Frances Mary Buss and her work for education — John Shaqi
Frances Mary Buss and her work for educationRidley, Annie E.
History
Frances Mary Buss and her work for education
Ridley, Annie E.
Buss, Frances Mary, 1827-1894
“the earnest spiritual influence of the Rev. David Laing, who
built the church and schools of Holy Trinity, Kentish Town,
giving his whole fortune and his life to found the parish. His
teaching by precept and practice was self-sacrifice, and the
large-hearted charity that beareth all things, believeth all
things, hopeth all things, coupled with the wide culture that
welcomed new thought, and proved all things. His hospitable home
was constantly open to his parishioners, where he received them
among his cultured circle of literary, scientific, and artistic
friends. He at once took his stand by the North London
Collegiate School, while others waited till its success was
sure. We, oldest of old pupils, still thrill with somewhat of
the past enthusiasm when we recall his inspiring teaching. The
band of devoted workers he gathered round him in his
parish—which was then almost unique for the number of works of
charity carried on in it, and for the weekly lectures by Mr. S.
C. Hall and others—testified to his personal influence, the
motive power of which was not what he saw, but what he was.”
In memory of her lamented friend, Miss Buss, after his death,
established six “Laing Scholarships,” by which so many girls who needed
this help received a free education in her school. Thus for ten years
Mr. Laing’s memory was kept in mind. With the changes of 1870 these
Scholarships ceased, but Miss Buss’ devotion to Mrs. Laing knew no
intermission till her old friend’s death in 1876; and Miss Fawcett has
an interesting little comment on this unfailing thoughtfulness—
“All associated with our dear friend must have been struck with
her loyalty and faithfulness to her old friends. I am thinking
especially of her treatment of Mrs. Laing, for so many years.
Sunday by Sunday she went to see her after morning service as
regularly as the day came round; flowers were sent to her very
frequently, also nice books to read. On her birthday Miss Buss
never failed to see her before the school-work began.”
Among the school records there is a letter which is of interest as
showing the close relations which existed between Mr. and Mrs. Laing and
the school. It is addressed to the chairman presiding at the first
prize-day after the double loss which made so sad a change for the young
head-mistress—the death within a year of her mother and of Mr. Laing—
“REV. AND DEAR SIR,
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