There was a petition signed against the New Church Bill, in which it was acknowledged that there was a total inadequacy of church accommodation in the parish—the population of which the petitioners stated to be 20,000 souls—but they submitted that “it would be better to erect two chapels, capable of holding 1,500 persons each, one to be situated at each extremity of the parish, which might be done for one half the church would cost.” Dr. Anthony Todd Thomson, of Sloane Street, who was one of the most able speakers in the parish, most powerfully advocated the erection of two chapels, but the opposition entirely failed.
In the account of the Old Church a list of the Rectors connected with that ancient edifice was given, we will now refer to those since the completion of the new Parish Church.
The Hon. and Rev. G. V. Wellesley, D.D., who had been for many years previously Rector, was a brother of the Duke of Wellington, “the great hero of many a hard-fought battle.” Making a deduction for some slight difference in the corporeal appearance of them, there was a great resemblance of features, and in quickness of conception, correctness of judgment, and general determination of character, there was an astonishing similarity. Dr. Wellesley was quick in forming his conclusions, and appeared at times to be somewhat hasty, but generally it would be found that his views were founded on truth and justice. This remark applies more especially to the part he took as chairman of many of the “open vestry” parish meetings, at which there was frequently much contention. It was admitted, however, by those who were at times opposed to his views that his conduct was impartial and conciliatory, and the natural result was that he gained the respect of all classes of the ratepayers, and thus allayed much of that asperity of feeling which is too often manifested by contending parties.
Dr. Wellesley’s appointment of the Rev. Henry Blunt, M.A., then a young clergyman who had gained the esteem of a large portion of the parishioners, as Morning Preacher and Senior Curate, gave great satisfaction, and, as presently will be seen, shewed the correct opinion he had entertained of Mr. Blunt’s piety, zeal, and qualifications to discharge the sacred duties he had so wisely entrusted to him. Dr. Wellesley, after some years had elapsed, resigned, and died at Bishopwearmouth, at an advanced age.