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had let their new sewer into the "sewer or drayne" passing
through the churchyard, to the possible injury of the church
and steeple. This matter was afterwards compromised, but
in what manner does not clearly appear.
The Parish Officers comprised Churchwardens, Overseers
of the Poor, Scavengers, Surveyors of the Highways, Constables,
and Beadles, all of whom were to be chosen by the
Parishioners according to the custom of St. Martin's, except
when otherwise expressly provided by the Act. The first
Churchwardens were named in the Act, being Mr. John
Haynes, carpenter, and Mr. William Nott, bookbinder.
The Parishioners at large had but very little voice in the
management of the Parish, the Yestry consisting, with the
Rector and Churchwardens, of 34 persons, and being virtually
"self-appointed, inasmuch as vacancies arising from death or
otherwise, were filled by the remaining Vestrymen.
The first meeting of the Vestry was held on the 7th July,
1685, when the. various Church officers were appointed, the
principal being the following:—
Ordered.
That Mr. Robert Rigby is appointed assistant to live wthin this parish,
and to observe the Dr. the present Rector in all things according
to the contents of the Act of Parliament.
That Mr. Hugh Ellis be hereby appointed Clarke of this parish who is in
preist's orders, and to live in this parish, and to finde one under
him to sett the psalms, to whome he shall allow l011£. ann. and
to observe such directions as Dr. Tennison the present Rector
or Successrs. shall require of him.
That Mr. John Batchelor be hereby appointed Clerke of this Yestry with
the writing the books of the parish accounts, and Assessments, and
other businesse, during the Vestry's Pleasure and a Sallary of
1011£. ann. to commence from Middsr. last past.
That Evan Jones and Robert Roades, be the two sextons, and to waite
monthley in their turnes, and in Gownes, & that Evan Jones have
the next pew keepers place that fall's, to remove into this parish
by Michs next, and to begin his waite ye.10. of August next Roades
being now in waiting.
G