Bishop Benjamin Pollard (1954-66)

Summary

Thursday 2 June 1955

[85-7]138 Preliminaries. Excused: H. S. Whittaker, W. A. Rushworth, R. H. Reid, W. Hornby, T. O. Evans, E. S. Thomas, R. J. Benson. Bishop's charge, dealing with the Scriptures.

Matters arising

The vicar of Marown asked for clarification regarding the searching of documents in the rolls office. If the number of the document was known it would be produced without fee, but if a search was required, a fee would be charged for it. This was entered in the minutes.

Communications

Tynwald would be held on 5 July.

Diocesan year book

Canon Carman asked about the Diocesan Year Book and was told that it was being printed [88] 500 copies had been ordered at a cost of 3/2% per copy; they would be sold for 1/6. Discussion followed during which some discontent was voiced, but nothing resulted from it.

York matters

The bishop asked for five clergy to attend the York clergy school and said that the proctorial election for the York convocation should take place after lunch.

Manx Fund

Grants to: St Matthew's, St George's, Lonan, St Olave's, St Paul's, St Thomas, St Luke's, Kirk Braddan, St Jude's.

Suggestions from the bishop

• 1. A branch of the Church of England Men's Society should be formed. Canon J. S. Rimmer of Ulverston had been invited over concerning this.

• 2. Boy choristers should be increased in number as a way of improving church music.

• 3. A fellowship of vocation to encourage ordination candidates should be established.

• 4. A guild of embroiderers should be established for the women of the diocese.

Ordination candidates9fund

The vicar of Michael asked about collections for the Ordination Candidates’ fund. [89] Trinity Sunday was inconvenient for many, and the bishop suggested that parishes should find suitable alternatives.

Chapter courts

The vicar of Marown had received a summons but did not understand what the courts were for. The vicar-general explained this to him.

Tithe agent's report

This was purely formal and short. The committee was re-elected with W. E. J. Cringle replacing J. H. Jones (deceased). Only £140 was still unredeemed. The rector of Andreas proposed a vote of thanks; seconded by the vicar of Arbory.