Beale, Dorothea, 1831-1906; Cheltenham Ladies' College -- History; Teachers -- England -- Biography
On June 18 she returned from Cheltenham, full of hope, to write
innumerable letters—stamps, under their ancient name of ‘heads,’
became almost a daily entrance in the diary, which sometimes served as
account-book;—to finish the lessons at Barnes, for the school year had
not yet ended; and to correct the proofs of the _Textbook_, with the
satisfaction of feeling that she had in it something that would help in
the formation of her teachers-to-be. She received many congratulations.
Some letters were kept; Mr. Shepheard’s is given, as it bears upon a
subject which was about to cause fresh trouble.
‘SILVERDALE, _June 24, 1858_.
‘ ... I must tell you how pleased I am on your account
personally, at your success—and the triumph of justice in your
case over unfairness and tyranny. My pleasure would be indeed
great, if I had any hope that you might be led to reconsider
those opinions on sacramental grace which have formed the only
subject of division in opinion between us. The longer I live
the more I am convinced of their danger as containing in fact
the germ of all popery; and subverting the very nature and
essence of vital godliness, by substituting the _form_ for the
_reality_, the outward _act_ for the inward spiritual power and
operation.
‘I wish you would read Mr. Litton’s book, _The Church of
Christ_, on that subject; it is unanswerable.
‘What is exactly the name and nature of your College?—Very
sincerely yours with all kindest regards,
H. SHEPHEARD.’
There were also through these weeks a good many interchanged visits on
matters both of business and pleasure. The name of Miss Vincent occurs
twice among others mentioned in the diary. This is the lady who in August
of 1858 became Lady Superintendent at Casterton, and remained there till
1888, when she died there in harness at the age of seventy-five.
Dorothea Beale was not, however, destined to take possession of her
kingdom without a conflict. The old religious dispute was handed on from
Casterton, for Mr. Shepheard, with one other whose name does not appear,
felt he could not but mention the points he held to be ‘dangerous’ in
her religious beliefs. And there was certainly still another letter to
discourage the Council, from M. Mariette to Mr. Penrice Bell, questioning
Miss Beale’s suitability for the post of Head Mistress on the ground that
she was not sympathetic in manner. This appears to have been disregarded,
but the partisans of Dean Close felt bound to consider the accusation of
High Church opinions. Miss Beale first learned of the opposition which
had arisen to her appointment on July 12, in the following letter from
Mr. Bell:—
‘_July 10, 1858._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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