EDWIN THATCHER
THE LATE MR. EDWIN THATCHER.—
Another link in the chain which connects the palmy times of old Lambourn in the days of the great and good Robert Milman* with the present has just been severed by the removal by death of Mr. E. Thatcher, who was a contemporary at this time with Sir George Martin, the present organist of St Paul’s. The writer of this In Memoriam notice, found him as a teacher in the National Schools in 1857, a very loveable and affectionate boy, and a general favourite with everybody, particularly perhaps with the Rev. J. B. Clarke, the present venerable Dean of Capetown. He passed successfully through Culham College, and after some years in various schools settled in London as a private teacher.
In 1880 he took his degree of Bachelor of Music in the University of London, and was appointed organist and choirmaster to the important church of St. Botolph, Bishopsgate, of which the famous "Hang-Theology” Rogers** was then the rector. The London degree, at which the late Sir John Stainer was an examiner, was no mean achievement, and adds another name to the illustrious roll of musicians of which Lambourn is always so justly proud.
Unfortunately, however, in 1897 Mr. Thatcher was seized with paralysis while at the organ, and has since been growing weaker, and after much suffering passed peacefully away at Newbury on the early morning of All Souls’ Day, at the comparatively early age of 58. Requiescat in pace.
The funeral took place in the Newbury Cemetery, on Wednesday afternoon, and was attended by Mr. Bertie and the two Mises Thatcher (son and daughters), Mrs. G. Pettit. his only sister, Mr O. J. Halliwell, London, Mr. and Mrs. F. Attewell, Lambourn, Mr. and Mrs S. E. Green, Mr. E. H Green, Mr. J. Hussey, Mr. J. Pettit, A number of beautiful floral emblems were contributed by " Bert, Sis, and Gertie," Mrs G. Pettit and family. Mr. and Mrs. Hussey, Mr. and Mrs. A. Hewet, Mr. D. Sinclair ("his old Pupil"), Mrs. Lane, Mr. Green and Family, Mr. and Mrs. Gibson. " From all at Tachbrook-street," Miss Curwood and Misses Nisbett, "For dear Uncle Edwin, from Millie," " Ern, Aggie, and Family," from the employes (sic) at Mr. Wintle’s and others.
"Father in Thy gracious keeping,
Leave we this Thy servant sleeping."
Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 07 November 1901
* The Right Rev. Robert Millman, D.D., Vicar of Lambourn 1851 - 1862. Later became the Bishop of Calcutta.
** William Rogers, (born Nov. 24, 1819, London—died Jan. 19, 1896, London), English educational reformer, known as “Hang-Theology Rogers” because of his proposals that doctrinal training be left to parents and the clergy.
Rogers was ordained in 1843 and in 1845 was appointed to the curacy of St. Thomas’, Charterhouse, London, where he remained for 18 years, throwing himself passionately into the work of education of his poor and often criminal parishioners. He established a school for impoverished children in a blacksmith’s abandoned shed, and he gradually extended it until schools were provided throughout the parish.
In 1863 Rogers became rector of St. Botolph’s, Bishopsgate, and there he tackled the problem of intermediate, or higher-elementary, education. He advocated secular education and to the cry against “godless education” replied, “Hang theology; let us begin,” earning his lasting nickname. Rogers also reconstructed Edward Alleyn’s charity at Dulwich and founded the Bishopsgate Institute.
