During the summer my cottages and shop were completed, I gave up my former cottage and came to reside in one of them, which was light, and bright, and airy, and I thought it a great mark of Divine favour that this marvellous piece of work had been accomplished. Now again more than ever the boot trade engrossed my attention: I worked on, the trade did not fail, it was said that machines were being invented which would do the work quick, and hand work would be at a discount. I was not troubled at this. I felt that my Heavenly Father had opened the way for me, and that the same kindness and favour would be continued; my duly was clear to be “diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” There was enough work to employ me a whole year or more: gardens to be arranged, fences to be removed, ground to be levelled and planted, walls and outbuildings to be constructed, and altogether such a metamorphosis as fixed me and others in wonderment as to how it all had been brought about. After having done as much as was necessary to the new places for a time, and as there was no time for idleness, heads and hands must work in earnest, while the eyesight is good.
Another lad now came to me to be instructed, John Mays: he suffered from lameness in his hip, but his hands and eyes were free, and with those two lads and a journeyman, we got through a good quantity of work.
Mr. Fell visited me and approved of my building and arrangements, he said it was a very pleasant and open healthy neighbourhood, hoping it would be appreciated by its owners, and good and lasting health enjoyed by its attendants and tenants.
In 1837, I, with George Nobbs, were appointed constables of the parish: the duties were to preserve order, to go to the public houses if sent for, and to attend upon the coroner and summon the jurors in case of inquests.
There were four inquests during my two years of service. The first was at the “Boar Inn,” Oulton, on the 25th of May, 1857, before J. K. Sparrowe, Esq., coroner, on the body of Robt. Baldry, who was killed by the wheel of a tumbril passing over his head. The second was taken at the “House of Industry,” on the 9th day of October, 1857, before B. L. Gross, Esq., deputy-coroner, on the body of William Jinkerson, aged 47 years, who fell down and expired. The third was taken at the “Wherry Inn,” on the 14th day of November, 1857, before J. E. Sparrowe, Esq., on the body of George Wade, who was drowned accidently during the thick darkness of November 10th. The fourth was taken at the house of Mr. Thomas Roe Woods, on the 20th day of April, 1858, before J. E. Sparrowe, Esq., on the body of William Mace, who was killed by the horn of a bullock, which pierced the front of his head, on the premises of Mr. Woods.
This year, 1858, the East Suffolk Railway was forwarded in good earnest, the piles driven in the water to support the bridge were all driven by the 31st of August, ready to bear its burden. The bridge being done the first load of earth passed over November 26th, the first engine passed over on the 17th of December, first train of carriages passed over on the 25th of February, 1859, and was afterwards opened for public traffic as a railway, on the 1st of June.
During this year Mr. Barnard built the chapel at the corner in Carlton Colville, and it was opened on the 6th day of September for Divine worship, the preachers were Mr. Alfred Bourne, in the afternoon, and Mr. John Alexander, in the evening, who choose for his text on that occasion Matthew vii, 7, 8, in which the venerable man exhorted his hearers, that having obtained this house of prayer, there were still other blessings they needed that they might grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He also enlarged on the privileges brought by the gospel, a great festival—“Redemption by the blood of Christ.” This is the one grand blessing which comprehends all other blessings. The table is always spread, the company are always welcome, the season is always pleasant, and the joy is always new, we were to pray for a spiritual appetite that we might enjoy this feast, be fed continually with the bread of life, and drink of the wine of heavenly consolation, no longer to entertain an appetite for the vanities of the world, but that with the Psalmist have the Lord for our Shepherd, leading us by green pastures and still waters, that we may rise to sit at that table, which is for ever spread in heaven.
The new chapel services were appreciated, a goodly number attended each Sabbath from the Oulton side of the bridge, as also in the Carlton district, where the chapel was erected, the churches, in those respective parishes being a long distance from thence. The residents of the locality having taken counsel together resolved to present a testimonial to Mr. Barnard, for the great kindness he had conferred, and on Wednesday evening, the 4th January, 1860, a large assembly, including several friends from Lowestoft, met at the chapel, and presented that gentleman with “Dr. Kittos Commentory on the Bible,” together with a handsome table lamp, hoping that himself and Mrs. Barnard might be spared many years to investigate its sacred truths, which some of us, who were present on that interesting occasion, feel assured has been realised, for although more than twenty years have rolled away, and some who worshipped with us in that place are gone to their rest, yet the founder and Mrs. B. survives, and the chapel services are being continued, and we hope also by many enjoyed, knowing the Great Master’s service is perfect freedom.
May 28th was the severest gale in this season ever remembered: Four mackerel boats were missing from Lowestoft with all their crews, and also two cutters (carriers). As the 18th of June arrived, all hope was abandoned. Six from our town, boats and cutters, and eleven from Yarmouth and Gorleston, with a loss of about 200 hands! Nine of them belonged to the parish of Oulton. The evening of the 21st October, was very remarkable for changes. In the short space of two hours we had thunder, lightning, rain, hail, snow, wind, and frost, accomplished by an Almighty power. An aged and sincere friend, who had preached to us many times in Mr. Barnard’s chapel, whom we called “Captain Ducker,” was called to his rest January 20th, 1861, aged 70 years. His last service with us was on the evening of Sunday, December 23rd of the preceding year. And it might be truly said of him, as was recorded of Barnabas:—“He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith,” rejoicing to see believers added to the Lord, and walking in fellowship, as children of a King.
Another solemn event took place in our parish. Mr. Fell, rector of Oulton, died at Worldham, Hants, on Sunday, November 10, aged 71 years, having held the living from 1851. Here, then, we see merciful men taken away; and, when rightly considered, they are taken from the evil to come. My wife had conducted the school through the late rector’s incumbency, and is still going on with the same. The Prince Consort died on the 14th of December, and was buried on the 23rd of the same month. Thus: