Obituary Notices. 231 



Mr Procter was an energetic parochial clergyman, ever mind- 

 ful of the great trust reposed in him, and earnest in its fulfil- 

 ment. He introduced many beneficial improvements, both in 

 the proprieties of the place of worship where he officiated, and in 

 procuring a becoming residence ; both of which are now, in their 

 renovated state, conspicuous and ornamental objects in the great 

 valley of the Till. By the measures which he took to instruct 

 the young and elevate their tastes, he provided the most effectual 

 means for their future well-being and guidance through life. 

 For an outline of what he effected, I am indebted to one of his 

 family. 



When Mr Procter came to Doddington, the church was in a 

 ruinous condition. The roof was covered with red tiles, always 

 unsightly on a public building. The west arch was built up, the 

 entrance through it to the church being by a small door. There 

 were several steps down to the floor. Inside, there were seven 

 square pews. The church was so damp, that the wet ran off the 

 cushions. The pillars were covered with wood, and white- 

 washed. There were four plain sash windows. The congrega- 

 tion consisted of two church families ; seven people in the church 

 on Sunday being considered by the old sexton a large audience. 

 The vicarage house was in even a worse state of neglect than the 

 church. On Mr Procter's appointment to the vicarage, he im- 

 mediately set about building the present vicarage, by borrowing 

 money from Queen Anne's bounty, which was repaid in his life- 

 time. As soon as he came into residence, he lost no time in 

 raising money to restore the church, and build again the chancel 

 of which only the foundations were left ; but unfortunately a 

 sufficient sum could not be obtained to restore it to its original 

 length. Mr Procter much wished to complete the restoration of 

 the church, and had plans drawn out some ten years ago, but the 

 work still remains to be done. 



The National School being found too small, Mr Procter raised 

 money to build the present structure and the master's house in 

 1850. As the accommodation is again defective, he tried some 

 years ago to have a class-room added to the school, but was not 

 successful. 



During his incumbency, the Parochial Library was increased 

 from 600 to 800 books. A Eeading-Eoom was established in the 

 village, which is self-supporting. Penny readings are given in 



