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Associations, in which the richer congregations subscribe to assist the poorer village congregations.[1]
If the Dissenters can, in addition to paying Church Rates, maintain upwards of 21,812 Chapels and preaching rooms, surely the Church of England, which most certainly comprises the chief wealth of the land, need not fear to confront the voluntary principle for the maintenance of her 14,000 fabrics. Nevertheless, in proposing the adoption of that principle, I would do so under certain restrictions which I desire to submit to your consideration.
I propose that in each diocese there shall be created a diocesan fund to aid in the maintenance of church fabrics and worship in poor country parishes. I submit that this fund shall be gathered from two sources. (1.) Offertory contributions raised, upon certain days appointed by the Bishop, in every church throughout the diocese, and (2.) of a certain sum, being a proportional fraction of £130,000 a year, derived from an increased value to be given to Church-lands. Here I propose the adoption of a part of Lord Monteagle's plan revived by Sir William Clay, but in a modified form, and taking as little as possible from the more important object of maintaining additional clergy. In 1837 Mr. Bethune estimated that if Lord Monteagle's plan of enfranchisement were carried into effect, a surplus revenue might be obtained from the Church Property of at least £250,000 a year
- ↑ See Report of 1851. E. Baines, Esq. Question, 3195,
