Bonfire Boys.
The “Gunpowder Plot” anniversary was, this year (1862) celebrated in St. Leonards with greater pomp than usual. Whether this was caused by a desire to exhibit sympathy for Garibaldi as opposed to the Pope, or merely to keep up a long-observed custom was not openly stated; but, perhaps, the two ideas actuated the Bonfire Boys in making a display which entirely eclipsed any similar exhibition of previous years. Exactly at six oclock a large procession of 80 persons debouched from behind Stanhope place, bearing torches, flags, banners and other pseudo-regalia, and headed by a strong band of fifes and drums. The processionists were dressed in almost every conceivable variety of military costume, in which the Garibaldian predominated, and which notwithstanding the motley character, appeared to present a certain kind of uniformity. In the midst of these was a huge effigy, eleven feet high, and drawn upon wheels. The perambulation of the thoroughfares occupied four hours, during which time many hundreds of persons congregated along the route to witness the sight. At ten o’clock the effigy was burnt in front of the Marina, after which the party broke up. It is worthy of record that the utmost order prevailed, and that not a single discharge of fireworks was attempted during the whole of the procession.
Churches and Chapels
A beautiful screen, the handiwork of the Misses Brown, was raffled for, in the month of March, at a sum of £17 10s. which amount added to the receipts of last year’s bazaar for the Holy Trinity and Whatlington churches, augmented the total to £716.
The Wesleyan Chapel. In the week ending on March 15th, two meetings were held in the schoolroom attached to the chapel in Norman road, which were numerously attended, the object of which was to take into consideration the proposed enlargement and improvement of the chapel. At the first meeting about 60 persons sat down to tea and enjoyed the usual socialities of such gatherings; and at the second, a still larger attendance was observed. Addresses were delivered by W. W. Pocock, Esq., of London, the Rev. T. Harding, W. R. Jones & G. T. Hill, Mr. S. Putland, sen., and Mr. J. O. Davis. The contemplated improvements were estimated to cost about £600, and subscriptions to the amount of £200 had already been promised.
Christ Church. Divine service was performed in Christ Church, London road, on Wednesday, 8th of October, ostensibly as a public opening of the new organ. The instrument, however, was not used, the time after its erection having proved too short for its thorough adjustment. There was, nevertheless a full choral service with harmonium and about forty singers. A collection was made for the organ fund.
The New Organ at Christ Church, built by Mr. Hartley, of St. Leonards, was used for the first time in the services on the 12th of October, and was -
