Note 652 — 1788.
Reading edition
By the kindness of Mr. Robinson, of Dewsbury, we have before us a copy of the original trust deed, from which we learn that, if, after a vacancy, Wesley or the conference refused or neglected, for the space of forty days, to appoint a preacher; or if the preacher appointed should “not conduct or conform himself to the satisfaction of the trustees or, the major part of them, it should be lawful for the said trustees, or such major part, not only to displace such preacher, (after giving him one month’s previous notice thereof in writing,) but also to appoint such other preacher as they should deem more proper, and better qualified to benefit the society.” The deed is dated January 31, 1788, and the names and occupations of the trustees are as follows.
John Heald, maltster.
John Robinson, weaver.
Joseph Gill, clothier.
John Beaumont, cordwainer.
John Lancaster, currier.
John Howgate, sen., clothier.
John Howgate, jun., clothier.
Bartholmew Archer, clothier.
William Walker, clothier.
John Thorns, clothier.
Isaac Wilman, clothier.
Abraham Thomas, clothier.
Timothy Parker, clothier.
John Hirst, clothier.
Joseph Bennett, farmer.
Thomas Bromley, clothier.
Benjamin Whitaker, farmer.