A Very Old Clergyman.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 27 November 1890, Page 3

A Very Old Clergyman.

A correspondent of the Pull Mall Budget writes. On July 11 last I met, in the grounds of Ghillingham Castle, Northumberland, where a bazaar was being held for the Beth-nal-green Hospital, the Rev. Joseph Hudson, M A , vicar of the parish of Chillingham. • Having met him there seven years ago, and knowing that he was then considered a very old man, I said, "I was afraid to ask for you, sir, as I made sore- you had been gathered home by this time." J. '■■'„. Resting on his stick;- he' replied, in a clear, animated voice : " Ch, dear no, I'm quite fresh yet ; and if I'm spared till the fifth of next Jan- .. ,vary,- I.shall^begin^my^nmety -ninth ?! yeorl But I stilt read <prayrs and preach, and my people say they hear me very well." On the following Sunday morning I walked with him from the vicarage to the church. He showed me to a seat, and, having robed, he read the service and lesions without glasses and without a mistake! Bis grand--Bon, who is his curate, preached the sermon ; but I was told that this venerable man preached about ouce in six weeks. I'see by Bosworth s "Clercial Guide" that he was ordained priest in 1817— that is, seventy three yeara ago. I should like to know if he is not the oldest clergyman.