From Mrs Ethel Jewel at Marsh Bank, Holsworthy, Devon, to Lewis Court.
She considered it a great pleasure to meet Court on Thursday last and was only sorry that they did not have more time available to discuss Bible Christian memorabilia. It must have been a day filled with wonderful memories for those present at the meeting, who had any connection with the Bible Christians.
Since returning home she has made lists of the books and pamphlets etc in her possession and has sent them to Court.
Jewel thinks that she told Court that she has two pamphlets by Samuel Ollin?, one was printed by Samuel Thorne in Plymouth in 1871 and the other by W.J. Trythall? printer of Plymouth, but with no date.
At present she is especially interested in the Bible Christian hymnbook. She has the 1890 edition but wishes to see the 1830 and 1868 editions also, with regard to a hymn beginning "Haste again ye days of Grace…" Can Court tell her if the hymn is also in the 1830 and 1868 editions and if there is any clue as to the authorship? The hymn is not in the 1890 edition.
She is on the track of more magazines and other literature. Does Court want Johanna Brooks's copy of [unreadable title]?.
She went with her husband to the service at Shebbear this morning. Mr Procter looks very frail, as if he has little left except `spirit and flame' but this makes his words seem more effective. The peaceful surroundings and the beauty of the scene added to the experience.
They took a Scottish friend with them, the widow of a Baptist minister, and the sound of Mr Procter rolling his Rs was like music to her ears. After the service Mr Fors, one of the masters at Shebbear, to whom she is well known, took her up to speak to Mr Proctor.
Would Court remember her to the lady who lives with him? Jewel did not catch her name.
In a postscript, Jewel mentions that Johanna Brooks married a second time to a man named Neal or Neale. They had a son named Moss Neal, who emigrated to the United States and at one Ecumenical Conference which was attended by Revd. Thomas Lee as a delegate from the Bible Christian Connexion, he was contacted by this Moss Neal.
Notes .
- Johanna Brooks is recorded as possibly being an early Bible Christian itinerant. In later life she married a man named Neal. Source: Beckerlegge and Maw Ms 91.6.65