A Tribute to Mr. Richard Scott ( Died June 1913 )
kindly loaned by Ante Greathead

R.I.P

Deaf Hill Vicarage

August 14^th 1913

MY DEAR PEOPLE,

One, whose memory will ever be associated with

the religious and social life of Deaf Hill, was laid in his last resting place on earth, on June 30^th, at the Harton Cemetery, South Shields.
From childhood to middle life, he was possessed of a strong physique, robust health, combined with singular firmness of purpose strength. From his earliest days he evinced that passion for music, which was one of the chief characteristics of his useful life. His naturally quick, sensitive and refined ear, linked with a tuneful spirit, and combined with assiduous care and study, enabled him to be, not only a musician of no mean order, but a leader of vocal and instrumental music in a very high degree.
Almost the whole of his life was spent at Deaf Hill. All through he displayed that earnestness of purpose, determination of will and excellency of moral character, which caused him to be highly respected and regarded as a most valuable asset to a Parish like ours.
When those who have a talent consecrate it to the service of God and their fellows, the place in which they live is always enriched thereby. How many will always look to him as the inspirer and teacher of the various instruments they have learned to play. How many of us will cherish memories of musical services, high-class concerts, etc., whereby our musical taste was gratified and improved. Music has, and ever must, play an important part in the education and refinement of a people; an no one was better able to conceive and carry out such design for musical entertainment as the late Mr. Richard Scott. He knew how to select, bring out and develop the musical ability of others. His energy was inexhaustible, his enthusiasm unbounded, and his perseverance was constantly rewarded by repeated success.

Few men, as far as we are able to judge, sing in middle life as he did, would look back with such satisfaction, that the gift, with which God had endowed him, should be used to such splendid advantage. We cannot judge lives by years. He crowded into his 46 years, far more than some do into 70 years, and what he was himself; he expected to find in others. He knew no half measures, whatever was worth doing was worth doing well, and no pains or trouble were ever spared in the accomplishment of his plans. No one could listen to his description of some military or orchestral band, or the singing contests at Middlesboro' and elsewhere, without being moved by the glowing fervor of his dictum, and the gesture of his whole body. Equally strong was his condemnation of music, vocal or instrumental, which fell short of his ideal of accuracy and delicacy of execution, or the pathos of light and shade. Though dead he will continue to speak through the music of others whom he trained and infected with his own spirit.

I would offer my humble tribute of praise and thankfulness for the faithful service he rendered in the religious life of Deaf Hill. First, for many years as a Primitive Methodist and then for some years in the Mother Church.Eager, enthusiastic, ready to throw himself into every movement, for his energy was not confined exclusively to music. As Secretary to the C.E.M.S., he filled the office with such zeal and devotion during his tenure of office that the Society was one of the most useful organizations of our Church work. Unhesitatingly, one applies the injunction of the writer of Ecclesiastes of him, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might."

Shortly after his departure from our midst, he was seized with a painful disease to which he succumbed. I was privileged to see him several times during his prolonged illness. It was most touching to behold his calm resignation, submission, patience and long-suffering, and even in moments of unconsciousness, the mind would dictate the old movements of his hands as over the beloved instrument. We can well believe that he has now entered upon that state in which there is no discord and where the great longings after perfect harmony will be satisfied.

I am quite sure that his family have had the prayers of their old friends at Deaf Hill. May we continue to pray that his soul may rest in peace, and that his family may be comforted with that consultation wherewith the Heavenly Father blessed the fatherless on earth, and comforteth the widows.

I remain my dear People, Your affectionate Pastor,

STEPHEN DAVISON

I trust that our friends are keeping in view the Sale that we hope to have towards the end of the year in aid of our new Building.

In September we will (D.V.) resume our weekday Services and Classes.

BAPTISMS.
June 22^nd     John Wales
June 26^th      Elsie Blanchard
June 29^th      Joseph Tootill
July 4^th        Elizabeth Hylton Langley
July 4^th         George Frederick Appleton
July 4^th        Matthew Gibbon
July 20^th       Sarah Hayes
July 20^th      James Anderson Carling
July 20^th      Matthew William Corter Pratt
July 29^th      Michael Forbes
August 10^th Alice Ivy

MARRIAGES.

June 21^st      Wilson Garbutt and Margaret Hackworth
July 5^th        Edward Miles and Margaret Smith
July 12^th      John Hope Winter and Margaret Jane Davison
August 14^th John Mitchell and Mary Anderson

BURIALS.
July 1^st     John George Yates 3 Months
July 13^th   Eliza Miles 25 Minutes
July 17th   Margaret Jane Jobling
July 20^th      Mary Wright         25 Days
July 25th      Henry Barnes        20 Minutes
July 27^th      Ann Upton  60Years
August 2^nd   Thomas Middleton    7 Months
August 6^th   William Greathead 20 Months
August 7^th   Elizabeth Hatfield    80 Years
August 7^th    Thomas Collin       21 Years
August 7^th   Robert Taylor        79 Years
August 11^th Charlotte Whittingham    63 Years
August 13^th John Chaytor         18 Months
August 13^th Henry Chaytor      30Years