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Wright
a collection of letters, cards, death notices and other items
page one, cards,
death notices and other items
1880s
Copy 22nd October 1886, Craigie Bank, Crowhill? Glasgow - It is
hereby certified that Mr. William Wright is at this date a member of the
Free Church of Scotland and leaves the congregation of Chalmers Church in
full communion. Mr. Wright was an elder in said church for some time and
endeared himself to all the people of the congregation and to myself by his
usefulness, & specially by his good sense & high gifts for the Lord's work.
It was a great loss to us all when he left Glasgow. D. McKinnon, Minister.
1911
 
10th November 1911 - 93 Haddington Road, Dublin - My Dear Mabel, I can't
write at length, but must send you just a line to wish you a very happy
birthday to-morrow, and many more to follow, please God. When I come home,
we must have a little "slice" and decide what gift I am to give you.
Meantime I send you these "roses". Their fragrance is pleasant, a
symbol of what we must all seek to be more and more. With fond love and lots
of kisses, your affectionate Father
1920s
 
  
 
  
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1) 4th June 1923 Postmark Lisburn to Mrs. Wright, 22 Mountcharles, Belfast -
Thompson Memorial Home, Lisburn 4th June 1923 - Dear Mrs. Wright, Thanks for
P.C. & Rec'd wishes doe the Season. I fully appreciate your kindness. Very
glad to hear that Mr. Wright is both well & busy, & that your health has
improved, nothing like a good change of air for restoring one to a normal
condition. Mrs. Stevenson's visit would do you both good. I heard that
Mr. Nicholson's services were greatly blessed to old & young in Belfast. He
did great work here. I had a good holiday in the Home in Bangor, it renewed
me for another year, & it was pleasant to see old friends. Xmas & New Year
were pleasant times here. The patients, nurses & maids gave us a good
entertainment which all enjoyed. The weather changed, great sunshine to high
winds, but it is much better than it has been other years. Yours sincerely,
Catherine Wallace
2) 30th June 1923 Postmark ? to Mrs. W. Wright, 22 Mount Charles, Belfast -
The Manse, Glastry, Sat. - My dear Mother, Just a tiny line. I hope you got
home safely yesterday evening, & we'll be glad to hear from you. Steve got
back all right, & said Dad came to the station, & was waiting for you. It
was so nice to have you both here for a wee while, & I'm glad you got good
weather, & I hope you are not too tired with all the sewing. Steve has
left his keys on the eiderdown or about the bedroom, & I'm writing to ask if
you or Dad would be so good as to put them in a little box & post them to
him. We are very sorry to give you the trouble, but in the hurry he
had laid them down he says, probably on the bed, & he cannot very well do
without them. Margaret sent me a most beautiful purse with Steve which
she had bought from the States for me. Wasn't it very good of her? I am
writing to thank her. She goes off to Portrush on Tuesday. I'm sorry I won't
see her in town. now excuse more. Dad would be glad to see you back.
Steve had enjoyed the assembly & being with Dad etc. Glad they managed so
well. With love from S. & sorry for giving you further trouble, much love &
kisses to both, your little Mab. P.S. See & take care of yourself & of
Dad now. M.
3) 6th July 1923 Postmark B? to Mrs. W. Wright, 22 Mount Charles, University
Road, Belfast, Ireland - 8 Avenue Road, Bournemouth, England Dear Mrs.
Wright, I thank you for 12/-, for which I send you 1 box of O. ? as
requested, & will answer your letter later, but want to send this by the
early post. Yours sincerely Emily Hague
4) 24th July 1923 - Burnbrae, Lockerbie, Scotland - Dear Mr. & Mrs. Wright,
We were glad to see from Mr. Wrights kind letter to Father that he had got
safely home, and we were very very interested to learn of the news, that
awaited him on his arrival! How glad you must all be that everything has
been so successful and satisfactory. It must have been a most anxious time
for Mr. Stevenson and you all, but now that it is over the reaction will be
all joy, which we share with you! When Mabel is strong enough, perhaps
you will let her have the enclosed few lines to herself. We have been
wondering very much with what little momento, we should welcome the little
stranger, and thought it might be better to let Mabel choose it herself,
which perhaps she will give us pleasure by doing. We have been wondering
very much, what Baby's name is to be, but doubtless we shall hear that in
due time. In any case may God bless the little girl and keep her, that she
may be a blessing to you all. Mr. Wright must be glad to have the rest
of home again, after his travelling, but we are glad, that he was able to
see Lockerbie again, also his friends at Lochmaben, and we enjoyed his visit
very much. Perhaps it would interest you before I close to let you
know that Mr. Jas. E. Mackenzie's youngest daughter Beatrice, also a Mrs.
Stevenson, got a little son the day after Mr. Wright left! Mrs. Mackenzie
was so interested, when she heard of Mabel! Now dear Friends for the
present I shall close, Father and Mother joining me in love to you all, and
heartiest congratulations! Yours lovingly Polly Charteris
   
 
 
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1) 27th July 1923 Postmark ? to Mrs. Wright, The Manse, Glastry,
Kircubbin, Co. Down 22 Mount Charles, Belfast - West View, Bangor,
Co. Down, July 26, My Dear Mrs. Wright, I heard with great pleasure from Mr.
Megaw? about the arrival of the little daughter! & just want to send you our
very warmest congratulations & good wishes. I am sure it must be a great
happiness & inte? to you all. I hope ? ? ? you well. You ? feel anxious I am
sure, when you saw her letter. I think you are sure to be at Glastry & am
sending my letter there. I am thankful ? am gaining strength since arriving
here. It seems slow sometimes, but I was seriously ill, so ? ? ? & thankful
that I am spared. ? nurse still with me. Mr. ? is very well & likes this
place, we are out of Bangor & very quiet, I hope Mr. Wright is very well.
With ? good wish to you both from Mr. Graham? & myself. ? ? ? ? yours very
sincerely Florence? Graham?? P.S. ? is the ? on 4th ? ..... are very happy.
..........?
2) 11th January 1924 8 Avenue Road, Bournemouth - Dear Mrs. Wright, I
thank you for 12/-, for which I send you 1 box of O. ? as requested, & will
answer your letter by next post. Have only got yours by the last post. Yours
sincerely Emil Hague - My advice is to persevere with O. ? & I do not think
you will need the belt.
3) 2nd June 1924 from 22 Mount Charles, Belfast - My Dear Lizzie, Steve has
just arrived and we have had tea, and are going off to the Assembly. I got
home late on Friday night, tired, but having shown the advantage of my
journey. I met with all our leading men in Waterford, Limerick, Cork and
Dublin. On Dublin, we had also an executive meeting on Friday afternoon. I
am hopeful God will bring us all to see eye to eye, and show us what is best
to do, but we must keep on looking to Him in prayer. I got a disappointment
when there was no letter from you, and feared you were ill. I thought of
sending a 'wire' or coming to Glastry, but I didn't feel I could start out
again so soon. About 7 o'clock on Saturday evening, Taggart handed in your
letter to Mary which had come back from Cork, so this relieved me a good
deal. I hope you are getting to feel some little improvement and only wish
we had more sunshine to help you still more. Yesterday I was at "Fitzroy" in
the morning, and at "Belvoir" at night. I have been to M. Bailie's
to-day. The more I think about the house, the more I feel what a nice home
it will make for us, and that it is a better house and better value than
most we have seen - so cheerio! The enclosed has come to-day from Mrs.
Charteris. In great haste. Fondest love & kisses to you all, and my kind
sympathy to Annie, yours affectionately. Willie
      
   
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1) 15th July 1924 Postmark Kircubbin to Wm. Wright, Esq., M.B.E., 22 Mount
Charles, Belfast - The Manse, Glastry, Kircubbin - My dear Mother and Dad,
It was so nice to have your welcome letter this morning with the sweet
verses enclosed, and your very kind gift to wee Betty on her first birthday.
I hope she'll grow up to be a good wee girlie, and be like her Grandmamas &
great-grandmamas. It just seems like yesterday since our times at
Mount Charles & the Nursing Home last year, & they were very happy days. You
were all so good to us. It is a great comfort that Betty has been so
healthy, and has got on so well during her first year. It was too kind of
you sending her so much. I'll hope to get something for her when I go up to
town. I was thinking of blankets for her cot. That would be a useful gift,
but we'll see. I wonder are you home again. I'll send this anyhow to ?
Charles, you must tell me your plans, so that we car arrange, and when you
will do the flitting. Mother must keep out of it as much as possible,
and I'll go up & help. When you are all settled down I would like to go up
for a few days & take Betty if we can arrange. I would like Annie to have a
little holiday & Steve would carry on here. I have not said anything of this
to Annie yet, as we won't plan anything definite till the flitting is over.
Steve & I would like to take Betty out to Ballywoodock before the summer is
over. Margaret wrote & she wants us there soon for a few days before her
holidays are over, but I would not think of bothering them for more than a
day just to see them all & let them see Betty. Betty had a nice
birthday card from them all to-day & Margaret is sending her a little coat.
Annie knows I want her to have a holiday before the summer is over. She
wasn't in any hurry to get away. She always tells me how much her sister and
sister-in-law & all enjoyed that day here. Mr. & Mrs. Hunter & Gladys, Miss
McKelvey, & Miss Catherine Warnock were all here for tea yesterday evening.
Miss Warnock brought Betty a nice ball which she bought for her at Ballymena
on the day of the trip & also a dainty box of kiddies handkies with pictures
on them, & some chocolates. Mrs. Hunter gave her butterscotch, & wee Betty
was the centre of attraction & a spoiled wee girlie! She went through
all her performances, best time to "The Keel Row" looked for the arms,
looked at the fire, poker & tongs, clapped hands for Daddy, & her latest
achievement is to crow like the cock-a-doodle! I think Mother taught
her that too, & she came out with it nicely yesterday. We are trying to get
her to say "Ta-da" when given anything & she also said it yesterday. She
understands much better now what we say, & this morning walked along her cot
a few steps while holding on! She lifts herself up & stands for quite a long
time both in her cot, & in the little playground her Daddy made for her.
Annie has just been in to say good night, and says to tell Mother that she
hopes she will be running about the same as she was this time last year!
She was speaking to me this morning of how Mother ran the stairs last year,
& I was saying she just had done that so much. Anyhow you won't have all the
stairs at Knock, & keep your pecker up, even though you don't feel well all
at once. This afternoon I was out visiting in Ballyhalbert. Maggie
Ritchie is home & I called, but they were away in Bob's motor I heard. I
left a box of strawberries, & a bunch of flowers on the window-sill, so they
will see them when they come home. I called in five houses, & got home
about 7.40 p.m. I had lemonade & biscuits & some chocolate with Miss Susan
Hastings, Mr. Hastings sister in her little shop along the shore. It was
very kind of her, & I felt refreshed, & got my tea & boiled egg when I came
home. I called with a Mrs. Thompson who lost her little baby 11 weeks old. I
went to see it when it was born poor wee thing! I was also at the
house where the young man died so suddenly at the time Mother was here, &
visited two old people. We were to go up to Miss McKelvey's this
evening for gooseberries, but it is simply pouring, & Mrs. McCullough
brought word that Miss Mina would expect me tomorrow forenoon if it is fine.
She (Miss M) is going away in the afternoon to Holywood to see Miss Woods
for a week. Cissie Fra?? bought Betty a nice rattle in Ballymena. They
are all so kind about wee Betty. They were all asking about her in the
village & whether she is walking yet. St. Swithin's day is wet after all, &
it was so fine all day till six o'clock or so. Mr. & Mrs. Hunter were saying
it was so kind of Dad to preach. Mr. H. said he had not written yet to Dad,
but he was going to do so. Mr. H. is looking much paler, but is
improving in health. They were all delighted with the garden. Steve
has it beautiful just now, but it does mean a lot of work. We have had
a fine crop of strawberries, & they are not all done yet. Steve pulled
about 6½ lbs this morning. I made 4½ lbs into jam, & took a box full
to Maggie Ritchie & left some for Annie's tea. Perhaps there may be
some left when you get down. Anyhow you can taste the jam. I'll have to say
"Bon nuit" as I hear Betty. Steve has gone up to her, as Annie is away to
bed. With very many thanks again from wee Betty & us both for your kind gift
to her, love from Steve & much love & kisses from Betty & your little Mat?
The friends were all asking for Mother & you both, & in the village too. P.S.
Steve says Dad is a great poet & it is very nice poetry. Dad has the knack.
M.
2) 7th August 1924 c/o Mrs. Jack, Gowanbank, Dollar - My dear Lizzie,
You see where we are. We came on the 1st to spend the month of August here.
We are in rooms and are most comfortable. The weather is rather unsettled,
but we have the sunshine with the rain and enjoy both. This place is
beautiful in all circumstances. 8th: Again I sit down to write to you.
Even when one has nothing to do there seems to be no time for anything.
Being in rooms I have really nothing to do, but order in food, and that is a
burden!! We have just the three youngest members of the family with
us, meantime Kenny is visiting a friend, and Leslie is with his uncle, near
Inverness. When I have commented on your letter, I will tell you about them
all. I was very sorry indeed to hear of your illness. I did often wonder
that there was no word from you, but as we do not correspond frequently, I
did not worry really. Many a time I wrote to you in thought and told you how
things were going with us. I do hope that the change to Portpatrick
has done you good and that your health has greatly improved. Poor dear
Lizzie, you have suffered a great deal from poor health. It is a blessing
that you can go to your daughters country home to have the benefit of
sunshine and fresh air. The little girl will have great charms for you too.
So Mr. Wright is retiring! Somehow I had not taken that at all into
consideration. That will make a less strenuous life for you both and you
will always be together. We are again to be separated. It is the only
way in the meantime. There are still 4 at home and for 2 or 3 years more I
have to be with them. My good man still thinks he ought to give another term
to his work in the Punjab, and he returns in November. He is well, but his
memory is very bad, and that hampers him greatly. Still he loves his work.
Kenny has now finished, and is to be married in September. Then he proceeds
to Kalimpong to be colleague to Wm. Graham there - in the Eastern Himalayas
- in October, with his wife, who has finished her medical course. He
is very bright and happy and is keen on beginning his work. Charlie is
very happy in his work. He went out for three years, but the half of the
time has almost gone, and we hope to see him D.V. in the summer of 1926.
Leslie had a great disappointment this Summer. He was to sit the Honours
Classics Examinations, in June, and he worked very hard for them, too hard,
I think, he had 2 days of examinations, feeling far from well, and then he
collapsed. He, in the proper order of things, would have been entering the
Divinity Hall in October, but now that will be delayed, till the following
year. It was a great disappointment and yet we know that out of it all good
will come. May has finished her first year in the University very
successfully, but she has suffered a good deal, physically, from neuritis in
her right leg. She has had to lie up a good part of every day, but she was
quite content to take her books to bed with her and study. She is
improving and we hope that she will be normal in the winter time.
Murray has finished his school life and begins Medicine in October, and only
Margaret is at School, and she is now in the Senior division. So they
grow up. The years have simply flown, and they have been full of very
much real joy. Our hearts are full of gratitude to our Heavenly Father
for his unspeakable goodness to us. It is delightful being here again.
There are still a good many old friends to welcome us. Granny Scott, who is
now 80 years of age, is in a small house in the town. She is delighted
to have us near her, of course. When you have time, Lizzie, and feel
like it, write and tell us how you are keeping. We are to be here, till the
end of the month. With much love to all, Yours very affectionately M. E.
Scott
   
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1) 26th September 1924 Postmarks Knock/Clarkston Glasgow to Mrs. William
Wright, Dryfe?ank?, 26 Ormiston Crescent, Knock, Belfast (c/o Mrs.
Stevenson, The Manse, Glastry, Kircubbin) - 1 Holyrood Crescent, Clarkston,
Glasgow 25th Sept. 1924 Dear Mrs. Wright, I got your kind letter
just over a week ago and am grateful to you for the details of my friends
last hours. The more I think of them, the more the old aspirations recur,
"let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his."
It was truly a fitting end to a life well spent in the Master's service. Am
I right in believing now that the first shock of your grief is past, that
you would not have had it otherwise. Your dear one and I, as you know, did
not correspond frequently, fast friends as we were; but I have his last
letter before me now. It is truly pathetic. May I quote one sentence
from it. After referring to the rather poor state of your health, he tells
how he has sent in his resignation to take effect on 1st October and then
after 50 years of steady work, I think I could also enjoy and profitably use
a rather more leisurely life. If we have fair health too, there would still
be ways ? a ? of serving the cause of our Great Master" Devoted soul!
that same Master whose banner he delighted to display here, has but called
him to serve in higher ways, and with enlarged powers. I have also his
last book gift, that by Christabel Parkhurst, which I treasure, both because
of its contents which are ably as well as truly expressed, and with which I
thoroughly agree; and because he gave it to me. So, my dear friend
having this hope in Him "let us live our life and do our task faithfully: so
that whether he come for us, or we go to Him, we may be sure that one day we
shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as ?: and find our dear ones again.
I do not know, of course, why you moved your home, or what your plans may be
for the future, I trust however, that you will still number us among your
friends, as bids you; we trust too, that your health will not suffer
permanently by your great loss; but that by God's blessing you may be spared
to find a joy in your dear ones still left to you. With kindest
regards from Mrs. McNaught? and myself. I am always, Yours very sincerely,
L. A. Mc?
  
 
   
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1) 13th May 1925, Glendonwyn, Victoria Road, Larne - Dear Madam, I have just
heard from Mrs. Carson that your house is to be let unfurnished. My wife & I
have been through it and would be pleased to offer you £85 (eighty-five
pounds) and taxes for the tenancy of it. We would take thorough care of your
house, as there is only my wife & 2 grown up daughters (19 and 17 years). I
am one of the masters in Methodist College, Belfast, and I find it
inconvenient to travel from & to Larne each day. Mrs. Carson is writing you
to-night on our behalf. I am at present negotiating about another house, but
yours would suit us much better & so I enclose a telegram form, so that you
may wire me whether you would accept us as tenants. Yours faithfully, F. C.
Finlay. Mrs. Wright, Kirkcubbin
2) 27th October 1925 Postmark Belfast to Mrs. Wm. Wright, The Manse,
Glastry, via Kirkcubbin, Co. Down - Princess Gardens School, Belfast 26th
Oct. 1925 My dear Mrs. Wright, How good you are to send us a
subscription to our Sale funds! Thank you very much for it. I send you a
formal receipt. I am sorry you cannot be with us - one misses dear kind
faces so much. I shall never forget dear Mr. Wright and all his kindness and
the many times he encouraged me. I am glad to hear that you are with Mabel.
We miss you in Fitzroy - but I am sure Mabel likes to have you. The little
granddaughter will be quite a little girl now - chatting away I suppose.
Bessie joins me in much love to you both. Yours affectionately, Jean Duncan
3) 22nd October 1925 11 Viewforth? Terrace, Edinburgh - My dear
Lizzie, Your letter touches me very much, and made me realise more than ever
your faithfulness of the years. It was very sweet to receive your sympathy.
Your letter was of the same tone as my husbands, this week. He speaks of the
many inquiries of the humble Christians in our sphere of labour as well as
others and he adds "If humble prayers or humble hearts are answered, you
will be spared to us for years" How good it is to be a member of God's
people on earth and to have Communion with all His saints. There is
the possibility of course of the growth not developing. Cases are on record
of that, and as I am really gaining strength, it looks just now as if it
were in abeyance. Well dearie, whatever our Father's will is I pray
that He will incline my heart to do and be according to it. He keeps
me in peace, and I lean on his Support. "With Every thought of you, I
commit you to the Father's tender love. I know how your heart yearns for
your dear one, and how lonely you must feel, dear Lizzie. My good man says
that if I just give him the hint that I want him, he will come at once, but
though I do want him and yearn for him, I dare not give the hint just yet.
So I encourage him to work on quietly at the work he loves. If God
spares him and me for say four years more our bairns will all be
independent, except Margie and even she would be able to look after herself.
So I reason, but who knows? Better things than we dream of are in store for
us all! So we lay hold of our Saviour and Friend "I know whom I have
believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have
committed unto Him against that day" The young people are very bust
with their classes, and with the new girl we have got, the household
arrangements are very satisfactory. May has afternoon classes and can
thus be at home in the forenoons. She loves her University work. Leslie is
keen on his Divinity Hall work and Murray on his medicine. Margie is now in
the Senior School and is very important!! She is working this year. I hope
that dear little Betty is as bright as ever, and that her father & Mother
are well. They must be so happy to have you with them. Fond love to you,
Always affectionately your friend M. E. Scott
4) 30th December 1925 Postmark London to Mrs. Wright, The Manse, Glastry,
Kirkcubbin, Co. Down - Christmas from Sir Arthur & Lady Yapp, Highfield
House, Enfield - Y.M.C.A. National Headquarters, Tottenham Court Road,
London, W.C.1. Sir Arthur K. Yapp 29th December 1925 - Dear Mrs.
Wright, I had intended sending you this card for Christmas and though it is
too late I know you will accept my good wishes for you all. I suppose you
have been spending the week-end with your daughter and son-in-law. I hope
you are all quite well. With kindest regards to you. Believe me, Yours
sincerely, A. K. Yapp
  
    
  
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1) 5th February 1926 Postmark Edinburgh to Mrs. Wright, Glastry Manse,
Kirkcubbin, Co. Down, Ireland 11 Newforth? Terrace, Edinburgh 5th
February 1926 - My very dear Lizzie, I have been long in answering your last
very kind letter, but I have not forgotten you. You are too strongly linked
to me for that. I have been longer in getting the last set back than I was
previously and I found that the Indian Mail was enough writing in a week. I
am getting stronger again, but very slowly, and I still have not very much
energy; but how thankful I am to have practically no pain. The doctor thinks
that I am weaker than & was before, and he thinks, and in fact has written
to Willie, to the effect that he thinks we should leave India about the end
of March to come home. I was grieved to ask him to leave the work he loves
so much, but I think now that it is right that he should come. Obviously
enough he himself in his letter received, this week, says that he was
deciding to come home at the end of the first quarter of the year. That
makes it easier for all of us that he has so decided, but I have an ache
when I think what it will mean to him to leave India for good. I had hoped
to go out to him at the end of this year, but our Heavenly Father has willed
it otherwise and he is Wisdom and Love. The future of the young people has
to be considered, and it must all be discussed. It will be so fine to have
Charlie with us, for a time - we'll be together, except Benny of course -
for a big family, after it begins to scatter, is seldom all together again.
In a few years they will all be on their own. May was 21 last week. I can
hardly realise it. I told you did I not that Charlie will be with us about
the 18th March? It is such a joy to think of it! How are you all dear? I can
just picture you with your dear ones round you, especially the sweet wee
lassie, who is such a comfort to you. Did you have a severe winter? Ours was
very rigorous, more so than we have had for years. I was so thankful that my
good man was not here at the time of the severe snow storm - he would have
felt it very much. When he comes, the weather will be milder. I hope. I did
not feel cold when in a normal condition, but I am never warm all over now.
Of course I have an inactive life. Much love, dear one. Let me hear from
you, whenever you can. Yours ever affectionately M. E. Scott
2) 21st May 1926 Postmark Edinburgh to Mrs. Wright, The Manse, Glastry,
Kirkcubbin, Co. Down, Ireland, 11 Newforth Terrace, Edinburgh - My very dear
Lizzie, You do not know how much you have been in my thoughts all these
weeks, and I was unable to write and tell you so. I have had a long weary
time, for more than 9 weeks, and of course that has kept everybody busy. For
the last fortnight we have had a revise, and I think that I am now really
improving. Nine weeks today, poor Charlie arrived to find me not at my best
and a week later his father found me poorly, much to his sorrow and
distress. It was a great shock to him: but his presence makes all the
difference, and we hope on. The young people are so happy and bright that
there is always a cheerful atmosphere in the place, and the days pass very
quickly. I asked the doctor the other day, if the disease has gone to the
stomach, and he said it hadn't, and that I mustn't lose heart after all
these months. For the first time, last week, I was disheartened. The
constant pain and discomfort was so disheartening, but that, of course, was
due to my weak faith. I have so much to be thankful for. I am sorry to
see by the letter you wrote to May that Mabel is not well, run down and
suffering from her stomach. I do pray that she may soon be well again. It
must be an anxiety to you, to have her ill, but your presence will be a
great comfort to her. You say that you will not be in Edinburgh this summer
yet. I am also very sorry to note that, for I looked forward to seeing you,
later on. May's classes will finish to-wards the end of June and we could
easily put you up, knowing how easily managed you would be! Has Mabel's
indisposition made you change your plans? or are you not feeling able
yourself for the move? Charlie goes to Birmingham at the end of this month
for a 3 months' course in a new department of his business. He wants to get
a job at home and not return to India. There is a young lady in the
question, and that makes a difference. She lives in Glasgow and his weekends
are spent there. He is very happy, and I think that it is the best thing
that could happen to him. He is the same old happy go lucky Charlie. You
will be pleased to hear that his father has got or is getting the D.D.
degree from Glasgow University next month. He is to be capped on the 28th
June, we are all very much pleased about it, as you will understand. The
young people are triumphant! They go in a body to see him capped and I'll be
present in spirit. The Dollar Church is giving him his hood, and we
appreciate that very much. Dollar took no notice of him as a missionary, but
the honour seems to have appealed to it!! We have passed through
extraordinary times in our Country, and the way does not seem clear yet. It
is difficult to see what settlement is to be reached with the miners. There
is much sympathy with them, and yet these strikes settle nothing, but cause
much suffering and loss. Nothing but the spirit of God, in our law, will
effect peace and goodwill, and already it has been at work. We must trust
him through all. He can do what men's plans fail to do; and God's people are
faithfully in prayer, which availeth much. Our weather has been very
cold and wintry, and still warmth delays in coming. My husband feels the
cold very much. He longs for something to do, but I am quite glad that he
should have a rest. Our future is undecided. A mission Church has been
offered to him, in Edinburgh, and I think it might be the nicest thing to
take the work of it, in the meantime. That would save removal and upsetting
of the students arrangements. God will guide. The Scotsman announced
Mr. Anderson's death, last week. You remember 'Peter'? I wonder if his
beliefs altered towards the end or any time during his life. It is a great
matter - a stupendous matter to know 'Whom we have believed.' When you
can, send me a line to say how you all are, especially yourself. The little
Betty is as lively as ever, I expect, and a joy to you all? Our dear ones in
India are very happy & busy. Dr. Graham is home from Kalimpong just now, and
came in on Monday evening. He said that our two are doing well and are much
beloved. Thank God. Fond love to you, Always affectionately yours, M. E.
Scott
3) 26th May 1926 Postmark Belfast to Mrs. Wm. Wright, The Manse, Glastry,
Kircubben, Co. Down - Belfast, 26 May 1926 Dear Mrs. Wright, Thank you very
much for your letter. I was sorry & was so very much occupied at the
luncheon that I had hardly time to say anything to you. I had also arranged
for a meeting of the Executive immediately after the Function and all the
members were anxious to get on with the business! We were very glad
you were able to join us - tho' I'm sorry to hear you were not too well! The
Conference was generally considered to be helpful! I was a bit anxious about
it as the delegates have got out of the habit of attending and it takes a
little to get them in the way again. However, it will be easier next time
and the experience will be useful! I am sorry Mrs. Stevenson is not
quite up to the mark. Perhaps you will be able to take an early holiday and
it will put everything right! The world? generally is in an
encouraging condition, for this we are truly grateful! Love & kindest
regards to you all, Believe me, Yours sincerely, ? You may be
interested to ? we hope to send eight Irish delegates to the World
Conference in Finland in August; I am deputed? to attend as leader of our
small section; it should? be an interesting occasion!
 
  
  
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1) (there were only these 2 pages, the 1st or maybe first 2 pages are
missing) ... a comfort. I hope that you will keep strong now. I
was interested to heart of Mabel & the husband & of your good man. I do hope
that when my man comes home, you will visit us, so that we may have a good
time together. We shall have more room and comfort I hope. Mrs. Black
is now leaving us. She is to stay with a son's family, who are home from S.
Africa and have settled in Edinburgh for the time being. I am so
thankful that we shall now be able to spread out, the big ones need a room
each now. Well now about these big ones! Benny has finished his first
Session in the Divinity Hall, and has enjoyed it very much, and much more,
the Conferences, and Camps of the Christian Union and Students' Movement. He
is on a number of Committees and takes an active part in anything connected
with Home and Foreign Missions. Charlie has finished his two years of
probation, in the Dunlop Rubber Co., and is now 2nd in Command in the
Edinburgh Office. He was in Glasgow for a time and may have to move
again soon. He was very glad to live at home again, after being away for
some months. Leslie has finished the 2nd Session of the Arts Course at
the Varsity. May got her Higher Leaving Certificate & could now go to
the University, but she wants to stay for another year at school and as it
will give her time to read more general reading and have altogether an
easier life, we are letting her do so. We are in no hurry for her to
grow up and be on her own. Murray got his Lower Leaving Certificate &
was 1st in class & in several separate subjects. He is growing very
tall and rejoices to be in "longs" and to be allowed to go out with his big
brothers. Margaret was 3rd in her class, she & Murray do not find
learning difficult, but they are not very fond of hard work!! I was a
bit of a crock in July, but I am thankful to say that I am well again.
Lumbago visits me sometimes which is trying, however, my heart is full of
gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His great goodness and never failing
love. As the years go on it is all the more wonderful. I say nothing about
your poor distressful Country. It & you are in our hearts. May God show
forth His glory and further His own plans. With much love to you all, Ever
Your Loving Friend M. E. Scott
2) 30th May 1926 11 Viewforth Terrace, Edinburgh - My very dear
Lizzie, I am hoping very much that this will find you before you leave
Ireland, to let you know that your very pretty, useful present came in on
Friday, and was very much appreciated. I know the love that prompted the
gift, and that has always been such a joy and comfort. Thank you most warmly
dear one. It was a record birthday, and the dear ones here, made much of it,
each coming with his and her offering. It made me feel very humble, and also
very grateful to the giving of all good. He giveth us all things richly to
enjoy. How I look forward to seeing you, and I hope that nothing will come
in the way. I trust that the visit to your old home and dear ones will be
very beneficial to you in every way, and that "by reason of strength," you
may be spared to them for many a day. I am improving, on the whole, I
think. Kind friends took me out twice, last week, for a motor run, one on
Wed.-Tuesday, and another on Friday. The latter was a little bit too much
for me, I think, for I have not been quite so well since; but I can write
and sew and read, and have much to enjoy. My husband has closed with that
offer of work in the Robertson Memorial Church and we are glad. He has not
to begin till October, so that he can have a rest till then, and he needs
it. Charlie left us yesterday for Birmingham, and my thoughts are
continually with him today, we miss him very much for he is like a fresh
breeze in the house all the time. All are at Church just now, except
Margaret & myself. She has a cold and stayed in. Much fond love & warm
thanks again. very lovingly yours as ? M. E. Scott. Love to others &
Dallaclin family too.
3) Duddingston?, Friday - Dear Mrs. Wright, Mary Elsie left us on Wednesday
at 1.15. She is now with Him whom she loved, and at rest after a long with
struggle with pain & discomfort. We are having many kind messages from
friends and are realising how greatly she was admired and loved. Hoping you
have a good holiday. Your letter of the 24th came. Sincerely yours ??
4) 31st August 1926 Postmark Por???? to Mrs. Wright, Upper Bellachy?, Spey
Bay, Moreyshire (Mrs. Scott's death 1926 and Mr. Scott's death 1936 Leslie
to India 1930) - Home? House, Luddingston? 30th August 1926 - Dear Mrs.
Wright, I am writing instead of Father to thank you very warmly for your
letter. Leslie told you that Mother died on Wednesday about 1-20. I did not
get home till the afternoon, and so did not see her alive. She looked very
peaceful when I looked at her, and it was good to think that she is now at
rest and free from pain, but oh the blank that is left. No-one can fill her
place. We miss her at every turn. You will miss her very much too. Mother
always used to say what a good and faithful friend you had been to her. Your
feelings towards one another never changed all those years. We got a
beautiful spot to lay her in in Morningside Cemetery. Her grave is just next
to Mrs. Dr. or Wm. Youngson's (the missionary's wife). They both lie at the
foot of a hawthorn tree. The grave is looking very pretty today with all the
wreaths on it. We got a great many tokens of esteem for her, and well did
she deserve them! I am very sorry for Father at this time. He preached
in Dollar yesterday, as he had promised. He said that it was better than
moping about at home. Margie? went to Dollar with him for the week-end. He's
really wonderfully bright. We go back to Viewfort Terrace tomorrow. I do
hope you are enjoying your holiday, and benefiting by the change. Yours,
with love, May
  
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1) December 1926 Postmark London to Mrs. William Wright, The Manse, Glastry,
Kirkcubbin, Co. Down, Ireland - Christmas card from Sir Arthur and Lady
Yapp, Highfield House, Enfield - If I had a wishing stone, I'd wish all the
best for you, A wish for your war alone, As Christmas comes in view.
But I have no wishing stone, Though my heart goes out to-day, To friends who
are sad and lone, And others bright and gay. May yours be the winning
smile, The happy contented way, The love that makes life worth while, And
prompts the heart to pray. I ask not that every hour, Be brilliant
with glowing sun, But that hope and faith and pow'r, Be yours till rest is
won. May your path with Christmas cheer, Be happy as days are long,
And your course the coming year, One glad triumphant song. A.K.Y.
         
14th February 1929 Dumfriesshire to - Mrs.
Wright, c/o Mrs. Stevenson, The Manse, Glastry, Kircubbin, Co. Down, Ireland
from Burnbrae, Lockerbie, Scotland Feb. 11th, 1929 - Dear Mrs. Wright, We
received your kind letter and greetings at Christmas time, and I mourn that
our response to them should be such as it is. Dear Mother met with an
accident just before Christmas, and passed away eighteen days after, on New
Year's Day in the forenoon. I began a letter to you just after, but did not
get it finished, for we have had since a round of influenza chills. First of
all the woman whom we had helping us at present was off nine days, then just
before she came back Aunt Charlotte caught one too, and indeed although much
better is not quite strong yet. I was going about part of the time not much
better, but managed to get rid of it without actually going to bed. Owing to
this we have not got on very quickly with what had to be done, but now that
Lizzie the woman is stronger, things I hope will be better. Mother
kept wonderfully well after you left, although I was so sorry that we never
got her out even for drive as I had hoped. Of course the weather was against
her, as the summer was not an overly warm one. The woman also that you saw
turned out to be rather unsettled, and left at the end of 4½ months, so
there was not the leisure we expected. When it came to the end of July, we
wrote to Aunt Charlotte, who came through to see what could be done about
getting Mother out. She waited to try and get her accustomed a little, to
moving round out of bed before going outside, and by that time a kind of
chill had got into the air, and she would not risk her out of doors. She
(Mother) kept very cheerful inside however, as she kept very well except for
the weakness at the knees left by the influenza last year. We had hoped to
be able to write to you and dear Mabel by Christmas anyway as we had not
forgotten about Baby Will, and little Betty, but for the sad happening on
December 14th. It was on that day that she slipped and fell on the floor of
her bedroom, and fractured her thigh. The doctor said at the beginning it
would depend on how she got over the shock, and from what he said there was
cause for anxiety, but not for al?? Aunt Charlotte came back again at once,
and for the first few days, we had the help of the district nurse. Then the
doctor began to look graver. She (Mother) had been more worn out in some
ways than had been apparent at first. She retained her mental faculties so
well however, indeed she seemed to become, with all her weakness, specially
alert - Any tendency to deafness through cold quite disappeared, and her
memory and powers of observation seemed stronger than ever. This made us
hope on to the end. We got a trained nurse from Glasgow, and laterly a night
nurse also, from these as the doctor thought it better, to give her every
chance, but she never seemed to get quite over the shock. Also from what the
doctor said, the gathering weaknesses of old age are already telling on her.
He thought even if the accident hadn't occurred, we might not have had her
more than some months at the most. It was all very hard to believe, but we
had the consolation of having her sensible to the last, though towards the
end we could not strain her by talking too much. She said to me of her own
accord about that time, that all she had known and heard of in her youth had
come to pass. I wondered at the time, if that meant that life was completed,
and for her the promises had been fulfilled, and I think now it must have
been so, she did not say it mournfully, but with a strange interest. She was
pleased to hear of your letter, and listened with interest to its kind
messages. She was pleased to see the pretty Xmas cards, and seemed specially
interested in the little ones. I am sending on a little Xmas box, we had
arranged for them together before Xmas. It has in it a little pair of shoes
and and socks for Baby Brother and the long deferred Egg with chocolate for
Betty. I am so sorry we did not get sending it sooner, but doubtless you
will understand. She wished me also to send you all her love. We
were very fortunate in the nurses. Mother was specially interested to learn
that the night nurse, a kind-hearted helpful girl, Nurse Running, came from
Belfast, her own birthplace. I think the soft Irish accent must have brought
back the long ago to her. The other, Nurse Maclean, was a clever good girl
from Stornaway, which Mother and I visited one summer, when on a six day
sail. Dr. Charles Maclelland? was the doctor. His father, the old doctor,
passed away just some days before Mother. He broke his leg about four years
before, and although he recovered and resumed work to some extent, after had
very poor health for some time before his death. His son had been in
partnership with him for about six years, and so far has been looked on as a
rather clever doctor, who is very well liked. Mother rests in the
cemetery beside Father. The funeral was a private one to allow me to
go. Cousin Kate from Moffat went with me. Uncle Joe, Mother's youngest
brother also was there. He looked that day so very like John, that
several people remarked on it. Uncle John the older brother has been in
frail health for some time back now, and is only a few years younger than
Mother, so he could not come. Strange to say Flora's Mother just died
a little after Mother, Flora was the young girl we had for three and a half
years. She had to leave last winter, owing to her Mother's health. She came
back again last September, but at the end of twelve weeks had to leave again
for the same reason. She is twenty now - a young girl we much appreciated,
and I am so sorry for her, but I think they will manage amongst them, for
although the Father is also dead, there is a large family of them. I don't
know what John would say on getting the news. There has only been time for a
reply to our first letter on the subject. He was always so anxious about
Mother if our usual letter-writing got behind. It is a long time now
since he first left home, but he has always written faithfully. I hope dear
Mrs. Wright, you all keep well yourselves. How the old days now come back to
memory! Aunt Charlotte joins me in love to you all, and I am so glad
to think now, that Mother was able to do the same - yours affectionately.
Polly Charteris
1930s
 
    
   
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1) 3rd October 1930 - 6 Howe Street, Edinburgh - My dear Mr. Wright, Thank
you very much for your kind gift. I think I shall get a fork? with it - one
of Manson on the Antarctic Expedition - for I shall have a little spare room
probably. I shall be going down to Liverpool on Saturday although the boat
does not go off until Tuesday afternoon or evening. Charlie's mother-in-law
is going to put me up for the week-end. This week will be a great rush
for me. I have many kind friends in the city & they all want to see me
before I go. It will be six years before I am back and there will be many
changes I have no doubt in that time. But I hope that they will be happy
years for you and that I shall be able to see you after them as bright and
youthful as I have always known you. With kindest regards, yours very
sincerely, Leslie Scott
2) 22nd December 1932 Postmark Morayshire to Mrs. Wright, The Manse,
Glastry, Kircubbin, Co. Down, N. Ireland Xmas Letter from Upper Dallachy,
Spey Bay, Morayshire - My Dear Elizabeth, Your letters to me of 28th
November & to Mag of 15th December were duly received, & we have to
thank you for the big budget of news in each of them which we read with much
interest. We hope you are all keeping pretty well again, except perhaps from
colds which cannot well be avoided in this uncertain weather. They come & go
according to the vagaries of the weather, but they have to be looked after
all the same, especially at the beginning, as there is no saying where they
may lead to, if they are neglected. I had not quite got over my turn yet,
but I think I am getting round the corner now. It has not been very bad, but
I have been taking as much care as possible to keep it from going too far.
The weather is rather mild here at present for good health, & I was reading
that influenza is appearing again in some parts of the Country, although it
has kept longer away this year than for some years previously. "It's no far
awa noo" as you were saying in your last letter, although the saying applied
more to the New Year than Christmas with us here. I have got my parcel into
shape, & hope to get it sent off today, so that you may get it on Saturday,
the day before Christmas, better the day before, than the day after, & I am
sure the Children would say with me there. The contents are pretty much as
before. Books for the Bairns. The British Girls Annual for Betty, which I
think she will like. Picture Book of Aircraft & Baby Animals will please
Will I think, & Baby Buntings First Book & Merry Times, should do for Mabsie
I think, but you & Mabel will know best how to distribute these to the 2
younger folks. I have put in a tin of "Casson?" tobacco, as well as a
small packet of Dobies Cut-Cake, which I rather like myself, & also a pipe
for Steve, & I hope he won't neglect any of these, but continue to "?" as
before, with precedence of course. There is an envelope beside the tobacco &
pipe containing 3 little envelopes, one for each of the Children. I have
given Betty an extra half-crown because she has been working at the cover
for the army of my easy-chair. The Sweets are for all. You can keep one box
& give Mabel another, & you both can hand them out as you think fit. I have
put in a book for Annie, a nice Welsh Story, which you will all enjoy. I
don't know if a sent Steve "Canny Tales about Ministers & Elders" before. I
am sending it now, as I don't think I did. Because I don't know what to get
for you & Mabel, I am enclosing as usual at this time a 10/- note for each
of you & you can get what you like best, or do what you look best with it.
The 2 little Calendars are for you & Mabel. The parcel has just come here
from Glastry & I have asked Mag to open it. I think I have mentioned all the
contents of my parcel, but if there is anything I haven't, you will know who
it is for. It has just occurred to me that I have missed out of the parcel
the Xmas No. of the "Northern Scot." I will send it next week some time for
a New Years' card. Oh! I was forgetting about the white heather? I got
a paste board box for it, but as it would not work in well in the parcel, I
am sending it separately addressed to Mabel. Sorry I have been so long in
sending it. If had got that box sooner I could have sent it long ago. Now
I'll have to end up as the post is coming back for this letter & the
parcels, & he may appear sooner than I expect, & I will have to be ready.
Mag has shown me the kindly gifts sent to us from Glastry, & I am sure we
both thank you all very much for your kind remembrance of us at this season.
I hope you will get my parcel in a good condition as yours. It has been well
wrapped up at any rate, & we will hope it will get to Glastry all right. Now
I will close hoping you are all keeping well & with love from us both to
all, & kisses for the Bairns, & with all good wishes for Xmas & New Year.
Your loving Brother Jim
3) 5th September 1936 As from 6 Howe Street, Edinburgh 3 - Dear Mrs.
Wright, Thank you very much for your letter. The specialist had led us to
expect my fathers' death at any time. We have the comfort of knowing that he
was not conscious these last few months of anything unusual. Dad had been
saying since his last ? that his work was done. I think the end probably
began 2 years ago when he, my aunt and I were returning from a holiday in
Kashmir. On the way down he had a terrible fit of some sort and was
unconscious for 2 hours. After that he went downhill at first almost
imperceptibly. After his holiday last year the losing of his powers was much
more rapid. In December he found he could not write what he wanted and he
worried over that a bit. Instead of writing one word he would write another
- a kind of aphasia, I suppose. Then in January he had another bad fit and
from then he broke up very rapidly. When we brought him home he was
practically unconscious and he lingered on until the 24th of August, one day
before the 10th anniversary of mother's death. They are buried in the same
grave in Morningside Cemetery. I am sure that for the last few years he had
been longing for the peace and rest which he has now obtained. His death
will have removed a great load of anxiety from May's mind and that also is a
comfort. My Aunt & I are spending a short time in ? before my deportation
work begins but normally we shall be in Howe Street. May is doing splendid
work and is much beloved of everyone, both Indian & fellow missionary.
Mellie? & her 3 children are with us in Howe Street and we are a happy
though crowded and noisy household. With much love, Yours affectionately,
Leslie
1941
    
30th June 1941 Postmark Portrush to Mrs. S.? Stevenson, The Manse,
Glastry, Ballyhalbert, Co. Down - 'Campbell College' Dear Mammy & Daddy, I
got your welcome letter with all the news on Saturday morning. Bull/Bill?
not need book/look to go with now. I suppose he is never in on Sunday
evenings now. Joes Millar still come up every Sun. night. Has Bamston? been
up lately. Are the airmen as good as some of the soldiers. What time have
they got to go away at? Mr. Churchill called Hitler some good name,
Bloodthirsty gutter-snipe. What did Hartley sing. I suppose the old bicycle
needs a good cleaning. Does Sarah still come every day. The exams start on
Tuesday. (doodle of triangles, made of cane, like a small house raft) It is
very warm here these days, there is a trawler and a coal boat and two rafts
in the harbour, I think they are used as targets for aeroplanes. Last night
at prep time a very thick mist came down, it came down in about 5 minutes,
we could not see the Skerry's, The trawler towed the raft in just before the
fog came down. It brought the other one in a good while ago. The A.T.C. went
out on night opperations with the Middlesex last night. We had not to get up
until half past nine this morning because of the A.T.C. This the
morning in Church the minister who is in charge the Portstewart Convention
took the service. He has a very funny voice but it was not long until we got
used to it. At the end of the service he announced the last hymn but before
it started he was reminded about the offering so he stopped it. After the
offering he announced the hymn but he was stopped by Mr. Piper who wanted to
thank him. After this he said "Now! we will sing this lovely hymn; and we
got started at last. I forget the number of the hymn. This is nearly all the
news now G. & A. Love to all Will
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1) 30th June, 11 Viewforth Terrace, Edinburgh - My dear Mrs. Wright, A paper
came from you the other day. Thank you for sending it. Mother has not been
able to see it yet, as she had an operation on Thursday, and is not fit yet
to read. She is in the Private Ward, Deaconess? Hospital. Just about the
assembly time she had to go to bed as she was having dreadful pains which
she has had off and on all winter. She called the doctor and he thought she
had better be xrayed, so she got a bed in hospital, and was there for nearly
three weeks before the operation. She thought it was to be a tumor, but
apparently it was much more serious. The operation lasted 1¼ hours. I saw
her for the first time today and she has almost completely lost her voice,
but the matron says she is really getting on splendidly, but she will be in
hospital for several weeks yet. We are very sorry for her. Please excuse
such a short note. I am in the middle of exams but I shall write later and
let you know how she is. I finish work at the end of the week. Yours
sincerely, May Scott
2) 11th December, 92 Myrtlefield Park, Belfast - Dear Mrs. Wright, I feel
that a formal return of thanks is not sufficient to express my appreciation
of your kind letter of sympathy & also of the nice way Mr. Wright spoke of
my Mother & myself at the opening of the Sale. I feel my Mother's loss very
much & I am sure I shall feel it more as time goes on. She was always such a
good Mother, so unselfish & appreciative of anything that was done for her.
Everyone has been so kind & sympathetic with me, that it has made it easier
for me. Will you please convey my thanks to Mr. Wright & Mabel. With kindest
regards, yours very sincerely, Alva Fitzsimons
Mr. J. Harris, a retired Bank Manager, writes concerning the work at present
being carried on in the Sandy Row Red Triangle Club, Belfast - This Club
fills a useful place in the District. The need is tremendous and could
hardly be exaggerated: - gambling is prevalent, drinking and evils of nearly
all kinds abound. It is a haven for crowds of young men and boys -
occasionally 120 are in one room and 50 in the other, passing in and out all
the time. The Superintendent has a splendid influence all round. The
conduct is wonderfully improved, impure language has disappeared, even their
very appearance is much cleaner and better. He is a friend of all who come,
- can doctor all comers and has remedies for most ailments; is very ready on
every football question and knows all the laws and rules. He is also
wonderful in readiness regarding the Scriptures, and I have often been
astonished at his ability to let the Bible speak for itself. It seems to me
he has a chat and good advice for all who come under his influence.
Through his influence one club was closed on Sundays and gambling now
discontinued in it. Another club was formed, apparently in opposition to our
Bible Class, open on Sundays too. On the opening night, it was on
until 2 a.m. - drink, gambling, etc. carried on. Through his influence
this club was smashed and closed. He was also instrumental in settling an
estrangement between husband and wife, and the man promised to read a
Testament which he gave to him. As there is a lot of idleness and
loafing, he opposed that, and has turned many into proper ways and got some
into the Army, Navy, and other institutions - he counted up 26 one day.
Altogether you will see what an influence for good the Club is, and how it
and its superintendent are so successfully working to help to elevate and
save the young life of the district. If one day's work, in detail,
were published, I am of opinion it would be found intensely interesting and
even thrilling. I must not omit to say that Mr. Jenkins has spiritual
talks with practically all the habitués of the place. About 2½
years ago, Mr. Wright, late National Secretary, asked me to take up a Bible
Class on Sunday afternoons. At first the attendance was erratic and
varied a good deal but we kept on and last winter's attendance was indeed
very encouraging and was evidently enjoyed by those who attended. We have a
bright hour and the singing is a great attraction. Miss Jenkins comes every
Sunday to play the organ for us. There is therefore no doubt that God
has set the seal of His blessing upon the Bible Class, and we are all
thankful.
Campbell College Speech Days
   
   
24th July 1947
21st July 1949
    
    
20th July 1950
19th July 1951
    
17th July 1952
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