A New South Wales newspaper, the Barrier Miner, reported the vicar's romance of 1933 as follows:
The Rev. J. H.P Welby, the vicar of Ushaw Moor, Near Durham, who married Jennie Brown, his church organist, told the story of his romance to the ''Daily Express'' correspondent, at a presentation ceremony after their return from their honeymoon.
''I ventured to ask Jennie,'' he said ''if she would go along with me, and she could not at first understand. Jennie and I strolled by the riverside as other lovers have done. It was Wednesday, about eight weeks ago - but Jennie says I have not to tell you too much.
We walked as far as the dear village of Shincliffe, and we went into church together and bound ourselves in loyalty and allegiance.
As I was getting older - but but I am not old yet - I felt that If I could find a partner she would help me in my parish work, and you will agree that I found someone more capable than myself in the one who has been kind enough to share her life with me.
It is particularly kind, because as one is getting older I expect she will be quite young and handsome when she wheels me around in the bath-chair.
We have only a week's experience, but up to now Jennie has not quarrelled with me, and I hope she won't''.
What a find that article is!
Brian McLoughlin's notes, already on site and reproduced here, will aid those readers not already familiar with this most notable vicar of Ushaw Moor.
"I well remember Vicar Welby when I was a boy living in Ushaw Moor. I understand that Vicar Welby was a very highly educated man and he gave 35 years of his life looking after the spiritual needs of his flock at Ushaw Moor. I can remember attending weddings and funerals at St. Lukes Church on the Esh Winning road where he officiated at the ceremonies. He lived with his family at the Vicarage at the top of Ladysmith Terrace. I cannot remember Vicar Welby ever having any sort of transport to get around the village as he always appeared to be walking when I remember him. He was well known and highly respected in the village and always had a good word and a smile for us kids. Whether you were Catholic or Protestant Vicar Welby always spoke to everyone. He was the type of good character that is sadly lacking in this world of the present. Vicar Welby is also mentioned in the book by Frank Proctor who emigrated to Canada from Ushaw Moor in the 20s, he made a great impression on the then young Frank Proctor."
WB
Thanks Wilf for once again bringing back many happy memories. I can now look back as an adult with great respect and affection for Vicar Welby. Highly educated, he gave his life for the residents at Ushaw Moor. That was in the days when people like Mr. Welby were liked and respected by all, even people who never put their foot inside any Church
ReplyDeleteWith your access to research Wilf can you tell me if their is any connection between the new Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Vicar Welby. I know Vicar Welby had a son named Peter.
Carry on with the good work Wilf.
Brian Mc.
Like Brian Mc. I also remember Vicar Welby who as stated had a word for all people irrespective of their religion. My grandfather, Bill Linskey knew him well and spoke to him when they encountered each other even though we attended St. Josephs RC church wher Father Whittaker was the parish priest. As Brian says, not many people of his stature around these days. Kind regards to all at Ushaw Moor and Bearpark of happy memories. Mike Copple
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