Emma writes to Innes of church matters. There was a controversy between Reverend Ffinden and the congregation concerning how the church service should Show moreEmma writes to Innes of church matters. There was a controversy between Reverend Ffinden and the congregation concerning how the church service should be conducted. Transcription: "Tuesday Ap. 29. Dear Mr Innes Church matters were going so badly last week that I would not write until I could see what another Sunday would produce- Mr [Ffinden] performed the service in the same way on the second Sunday + we were all very angry, especially Mr Allen the Churchwarden, who had escorted himself almost as much as Mr [Ffinden] himself about the repairs, + had been so constantly with him that he felt that Mr Ff. had concealed his intentions purposely. So he "had it out" with Mr Ff. + spoke his mind even more freely than you did I believe, + the result is that last Sun- -day he reverted to the old ways, with the exception of reading the Litany with his back to us, (+ that I think we may as well not object to) + of singing the Psalms instead of reading them. It is a great pity that he did not take your advice, as now it will be thought to be Mr Allen's doing. In your plan Mr Ff. wd have done it with dignity; however I trust we shall be at peace now. Pray give my love to Mrs Innes-we look back on our pleasant little sight of her + you- The poor people were much gratified too at having seen you both-Believe me very sincerely yours Emma Darwin" Letter, signed by sender. Sent from Down House, near Beckenham, Kent, England. The Robert M. Stecher Collection of Charles Darwin Books and Manuscripts Show less
