Family History 3.06

Goodwin Story

Pastor writing to Julia from Kettering

Letters from Home continued

"Thankyou for the ferns. It was pleasant to get something of which you and I had so often talked. I care much for your Ceterach, which is doing very well with me. When better weather comes I must send you one of its new fronds in memory of old times. My ferns looked lovely this year. I know your eyes would have sparkled to see them. I often miss your enthusiasm. No-one loves them as you did."

(My grandparents had a large assortment of ferns, which they looked after with great care on their verandah)

"I wish I could visit new Zealand on a fern-hunting expedition. If it were not so far away I would spend a holiday there."

"Our school debt is all paid and more than thirty pounds over. Our meeting was a most enthusiastic one -- over 600 to tea, and we had a very enjoyable time."

"Let me hear now and then from you. It will always be a great pleasure to answer your letters. I want to know all about you - what you do on working days and what garden you have got, and whether you are growing slips as of old. I have pleasant memories of sundry pieces of sweetbriar which came on Saturday evenings and gave pleasure for days. Your own little bright face did me good too -- may it cheer others. Keep up your frankness and hope....Give my love to your father and mother, and say hoiw I should like to come in for a cup of tea as in the olden days."

"4 Nov 1884

I was very pleased once again to hear from you, for you are never forgotten by me, and my best wishes always go out toward you in your far away home. I too miss your bright welcome, and wish the Bible Class evening could have you for a member. We get along very nicely and have a large and useful class. This winter they have decided to take a series of evenings on the 'Life of Christ'. I rejoice in their decision. We can never study too closely or too lovingly the purest, kindest life earth has ever known."

"Thankyou for a fern frond or two: any botanical fragment is welcome because it reminds me of our talks about flowers. I think it was your love for them that started our special friendship. Tell your mother how much I wish I could accept her invitation. I wonder if I shall ever have a cup of tea with you again."

"Our chapel was re-opened after alterations, about a fortnight ago. I preached my first sermon after the re-opening last Sunday morning, from the words 'In this place is one greater than the temple'. We have secured 135 new sittings. We now seat 1035, and every sitting is let downstairs, and more are wanted, and nearly every sitting upstairs.

I am glad you went in for the Sunday School Exam. I have no doubt you passed. But as you rightly say it is not lost time if you do not pass. It must be a gain anyway....

I saw your uncle who lives vat Halifax last August. I was preaching at Dr Mellor's chapel and he was there. He looks well. I called a few days ago to see your grandmother, who though feeble, seems about as usual.

Minnie and Nellie Chester send their love, and I believe when you are writing to me Minnie would much like a line. I think she said you promised to write her someday."

(to be continued)