Page 10 - L&T Rev Fessey

Redditch Heritage Rev. G. F. Fessey

Death of Rev. G. F. Fessey

On Sunday morning, November 11th, 1888, the Rev. G. F. Fessey died suddenly at his
home in Cheltenham. The burial took place in Redditch on the following Thursday and a
long procession of clergy, the choir, churchwardens and sidesmen, and the members of
the Local Council, escorted the coffin from the church to the cemetery, where one of the
old vicar's favourite hymns, 'The strife is o'er," was sung. Many people wished to have
in the church some memorial to him, and a public subscription was opened for the
purpose. It was decided that the chancel screen and a window should be placed in the
church, and subscriptions amounting to more than £300 made this possible. The screen
and window was dedicated at a special service held on Wednesday, May 21st, 1890. At
an evening service on the same day Haydn's oratorio, "The Creation", was performed by
the choir with orchestral accompaniment.

Mr Milward was offered, and accepted, the living of Lyonshall, Herefordshire, and he
preached his farewell sermon on December 6th, 1891. He was succeeded in January,
1892, by Canon Newton. The Rev. Horace Newton, M.A., possessed a striking appearance,
tall, and having a long, flowing beard. He was a wealthy man and gave generously to
many good causes.

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Birmingham Daily Post – Tuesday 13th November 1888

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