neglect.

53

This Act declared in force to the 31st December, 1830.

 

 

British Library – ‘An appeal to the Christian Philanthropy of the people of Great Britain and Ireland on behalf of the Religious Instruction and Conversion of Three Hundred Thousand Negro Slaves’, by Rev John McCammon Trew, Rector of St Thomas in the East, Jamaica, published 1826 – extracts –

 

An Appeal,

&c.

=========

Prompted by the voice of duty, and the calls of benevolence, an obscure individual presumes to solicit most earnestly the attention of the British Public, to a subject which has long and unhappily distracted the Colonies, and excited on both sides of the Atlantic, a feeling, in no wise calculated to further the views of those who are the real friends to the moral well-being and happiness of the human race.   From one end of the empire to the other, Petitions for ameliorating the condition of the Slaves have been presented to Parliament; some demanding an immediate extinction of slavery; and all, urging the necessity of affording to that class of our fellow men, privileges beyond what they at present possess.

Amidst this mass of Petitions, however, we look in vain for one, attempting to arouse the attention of Parliament to the slender provisions yet made, for the supplying their spiritual wants; neither do we find amongst the advocates of freedom, one individual attempting to lay hold of the popular feeling, in order to the furtherance of the Gospel amongst them.  Animated, doubtless, with the most tender concern for their happiness, thousands have united in that general expression of sympathy, which, to a greater or less degree, has pervaded all ranks of the community; but few, indeed, have, to individual pity, given that less equivocal proof of individual sincerity, the pecuniary means of diffusing the blessings of Christianity more extensively throughout the Colonies.  The cry of Negro emancipation has penetrated the heart of the kingdom, and numerous pamphlets have issued from the press on both sides of the question; but we have yet to learn, how far the professed friends of the measure are really disposed to assist in teaching the Slave what is the value of the soul, and in what man’s chief happiness should consist on this side of the grave. 

In submitting this appeal to the people of England, in behalf of Negro Slaves, I beg leave to observe, that I have nothing to do with the political state of the question.  The advocate of no party, I shall neither be found declaiming against the Colonists, nor setting myself up as the champion of the existing state of things on this side of the water, with which, whether it be right or wrong, it belongs not to my present purpose to contend.  The religious instruction of the Negroes, is a subject too important to be mixed up with the jarring controversy of the day; and could the really benevolent on both sides be induced to unite on this momentous question, and make it, as it were, the neutral ground for effecting a happy reconciliation; this would do more to advance the objects which we each have in view, than years of controversial warfare, protracted in mutual recriminations, can possibly be expected to accomplish.

I appeal not to the British public to induce them to perpetuate a system of slavery, neither that they should, regardless of consequences, turn loose in one common mass, the savage and the civilized, the Slave, whom Christianity has elevated in the scale of being, to rank, for fidelity and moral worth, with the peasant of any country under heaven; with those whom ignorance had debased to the lowest condition of man; but I appeal to the most enlightened. Liberal, and most professedly Christian people on earth, that through their means, the Slave, who now sits in “the region of the shadow of death,”  may be brought to see the light of Divine Truth rising “with healing on its wings,” to disperse from his benighted mind the mist of error, and thence taught to live under the influence of practical Christianity; and that the rising generation may be brought up in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord,” and early impressed with those lessons of religion and virtue, that may prove the means in after life, of qualifying them for the discharge of their various relative duties. 

Should any one expect to find exhibited in these pages any recently discovered acts of cruelty, whereby to swell the catalogue of inhumanity charged against the Planter, or any theory advanced in proof of the position, that Christianity and Slavery are incompatible with each other, and from which they may derive fresh arguments for urging the immediate extinction of slavery, they may spare themselves the trouble of further enquiry; but all who are sincerely desirous of promoting peace on earth, and good will amongst mankind, – all who can look beyond the narrow views of prejudice or of party, and advocate a religious education, as the only secure basis of national and individual prosperity, I would heartily and earnestly bespeak their most serious attention and candid inquiry into the subject now before them.  

…………………………………………………………….……………..…………………………….

The Island of Jamaica contains a slave population of 315,000 souls, for whose religious instruction there are at this date the following ministers of all denominations:

 

 of the establishment, exclusive of the Lord Bishop and Arch Deacon - 41

Church of Scotland ------------------------------------------------------------    2

Moravians ----------------------------------------------------------------------     4

Weslyan Methodists -----------------------------------------------------------  11

Baptists --------------------------------------------------------------------------    5

                                                                                                      In all,   63,

 

Thereby leaving to the spiritual care and superintendence of each individual, no fewer than 5000, exclusively of the white and free-coloured inhabitants; which estimated at only 30,000, and added to the above, will assign to each minister the fearful responsibility of 5,500 souls!

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Let it be fairly stated to what extent the Island of Jamaica has actually contributed towards the religious instruction of the Negroes. 

There have been provided at her expence –

 

21 Rectors at £600 per annum each.                       £12,600

21 Island Curates,* at £500 do. per annum each      10,600

                                                             Per Ann.     £23,100 [sic]

 

*The House of Assembly have provided means for the support of this number of Curates, although owing to the want of chapels for their accommodation, twelve only have yet been appointed.

This amount is rendered in the currency of the Island, as well as any other statement of a similar kind which occurs in the work.

………………………………………………………………………………………...….……………

No one who has witnessed the mental imbecility so often apparent in the aged African, or the tardy development of his faculties, to the reception of Divine Truth, would be bold enough to recommend as practicable, his instruction by means of letters.  Exceptions, it is true, will sometimes be found to this rule, but they are rarely to be met with.  On the other hand, few persons will be found bold enough to assert, that a quickness of apprehension, a readiness, and oftentimes an anxious desire, for learning, are a most striking characteristic of the Creole mind.  Those who have been conversant with the instruction of Creole Negroes, will readily unite in the truth of this position.  This, then, is the important object to which the writer would solicit the benevolent attention of the British public, – the instruction of thousands of Negro children in the way of life eternal: – …………………………………...……………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 1 July 1826 – Ps, page 25-26 –

 

We have much pleasure in publishing the following letters, because we know that the Reverend Rector of the parish of St Thomas in the Vale has well merited this flattering testimony of the high respect and esteem in which he is held by his Parishioners. – The zealous and unremitted attention he has paid to improve the morals of the slaves, and to instruct them in the principles of the Christian Religion, has not only distinguished Mr Burton’s conduct, but he has been endeared to his Parishioners by the disinterested manner in which he has shown his attachment to them, in preferring his present living to a more lucrative one, which he had the option of being removed to:

 

Tulloch, June 15, 1826.

My Dear Sir,

The piece of plate, which the Inhabitants of our Parish empowered me to order, when in England last year, having at length arrived, I am directed to forward the same to you, and to request you will accept it as a proof of their esteem, and of the high sense they entertain of your conduct, in the discharge of your professional duties, more particularly as they relate to the religious instruction of the Slave Population.

I need scarce assure you that their nomination of me to this pleasing task affords me real satisfaction, and I do most cordially join in their friendly sentiments towards you.                                                                                    

                                                            I am my dear Sir, your’s most faithfully,

                                                                                                                                Geo W Hamilton.

Rev Mr W G Burton,

St Thomas’ in the Vale.

 

Lodge, St Thomas’ in the Vale, June 15, 1826.

My Dear Sir,

It is difficult to express the feelings I experienced on the receipt of the elegant gift of my Parishioners, which accompanied your letter this morning.  In the faithful discharge of my duties as a Clergyman, I have studied, by friendly deportment, to conciliate their regard; and I am truly happy to find that my conduct has obtained their approbation.

I am too conscious how much their friendship has suffered them to overrate my services, and I should feel distressed, that they had deemed it necessary to give so splendid a proof of their esteem, were it not as honorary to themselves as it is gratifying to me. – For it is an undeniable argument of their interest in the welfare and happiness of the Slaves, and of their anxiety for their religious instruction.  It is to me a pledge of their sanction and support of my future endeavours to promote the moral improvement of those under my care, and the greatest encouragement to persevere in them.

Accept, my dear Sir, yourself, and tender to the rest of my Parishioners, my grateful acknowledgement of the honour they have this day done me.

                                                                           Believe me, your’s very respectfully,

                                                                                                                                        W G Burton.

G W Hamilton, Esq.

 

We understand that the Piece of Plate is a massy and richly embossed cup, with the Rector’s Crest on the one side, and on the other the following inscription:

 

Presented

To the Rev Mr W G Burton,

Rector of the Parish of St Thomas in the Vale,

by his Parishioners,

In token of their personal esteem and of his

zealous exertions for the religious

and moral improvement of the

Negroes under his charge.

 

 

 

On 4 July 1826 Bishop Lipscomb consecrated Harewood Chapel – the Church of England chapel of ease on Williamsfield estate in St Thomas in the Vale.   

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat,  15 July 1826 – page 5 – report from the St Jago de la Vega Gazette, week ending Sat, 8 July 1826 –

 

On Tuesday last [4 July], agreeably to public notice, the consecration of Harewood Chapel, in St Thomas’ in the Vale, took place.

At an early hour the Right Rev the Lord Bishop left Tulloch estate, and, accompanied by G W Hamilton, Esq, His Honour the Custos of Kingston, the Registrar of the Diocese, the Rev W Patterson, and the Rev Mr Bolton, his Lordships Chaplains, proceeded to Williamsfield estate, where his Lordship was met by the senior Magistrate of the parish, and a numerous and respectable body of the parishioners.

At the door of the Chapel his Lordship was met by the Rector, the Churchwardens, the officiating Minister, the Registrar of the Diocese, his Honour the Custos of the precinct, and a considerable proportion of the Magistrates, Vestrymen, and other inhabitants of the parish.  The doors were then opened, and his Lordship, having retired to the Vestry-Room, and put on his Episcopal robes, proceeded to consecrate the Chapel according to the established form.  The service of the day was read by the Rev David McCaw, and the sermon preached by the Rector.  This being ended, his Lordship left the Chapel, and walked to a tent pitched in front of the building, and consecrated the burial-ground.

Although the Chapel was much crowded, no accident happened, no confusion took place, nothing occurred to disturb the procession, or the solemn rites that were performed.

The Slaves appeared to view the whole with much interest and respect, and, notwithstanding the general anxiety, evident among them, to see as much as they could, such was their decorum and good behaviour that not the slightest inconvenience or interruption took place, although the number that attended was very great.  Neither civil nor military authority was thought necessary to preserve order, and the confidence of the Gentlemen who managed on the occasion, that neither were wanting to ensure their good behaviour, was well repaid by the gratifying spectacle of so many thousands of well dressed Slaves, conducting themselves with as much propriety and decency as ever were witnessed in the Mother-Country.  The Lord Bishop, we understand, was much struck by the interesting scene, and repeatedly expressed his high satisfaction at their appearance and demeanour, as far beyond anything he could have expected.

An elegant second breakfast was provided by the Vestry at Williamsfield, to which his Lordship and a very large party sat down.  No toasts were given, but all present seemed highly gratified, and his Lordship returned in the afternoon to Tulloch estate.

The Chapel is a solid substantial building, and very neatly fitted up, and will contain about four hundred persons.  We congratulate the inhabitants of St Thomas’ in the Vale upon the final success of their undertaking, and we have no doubt that his Lordship, on his next visitation, will have reason to be satisfied with the improvement of the Slaves who shall be instructed within its walls.

 

 

Above – Rev David McCaw –

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 16 April 1825 – PS, page 19 – Mr David McCaw ordained Deacon…Spanish-Town …by Lord Bishop of Jamaica – week ending Sat, 29 July 1826 – PS, page 23 – Civil Appointments – July 10 – Rev David McCaw to be Island Curate for the parish of St Thomas in the Vale.

 

British Library – ‘A History of the Diocese of Jamaica’ by E L Evans B.D., M.Th. formerly Suffragan Bishop of Kingston and Bishop of Barbados, published 197? – Chapter 4 – The Creation of the Diocese and the First Bishop – extract –

 

…………… On the 4th July, 1826 he consecrated Harewood Chapel, Williamsfield, on Lord Harewood’s property in St. Thomas in the Vale (now part of St. Catherine).  “Every part of the Solemnity” he wrote, “was conducted in a manner which received my unqualify’d approbation … I was particularly pleased with an innate feeling of Order and Decorum which seemed to animate the immense concourse of slaves assembled on this auspicious occasion … they were dressed in their best attire, and brought their children in great numbers.” 

 

Harewood Chapel, later Harewood Church, was destroyed by earthquake in 1907.  The Church was rebuilt soon after on the same site and renamed St Saviour’s. 

 

‘The Diocese of Jamaica, Festival of Palms, the 160th Anniversary of the St Saviours Anglican Church, Harewood, St Catherine, 1826-1986’ – booklet published in 1986 – extract –

 

The first church to be built [completed] and consecrated after the Bishop’s arrival was that of Harewood, which he dedicated on July 4, 1826.  Is there any reason for reflecting on the service of consecration which was held in this little chapel lovingly called “THE LITTLE CATHEDRAL IN THE CORNER?”  There is reason to think so.

 

 

From 1820 until his death in 1841, Williamsfield estate in St Thomas in the Vale was the property of absentee owner Henry Lascelles, (1767-1841), the 2nd Earl of Harewood.   

 

West Yorkshire Archive Services, Leeds, England  – Harewood West India papers – 1826 Abstract of the Produce of the Estates & other Property in the West Indies belonging to the  Earl of Harewood – Jamaica – Abstract includes – Deed of Gift of land to erect a Church upon – £7 0s 6d – (Church = Harewood Chapel)

 

 

National Archives, London CO 137/267 – Covering dates: 1824-1826 –

 

Correspondence from the bishop of Jamaica, Christopher Lipscomb to Secretary of State for the Colonies relating to his appointment and work, his visits to Grand Cayman, Honduras and the Bahamas, and to other mainly ecclesiastical matters. Some of the correspondence relating to the religious instruction of slaves was printed for Parliament, and extracts from the printed version are also included in this volume. 

 

The Correspondence includes – letter from Bishop Lipscomb to the Earl of Bathurst, Secretary of State for the Colonies –

                                                                        Spanish Town, Jamaica, October 14, 1826

My Lord,

I have much satisfaction in announcing to your Lordship that three new chapels, built by voluntary contributions of money, labour, and materials, have been already consecrated.  One called Harewood Chapel, in the parish of St Thomas in the Vale, on the property of the Earl of Harewood, who has most liberally promoted the work, and two, St David’s and St George’s Chapels, in the districts of Carpenter’s Mountains and Mile End Gulley in the parish of Manchester; another called Providence Chapel, in the Carpenter’s Mountains District, is nearly finished and ready for consecration.  All these buildings are neat and substantial, well situated for the accommodation of the Slave population, and capable of containing from four hundred to five hundred persons.  The proportions of Harewood Chapel are sixty feet by thirty: of the others, about fifty five feet by twenty-six, thirteen feet high.

I enclose the Report of the Committee appointed by the Corporate Body of Kingston, with reference to the additional place of worship in that city, and to which I alluded in my last communication, and,

                                                       I have, &c.

                                                                                             Christopher Lipscomb

The Right Hon Earl of Bathurst, K. G.

           &c.        &c.        &c.

 

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 14 July 1827, Ps, page .. – Civil Appointments – July 11 – Rev William Godfrey Burton to be domestic Chaplain to his Honour the Lieutenant Governor.

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 20 October 1827 – Ps, page 17 –

 

Subscriptions towards erecting a Place of Worship on Guy’s Hill

…………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..

The above mentioned subscribers are requested to meet at Bently’s Tavern, on Guy’s Hill on the 12th day of November next, at eleven o’clock, for the purpose of appointing a committee to carry their wishes into execution; and those who are desirous to subscribe, but who have not yet had the opportunity of doing so, are requested to forward their names to the Rev D McCaw, Rodney Hall Post Office, St Thomas in the Vale.

 

British Library – Society for the Conversion and Religious Instruction and Education of the Negro Slaves in the British West India Islands –  Report for the year 1827, published 1828-  Jamaica – County of Middlesex – extract – page 18 to 23 –

 

parish of st thomas in the vale

 

Rev. W. G. P. Burton, Rector.

Rev. David McCaw, Island Curate.

Mr. Jeremiah Heber, Master of the Parish School.

 

The Population of this Parish is 12,800 persons; namely, 200 Whites, 600 Free Coloured Persons, and 12,000 Slaves. 

The Parish Church, in which there is a Gallery, will accommodate from 2 to 300 persons; and the Chapel on Lord Harewood’s Estate at Williamsfield which has been built by Subscription, and was consecrated by the Bishop in 1827 [1826] is of the same dimensions; but in the latter a gallery is now erecting which will extend its accommodation to 400. 

The Established Service is performed once at each Place of Worship, every Sunday, with a Sermon and Catechetical Instruction afterwards.  The Services are well attended, there being sometimes many more in attendance than the Church will hold.

There are two Schools in the Parish.  One a Parish School for poor children which is supported by a Grant from the Vestry, in which there are 16 Scholars, Free Persons of Colour: but the families do not reside sufficiently near to the School to send their children as Day-scholars, and they are unable to pay the expense of boarding them.  Hence a few only can avail themselves of the Parochial Assistance.  The other, a Private School, in which there are 8 to 10 Scholars, also Free Children of Colour, is kept by Mr. Hector John Campbell.

There are other Schools, not indeed within the District, but on the boarders of the Parish, at which many children belonging to it are educated.  The children of more opulent parents are sent to Kingston and Spanish Town for education.  There being no village or hamlet in the lower part of the Parish, there is difficulty in forming a day school there; but the Districts of Guy’s Hill and Above Rocks are more populous; and accordingly these places have their day-schools, but not as before observed within the Parish.

There are two Schools without the lines of the Parish, which are chiefly attended by children belonging to it.  In the one there are 20 Boarders and Day-scholars, all Free and of Colour.  In the other, which was lately under the charge of Mr Pinnock, a Catechist appointed by the Lord Bishop, there are about 40: thirty Free of Colour, and ten Slaves.  This is now under the particular care of Mr McCaw, the Island Curate, who has a Master to assist him; and it is open to all who are willing that their sons, daughters, or slaves should receive the instruction it affords.

The Rector attends at the Church every Wednesday to instruct such persons as may be present.  The same duty is also performed after Services on Sundays; and the number catechized varies from 10 to 50, the major part being Slaves.  Most of the children on the neighbouring Estates can now repeat the Church Catechism; and on one property, the Proprietor of which, Mr Robert W Harris, resides in the country, upwards of 100 have a perfect knowledge of it.

Steps have been taken by Mr McCaw towards erecting a Chapel (St Faith’s) on Guy’s Hill, which has met with liberal encouragement from the Bishop and others; and a meeting of the Subscribers was to be held on the 12th of November 1827, for the purpose of appointing a Committee to carry the object into execution.

It is stated upon unquestionable authority that Secret Meetings take place in parts of this Parish, at which are black and brown Preachers, both Free Persons and Slaves, of the greatest ignorance and the lowest description.  Money is exacted; penance, (such as passing the night in lonely and unfrequented places,) and fasts, enjoined.   It is difficult to ascertain the real persuasion of those who attend them: they denominate themselves Baptists; although the Ministers in town disclaim all connexion whatever with them, or even any knowledge of them.  The usual practice of these people is to assemble at night, once or twice a week; but as they disperse immediately on the approach of any White Person, it is not easy to speak with accuracy of their proceedings.  It is stated however that they baptize, marry, and administer the Sacrament: but there is reason to believe that many of their doctrines are grossly repugnant to the spirit of Christianity.  In the altered countenance and emaciated appearance of the deluded creatures who attend these nocturnal meetings, there is ample proof of the injury sustained by their health; as also by their habits of fasting, exposure to the night air, and loss of rest.  The evil arising from total abstinence from any food during the day, or a longer period, is further increased by their afterwards eating such a quantity of victual as has in some cases caused almost immediate death; and always brings on an unhealthy habit of body.  There are farther evils, which have a most pernicious effect upon health and morals, prevalent among the females; who, through the fear of disgrace consequent upon public expulsion from the Religious Society which they have joined, are induced to take measures to prevent frailties being discovered.

The Rector states, that, on the part of the Proprietors and Attorneys, he has always experienced a readiness and anxiety to afford their Slaves reasonable time and opportunity for Religious Instruction by the Established Clergy.  On one Estate, where he has officiated for nearly two years, a portion of the Saturday afternoon during crop time is allowed them to visit their provision-grounds, that there may be no excuse for absence from Service on the following day; and most probably a similar indulgence under like circumstances would be granted on other properties.

A decided change has taken place in the Negro Character since he came to the Island, (18 years ago,) which may be observed in the absence of the greater crimes, and in the abandonment of many superstitious opinions and practices.  Their habits are more social and religious, their manners are more decent, and their behaviour among themselves more peaceable.

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 24 Oct 1829 – Ps, page 23 – Died – In St Thomas in the Vale on the 16th inst the Rev David McCaw, Island Curate for that Parish.

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 7 Nov 1829 – Ps, page 23 – Civil Appointments – Nov 2 – Rev Sommersall [or Sommersale] Richard Mackenzie [Mackechnie or McKechnie] to be Island Curate for the Parish of St Thomas in the Vale

 

 

British Library – Society for the Conversion and Religious Instruction and Education of the Negro Slaves in the British West India Islands –  Report for the year 1829 (30, 33) – Diocese of JamaicaReport for the year 1829 – extracts –

 

Page 2-3 –

Diocese of Jamaica

The Bishop has subdivided the whole Island into three Deaneries, and has appointed the Rev. Lewis Bowerbank, Rural Dean of Middlesex; Rev. Alexander Campbell, of Surrey; and Rev. John McIntyre, of Cornwall.  Much benefit has already resulted from these appointments.  In compliance with the suggestions of the Bishop, the vestries of St Andrew, St George, Trelawny, St John’s and St James, St Elizabeth and Hanover, have either already erected, or advertised for tenders for the erection of chapels, at Mount James, Hope, and Annotto Bays, Duncan’s, Luidas Vale, Montego Bay, Lacovia, Green Island.   In the parish of St George, twenty-five gratuitous teachers assist the Rector in the Sunday School, which had increased from 70 to 140.  In the parish of St James, the Free School has been, by a recent Act of the Assembly, (Appendix, No. 2,) enlarged to admit free persons of colour, as well as children of white parentage: and, in addition to the trustees appointed by a previous act of 1805, the Bishop of Jamaica, for the time being, is constituted a trustee for all purposes contained in this and the above-mentioned act.  In the parish of Kingston, the chapel erected by private subscription and a grant from his Majesty’s Government, and capable of containing 1200 persons, is nearly ready for consecration.  In the parish of St Thomas in the East, on the estate of Golden Grove, a chapel has been built by Chaloner Andrew Arcedeckne, Esq, and has been licensed and opened by the Bishop, (the circumstances of the property not admitting consecration,) and will contain about 600 persons – the officiating Minister to be appointed by the Bishop, with a stipend of 100l. sterling per annum from Mr Arcedeckne.  In the parish of St Anne, a chapel has been built at Aboukir, on the borders of Clarendon, under the will of John Howlett, Esq, and is nearly ready to be licensed or consecrated by the Bishop, as circumstances may permit.  In the parish of St Thomas in the Vale, on almost all the estates and plantations, one of the book-keepers is appointed to instruct all the children, and such adults as will attend, in the Church Catechism, and other elementary books, under the direction and superintendence of the Rector and Curate (Appendix, No. 3), who attend at the estates at stated periods for that purpose.  It is to be regretted, however, but it must be confessed, that * ‘the profanation of the Sabbath generally, still continues to be the opprobrium of our community, and is the great obstacle to the increase of religion.’

 

*Report of Rev. A Campbell. 

 

Page 14-15 –

parish of st thomas in the vale

The difficulty of procuring proper persons as catechists is much felt in a country where the white population is so rapidly decreasing, and a strong prejudice exists against the admission of coloured teachers on the estates – in fact, few are qualified for the office.  To obviate these difficulties in some measure, a book-keeper has been selected on almost all the estates in this parish to instruct all the children and such adults as will attend, in the catechism and other elementary books, under the superintendence of the clergy who visit these properties periodically.  Whatever objections may be made to this mode of instruction, the advancement has been more rapid than in any other part of the Diocese, under the peculiar circumstances of a large and scattered population, and the prejudices existing against coloured teachers.  The only means of affording religious instruction on one general plan, in a district favourable to education under the established clergy, has been adopted.  The exertions of the Rev. Mr Barton [Burton], and the late Rev. David McCab [McCaw], the Curate, who has been prematurely taken off by fever, have been unremitting; and the Bishop considers it his duty to bear testimony to the zeal and diligence of the catechists, who receive a small annual remuneration from the proprietors of the estates.*  During his Lordship’s last visitation, he examined the children on many of these estates, and was particularly struck with their improved orderly demeanour and the proficiency they made.  If he were to single out any, it would be Hopewell, where Mr White, the overseer, had adopted this plan for some time previous to its general adoption in the parish, and whose conduct and character as a kind and humane overseer is evinced by the attachment of the negroes under his care.  Since the death of Rev. David McCab [McCaw], Mr McKecknie has been appointed to the Island Curacy of this parish, and officiates at the chapel at Williamsfield, the property of Earl Harewood.   Service is performed at the Work-house regularly very early on Sunday morning.  There is a Parochial School for the education of free children of all colours in reading, writing, and arithmetic, but at present only one scholar, though many have availed themselves of this charity. 

 

* “Every facility is afforded to the rector and curate for visiting the estates under this system of instruction.  It was introduced in April, and is now generally prevalent.  At first, a portion of two days in each week was allotted for instruction, but, subsequently, the teachers have devoted their evenings also to the same object, and the rapid progress made by the slaves on some of the estates is highly creditable to the teachers.  There are upward of 1200 adults and children under regular instruction.” – Rev. Mr. Barton’s [Burton’s] Report

 

Page 42-44 – Appendix No. III –

ST THOMAS IN THE VALE

state of catechetical instruction, december 31, 1829. 

----------------------

DEANERY OF MIDDLESEX

                                                  Middlesex, 1829

 

WILLIAMSFIELD ESTATE

Robert Smith, Teacher

Total number under Instruction – 

Ch.

 

40

Ad.

 

18

TULLOCH ESTATE

Edward Kent Staines, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

79

 

 

57

HYDE ESTATE

Henry Graves, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

---

 

 

39

BYNDLOSS ESTATE

James Guthrie, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

25

 

 

13

 WALLENS ESTATE

Alexander Durward, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

50

 

 

3

 NEW WORKS ESTATE

William Cozens, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

39

 

 

24

PALM ESTATE

Henry Coates, Teacher

Total number under Instruction – 

 

 

35

 

 

13

ROSE HALL ESTATE

Farrell Hogg, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

39

 

 

6

DOVE HALL ESTATE

John Parke, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

41

 

 

16

BERWICK ESTATE

William Bryan, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

25

 

 

5

 HOG HOLE ESTATE

Archibald Howson, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

24

 

 

5

SHENTON ESTATE

--- Sotham, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

27

 

 

7

CHARLTON ESTATE

William Baldwin, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

40

 

 

---

RIVER HEAD ESTATE

--- Walcom, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

29

 

 

2

MOUNT OLIVE ESTATE

--- Kerr, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

33

 

 

9

HARKER’S HALL ESTATE

James Falconer, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

38

 

 

29

PROSPECT ESTATE

Thomas Lewett, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

15

 

 

20

KNOLLIS ESTATE

William McDowall, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

40

 

 

---

TREDWAYS ESTATE

James Wiley, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

40

 

 

---

STERLING CASTLE ESTATE

--- Twyford, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

12

 

 

---

BYBROOK ESTATE

--- King, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

50

 

 

---

BERKSHIRE HALL ESTATE

--- ---, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

20

 

 

---

ENFIELD ESTATE

Total number under Instruction –

 

20

 

---

DOVER CASTLE ESTATE

Total number under Instruction –

 

20

 

---

HOPEWELL PLANTATION

Richard M White, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

---

 

 

108

CAREW CASTLE PLANTATION

William Palmer, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

38

 

 

---

 PLEASANT FARM PEN

--- Davis, Teacher

Total number under Instruction –

 

 

17

 

 

10

RAZA MOUNT PLANTATION

Total number under Instruction –

 

20

 

---

GINGER HALL PLANTATION

Total number under Instruction –

 

20

 

---

Total number of Slaves under Instruction in

St Thomas in the Vale –

 

 

233 [sic]

 

 

National Archives, London – CO 141/26 – The Royal Gazette, Kingston, Jamaica – 1831 – bound between week ending Saturday, 22 January 1831 and week ending Saturday, 29 January 1831 – A3 size sheet – table headed –

 

A Return of Properties, &c within the Deanery of Middlesex, upon which Catechetical Instruction has been introduced, and is now carried on either by Bookkeepers or Catechists, under the superintendence of the Parochial Clergy

 

Below – Return of Properties upon which Catechetical Instruction has been introduced in St Thomas in the Vale –

 

St Thomas in the Vale – columns 1 to 7 of 11

 

No.

 

Estate

Proprietors

Attornies

 

Overseers

Cate-

chists

Instruct

Book-

keepers

  1

Tulloch

G G Munro

G W Hamilton

R D Clunie

 

E K Staines

  2

Mount-Olive

General Nedham

Edward Clouston

 

 

- Kerr, sen

  3

Williamsfield

Lord Harewood

Hon G Cuthbert

& G W Hamilton

W Bankes

 

- Binger

  4

Hog-Hole

Heirs  of Bourdieu

Edward Clouston

W G Clarke

 

- Kerr, jun

  5

Berwick

Sir A Grant

J Gordon

C Gordon

 

W Hoodley

  6

Prospect

Blair

A Bayley

R Hobbes

 

A Dawes

  7

Hyde

Welch

G W Hamilton

Wm Duncan

 

R Smith

  8

Hopewell

R W Harris

[R] Page &

[F] Batty

- Dunn

 

- Walcom

  9

Byndloss

Daud [Dand]

Hon A Hodgson

& G W Hamilton

R Allen

 

- Fraser

10

New Works

J Blackburn

[G W] Hamilton & [H] Lowndes

- Rees

 

J B Burnett

11

Wallen’s

J Blackburn

[G W] Hamilton & [H] Lowndes

- Milne

 

A Durward

12

Dover-Castle

S Da Silva

A J Lindo

T Dowle

 

- Osborn

13

Berkshire-Hall

J Hayman

E Clouston

- Hooper

 

- Wells

14

Enfield

W Harvey

[Hervey]

E Clouston

- Falconer

 

- Trewant

15

Rose-Hall

R Lee et al

E Clouston

- Armstrong

 

J Brookes

16

Palm

M Gutteres

G W Hamilton

C McClymont

 

- Coates

17

Pleasant Farm

S Barriffe

E Clouston

& P Garrigues

- Davis

 

- Davis

18

Treadways

J Dawkins

Wm Hewitt &

E Clouston

- Russel

 

- Wyley

19

Charlton

Heirs of Inglis

J M Whyte

- Ricord

 

W Baldwin

20

River-Head

C Anderson

 

- Bowie

 

 

21

Dove-Hall

B Edwards

Hon T L Yates

& A Hunter

A Hunter

 

- Wybrants

22

Harker’s Hall

F Stevens

E Clouston

R L Montcrieffe

 

- Guthrie

23

Shenton

J G Vidal

J Gordon

W P Hinshelwood

 

J Jackson

24

Rio Magno

Sir A Grant

J Gordon

- Worger

 

 

25

Louisiana

- Burnett

A Bayley

- White

 

R M White

26

Mount Concord

 

E Clouston

- Mignot

 

- Mignot

27

Goff [Glengoff]

S Rennals

 

 

 

 

28

Carew-Castle

- Palmer

Wm Palmer

 

 

W Palmer

 

St Thomas in the Vale – column 2, and columns 8 to 11 of 11

 

Estate

Popu-

lation

No. under

Instruc-

tion

No. examined

by the Rural Dean, Sept.

and Oct. 1830

Days and Hours of Instruction

Tulloch

390

89

89

Daily at shell-blow, and at evening

Mount-Olive

209

50

32

Tuesday and Friday, one hour at evening

Williamsfield

264

54

54

Daily at twelve o’clock, for three quarters of an hour

Hog-Hole

164

28

26

Daily in the evening, for three quarters of an hour

Berwick

168

26

24

Tuesday and Friday

Prospect

143

40

18

Thrice weekly, for two hours

Hyde

157

49

39

Twice weekly, for one and a half hour,

and frequently for one hour at evening

Hopewell

183

130

106

Thrice a-week, for one and a half hour

Byndloss

145

25

21

Tuesday and Friday

New Works

290

66

46

Daily one hour at noon, and two hours in the evening

Wallens

293

62

62

Twice weekly, for one hour

Dover-Castle

149

21

21

Twice in the week

Berkshire-Hall

160

28

28

Twice in the week

Enfield

 

 

13

Thrice in the week

Rose-Hall

214

44

36

Daily for an hour at noon, and one hour at evening

Palm

207

31

28

Twice weekly, for one and a half hour

Pleasant Farm

71

27

12

Tuesday and Friday

Treadways

241

54

42

Daily for half and hour

Charlton

199

46

38

Daily for one a half hour at evening

River-Head

170

35

25

Omitted in the return

Dove-Hall

184

53

40

Daily for one and a quarter hour

Harker’s Hall

259

57

45

Five times weekly for two hours

Shenton

176

22

21

Daily for one hour

Rio Magno

164

no return

-

No return

Louisiana

132

no return

-

No return

Mount Concord

121

87

-

Omitted

Goff [Glengoff]

137

45

-

Omitted

Carew-Castle

-

-

-

-

 

 

Below – my summaries –

 

Parishes in the Deanery of Middlesex

 

Nos. of Properties upon which

Catechetical Instruction had been introduced

in or by October 1830

St Thomas in the Vale

28

Vere

14

Clarendon

8

St Mary

8

St John

6

St Catherine

3

St Dorothy

3

Manchester

2

St Ann

1

 

 

Attorneys of Properties in the Deanery of Middlesex upon which Catechetical Instruction had been introduced in or by October 1830, and the number of Properties represented solely or in part by each attorney –

 

Attorneys

No. of Properties

Attorneys

No. of Properties

A Bayley

12

[R] Page

1

Edward Clouston

9

[F] Batty

1

G W Hamilton

8

Hon A Hodgson

1

J Gordon

6

A J Lindo

1

Wm Hewitt

4

P Garrigues

1

R Fairweather

3

J M Whyte

1

F Smith

3

Hon T L Yates

1

[Henry] Lowndes

2

A Hunter

1

Wm Taylor

2

Wm Palmer

1

J Blair

2

Mahon

1

C Sconce

2

J Melmoth

1

Wm W Fearon

2

W Lewis

1

W Ramsay

2

Hon W Cox

1

J Turner

1

William Lambie

1

J W Turner

1

J Brown

1

Hon G Cuthbert

1

 

 

 

 

 

National Archives, LondonJamaica ‘Blue Book’ 1830 – County of Middlesex – Parish of St Thomas in the Vale –

 

Name of the Parish - in what County or District - and extent in square miles - St Thomas in the Vale - Middlesex - contains about 80,000 square acres

 

Population of each Parish - Whites - 200 - Free - 6 to 700 - Slaves - 11,000

 

Name of the Rector and value of the Living - W G P Burton - £946 - 15 – currency – S R Mackechnie Island Curate - £500 currency

 

Parsonage - Glebe - House - £350 in lieu of Parsonage House and Glebe which are in the possession of the Vestry

 

Church - where situated and the number it will contain - South West extremity of the Parish - 500.

 

Number of Persons generally attending - Generally 50 to 100, occasionally 4 to 500.

 

Chapel where situated and the Number of Persons it will contain - About 8 miles from the Parish Church - about 400. Number of Persons generally attending - 80

 

Whether Protestant or Roman Catholic - Protestant

 

Parsonage House to Chapel - none

 

Dissenting places of Worship - One Wesleyan

 

Remarks - [no remarks]

 

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 18 Dec 1830 – Ps, page 23 – Died – In St Thomas in the Vale on the 1st inst Eliza the wife of the Rev Somersale McKechnie, the Island Curate of that Parish, leaving a disconsolate husband and three helpless children to mourn their irreparable loss.

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending 16 June 1832 – Ps, page 24 – Civil Appointments – June 13 – The Rev W G P Burton to be Domestic Chaplain to his Honour the President of the Council, administering the Government. 

 

ROYAL GAZETTE, week ending Sat, 14 July 1832 – Ps, page 18 –

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

In the Appendix to this Report we find a Report of the Jamaica Diocesan Committee [of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge] of the same year, from which we have pleasure in making several extracts, premising that the general remarks which those extracts contain on the progress of religious instruction, were accompanied with tabular statements of the means used for the instruction of the slave population, the names of estates under religious instruction, the nature and extent of the instruction given to the several properties, and various other particulars; and as there can be no doubt the Bishop transmitted similar details to the Colonial Office, there is reason to hope that the statements on this point, which will be laid before the Commission of Enquiry, will not be unsatisfactory. 

 

Extracts from the Report.

While the leading object of the Diocesan Committee has been the dissemination of the Society’s sound and salutary publications, still it has ever been kept in view that the general design of the Institution is to promote Christian knowledge by all such means as are consistent with the doctrine and discipline of the Church of England.  The attention and enquiries of the Committee have, therefore, been anxiously directed to all the measures proposed or adopted for Christian instruction, whether by the personal labours of the Clergy, or by schoolmasters and oral catechists under their superintendence.  Prompted by solicitude with respect to the extent and success of such means of instruction, the following Resolution was passed at a Quarterly Meting held on the 14th of July, 1830.  “That the Secretaries be requested to lay before the Anniversary Meeting, in each year, a return of the estates under instruction in the respective Deaneries whether by the Clergy, visiting catechists, or resident book-keepers employed as catechists; with such other information relative to the success of such instruction as they may deem proper.” 

In compliance with the desire expressed in this Resolution, a return for Middlesex was presented by Mr Bowerbank, at the Meeting of the 29th November, 1830.  The returns for the other Deaneries were not then ready, but they now accompany this report. 

 

Middlesex.

By the return from this Deanery it will be seen that oral instruction in the Catechism, by the young men employed in the capacity of book-keepers on the estates, and receiving from the properties a small increase of salary for this additional service, had been carried to great extent; especially in the parish of St Thomas in the Vale, under the active superintendence and encouragement of the Rev Mr Burton, the Rector. – This mode of instruction has been introduced on nearly all the larger properties in that parish; and the Rural Dean, having recently visited, and carefully examined the catechetical school on each estate, reported most favourably of their proficiency.  A great proportion of the children on many of the estates could repeat correctly and fluently the whole of the Church Catechism, and the rest were rapidly advancing.  Sir Michael Clare, who was present at the Meeting of the 25th November, stated, that after a few years’ absence from Jamaica, he also had lately visited some of the these estates, and that, being well acquainted with their former condition, he was much struck with the improved and more orderly appearance of the children, which he ascribed to the establishment of the catechetical schools; and he likewise strongly expressed his conviction that these schools would have an influence not less beneficial on the class of young persons employed as teachers.  The thanks of the Meeting were on this occasion given to the proprietors and attornies, through whose support and encouragement these schools were established. 

Cornwall.

From this County, Mr McIntyre, the Rural Dean, states, “The reports which I receive from the Clergy assume daily a more pleasing character indicating an improving state of public feeling in their respective parishes, and giving evidence of a more hearty desire among the resident proprietors to improve the spiritual condition of their slaves, and to promote generally a more perfect knowledge of the sound and wholesome doctrines of the Established Church.

“In the parish of Hanover a spacious chapel, erected at Green-Island, will, it is expected be ready for consecration in the course of a few months; and the Vestry have further voted a considerable sum for another chapel, to be built at a convenient place in the interior or mountain district.

“In Westmorland the parish church is being enlarged at a very great expense, and a neat chapel erected in the Darlington Mountains, at the joint expense of the parish and the inhabitants of the district, is nearly finished.

“In St Elizabeth’s, a chapel lately contracted for by the Vestry, to be built at Lacovia, has just been commenced; and subscriptions to a considerable amount have been entered into by the inhabitants generally for another chapel in the district of Pedro.

In St James’s, it has again become necessary to increase the accommodations at the parish church; and 600l have just been voted by the Vestry, making, with 500l voted in 1829, the sum of 1100l applied to this particular purpose during the last three years.

“With reference more especially to the slave population, much important good has been experienced in several parishes of this Deanery from the system of catechetical instruction pursued at the Sunday Schools; and much more might be effected through these excellent institutions, were the necessary means in our power.  It was, therefore, with no ordinary satisfaction that I received by the last post a communication from the Bishop, acquainting me that his Lordship will appropriate the sum of 200l per annum for the promotion of this specific object in the deanery of Cornwall”.

 

Surrey.

In this Deanery the following chapels have been opened for Divine Service since our Committee’s last report, namely, St George’s in Kingston, St James in the parish of St Andrew, St Michael’s in the mountain district of Port-Royal, and the commodious private chapel erected by Mr Archdeckne on his estate, Golden Grove, in the parish of St Thomas in the East; which being situated in the centre of a dense slave population, and open to slaves and others from the surrounding estates, is, in the strictest sense, a public benefit.  A chapel, erected at Hope-Bay, St George’s, from the contributions of the inhabitants, aided by a grant from the House of Assembly, will be ready for consecration in a few weeks; and a parochial chapel for the Island Curates is to be built at Annotto-Bay, in the same parish, in the course of the present year,  There are some other populous districts in this Deanery, in which the want of the public services of Religion has been much felt, and in which the inhabitants would find means of providing chapels, could provision be made for the support of officiating Clergymen.

In this Deanery the elementary religious instruction of the slaves has chiefly been conducted by licensed catechists visiting the estates.  The instruction in this way has not, however, increased much during the last two years.  Sunday Schools, in which reading is taught, have likewise been employed for the same purpose in most of the parishes, and these have of late increased considerably both in number and efficiency. – There is evidently an increasing willingness among the laity to encourage such institutions, which requires only to be cherished and judiciously directed by the Clergy to produce, through Divine blessing, the most beneficial results.  A Sunday School was opened at the chapel of Manchioneal, in January last, by the Rev G D Hill, Stipendiary Minister, lately appointed to that district by the Bishop, at which there has been an average attendance of 300 scholars ever since, a success to be ascribed to the cordial spirit in which the gentlemen of the district have co-operated with Mr Hill.  The establishment of reading schools on estates, on week-days, has also of late received much encouragement from some leading men in the parishes of St Thomas in the East, Portland, St George, and St Andrew; a fact which, whether considered as an indication of a liberal tone of feeling on the part of the higher classes, or as a new step gained towards the religious improvements of the lower classes is alike gratifying.  Much good has likewise been done in several parishes in this county by the personal labours of the Clergy, in catechising, instructing, and exhorting the slaves on the plantations, as has been clearly proved by the increasing attendance of the slaves on the public ordinances of religion in those districts where this practice has been carried to the greatest extent.

While the means resorted to for the instruction of the slave population have thus varied considerably in different parts of the diocese, according to local circumstances, and the views of individuals, enough it is hoped, has been laid before the Committee to warrant the general conclusion, that throughout the island there has been, within the period embraced in this report, a steady progressive increase and enlargement of the means and institutions for religious instruction.

 

 

 

 

British Library – Society for the Conversion and Religious Instruction and Education of the Negro Slaves in the British West India Islands –  Report for the year 1829 (30, 33) – Report for the year 1832, published 1833 – Jamaica – extract – Appendix No. II – page 6 -7 – St Thomas in the Vale –

 

Note – below – Williamsfield – in 1832 George Cuthbert and George William Hamilton were the attorneys of the 2nd Earl of Harewood – not – H [Henry] Lowndes

 

 

St Thomas in the Vale – columns 1 to 5 of 11

 

No.

Properties

 

Proprietors and Attorneys

 

Catechists

Instructing Bookkeepers

1

Shurton [Shenton]

J G Vidal – Joseph Gordon, Att.

 

Pacifico

2

Hyde

Richard Welsh [Welch] – H Lowndes and M McLeod, Atts.

 

Vacant

3

Hoghole

Heirs of Bourdieu – E Clouston and J Forsyth, Atts.

 

Alexander Kerr

4

Berwick

Sir A Grant – Joseph Gordon Att.

 

George Bassett

5

Mount Olive

Major-General Needham [Nedham] –

A Geddes and C McKenzie, Atts.

 

William Hylton

6

Williamsfield

Earl of Harewood – Hon G Cuthbert

and H Lowndes, Atts.

 

Robert Henry

7

Hopewell

Heirs of Harris – R Page and F Batty, Atts.

 

J Robertson

8

Glingoff [Glengoff]

S C Rennalls – R H Sharpe, Att.

 

J Guthrie

9

Mount Concord

In Chancery – E Clouston, Att.

 

R White

10

Honker’s [Harker’s] Hall

F Stephens [Steevens] – E Clouston, Att

 

J Gordon

11

Dove Hall

B Edwards – Proprietor resident

 

Vacant

12

Tulloh [Tulloch] 

Major Munro – G W Hamilton

and C McKenzie, Atts.

 

Edward Hamilton

13

West Prospect

Charles Blair – Alex McWilliam, Att.

C Bromfield (slave)

………….

14

Byndloss

John Dand – Hon Henry Cox, Att.

 

Vacant

15

Rose Hall

R Lee – E Clouston, Att.

 

William Hobbins

16

New Works

J Blackburn – Henry Lowndes, Att.

 

John Ferrier

17

Wallens

J Blackburn – Henry Lowndes, Att.

 

A Mattur

18

Dover Castle

S Da Silva – Resident

 

J Osborne

19

Enfield

W Harvey [Hervey] – E Clouston, Att.

 

G McKenzie

20

Louisiana

Heirs of Burnett – Hon B Maddan, Att.

 

Vacant

21

Rio Magno

Sir A Grant – J Gordon, Att.

 

John Fraser

22

Palno [Palm]

M Gutteres – G W Hamilton, Att.

 

C Lowes

23

Treddways

[Treadways]

J Dawkins – T J Bernard

and W G Stewart, Atts.

 

R Hazard

24

Charlton

Heirs of Inglis – J M White, Att.

 

Vacant

25

River Head

C Anderson – Resident

 

C Gruber

26

Carew Castle

Henry Palmer – William Palmer, Att.

The Family

…………

27

Berkshire Hall

J Hayman – T Hooper, Att.

 

Thomas Evitt

28

Cottage

Heirs of Lobbau

The Family

………..

29

Mount Pleasant

Miss Poulton

Miss Poulton

………

                                                                   

St Thomas in the Vale – column 2, and columns 6 to 11 of 11

 

 

 

Properties

Total

Population

 

Number of

 Males

Number of

 Females

Total under

Instruction

 

 

Days of Instruction

 

 

 

School

when

formed

Shurton [Shenton]

  174

   90

   84

   47

Daily, or rather about four times a week

Apr. 1829

Hyde

  154

   68

   86

   39

Tuesday and Friday

Sep. 1829

Hoghole

  172

   84

   88

   37

Tuesday and Friday

Nov. 1829

Berwick

  151

   73

   78

   34

Daily

June 1829

Mount Olive

  202

   97

 105

   53

Tuesday and Friday

May 1829

Williamsfield

  241

 114

 127

   71

…………………

May 1829

Hopewell

  180

   83

   97

   59

Tuesday and Friday

July 1829

Glingoff [Glengoff]

  136

   63

   73

   39

Tuesday and Friday

July 1829

Mount Concord

  114

   48

   66

   35

Tuesday and Wednesday

July 1829

Honker’s [Harker’s] Hall

  248

 

 129

 119

   57

Tuesday and Friday

Apr. 1829

Dove Hall

  176

   83

   93

   42

Tuesday and Friday

Apr. 1829

Tulloh [Tulloch]

  382

 174

 208

   74

Tuesday and Friday

Mar. 1829

West Prospect

  138

   64

   74

   52

Daily in the Evening

May 1829

Byndloss

  156

   86

   70

   35

……………………...

Apr. 1829

Rose Hall

  210

 101

 109

   46

Tuesday and Friday

Apr. 1829

New Works

  296

 133

 163

   61

Tuesday and Friday

Apr. 1829

Wallens

  286

 125

 161

   74

Tuesday and Friday

Apr. 1829

Dover Castle

  148

   71

   77

   19

…………………..

Nov. 1829

Enfield

    95

   51

   44

   18

………………….

Nov. 1829

Louisiana

  136

   74

   62

   55

………………….

Nov. 1829

Rio Magno

  153

   80

   73

   33

Daily

Nov. 1829

Palno [Palm]

  198

 109

   89

   41

Tuesday and Friday

Apr. 1829

Treddways

[Treadways]

  238

 110

 128

   42

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

Nov. 1829

Charlton

  202

 102

 100

   29

………………….

May, 1831

River Head

  154

   81

   73

   32

Two days

Nov. 1829

Carew Castle

  110

   49

   61

   35

Three days

         1831

Berkshire Hall

  154

   74

   80

   21

Four times a week

 

Cottage

  111

  ….

….

  111

Daily

 

Mount Pleasant

    20

    10

    10

    15

Three times a week

        1831

 

4135

2426

2598

1306

 

 

At Byebrook and New Hall the Overseers had received order from the Attorneys to commence instruction under Bookkeepers, but it had not begun when I was in the Vale.

 

 

-----------------------------------

 

 

In 1869 the Church of England in Jamaica was disestablished and disendowed.  After 1869 the Church of England in Jamaica appealed to Churchmen in England for financial aid.    

 

West Yorkshire Archives Services, Leeds, England – Harewood West Indies

 

The Case of the

Church of England in Jamaica

 

The Church of England in Jamaica has been established by twenty Statues of that Colony beginning with 33 Carol. C. 18, and ending with “Clergy Act (1858).”

Her revenues have always been derived from the public taxes, and (till within the last thirty years) from fees such as those paid in many parts of England; but in the year 1840 an annual commutation for these fees was by law assigned to every rector, and every inhabitant of the Colony had the right to demand the services of a Clergyman of the Established Church on any occasion whatsoever for a religious service.

By the laws of Great Britain a sum of not less than £7.000 per annum has, from 1824, been devoted from the “Consolidated Fund,” to the furtherance of the operations and usefulness of the Church of England in Jamaica.  In 1868 an Act was passed by Parliament repealing these laws except so far as present Incumbents were concerned.

The Colonial grant to the Church of England has varied continually, having been always given by Acts for a limited period.  As these periods elapsed, the details of the system were revised and a fresh Act was passed.  The only change made in the number of Clergy recognised by these Acts was, on certain occasions, considerably to increase it.  In 1864 the Colonial grant for Church purposes was £37.956.

In 1865 the rebellion broke out in Jamaica; and the Government of the Colony, before that time modelled on the English Constitution, was offered to, and accepted by, the Queen in Council: and Her Majesty’s Ministers have sent out a Governor, invested with absolute powers, to pass new laws, and subject to control only from England.

In the year before the rebellion, a Bill for the prospective Disendowment of the Church of England in Jamaica was introduced into the House of Assembly, in which were sitting Dissenters and Jews as well as Churchmen.  All these, with the exception of the mover and seconder of the motion, voted against it.

In 1866 a despatch from the Colonial Minister was transmitted to the clergy, stating that in consequence of the financial difficulties of the Colony they must expect, after the expiration of the current “Clergy Act” in 1869, to have their salaries paid on a reduced scale.  Neither the Bishop nor any of the Clergy could obtain any further information whatever from the Colonial Office in England or from the Governor of Jamaica, as to the future of their Ecclesiastical Establishment, until the 7th of December, 1869, when they were informed that their Clergy Act, which would expire on the 31st of December, 1869, would not be re-enacted; and so the Church, which had been established for more than 200 years, was cast off with three weeks notice!

In 1866 the Governor began to reduce the amounts paid to the Church by refusing to fill up vacancies, except by appointing temporary catechists.  The Church was led to understand that at the end of 1869 the whole Establishment would be reorganised and reformed; no hint whatever was given to disestablishment.  In consequence of this rule, the Clergy, who in 1866 numbered ninety-two, have been reduced to fifty-five; and twenty-four Churches and Congregations have been thrown suddenly on the Voluntary system; though the life-interest of existing Incumbents have been preserved.

Every effort has been made by the Clergy and Church-laity to meet the crisis.  Two synods have been held, the first in January and the second in September of the past year.  A Constitution has been framed, particulars of which will be gladly furnished, if desired.  Every adult not dependent on others for support, and registering himself, or herself, under the pastoral care of the Clergy, is called upon to pay a regular – though not absolutely compulsory – rate for the Sustentation Fund; and where – as for a short time was the case at two stations – congregations refuse to recognise their full responsibilities, the Clergyman had been removed to another sphere of work, where the people are willing to do their duty.  There is no reason however to suppose that such a case will occur again.  The present Clergy, having life-interest preserved, have resolved to give 2 per cent of their income to the general Sustentation Fund, besides subscribing to the accumulating funds of their own particular districts.   In these ways every energy of both Clergy and Laity has been taxed to the utmost, and yet there seems no hope of more than £19,000 a year being raised in the Colony.  With all practicable economy, with every possible reform and re-administration, with the use of catechists in some districts where Clergymen were stationed before, it will yet be impossible to afford the ordinary means of grace to the regular congregations at a smaller expense than £24,000 per annum.  It will be seen therefore that unless a sum of £5,000 per annum, or a capital sum to represent that amount, be obtained from England, a large number of stations must be abandoned.  The amount from Imperial and Colonial Revenues spent on the Church in Jamaica in 1864 was more than £45,000.

The reason for dis-establishment and dis-endowment was stated by Earl Granville, in a despatch dated 1st March, 1869, (but not referred to in public until December 18th, 1869), to be that Her Majesty’s Government had determined to establish “Religious Equality” in Jamaica.  The Governor, in a very able and exhaustive despatch in reply, while agreeing with the political principle that the Church of England in Jamaica ought not to have any continued social and political superiority, states that without some system of (concurrent) endowment it will not be possible to retain even the present religious teaching of the people.  He says, “It is for your Lordship’s consideration, supposing some one or more of the most important Nonconformist Communions here to decline acceptance of State aid in any form, whether the tender of such aid equally to all would be a true and honest act of practical impartiality, or not.  In my judgment it would be so.  Nevertheless, “some communions might be tempted to accuse the Government of practical, though perhaps not theoretical, favouritism.  But I do not think that such accusations would be reasonable or just.  I am decidedly of opinion that a voluntary system, in the sense of a system which allows no State aid in any form to the ministers of any persuasion, in the exercise of their all-important mission, would not secure every part of this island from lapsing hereafter into a condition of semi-barbarianism, without show of religion, or with superstitions worse than no show of religion.  Holding this opinion, I cannot recommend Her Majesty’s Government to runs so great a risk, merely to avoid the chance complaint, which, in my judgment, would be neither reasonable or just. 

The attention of English Churchmen is especially invited to the foregoing, and to the answer given by Earl Granville in his despatch dated 18th November, 1869. “In Jamaica the purely voluntary principle has failed to reach large masses of the people, and the Baptists confess that since they ceased to avail themselves of pecuniary aid from this country the number and influence of their missions have decreased  . . . . . .   If you can obtain a general concurrence from the different denominations, it must be hoped that minor difficulties may be overcome.  Should you fail in obtaining this concurrence, it would not be wise to inaugurate this system.  Nothing will then remain but simple dis-establishment and dis-endowment, with due regard to vested interests.  As was foreseen, some of the dissenting communions declined the offer of endowment: and so, in spite of the Governor’s warning the dis-endowment of the Church was proclaimed. 

The population of Jamaica is over 500,000.  The Governor considers the number of persons under the charge of the Nonconformist Ministers at 200,000.  This will leave 300.000 for whom the Church is responsible; and she claims as under her immediate pastoral care 150,000; and an average of 38,000 every Sunday at her public services.  The registered number of communicants on the Church books is 25,000, or, one in six of professed members, and one in twenty of the whole population.

 

The Governor states, moreover, “that the class for whose religious instruction no practical provision is made, could not be assumed much less than two fifths of the whole population.”

 

The Church of England in Jamaica claims special attention from English Churchmen on the following grounds: 

 

I.                    All the negroes, now living, or, their immediate progenitors, were slaves of Englishmen.  England recognised her duty so far as to spend £20,000,000 in emancipating West Indian slaves.  Will she now look back, after having put her hand to the plough, and leave these people to be again the slaves of African fetishism, obeahism, and myalism?

II.                 No other Colonial Church has ever been disendowed with so short notice.  The Church in the Bahamas had seven years (now current) given it to prepare for the change: the Church in Jamaica had three weeks.

III.               In no other Colonial Church but this has disestablishment been carried into effect against the express wishes and settled convictions of the great majority of the Colonists and Colonial Statesmen.

IV.              The great English Missionary Societies (Society for the Propagation of the Gospel and Church Missionary Society) used to spend £12.000 per annum in Jamaica; but this was withdrawn when Government undertook to provide sufficient religious agency.  Now that the Church is disestablished she asks for no more than £5,000 per annum.

V.                 An imprimatur has been given by the prominent religious societies and individuals of every party in the Church, who, on examination of the claims of the Church in Jamaica have been constrained, in spite of other numerous pressing claims, to lend her a helping hand in her extremity.   The Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge has granted £5,000; the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel £1,000; the Colonial and Continental Society have issued a special appeal for £500 per annum for this cause (which, at any rate for last year, has been fully answered).  The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and almost all the English Bishops have written to express their hearty sympathy, and have recommended the appeal to the clergy: the Bishops of Winchester, Ely, Gloucester and Bristol, Manchester, and Peterborough; Earls of Shaftesbury and Nelson, and Lord Lyttleton have either presided or spoken at public meetings for this Church; and the Bishop of Chichester has preached for it.  The Right Hon. Russell Gurney, M.P., late Royal Commissioner to Jamaica, is not only a contributor, but he has kindly acted on an influential and successful local committee (in Paddington) for the Jamaica Church.  It is hoped that if a man may be known by his friends, the Jamaica Church will obtain help from many who have confidence in those who thus publicly befriend her.

VI.              The Church of Jamaica has always considered herself an integral part of the Church of England.  Jamaica negroes subscribed to the Patriotic Fund in the Crimean War, the Relief Fund in the Lancashire Cotton Famine; and even now, in their troubles and disestablishment all the Churches in Jamaica have had collections for the sick and wounded in the war, to swell England’s list of contributions.  Before 1870 the local Church Missionary Society besides opening up twenty-three stations in this island, sent subscriptions to the English societies: – for the Propagation of the Gospel and Church Missionary Society.  She has hitherto done her duty to her mother Church, and not asks for help as a daughter. 

VII.            It is only for the poorest congregations that this appeal is made.  In the towns and larger villages it is believed that the Church will be able, though with difficulty, to hold her own.  The extended outlying districts, which are too poor to support any Dissenting teachers, will also be unable to secure Church teaching, unless very largely assisted by English Christians.  In some congregations, amounting to 700 negroes, on the average every Sunday, all, except about fifty, are too poor to afford to wear shoes and stockings.  This is no great privation in Jamaica, but illustrates the small amount of money at their command.

 

Subscriptions will be thankfully received for the Jamaica Church at the Colonial Bank, 13, Bishopsgate Street Within or by –

                                                                                                         W. E. PIERCE, B.A.,

                                                                                      Member of Deputation from Jamaica Synod,

                                                                                                      (32, Cheapside, London).

 

 

 


© 2013. Jamaican Family Search hereby grants you a limited license to copy and use the materials provided on this site solely for your personal, non-commercial use. No other use of the site or materials is authorized. You agree that any copy of the materials (or any portion of the materials) that you make shall retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained therein. Posting of materials on other Web Sites is strictly prohibited.


SEARCH THIS SITE

Search for


GO TO:

Home

Plan of this website

Help - Frequently Asked Questions

Jamaica Almanacs Slave-owners, Civil & Military officers, Magistrates etc.

Items in the Samples Directory

Items in the Members Directory

Transcriptions from Registers and Wills (Church of England, Dissenters, Civil Registration)

Jamaican Roman Catholic Church Registers - transcriptions

Jamaican Methodist Baptisms - transcriptions

Jewish births marriages deaths - transcriptions

Slaves and slavery in Jamaica

Photographs, maps, prints, etc.