August, 1857. Upon the appointment to the important situation of Organist to the Parish Church, much uncharitable feeling was generated in the parish by the Vicar, Dr. Browne, refusing the use of the vestry to arrange and discuss this parochial business; ultimately, the Vicar gained his especial point, and all that the Churchwardens could do was to bottle the affront offered to them and the parish, and publish the following correspondence to tell its own tale.
APPOINTMENT OF ORGANIST.
To the Subscribers to the St. Thomas’s Congregational Fund.
Gentlemen,
The Vicar, having refused the use of the Vestry Room for the Meeting appointed to take place this morning, and published the communication referring thereto, we beg to lay before you the whole correspondence that has passed between us, and part of which Dr. Browne chooses to say was so unsatisfactory as to induce him, and the Churchwardens, somewhat hastily to appoint an Organist; after the Meeting of the 14th we called upon the Vicar to consult him on this business, and it was arranged and distinctly understood that we should immediately advertise the vacancy, and appoint by umpire or otherwise, to be subsequently decided on, Mr. Woodall continuing until the end of this month, and, if unsuccessful as a Candidate, to be paid for his services. We leave it for your consideration whether we have merited the extraordinary treatment we have received from Dr. Browne.
The Office you kindly appointed us to being now at an end, we have to thank you very sincerely for your confidence in us,
And remain, Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully,
DANIEL JORDAN,
SAMUEL PRICE.