The Incumbents of the Stamford Churches c.1886

By Chris Hunt

From Simpson Papers in Town Hall, My Notes Vol 1 pp.6 & 8

Limericks have always been popular, especially in the later C19th after Edward Lear published a series in 1845. However these reflect the attitude from the organ loft of one church ….. Six churches so six incumbents – those were the days! – JSH Found among the papers of St Michael’s Church c.1970

“Some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers.” Stamford

St. Martin’s Rev. Chancellor

My first is the Chancellor haughty

It’s nice, folks have said, but it’s naughty

With maidens to play At all hours of the day

So be careful, my Chancellor haughty.

St. Mary Rev Wickham

My second’s th’evangelist Wickham

With grace, meet and unction to lick ‘em

If he’d sit rather less And stand more, I’d bless

The burning and shining light, Wickhan.

St. John Rev. Waller

My third‘s the uxorious Waller

Whose truths are not easy to swaller

To blackguard the Pope

Seems the limit and scope

Of the brainless book learning of Waller.

All .Saint Rev. Oldfield

My fourth is the sociable Oldfield

Who they say has the wealth of a goldfield

His nieces are charming

But it’s more than alarming

To sit for an hour under Oldfield

St. George.Rev. HB Browning

My fifth is the invalid Browning

Much given to fireside and frowning

When the Litany’s said

Then he’s off to his bed

The prudent but profitless Browning

St. Michael Rev.H. Macdougall

My sixth’s the well loving Macdougall

This last rouses black bile and blue gall

If your voice is in trim

Try his Jubilee Hymn

And you’ll make some remarks on Macdougall

“ 1886 By Messrs. Hailstone (tutor) and Harvey, (Organist, St. George) “

A print version can be downloaded HERE