In January 1892 the Rev. A. Frewen Aylward had a new look parish magazine to present to his parishioners.

It consisted of a one page "letter" from the vicar that was attached to a national magazine called "The Church Monthly, an illustrated magazine for home reading".

The vicar started his first letter; "Your parish magazine comes to you this year in a new form. On the outside of the cover is an excellent engraving of our beautiful Church, and inside you will find, I believe, much to instruct and interest you. May I ask all who are taking the magazine this month to shew it to their friends who do not do so, and thus assist me in enlarging its circulation."

The Church supported 2 schools in the village and the vicar presented the results of an inspection in September;

" I have received during the past month the report of Her Majesty's Inspector who examined our schools in August last. I think it ought to be a reply to those in the place who have so many faults to find with the schools and their management. The schools have once more done splendidly, better than ever, especially in the Mixed School; and that, in spite of many difficulties which the teachers had to contend with in consequence of the new building. All honour to Mr. Battersby and the rest of the staff. The grant earned is £66:16:6 more than we earned last year. The following is the inspectors report;

Mixed School - 'The children are now in good order,and very creditable progress has been made in their attainments. The needlework is reported as good, but improvements will be expected in some of the groups another year.'

Infants' School - 'The advance on last year does not, I'm sorry to say, appear to have been maintained. There is a reappearance, though to a less extent, of the faults mentioned two years ago. The needlework is fair.'"

The Rev. Aylward ended his letter in February with national news; "The month which is just passing away has been a memorable one indeed! The mysterious illness which has been rife in the land, has struck down the kindly, gentle hearted prince, - heir presumptive to the throne, - whose wedding festivities we had hoped to celebrate next month.

I tried to give expression on Sunday, the 17th, to the deep grief which I know has been felt by men and women of all parties and all classes amoung us, at the distressing event; but no words can adequately do so. It is, however something to know, that the heart of this great nation has been stirred to its very depths and that "the People" have been drawn nearer to the throne of our widowed sovereign, by sympathy and sorrowing for her family; and that thousands joined on that sad Sunday, as we did, with an earnestness and pathos they had scarcely felt before, in the prayer of our glorious National Hymn, "God Save the Queen!".

November's magazine mentions two "clothing clubs" in Enderby that seem to be intended to help the poor but no detailed description of them is given.

Certainly Enderby's clothing clubs were very popular, as the vicar states; "During the past months the tickets have been distributed to the Members of the two Clothing Clubs. As the number of the members has largely increased, during the last few years, and we have lost several subscribers, it is only possible to make a small addition to the amount paid in by the most regular subscribers; indeed, had it not been for the generosity of Mrs. Barber, the amount added this year would have been smaller than it was.

But, in spite of this, I hope the clubs will be well supported in the future, more so even than in the past, especially as the Parents have not now to find the pence for their children's' schooling. Both clubs pay in at Gable Cottage: the Children's every Monday at 12.10 noon, and the adults' every other Monday at 10.30am."

The Rev. Aylward was a good friend of the Bishop of Trinidad, who came to Enderby to preach. In May's letter the vicar looked back on his visit;

"The... Lord Bishop of Trinidad, visited us at the close of the month, apparently none the worst for the hard work he has done during the last three years in a very trying climate. It will be long, I think, before the memory of the four sermons he preached in our church fades from amoung us. On Thursday, 28th, he preached our annual "Temperance Sermon" when the congregation was not as large as I hoped; and on the following Sunday he preached morning and evening on behalf of "missionary work" in his own diocese, in which are 80,000 heathen; and in the afternoon he gave an address at a special service for men only. This last service was attended by over 200 men, who listened with the deepest attention to one of the most striking and beautiful addresses I have ever heard, on the subject of 'Ahab, or indecision'."

The vicar reflected on the significance of Lent in his March letter "It is a season set apart by our Church in commemoration of the forty days' fast and conflict of our Blessed Lord in the wilderness. A season in which we are called upon to practice specially the Christian duties of self-examination, self-denial, and prayer. A season in which we are called upon to refrain for a time from certain social pleasures and enjoyments, not because these things are bad in themselves, but because the refraining from them for a time is a useful discipline, helping us in the words of the Apostle, to 'keep under our bodies and bring them into subjection.' Let us observe the season, loyally and conscientiously, and I am sure we shall find at its close that it has been a help to us on our Christian pilgrimages."

He also announced a series of special Lent services for the 'Working Classes'; "These services will be at 7.45pm, an hour which I have fixed in the hope that it may suit the 'Working Classes'. May I also specially invite 'Working Men' to attend in their working clothes. And I earnestly appeal to all classes in the parish to make an effort to attend ALL these services, expecting a blessing, and relying on our Master's promise, "Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them"."

February's magazine mentioned an annual event;

"The annual tea party in connection with our Sunday School Teachers was held on Thursday, January 21st, one or two of our teachers to my great regret were prevented from attending; but over thirty sat down to tea, and a pleasant evening was spent.

The treasurer handed in her statement which showed a balance in hand of £5:4:51/2. the treasurer and secretary were thanked for their past services and reelected; and it was decided to hold the Magic Lantern and Prize presentation on Monday, February 8th, when we will be pleased to see as many of the parents and friends of the children as the school rooms will accommodate."

Parliamentary elections were approaching in July 1892, with another struggle between the Liberals and Conservatives to be decided. The vicar called for caution;

"In a few days the Elections will be upon us. Many of us will have the responsibility put upon us of recording our vote for one or other candidate. Let us vote according to our consciences, and for the general good; not from mere party prejudice or for private or class interests. Let us above all do what we can to diminish the bitterness of party feeling. Every man has a right to his own opinion; let us respect the opinions of those who differ from us, and not meet them with jeering and hooting. Let us try to believe that all, however they vote, have the good of our beloved country at heart. May God overrule all, - whatever the issue may be, - "to the advancement of His glory; the good of his Church; the safety, honour and welfare of our sovereign and her dominions."

But his pleas were in vain as the vicar noted in his August letter; "At last we have got over the excitement attending a "general election"; alas, that one has to add the ill-feeling attending it also. It is strange to think that men, - aye and women also - cannot differ on matters, which after all are matters of opinion, without denouncing and abusing one another. Many things have been done and said in the heat of party strife amoung us, which reflect but little credit on our village; let us try to forget them now, and settle down again quietly and amicably to our different duties; and may God overrule all to the good of our common country and His own glory."

The Church was introducing surplices (loose white linen clothes that reached the knees) into the choir, but the vicar's letter in December indicated some opposition;

"There has been a good deal of discussion in the parish with regard to the first step which has been taken in the matter of introducing a surpliced choir into our services. The boys have been thus habited for the last two Sundays, and we hope the surplicing of the men will follow soon. I said my say on the subject from the pulpit the first Sunday the change was made. I will only repeat one or two points of what I then said:

1. Personally I think the change will be a great improvement when completed, and feel sure that in three months the congregation will think the same.

2. I see no question of principle in it; the day when it was looked upon as "High Church" has long passed away.

3. I heartily thank those of the congregation who, from motives of Christian Charity, have sunk their own personal feelings in this matter. It would have been grief indeed to me, if a matter - so trivial as it seems to me - should have been allowed to mar the harmony of the congregation.

4. The congregation need not fear that this change will lead to others. I desire no others, and would not permit them."

Easter was an important time of the year and in 1892 it was made more beautiful in the Church, as the vicar noted; "Our Parish Church is beautiful at any time, but on Easter Day it was rendered still more beautiful by the lovely decorations; and though perhaps not quite so much work as usual was done in this respect, yet what was done by the ladies of the congregation and Mr. Underwood, the head gardener at the Hall, was in the very best taste, and worthy in every respect of the House of God.

Church decorations seem to me specially appropriate at Easter; for surely the sweet faces of the flowers, risen from their winter's sleep, are fit emblems of the 'resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ'.

October's letter included a quick note on the vicars intention to start a special bible class for women; " I am hoping to commence again this month my Women's Bible Class. Due notice will be given in Church as to time and place of meeting. I shall hope to see again those who have attended these classes in former years, and I shall also most gladly welcome any new comers." In November's edition he added that "The subject I propose to take for this Winter is the 'Miracles of our Lord'."

This review almost entirely quotes the letters of the much respected and loved vicar of Enderby, Rev. A. Frewen Aylward, who held the position from 1884 through to 1914, when he retired to Chapel Saint Leonards. Below is picture of him;

Enderby Parish Church, during this period, supported the temperance movement (discouraging people from drinking alcohol), as seen in the 1892 review which mentions the annual temperance sermons. In June the vicar arranged for a further effort on this front;

"I have arranged for one of the vans in connection with the Church of England Temperance Society, which is traveling about the country, to call here on June 6th. Unfortunately I shall be away from home that day, but I have left arrangements for an outdoor meeting on the occasion in the hands of Mr. Battersby.

The meeting will probably be held during the dinner hour at one of the quarries, but bills will be distributed later giving details as to time and place. The van will be in charge of a well known speaker, G Garlick, 'The Chelsea Coal Heaver'.

The church wanted to encourage some wholesome entertainment during the Christmas of 1893; "Christmas is usually a time for entertainments; and I think a wholesome amusement is good for us all. I have accepted the very kind offer of the "Croft Amateur Dramatic Society" to give two performances in our schools on the evenings of January 1st and 2nd. Moreover, the Enderby String Band have most kindly consented to act as the orchestra on these occasions. Full details will be announced shortly and the proceeds will be given to the Enderby national schools.

I have also another treat in store for the people of Enderby. The annual choir concert will be held on either the 17th or 18th of January, and Mr. Herber Simms Reeves has most generously promised to come and sing for us! I also hope that on this occasion we shall hear his pupil Arthur Mortimer again. Surely these attractions will suffice to crowd the room!"

In January, the vicar could look back on one year of the magazine and see success; "with regard to the magazine, which has just reached the close of its first year of issue, it has been on the whole a great success. For this I have to thank, those who have taken it, those who have recommended it, and those who have advertised in it. But I am very anxious that the circulation should reach 200; we cannot get above 190. Can we not get ten more subscribers this year? If I know before the end of January I can order ten additional numbers for the year including the January number with print of photograph."

The following month the vicar could announce that "I am glad to say the circulation of our parish magazine has decidedly increased this year and now considerably exceeds 200"

July's letter from the vicar was written during the Enderby Feast, to which he turned his mind : "I write in the midst of our 'feast week' which has come around to us once more. Many, I daresay, do not know that our parish 'feasts' have a religious origin. The feast in each parish is connected with the festival day of the saint to whose memory the church of the parish is dedicated. For instance, our parish church is dedicated to the memory of St. John the Baptist, whose festival day the church celebrates on June 24th, hence our 'feast' always falls in the week after that date.

Alas! If that holy man were to come amongst us during the feast connected with his name, would he not find only too much to call forth his rebuke; he whose characteristic ever was, 'boldly to rebuke vice!' And yet I do trust that the means which have been devised for counteracting the evil influences of our 'feast week' may have been of some avail this year and that many have found opportunities for enjoying themselves, rationally and sensibly, without rushing into all manner of excess. For this purpose 'athletic sports', 'cricket matches' and 'free smoking concerts' have been held during the week.

In December the vicar reminded his readers of the forthcoming annual event to raise money for a just cause; "The annual sermons on behalf of the "Church of England Waifs and Strays Society" will be preached on December 17th. This society is doing noble work for the lost and homeless children of our great towns. I feel sure that the congregation will give a generous response to the appeal to be made on behalf of this society, for the sake of Him who so dearly loved the little children, when here on Earth.

'Do you hear the children weeping, O my brothers; they are weeping bitterly! they are weeping in the play time of the others; in this country of the free!'

Shall we not do something to dry their tears!"

July saw concerns arising about school finances as the vicar reflected on the annual school sermons; "Our 'school sermons' were preached as usual on 'Feast Sunday', June 25th. The congregations, morning and evening, were scarcely as large as usual; but at the afternoon 'flower service' the church was well filled. The collections during the day amounted to £6. I am sorry to see that the financial state of our schools this year is far from satisfactory, and I fear the parishioners may have to take their choice between doing more to support their present schools, or being compelled to provide by a heavy rate for a 'Board School' to take their place. 'Popular control' is an admirable theory, but it is apt to be somewhat expensive in practice!"

One of the sources of Church income in the 1890s was pew rent, where people would pay the Church a rent to be able to sit in a certain seat (pew) in the Church at services. At the Annual Meeting of the Church Congregation some alternative arrangements were considered;

"At the above mentioned meeting other matters were mentioned and discussed. I reminded those present that it had been decided on a former occasion, that to make the payment of the pew rent easier for the poorer members of the congregation, and also prevent the churchwardens being considerably out of pocket for six months of the year, the payments for the sittings should be made half yearly; and that the time for the first half yearly payment had arrived.

We also discussed the important question of the ventilating and warming of the Church. To deal with this question a small committee was appointed, consisting of the Vicar and Churchwardens, and Messrs. W Battersby, G Gilliver, H Phillips and G Briggs. The congregation may rely upon this committee doing its best to provide from their comfort during the coming winter."

August's letter from the vicar was dedicated to royal celebrations; "The month which has passed away will be memorable in the history of our country for an event of great national interest and importance. On Thursday, July 6th, our English Sailor Prince was united in marriage to our English Princess May, amid scenes of almost unequaled splendour and enthousiasm. Long life and happiness to the royal pair; and when in the far future they are called to the throne of these realms, may they be able to follow worthily in the footsteps of the Gracious Lady who now rules over us, the best and greatest of British Sovereigns!"

I was anxious at least something should be done in the parish to observe the royal wedding day, and so arranged for our Sunday School treat to be held on the occasion. This passed off, I am glad to say, most successfully. At the short service at which the festivities opened, the children sang with great heartiness "God save the Queen"; after this we paraded the village, led by a banner bearing the same loyal device and the Enderby Temperance Band; then came a tea in the schools, followed by games of all sorts in the "Church Field" - kindly placed at our disposal by Mr. Key - and lastly, through the kindness of Captain and Mrs. Drummond, a splendid array of fireworks in honour of the occasion.

Meanwhile the church bells rang a merry peal and the royal standard waved from the tower; and then after receiving a bun each - through the kindness of Mrs. Walker - , and joining once more heartily in our grand old national hymn, the large assemblage of children and parents broke up, and one of the most successful school treats ever held in Enderby came to a close."

In September the Rev. Aylward brought good news; "I am able to announce the result of the late inspection of our schools. The report runs as follows: Mixed School - The children are in good order and continue to do well. Infants' School - the Infants are well managed and generally well taught.

These reports are brief, but they could hardly be better, as they amount to this that Her Majesty's Inspector has no fault to find with either school."

October's magazine reflected on the Harvest services; "Our Harvest Thanksgiving Services have been held during the last few days. On Friday (Michaelmas Day), the Preacher was the Rev. R. Titley, Rector of Harwell, and the -Offertory, amounting to £2:5:0, was given to the "Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution." The Church was very beautifully decorated by the Ladies of the Congregation, most ably assisted, through the kindness of Mr. Walker, by Mr. Underwood, Head Gardener at the Hall, and his Assistants. Our Choir, which is fast acquiring a reputation in this neighbourhood, rendered the Musical Part of the Service most efficiently including Spohr's beautiful Anthem "'As pants the Hart," the solo in which was sung with admirable taste by Mr. F. Spence. Last, by no means least, our new Organist, Mr. Sparrow, presided most efficiently at the Organ.

The Service was repeated on Sunday Evening, October 1st, and I doubt if our beautiful Church has ever contained a larger Congregation than assembled on that occasion, Chairs and forms were placed in every available corner, and even then it was with the greatest difficulty that room could be found for all the worshippers. Nothing could exceed the heartiness of the Service; and Jackson's old 'Te Deum' with which the Service closed, brought back memories to some of the older Members of the Congregation when it used to be sung in long by-gone days to the accompaniment of Fiddles and Base Viols in the old gallery at the West End of the Church. The Offertory on Sunday Evening, which amounted to Five Guineas, was on behalf of our "Church Expenses Fund." On the whole our Harvest Festival Services have been, I think, the most successful ever held in our Parish Church."