“This gallery was erected at the expense of the patron and some of the principal landowners of the parish, A.D., 1836.” EDWIN P. DENNISS, B.C.L. _Rector_. HENRY YOUNGMAN, BREAME SKEPPER, _Churchwardens_. Next he had to superintend the building of a Rectory House, this took place 1837–8; it was accomplished, and a very handsome and convenient house it looks, but it was not for the enjoyment of its builder very long, and while I am writing it has been the residence of three rectors beside Mr. Denniss, who was a working clergymen, and no doubt felt whilst he was industriously promoting habits of thrift and economy among the working classes, and founding what was called a clothing club, he was doing the work of the Lord, yet it was thought and said that too much of it was transacted on the day of the Lord; in other respects it was a means of drawing the common people to church, where much of this business was transacted, and carnal things took the place of spiritual. Other great events occurred during that memorable year 1837. Our King William IV. whose health had been for some months in a precarious state, died at Windsor, on the 20th of June, after a short reign of seven years. There was a large gathering at St. Peter’s Chapel on the day of the funeral, a solemn service was conducted by Mr. Cunningham, the vicar, the text was from _Micah_ vi. 9, “The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name, hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.” Our good Queen Victoria was proclaimed on the day following, as sovereign of these realms, and on the 28th of June, in the following year, 1838, the coronation of Her Majesty took place amidst great rejoicing. My affianced still resided at Yarmouth, and during that summer she came on a holiday to see her parents, and I obtained leave of absence to meet her there, that we might talk over our present affairs and also the future, as to continuing in service or declining that position and commencing a boot and shoe business on our own account, and ultimately the latter was decided on, and we returned to our homes to complete our engagements, and to apprize our superiors that we declined to remain in their service after the coming Michaelmas, things were thus far plain and understandable. As a beginning to make preparations for the change in my condition, I hired a cottage and garden of Mr. Johnson George, miller of Oulton, at £6 per year, and on the 16th day of October, 1838, was married to Hannah Cox, whose parents resided in the village. Mr. Denniss was the clergyman and Mr. John Osborn was clerk of the aforesaid parish. I am now arrived at something like the middle of my journey, and will just take a retrospect, all the way the Lord my God hath led me, to guard me, to try me, to prove me, and to see what is in mine heart. Now let me just ask myself am I thankful?