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96
thought fitt to take some further time to consider of the same,
and to that End have Adjourn'd this Vestry till Sunday next
Four of the Clock in the afternoone: Against which time it is
ordered, That Summons's be sent out intimateing particularly
the Bussiness this Vestry is to meet on, Desiring them to come
to a Final Resolution touching the receiving and settling some of
the said poor palatines Upon the good Disposition of this Vestry
for receiving and settling some of the poor palatines within this
parish. William Green Esqre (a member of this Vestry) has
proposed to take Two Families of the said poor palatines consisting
of Ten Persons or thereabouts; which said Two Families he
promises to take care of for Two Years, so that they shall not
any wayes be troublesome or chargeable to this parish.
Sunday, Aug. 21, 1709. Resolved That the number of the poor
Palatines to be recd into this parish be Ten Families consisting of
Fifty persons.
The benevolence of Westminster might, indeed, almost
be said to be world-wide. At least one of the flourishing
States of America is indebted to the parish for material
help at its foundation :—
10th May, 1733. It having been requested by the Trustees for
Establishing a Colony in Georgia for the Minister, Churchwardens
and principal Inhabitants of this parish to take Subscriptions and
to gather and collect money for the said Charity.
It is Agreed That this Vestry will give them Assistance therein
provided the said Corporation do furnish them with proper
powers.
A warrant under the Seal of the State was received by
the Vestry in the following year, appointing the Churchwardens,
and other parish officers, treasurers for the raising
of funds. This warrant, mounted on crimson silk, with its
curious seal in clay, bearing a design of a silkworm on a
mulberry leaf, was brought to light at the Town Hall a few
years since, and suitably framed for preservation.
A striking antithesis to the foregoing is afforded by a
series of resolutions passed by the Vestry, on Sunday,
8th February, 1712.
The Beadles of every Ward to make a Return Weekly or every fortnight
of all Inmates or New Comers into the parish and of all
others not haveing a Legall Settlemt.*
* The practice of returning paupers to the place of their legal settlement has
been in operation in Westminster since 1590.