Reverend William Fisher

From: http://www.poulshot.org.uk/St%20Peters%20Church/poulshot%20church%2...

1. William Fisher. {1823-1874} Canon William Fisher succeeded to the benefice of Poulshot in 1823 upon the death of his predecessor John Skinner, and continued in the Office for the long period of fifty-one years. It was during his incumbency that the present tower was built (See section "Bells &: Tower"). On 15th June 1874 Fisher was buried to the west of the church by his curate Herbert Crockett. William Fisher was a nephew of John Fisher Bishop of Salisbury (1807-1825), and like his illustrious uncle was gifted with high intellectual attainments. He was an able classical scholar and well versed in contemporary literature. He endeared himself more particularly to his parishioners by the sincerity of his nature and the Christian virtue of forgiveness. He proved himself to all and sundry a true friend in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity. In his day the Church of England was most unhappily divided by religious controversies, but Fisher always preserved an impartial attitude, and his reverence and consistency contributed in no small measure to the Godly quietness of his own sphere of work. Much beloved in life, he was greatly mourned in death. The spontaneous demonstration at Fisher's funeral on 15th June afforded a striking testimony to the universal respect felt for him. Large numbers of people attended the obsequies, many of them flocking into the village from every neighbouring hamlet and village. Amongst the mourners the following names will be remembered by many Poulshot people: -Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Lear, Mr. Herbert Fisher, Colonel Fisher, the Rev. Cecil and the Rev. Wilfred Fisher (sons of the deceased) and Canon Lear (son-in-law). There were also present: Archdeacon Buchanan; Dr. Wilkinson of Melksham; the Rev. A. B. Thynne, Seend; Preb. Teale, Devizes, Revs. A. E. Aldridge and H. F. Edgell, Worton; Rev. E. O. Hardey, Steeple Ashton; Rev. A. L. Trotman, Warminster; Rev. W. H. Chamberlaine, Keevil; Rev. A. Sells, Erlestoke; Rev. E. Grant, Bulkington, etc., etc. Farming parishioners and several gentlemen of Devizes were also present including Messrs James, Samuel and Moses Moore, Giles, Reynolds, Watts, Waylen, Wm. and T. Butcher, Parsons, Butler, Haines, Hampton, Few, etc., etc. Numerous villagers from adjoining parishes were also present. It was manifest that grief was heartfelt at the loss of a true pastor and a real friend. There were present in the church several lady relatives, amongst them being Mrs. R. Fisher, Mrs. Thynne, and Mrs. Wadham Locke. The officiating minister, Rev. H. Crockett, had been for many years Canon Fisher's curate. The village church choir sang with feeling the hymn "Jesus lives", and those present were much affected. Following the Benediction pronounced by the curate, Canon Lear placed a cross of flowers upon the coffin as also did Mr. Herbert Fisher and his brothers, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Lear, Mrs. Locke and other immediate friends.

Thus was laid to rest a true and conscientious servant of God. The following lines appeared at the time in the WiltshIre Gazette.

THE RECTOR'S FUNERAL -June 15th. There in that Church where he so o1i: had stood As to hid people shewed forth God's commands, Preaching and offering of the Bread of Life With simple faith, and eager loving hands, The beare.. placed his coffin and around The mourners knelt -and knew 'twas holy ground. Then passing to 'God's acre' laid him down Where f1idrering sunbeams, by the ziphyrs chased, Bore us the scent of roses from the sod By loving hands upon the loved one placed; While children's voices joined in soft accord And hymned him "Risen with his Risen Lord". Then as the blessing from the Priest's lips fell We turned and le1i: him -casting many a sigh And long last looks into the grave that held The honoured form we loved so tenderly, Ere forward -through our pilgrimage to roam, Content in this -our brother hath gone Home. [NOTE. -Cardinal Manning is supposed to have spent some time as a guest at Poulshot rectory during the incumbency of Fisher. There is no evidence however, to support this.}