Cross, Edward Samuel Rev

THE REV EDWARD SAMUEL CROSS
Was the Vicar of St James Lower Hutt, replacing Archdeacon Fancourt in 1884.

His arrival was not auspicious after he was rejected by the Parish of St Marks, Charleston, in the Nelson Diocese. We read in the West Coast Times of 11 June 1884 that "the Bishop of the Diocese offered St. Mark''s Vestry the services of the Rev. E S Cross - who recently arrived from England - at a stipend of 300 pounds per annum, but that at a special meeting of the Vestry held for the purpose of considering his Lordship''s letter, it was unanimously resolved-: "That the Secretary be instructed write (sic) to the Bishop stating that the Vestry is not in a position to accept the offer." We do not see what other course could have been adopted, as the district is no longer able to support two Protestant Clergymen, and amalgamation of the two churches to the satisfaction of both churches is much to be desired".

So churches were short of money even back then. It did not deter that valiant Christian Soldier the Rev. Edward Cross however, for the very next month we read in the WCT issue of 13 July 1874, "The services at All Saints'' Church yesterday were conducted by the Rev. H. J. C. Gilbert, assisted by the Rev. E. S. Cross, who preached two excellent sermons to large congregations. The latter gentleman has lately arrived from England, and is now on his way to Reefton, where he has been appointed by the Bishop of Nelson".

Money worries dogged the good Reverend even yet. The Grey River Argus reported "We learn from the Inangahua Herald that the Rev. E. S. Cross has returned from Nelson, and that owing to the unsatisfactory state of the Church''s financial affairs, the committee have resolved to close the Church of England in Reefton. Arrangements have been made with Mr Cross to remain until the end of the current month, up to which time the usual morning and evening services will be held".

The ups and downs of the West Coast economy were caused by the ups and downs of the Gold Prospecting trade. The West Coast Times of 24 July 1876, reported that
"the Rev. E. S. Cross has resigned the cure of the missionary districts, and states, inferentially, as a reason for his resignation, that Reefton is suffering from one of those severe strains on shareholders and overdrafts which are periodical on the gold-fields.

All was not lost however. The Reverent Mr Cross was soon to be found ministering at St John''s Westport and enters the story of Christ Church as vicar of St James Lower Hutt, of which Christ Church was a part. Not deterred by a shortage of money for a Vicarage, Edward was active in his own cause and we read in the Evening Post of 16 July 1885 that "The first of a series of fortnightly entertainments in aid of the Parsonage Building Fund was given in St. James'' Schoolroom, Lower Hutt, last evening. The attendance was fairly good. The entertainment consisted of an exhibition of dissolving views by the Rev. E. S. Cross, and passed off very successfully".

Rev Cross was active in the Temperance Movement having no doubt seen much of the evils of the demon drink in his days among the miners of the Coast and chaired a meeting which was addressed by Mr. Matthew Burnett of the Temperance Mission who held meetings in the Odd Fellows'' Hall, Lower Hutt, on the subject of "Battles Fought and Victories Won".

He was a notable preacher and moved on to a parish in Long Bay, Auckland. He passed away aged 76 and is buried there, as is his wife Emma Croyden Cross who was an expert on the harmonium and often entertained in that capacity.



Free BMD REcords show Date Marriage Registered: March 1856, District Kensington, Names: Edward Samuel Cross and Emma Croyden Tillett, Volume: 1a, Page: 68
The district Kensington spans the boundaries of the counties of Greater London, London and Middlesex

West Coast Times 11 June 1874
The Charleston Herald of Saturday last says that the Bishop of the Diocese offered St. Mark''s Vestry the services of the Rev. E S Cross - who recently arrived from England - at a stipend of 300 pounds per annum, but that at a special meeting of the Vestry held for the purpose of considering his Lordship''s letter, it was unanimously resolved-: "That the Secretary be instructed write (sic) to the Bishop stating that the Vestry is not in a position to accept the offer." We do not see what other course could have been adopted, as the district is no longer able to support two Protestant Clergymen, and amalgamation of tho two churches to the satisfaction of both churches is much to be desired.

West Coast Times 13 July 1874
The services at All Saints'' Church yesterday were conducted by the Rev. H. J. C. Gilbert, assisted by the Rev. E. S. Cross, who preached two excellent sermons to large congregations. The latter gentleman has lately arrived from England, and is now on his way to Reefton, where he has been appointed by the Bishop of Nelson.

West Coast Times 20 July 1875
WOOLLEY - CROSS.- ON the 14th of July, at the Parsonage, Reefton, by the Rev. T. Flavell, assisted by the father of the bride, George Joseph Woolley, to Alice Louisa, daughter of the Rev. E. S. Cross, Incumbent of Reefton

Grey River Argus 2 June 1876
We learn from the Inangahua Herald that the Rev. E. S. Cross has returned from Nelson, and that owing to the unsatisfactory state of the Church''s financial affairs, the committee have resolved to close the Church of England in Reefton. Arrangements have been made with Mr Cross to remain until the end of the current month, up to which time the usual morning and evening services will be held.

West Coast Times 24 July 1876
The Nelson Church Messenger for July notes that the Rev. E. S. Cross has resigned the cure of the missionary districts, and states, inferentially, as a reason for his resignation, that Reefton is suffering from one of those severe strains on shareholders and overdrafts which are periodical on the gold-fields.

Evening Post 9 September 1878
PARK - ATKINSON.- On 20th August, at St. John''s Church, Westport by the Rev. E. S. Cross, Gavin W. Park, Esq., Telegraph Department to Mary, second daughter of the late John Atkinson, Esq., Auckland.

Evening Post 16 January 1882
LADIES'' BOARDING SCHOOL,
Established 18th June, 1877.
Rose Bank, Trafalgar-street South, Nelson
...
Referees
...
Reverend E. S. Cross, Westport
...

Evening Post 14 June 1884
ODDFELLOWS'' HALL, LOWER HUTT.
A LECTURE will be delivered in the above Hall on MONDAY EVENING, the 16th instant, by the Rev. A. J. Smith, of Wellington. Subject - "John B. Gough." The Rev. E. S. Cross will preside. Admission free; Collection at close. Chair will be taken at 7 o''clock p.m.

Evening Post 10 July 1884
The annual general meeting of the parishioners of the Lower Hutt Parish was held in St. James'' Schoolroom on Tuesday evening, when over 70 parishioners were present. The early part of the evening took the form of a social gathering, and was in every way a great success. At 8 o''clock the meeting proceeded to the election of church officers for the ensuing year, the Rev. E. S. Cross, incumbent, presiding. The report, among other things, dealt with two important matters, one of which was the sanction of the meeting to expend a sum of 600 pounds for a new parsonage; the other was in reference to a liability of the General Church Fund, which was discussed at some length. Ultimately it was resolved that a sub-committee, consisting of Sir William Fitzherbert, Mr. Ashoroft, and Mr. William Jones be appointed to enquire further into this question, in the meantime the vestry to admit of (sic) no liability in the matter. The churchwardens holding office last year were re-elected. The following were eleoted on the vestry:— W. A. Fitzherbert, S. C. Barraud, A. Collett, W. Ashcroft. C. E. Beatson, R. Cleland, W. Welch, H. Fitzherbert, R. Johnston, and W. Mowbray. Mr. W. Jones was elected auditor, and Messrs. W. A. Fitzherbert and G. Ashcroft were appointed synodsmen.

Manawatu Standard 20 November 1884
Diocesan Synod
BISHOP HADFIELD''S ADDRESS
...
During the past year the Rev. F. T. (sic) Fancourt has resigned the charge of St. James'' parish at the Hutt, on being appointed diocesan secretary.
...
During the same period the following appointments have been made:-
...
Rev. E. S. Cross, to the parish of St. James and Christ Church, Hutt.
...

Evening Post 22 November 1884
ST. JAMES'', LOWER HUTT.
On Sunday morning, 23rd November, the sermon will be preached by the Rev. - Root, of Hawera.
E. S. CROSS, A.K.C.L.
Incumbent.

Evening Post 11 April 1885
ST. JAMES'' CHURCH,
Lower Hutt.
A SPECIAL FLORAL SERVICE for the children attending the respective Sunday Schools of Petone, Taita, and Lower Hutt will be held at St. James'' Church, Lower Hutt, on SUNDAY AFTERNOON next, at a quarter-past 3 o''clock.
Parents and all other are cordially invited.
E. S. CROSS,
Incumbent.

Evening Post 13 April 1885
A floral service for the children attending the Sunday Schools at the Taita, Lower Hutt, and Petone took place in St. James'' Church, Lower Hutt, yesterday afternoon. There was a large attendance. The service was conducted by the Rev. E. S. Cross.

Evening Post 14 July 1885
The first of a series of fortnightly entertainments which it is intended shall be given in aid of the Parsonage Building Fund will take place in St. James'' schoolroom, Lower Hutt, to-morrow evening, when a number of dissolving views will be shown by the Rev. E. S. Cross.
-
ST. JAMES'' SCHOOLROOM, LOWER HUTT
A series of Fortnightly Entertainments, in aid of the Parsonage Building Fund, will be given in the above room on every alternate Wednesday during the Winter, at 8 o''clock.
-
THE FIRST ENTERTAINMENT
will be given on WEDNESDAY, 15th JULY,
Consisting of Dissolving Views of places and objects of interest, comic scenes, &c., by the Rev. E. S. Cross.
Admission Adults, 1s; children half price.

Evening Post 16 July 1885
The first of a series of fortnightly entertainments in aid of the Parsonage Building Fund was given in St. James'' Schoolroom, Lower Hutt, last evening. The attendance was fairly good. The entertainment consisted of an exhibition of dissolving views by the Rev. E. S. Cross, and passed off very successfully.

Evening Post 18 July 1885
ST. JAMES'' CHURCH,
Lower Hutt.
THE Annual General Meeting of the Parishioners will be held in the Schoolroom, Lower Hutt, on TUESDAY EVENING NEXT, the 21st inst, at 8 o''clock.
Business:
Adoption of Report and Balance-sheet; Election of Officers for ensuing year; and General.
E. S. CROSS, Incumbent.

Evening Post 8 October 1885
A lecture was delivered by the Rev. E. D. Cecil at Carter''s Hall, Petone, last night, on the subject of Contagious Diseases Act, the chair being taken by the Rev. E. S. Cross.
...

Evening Post 28 June 1886
UNITED TEMPERANCE MISSION.
Mr. MATTHEW BURNETT will conduct a Temperance Mission in the Odd Fellows'' Hall, Lower Hutt, this and the two following evenings, commencing each evening at 7 o''clock.
MONDAY NIGHT.- Subject, "Battles Fought and Victories Won."" Chairman, Rev. E. S. CROSS.
...

EP 29 June 1886
about the Temperance Mission at the Hutt
query E S Cross


Auckland Star 9 December 1889
The initial performance of the Swanson Burnt Cook Minstrels took place in the schoolroom on Friday evening last,
...
Mrs E. S. Cross was to have presided at the harmonium, but owing to a sad sudden domestic bereavement was unable to be present.
-
George Joseph Woolley her son-in-law died suddenly

Auckland Star 23 April 1895
LONG BAY
The following gentlemen were elected without opposition by the meeting of householders last night: Rev. E. S. Croos (Chairman)
...

Observer 1 May 1897
A pleasing and pretty wedding took place on Wednesday, the 21st inst., in the church of St. Mary''s by the Sea, Long Bay, the Rev. E. S. Cross, A.K.C.L., officiating.
...

Auckland Star 29 April 1898
SCHOOL COMMITTEES.
...
Long Bay.- Rev. E. S. Cross, Chaiaman;
...

-unsure if correct person?
Auckland Star 3 May 1900
OLD AGE PENSIONS.
A sitting of the Old Age Pensions Court for the Helensville district was held at the Hospital Board room to-day.
...
Mr T. Hutchison, S.M., granted the following renewals:-
...
E. S. Cross, 18 pounds;
...

Northern Advocate 1 September 1902
At the evening service at Christ Church last night there was a large congregation, the Vicar being assisted by the Rev. E. S. Cross, incumbent of Long Bay, Takapuna, who preached an excellent sermon, The service was fully choral, and after the sermon a quartette was sung, by Messes Culpan, Higginson, Massey and Shore and was much appreciated.

Nothern Advocate 15 February 1906
Miss Eleanor Woolley, of Whangarei, and Mr Arnold Pickmere (brother of Mr A. R. Pickmere, dentist, Whangarei) were this morning united in the bonds of wedlock at Christ Church, the Rev L L. Cubitt, assisted by the Rev. E. S. Cross (grandfather of the bride), officiating. Two sisters of the bride and two nieces of the bridegroom acted as bridesmaids, Mr Pycroft being in the position of best man. The happy couple left by the s.s. Aupouri for Auckland at 1 p.m. to-day en route for Rotoroua (sic).


Death Details
1902/4246, Emma Croyden Cross, Aged: 67Y - Date of Death 7/8/1902 from Death Registration

Auckland Council Cemetery Records (under old North Shore City Council Web

Site)
Surname: CROSS
Forename(s): UNKNOWN
Age: UNKNOWN
Gender: F
Date of death: 7 August 1902
Date of Burial: 9 August 1902
Funeral director: UNKNOWN UNKNOWN
Cemetery: Albany Village Cemetery
539 Old Albany Highway, Albany, Auckland
Location: Albany Cemetery Row G Plot 37


Death Details
1909/6191, Edward Samuel Cross, Aged: 76Y - Date of Death 9/11/1909 from Death Registration

Auckland Council Cemetery Records (under old North Shore City Council Web

Site)
Surname: CROSS
Forename(s): Edward Samuel (Rev)
Age: 76 Years
Gender: M
Date of death: 9 November 1909
Date of Burial: 11 November 1909
Funeral director: UNKNOWN UNKNOWN
Cemetery: Albany Village Cemetery
539 Old Albany Highway, Albany, Auckland
Location: Albany Cemetery Row G Plot 38