I.3 - Memories of an Old Woman

Summary

The Recollections of an Old Woman. Novr. 1907

I first went to Margaret Chapel in the Spring of 1842 - Mr. Upton Richards was then Curate to Mr. Oakley (sic) the Incumbent. My Father was acquainted with both. Mr. Redhead was Organist & gave me lessons in chaunting.

We used to go to Town from time to time & almost always had lodgings within reach of Margaret Chi. & attended the Services both in the old Chapel, & in Titchfield Street, & 77 Margaret Street before All Saints Church was built.

My Father introduced me to Mr Richards in 1849.

We often saw Mrs. Stewart & her three daughters on their way to Church in the dark mornings, trotting along like so many little ponies. In these years many great & holy men were to be seen in Margaret St. on their way to & from the Chapel & Church to worship or preach. I remember, especially dear Bishop Forbes’ of Brechin spare & tall form, standing frequently at the door of the Clergy House waiting for admission.

We all spent the Easter of 1856 in Margaret St.

Mr. Upton Richards took me over the new houses, 80, 81, 2, 3 which were built for the Sisters, & explained that they had to be built like ordinary houses in case they had to be given up at the end of the Lease. The Sisters & Mother were then living in S. Elizabeth's Η & they had also No. 8 Margaret St. 1 made my first Confession in the Oratory there.

I first saw Mother at S. Elizabeth's Home in /55 or /56. She & S. Sarah were in a small room there with one or two little girls.

Mr. U. R. showed me the Rules for the Outer Sisters, which were just begun & asked if I would like to join; but I must consult my Father: he would not give his consent as he feared it might take my interests away from home. The Sisters then wore a plain black dress & small white collar - a close fitting cap with black strings like those worn by postulants.