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The Editor
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© F.Coakley , 2026
[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]
The problems of the chronic poverty of the See of Sodor and Man and the continuing need for new chapels and chaplains for an expanding urban and industrialised population which faced Bishop Bowstead at the beginning of his short, two-year episcopacy were made more difficult by the earlier attempt to unite the bishopric with the see of Carlisle in 1836. An act of Parliament had been passed but was repealed only after Manx clerics and laity, and powerful allies in England, rose 'as with one heart and voice to resist such an encroachment on their ancient privileges'.
The Diocesan Association was formed 'with a view to promote the interests of the Island, by increasing the efficiency of the established church' an essential reform to avoid financial failure and further British intervention.
The inaugural meetings were addressed by a number of the most influential inhabitants.... together with several Members of the University of Cambridge, who visited the Island to lend their valuable aid in advocating the cause of the Association - and in spirit-stirring language advocated its claims'
The Manx Sun commemorated the Cambridge Bishop's university friends in verse.
They came - a holy band -
From Granta's greatest halls,
And they trod upon our land
And sat within our walls'..........
They were still warmly remembered in the 1890s. In a well chosen committees and the carefully targeted sources of donation, Manx and overseas, backed by the new discovery of the most ancient Bishopric's long and glorious past were the mainstay of Manx church pastoral operations until 1867 when its responsibilities were taken over by the Curates Aid Society, an English association.
M.N.H.L., Isle of Man newspapers;
1839 IOM Diocesan Association, Laws, Regulations and proceedings of the Committee,
August 22 1839, E 205;
Reports of the Association, 1839 -1866 E 205;
Bellanne Stowell, Manxland: a Tale; with an introductory sketch of Manx
Home Missions" London 1863;
Bardsley, J.W., 'The founding of the IOM Diocesan Foundation', Manx Church Magazine,
October 1891.
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Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received
The Editor |
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