Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 06 January 1893
First Sermon
The Vicar of Conisborough’s sermon on Sunday night was a model of a first sermon. It touched the right string, neither presumptuous nor complaining, but only encouraging and quietly asking for fair play. It is a sermon that should make an impression on any open mind, and I was really glad to hear the visa the Rev. G. H. Stock took up.
From his sermon I should say he is a man with a firm belief in the necessity for Christian effort both in the church and in the individual. There was no trace of intolerance in his tone, but only a fervent desire for the general good will, touched with a sympathy for the failings of human nature. That is the proper feeling for a clergyman to hold, for if his parishioners can feel their minister has an interest in them and can feel for them, and whilst trying to lift them to an ideal, is careful not to place that ideal above all reasonable hopes and aspirations, then so much the easier and smoother will his work become.
From his sermon and address to parishioners in the magazine I can only predict a long and successful mission for the new vicar.