Western Gazette Friday 21 Apr 1882 page 6
FIVEHEAD.
THE NEW MANSE.
The Baptists of Fivehead are evidently determined to free themselves as quickly as possible from the debt incurred through the erection of a new manse. They have already succeeded, by subscriptions and other means, in raising a considerable portion of the sum necessary to defray the expenses incurred, and, with the view of wiping off the remainder of the debt, on Wednesday opened a bazaar at the school-room, when there was considerable rejoicing throughout the village. The old manse was destroyed by fire last autumn, and this catastrophe, of course, necessitated the erection of a new building without delay. No time, therefore, was lost in making arrangements and commencing the new building, which is now nearly completed. It is a plain but substantial house, and stands on the site of the old manse. Mr. B. O. LEGG, of Ilminster, was the builder. The Rector of Fivehead (the Rev. R. W. LAMBERT) proved a true friend to the pastor of the chapel, for, as soon as he heard that the manse had been burnt down, he telegraphed from the Isle of Wight, placing the Rectory at the disposal of the Rev. J. COMPSTON (pastor). Mr. COMPSTON and his family are still living at the Rectory, but will remove to their new dwelling in a few days. We need hardly add that the Rector's kindness had been thoroughly appreciated by the pastor of the Baptist Chapel and the congregation generally.
The preparations for the bazaar were on a rather extensive scale, and there was ample evidence to show that the congregation had worked heartily together for the object in view. The young men had nicely decorated the village with arches and bunting, whilst the ladies had displayed the articles they had to dispose of in a most tempting manner, and had spared no pains in making the school-room look attractive. The proceedings on Wednesday commenced with a short service in the chapel. Mr. F. W. PINNEY, of Somerton, presided. After singing and prayer, Mr. COMPSTON made a financial statement. The re-building of the manse in its simplest form would, he said, cost £293. Certain things which could not be included in the contract were also required, and the total amount to be raised was £370. They had received £265 5s, leaving £104 15s to be raised. It was estimated that the goods in the sale-room were worth £100. They must make an effort to dispose of the whole of the articles, and his (Mr. COMPSTON's) desire was to pay off the whole of the debt by Midsummer. - Mr. PINNEY remarked that he was sure they would all sympathise with Mr. COMPSTON and his family in the great inconvenience they had been put to, and that all who were able to do so would willingly assist in paying off the debt that had been alluded to. Mr. PINNEY then read the 22nd chapter (and also part of the 29th chapter) of the First Book of Chronicles, and, having given an exposition of the verses, said he though that all present, in their several vocations, could serve the Lord and do some good in His cause. And, perhaps, the object that had brought them together that day would induce them to give to the Lord of their substance, and assist in the excellent work which had been so well begun. He was glad to feel that they would hand over to Mr. COMPSTON a house which would, he trusted, be suitable to his requirements, and be free from debt. They would thus confer great happiness on their minister: and he (the speaker) trusted that Mr. COMPSTON might live in the place many years and exercise his influence as a minster to the good of all their souls. (Applause.) - A round having special reference to the Fivehead Grand Bazaar was then sung by the choir, after which Mr. PINNEY declared the bazaar open. - It should be mentioned that letters of apology for non-attendance were read from Mr. A. SOMMERVILLE, of Creech; Mr. T. S. PENNY, of Taunton; and Mr. J. CORPE, of London. The two latter gentlemen enclosed a guinea each as a subscription to the manse fund. - Miss WILCOX presided at the harmonium, and Master Herbert COMPSTON at the piano.
The stalls were presided over by the following ladies:- No. 1, Miss HODGELL an Miss HILLARD; No 2, Mrs. HALLET and Mrs. BEST; No. 3, Mrs COMPSTON and Mrs. C. HALLET; No. 4, Miss HUMPHRY; No. 5 (Sunday-school stall), Miss PATTEN, Miss MEADE, Miss WILCOX, and Mrs. PHELPS. A number of other ladies also rendered assistance during the sale. It is unnecessary to enumerate the articles on the various stalls: suffice it to say that there was a multitudinous collection of goods of every description – materials for dresses for ladies; ornaments for the drawing-room, the cottage, and for presents to friends; articles for gentlemen for personal use and wear and for presents; complete outfits for children; a nice assortment of beautifully-worked clothing for babies; toys for boys and girls; antimacassars by the score; beautiful crewel works; and knick-knacks sufficient to satisfy the wants of all the families of the locality. Mrs. C. T. D. ACLAND contributed a beautiful specimen of art pottery, painted by herself; whilst another friend gave an excellent feather bed and pillows. The sale commenced at one o'clock, and was continued during the afternoon and late in the evening. No lotteries were permitted – everything was “fair, square and above board;” but attractions were provided, in the shape of mechanical models, from Gloucester; and refreshments could be obtained at a stall set apart for the the purpose. During the afternoon and evening the following programme was gone through:- Instrumental, Miss HUNT; sacred song, “When thou passest,” Miss CORPE; aria, “Arm, arm, ye brave,” Rev. E. CURTIS; instrumental music; song, “The Pilgrim Fathers,” Miss UTTERMARE; duet, “Pulaski's Banner,” Misses HUMPHRY and COMPSTON; instrumental music; song, “Excelsior,” Miss CORPE; song, “The Village Blacksmith,” Rev. E. CURTIS; instrumental varieties; musical entertainment by members of the Taunton Philharmonic Association.
Luncheon was provided at the manse, Mr. F. W. PINNEY presiding. Before separating, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr. PINNEY for his kindness in opening the bazaar, and reference was made by Mr. F. MEADE, exportreeve of Langport, to the friendly feeling that existed between the religious denominations in the place, as evidenced by the kindness recently shown by the Rector to Mr. COMPSTON. Tea was also supplied at the manse. - The bazaar was continued yesterday (Thursday), and the following programme arranged :- Instrumental music, Miss HUNT; round, “The Fivehead Grand Bazaar,” choir; sonnet, “The Swiss Toy Girl,” Miss COMPSTON; instrumental duetto, Misses VIRGIN and WILCOX; aria, “Angels, ever bright and fair,” Miss DENNIS; vocal duet, “Two Merry Hearts,” Misses HUMPHRY and COMPSTON; instrumental music; song, Miss UTTERMARE; duetto, “O'er the Bonny Clyde,” the Misses DENNIS; instrumental varieties; musical entertainment by the Fivehead choir.