The Corts
The Revds. JJ and JP Cort were, for sixty two years, Vicars of the Parish. They are buried (alongside their wives) in Sale Cemetery, Brooklands Road, where their tombstone remains. It is inscribed:
In loving memory of
The Rev. Jonathan Johnson Cort, M.A.
Sometime Fellow of St John’s College Cambridge and for upwards of 30 years Vicar of this Parish
Born Jan. 26, 1827 – Died Oct. 10, 1884
“I count not my life dear unto myself that I might finish my course with joy
and the Ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God.”
Acts. XX. 24.
Also of Beatrice Catherine, his beloved wife
Born June 5, 1856 – Died July 11, 1937
“Sleep on beloved and take thy rest.”
In loving memory of
The Rev. John Patchett Cort, M.A.
For 32 years Vicar of this Parish,
Born October 17, 1856 – Died April 19, 1917
“I am the Good Shepherd and know my sheep, and am known of mine, and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
John X. 14-15
Also of Sarah, wife of above,
Born Nov. 9, 1830 – Entered into rest Dec. 15, 1887
“So he giveth his beloved sleep.”
Note: Sale Cemetery, Brooklands Road, Plot L 1172
1851 Census:Name Relationship Mar Age Sex Occupation Birthplace
John D. LYONS, Head, M, 44, M, Professor of Music, London
Sophia LYONS, Wife, M, 42, F, ---, London
John F. BARNETT, Sson, ---, 15, M, Compositor, Kiddermn-Wor
Charles T. LYONS, Son, ---, 3, M, ---, Birm-War
Ellen L. LYONS, Daur, ---, 1, F, ---, Birm-War
John J. CORT, Vist, U, 24, M, Clergyman & Schoolmaster, Bentham-Yks
Charlotte FENN, Serv, U, 18, F, House Serv, Hereford-Hef
Address: 106 Bath Row
Census Place: Birmingham, Birmingham, Warwickshire
Reference: HO/107/2052 Folio: 357 Page: 34 FHL Film: 0087309
Extract from the Bowdon Guardian of July 29th 1876:
PRESENTATION TO THE REV. J. J. CORT, AT SALE.
The congregation attending St. Anne’s Church, Sale, met in the large schoolroom on Monday evening for the purpose of presenting their esteemed Vicar, the Rev. J. Johnson Cort, M.A., with an expression of their loving esteem on the completion of the twenty-second year of his ministry amongst them. There was a good attendance, and the chair was occupied by Mr. William Joynson, J.P.
The Chairman said the object for which they were met together was the presentation of a testimonial to Mr. Cort for his hearty services. He would briefly explain the way in which it originated. In the first place, they were aware he had been twenty-two years doing his, duty in that parish, and on that, the twenty-second anniversary, several members of the congregation, whom he greatly respected, thought that that was an appropriate and becoming time to present some token of esteem to Mr. Cort. (Applause.) He was also informed that unsolicited many had expressed a desire that some opportunity for doing this would present itself. Hearing of this he consulted his friend Mr. Occleston, and the result was, that owing to the encouragement they received they decided to carry out the idea of a testimonial, and to undertake the duty connected therewith. Having done this, they consulted with the churchwardens, as they were not anxious to do anything without their consent—because the churchwardens and sidesmen were undoubtedly the proper representatives of the congregation. However, the churchwardens and sidesmen all concurred. This gave them the right to come before the congregation, and therefore Mr. Occleston and himself, in order not to give any one the slightest anxiety or trouble, undertook to go round and see the congregation, and they could form some idea how heartily the matter was taken up when he said that three-fourths had been voluntarily given without the slightest hesitation in any way whatever. Some even thanked them for calling upon them. Others said they embraced the opportunity with very great pleasure; and in two or three instances some individuals offered them more money than they would actually receive—such was their anxiety to join in a testimonial to Mr. Cort. (Applause.) The result of their labour he might say was successful beyond their anticipations, and when he mentioned the sum total, £320, he wished it to be distinctly understood that they never took it from anyone who was in any way unwilling, they never solicited or pressed anybody—the single object they had in view was to recognize the services of 22 years; and he might say for himself that for the last 22 years he believed he had watched Mr. Cort and known him intimately, he had heard of him in every possible direction, he had been a constant attendant as far as he possibly could, and nothing delighted him more than to go to that church and listen to him. (Applause.) That testimonial was the unequivocal and hearty expression of the congregation, and he trusted and hoped—because he expressed his own individual opinion, and he was confident it was an opinion generally held—that Mr. Cort had faithfully discharged the duties of his ministry to the best of his ability, and for the welfare of those under his charge. (Applause.)
The service, which consisted of kettle, tea pot, coffee pot, cream jug and sugar basin, were then uncovered amid loud applause. The articles were really splendid specimens, and came from the establishment of Messrs. Hall and Co., King-street, Manchester.
Mr. J. J. Occleston said the remarks of their Chairman had been so exhaustive and comprehensive that there was very little left for him to say. As an old resident in the neighbourhood, however, he might say he had derived considerable gratification in actively assisting with others in carrying to a successful issue the testimonial they were going to present to one who was valued and esteemed by all. It devolved upon him to perform the very pleasing duty of making the presentation to their respected Vicar, the Rev. J. Johnson Cort, of a purse containing 200 guineas, and a handsome silver tea and coffee service; and he thought it would be best to read the inscription that the service bore:—“This tea and coffee service, together with a purse of 200 guineas, was presented to the Rev. J. Johnson Cort, M.A., the first vicar of St. Anne’s Church, Sale, by his congregation, as a token of esteem and regard for the faithful discharge of his ministry in the church and parish for 22 years. July, 1876.” (Applause.)
The Rev. J. J. Cort (who was most heartily received) said they would not be surprised, he was sure, when he told them that it was with feelings of no ordinary pleasure that he stood up amongst them that night. Often as he had been privileged to address them in times past, he certainly never before had been called upon to address them upon such an occasion as the present. There were times, too, when one's feelings were too deep for utterance, when the heart was full, but the tongue was unequal to the occasion, and he thought that on that ground he might claim their kind indulgence. He must, however, thank them very sincerely and very gratefully for the very handsome testimonial which had just been presented to him in such a kind manner by Mr. Occleston. He need hardly say, when he looked on those beautiful presents, that he had peculiar pleasure in accepting them. His thanks were specially due to their respected Chairman and to Mr. Occleston, not only for their kind remarks, but for their indefatigable, generous, and self-denying exertions in that matter. He valued that testimonial, not merely for its intrinsic worth, though that was very considerable, but he valued it far more as a testimony of their esteem and good will. (Applause.) He was very glad to hear from his friends—as he had heard again that night—that they did not press anyone for a contribution. (Hear, hear.) He should, indeed, have been sorry if any pressure had been brought to bear upon a single contributor. He thought, however, he was warranted in regarding that testimonial as proof of their esteem and good will–(applause)–and as such he greatly valued it. They must excuse him, however, if he went a little further. He hoped that he could say, in some humble measure, with the great apostle St. Paul, “Not because I desire gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” He wanted something more even than their generous gifts, something more than even their love and affection, valuable and cheering as these were to a minister, —he wanted the souls of his people for their God, he wanted them all to he found treading the narrow path which led to blissful immortality — let him add this, and as their pastor he was truly happy. Of himself personally, he dared not say much. When a man began to speak about himself he had generally a poor subject to dwell upon. He was at least in danger of becoming egotistical, and therefore distasteful. He was painfully conscious of many imperfections, many infirmities, many shortcomings; but he hoped he might say without boasting that his endeavour had bee to do his duty and to do good; and he ventured humbly to hope that good had been done in that place—he trusted that some, nay that many, would have cause to bless God in eternity for their connection with the church in Sale. But though he had nothing to boast of, he had much to be thankful for. He was thankful he had been permitted to labour in that parish. While almost every church in the neighbourhood had passed into other hands—some more than once—he was still at his post. It was a great mercy to him that during the whole of that period he had never been laid aside for a single Sunday or any portion of a Sunday through bodily indisposition. He had been privileged to preach many a sermon, to baptise many a child, to prepare many a young person for confirmation; he had been called too in the discharge of his ministerial duties to visit many a sick bed and many a death bed; but as he looked back upon past years he could not but think of some valued and true hearted friends, now no more, who would have rejoiced to have been present on such an occasion as that. He remembered such men as George Kinsey, Charles Evans, William Butterfield and others who had been more recently removed, but whose names he must not mention lest he should touch too tender a chord in the breasts of some who were there assembled. He was thankful however, they had amongst them one of the oldest and moot valued members of their congregation in the person of their worthy Chairman. He always looked upon Mr. Joynson as the father and founder of St. Anne’s Church. (Applause.) For as many of them knew—and as all of them ought to know—it was principally through his exertions that that church way first erected. He (the rev. speaker) hoped he would not consider him guilty of a breach of confidence if he ventured to tell them that that day was doubly interesting, as it happened to be his birthday. (Loud applause.) He hoped they would all join in wishing him “Many happy returns of the day,” and in expressing a hope that if it be the Lord’s will he might yet long be spared to live and labour amongst them. There were very few men in any Christian congregation who had done more good in their own parish and neighbourhood than he had done, and there were few men who were more justly respected and honoured. (Hear, and applause.)
But he thought in other respects, too, a review of past years furnished matter fur satisfaction and thankfulness. Their church had been twice enlarged to meet the wants of a large and increasing population. That church had always been full, or very nearly so, and though two other churches had been erected in the neighbourhood, to say nothing of dissenting chapels, it continued full still. That commodious schoolroom had been erected, together with school house. An infant schoolroom, too, had been added, and they had flourishing Sunday and day schools. For these things it became them to be thankful. But the population of the parish was rapidly increasing, and he supposed it was about three times as large as it was when he first came to the place. At the last census there were about 5,300 persons in his parish, and he supposed there were now at 1east 6,500. The population was thus, as they perceived, becoming too large for the superintendence of one man, and for its efficient working, and they were hoping ere long to erect a schoolroom on the farther side of the canal, and to get that schoolroom licensed for service, and to place there an evangelical clergyman who would have charge of that portion of his parish. They had no doubt that if they got, a right minded and suitable man, that that schoolroom would by and bye lead to a church and to a separate ecclesiastical district. He earnestly hoped that that good work would be accomplished. He should be sorry indeed if any had cause to say of him that the spiritual wants and interests of the parish had suffered in any degree during his incumbency. He thought if the ladies would kindly take the matter up and let them have a large bazaar about next Easter they would easily raise the required funds. (Applause.) Allow him to say, however, before he sat down, that he hoped their meeting and the occasion which had drawn them together would be the means of cementing more closely the union which subsisted between them as minister and people. He might congratulate himself upon the fact that that was not a parting testimonial. (Applause.) Testimonials were often given to clergymen when they were leaving their respective flocks, but this had been given to him while ho was still labouring amongst them, and as far as man could tell, likely to continue his labours. (Applause.) It would therefore be to him a lasting memento of their generosity; it would be a cherished heirloom in his family, and he hoped it would convey to them grateful and pleasing testimony. He assured them he deeply felt their kindness. He could only offer them in return his warmest thanks, and his most earnest prayers for their spiritual and temporal welfare. Their meetings on earth, pleasant and gratifying as they were, would bye and bye be over; but he prayed that they might all meet at last amid brighter scenes, “beneath the roof of our Father's house, whence we shall go no more out for ever.” He did not know that he could add anything to this. He would therefore conclude by thanking them not only for that valuable and substantial proof of their attachment, but also for the cordial welcome which they had so kindly given him. (Loud applause.) Mr. Armistead, the Superintendent of the Sunday School, in proposing a vote of thanks to the Chairman and Mr. Occleston for their exertions, alluded in graceful terms to the active part which Mrs. Cort had always taken in all affairs relating to the wellbeing of the parish. In season and out of season she was always to be found doing her duty, and he could not let that opportunity pars without in some way pointing out that had it not been for such an able aide-de-camp as Mrs. Cort, their good minister would not have been able to have performed his duties in the efficient and painstaking manner which had been recognized that evening. He then proposed the vote of thanks, which was seconded by Mr. Woolmore, and duly acknowledged.
During the evening several glees were sung by the choir, and throughout the proceedings were of the most enjoyable character.
Transcribed from The Bowdon Guardian, 18 October 1884:
FUNERAL OF THE LATE VICAR OF SALE.
On Wednesday the mortal remains of the Rev. J. J. Cort, M.A., vicar of Sale, who died on the 10th inst., were consigned to their resting place in Brooklands Cemetery with every manifestation of the profoundest sorrow by those who had been in any way acquainted with the deceased gentleman. The first portion of the burial service was conducted in St. Ann’s Church, Sale, by the Rev. G. London, M.A., Vicar of St. George’s, Altrincham. The service commenced about a quarter to twelve o’clock, but long before then there had been a constant stream of parishioners and others flocking into the church for the purpose of paying a last tribute of respect to one who had been so highly esteemed for his many qualities of sterling worth. The Church was filled in every part, the scholars of the day and Sunday schools occupying seats at the rear of the pulpit and reading desk (both of which were draped with black), while the mourners were accommodated with seats in the body of the church. The coffin, a patent metallic shell, enclosed in an outer coffin of polished oak, with brass fittings, and covered with beautiful wreathes and crosses, was deposited during this portion of this service in the aisle leading to the south transept. At the beginning of the service the hymn commencing “Brief life is here our portion” was sung by the choir and congregation, Mr. Schofield presiding at the organ, after which two Psalms were sung, followed by a reading of a portion of the burial service by the Rev. George London. This concluded, the procession was formed in Northenden-road, the choir leading, followed by the day and Sunday school scholars (many of whom carried flowers), and after them the hearse and mourning coaches. In the first carriage were the Rev. J. P. Cort, the Rev. T. A. Livesey, Mr. Harold Livesey, and Mr. James Peacock; in the second Mr. W. peacock, Mr. James Harrison, Mr. E. Wadsworth, and Mr. P. Russell; in the third, Mr. Henry Elliott, Mr. W. Joynson, Dr. Charles Renshaw, and Mr. Mattinson; in the fourth, Mr. Mills and Mr. Armstrong (churchwardens), and Mr. Bridge and Mr. Armistead; in Mr. W. Joynson’s private carriage were the Rev. G. London and Mr. C. Royle; the Rev. Joseph Ray attended in his private carriage, accompanied by the Rev. C. Atkinson; and following were the private carriages of Mr. R Joynson and Dr. Royle. Amongst those present were the Ven. Archdeacon Gore, vicar of Bowdon, and the Rev. E. R. Mosley, curate. The line of route lay through Northenden-road, School-road, Cross-street and Mars-land’s-road, to the cemetery, along which route the blinds of private house were drawn and the places of business partially or wholly closed during the time of the interment. At the cemetery gates the choir divided, and as the carriages passed in sang the hymn “My God, my Father, while I stray.” The Rev. G. London read the concluding portion of the burial service, the number of tearful eyes amongst the large assemblage testifying with mute eloquence to the esteem in which the deceased was held, not only by his parishioners, but by all with whom he had been brought in contact. On the conclusion of the service the choir sang “Art thou weary, art thou languid,” and large numbers of wreaths and bouquets of flowers were placed on the coffin, the breast plate of which bore the following inscription:-“Jonathan Johnson Cort, M.A., vicar of Sale, died 10th October, 1884, aged 57 years.”
The funeral arrangements were admirably carried out by Messrs. G. W. and J. P. Clough, of School-road, Sale.
As already remarked in our columns, Mr. Cort was educated at St John’s College, Cambridge and graduated B.A. (5th Wrangler) in 1850, M.A. in 1853,deacon 1850, and priest 1851 by the Bishop of Worcester. He was appointed the Vicar of Sale in 1856, the patrons of which church are 5 Trustees. He was surrogate of the diocese of Chester 1882, formerly assistant master of King Edward’s School, Birmingham, 1850 to 1852; Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge, 1851-55; curate of St Mary’s, Birmingham, 1852-53; Eccles, Lancashire, 1853; minister of St. Michael’s Cemetery Church, Birmingham, 1854, and was the author of numerous sermons, which are published in the “Church of England Magazine,” single sermons &c. Were it merely for the fact that he was one of the oldest residents, we should regard it as a severance of one of those fast fading links between the past and the present. But we have to mourn the departure of one who in private was beloved and in public life esteemed—a name on which the breath of calamity never even breathed, whose private life was as pure as his public ministrations were above praise. His works will long remain after him. No matter how small the subject or how important, it was certain to receive impartial treatment at his hands. He had remarkable tact, and he had been so intimately bound up in the social and moral improvement of Sale that he may almost be said to have grown with the place. He saw Sale, comparatively speaking, a desert; he left it a garden. Over a quarter of a century since Sale was really what it is now called by many people, Sale Moor. But great in the meantime have been the changes. By all his loss will be equally felt. On the welfare of the poorer among his flock he took great personal interest, and at the same time took care that their other requirements were seen to, and in that way contributed in no small degree to their comfort and health. His true liberality of sentiment was his highest recommendation. Mr. Cort was Conservative in the highest sense of preserving what was good and improving upon it where possible. His views, although pronounced, were never ostentatiously displayed. Still he had his opinions and the courage of them. Mr. Cort has for some years been president of several different societies in the neighbourhood, Indeed, it would be difficult to put a finger on anything in which he had not some part when the welfare of his flock was to be considered. His death has occurred at the comparatively early age of 57 years. It may be truly said he died possessed of all that man can wish for, “As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends.” For some months past he has been failing in health, and at last he has fallen, like a shock of corn fully ripe, and gone to rest, and we feel that another has gone from our midst whom we could not well afford to lose, and who, a grand example in his life, in death will be truly and deeply lamented.
We may add that the last time Mr. Cort addressed his flock was on the 20th of July last. Though far from being well at the time, he could not forego the opportunity of addressing his flock on the occasion of his 30th anniversary of his appointment as the Vicar of Sale. His remarks on that occasion will not be easily forgotten by those who had the pleasure of hearing the lips of their venerated minister. He said: As this is the 30th anniversary of my ministry in this place, I wish to improve the opportunity to the spiritual edification of the whole of the people committed to my charge. Thirty years have now elapsed since I first preached the blessed gospel of the grace of God in this church. Great changes have taken place during that time, only about six families remaining who were present at my first sermon. My strength is but small, and my feebleness and the decease of the venerable bishop of this diocese speak powerfully to us all to be ready when the great summons comes. Must I add also that the recent appalling railway accident, when upwards of twenty persons were hurried into eternity, reminds us in the words of our burial service that “in the midst of life we are in death, and we know not what a day may bring forth.” He concluded a touching address, based on Acts xx. 24, with the prayer that the Lord would follow with His blessing the words delivered with great feebleness, and that they might all here-after worship together in the Sanctuary of God in heaven. During the address much emotion was manifested by many members of the congregation.
It has been erroneously stated that the deceased gentleman was a member of the Board of Guardians for the Altrincham Union, his name having been confounded with that of his son, the Rev. J. P. Cort, also of Sale.
Beautiful wreaths had been sent as a mark of tribute and respect by Miss. Renshaw, Fern Side, Northenden-road, Sale; Messrs. Armitage and Donald, on behalf of the Sale Debating and Improvement Society; choir, per Mr. Schofield; day school, per Mr. E. Yates; Sunday school, per Mr. Hamer; Mrs. W Beyer, the Ferns, Sale; the servants of Mr. Cort; Mrs. and Miss. F. A. Gardiner; Mr. M. Whitty; Mr. W. Hamer and family; Mrs. Swate; Mrs. J. Kay; Mrs. Young; Mr. A. Watkin; Mr. W. A. Stenway; Mr. and Mrs. H. Coy; Mrs. and Miss. Ballard; Mr. and Mrs. Ryder; Mr. Buckley and family; St. Ann’s Sunday School Committee; Mr. Faulkner, Clarendon-road; Miss. Adelaide Russell; Mrs. John Lowe; Church of England Temperence Society; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hayes; Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Place; Mrs. Mills; Miss S. Pendlebury and class; Miss. Maggie Hancock, a Sunday school scholar; Miss Smith; J. Potter Balls, a day school scholar; and many other mementoes.
Newspaper article, Dated 25th December 1909:
An interesting gathering took place on Tuesday night at St. Anne’s Schools, Sale, when the Rev. J. P. Cort, the vicar, was made the recipient on behalf of the congregation of a beautiful solid silver epergne, two solid silver candlesticks and a cheque for twenty-eight guineas, in recognition of his twenty-five years’ service as vicar of St. Anne's. Mrs. Cort was presented with a splendid ruby and diamond ring. There was a large attendance and among those present were the Rev. Joseph Johnson, the Congregational minister of Ashton-on-Mersey, and Mr. T. F. Wainwright, one of the leading members of the Sale Congregational Church. Both Mr. Johnson and Mr. Wainwright have been actively identified with Mr. Cort in public life in the district. Mr. John Crosley, vicar’s warden, presided, and the various church officers were in attendance.
The Chairman said the response to this movement had been excellent. A few of the subscribers were not members of the congregation, but they had known Mr. Cort well in his public life in the different capacities in which he laboured, and they had asked to be allowed to subscribe. These included two distinguished Nonconformists, who were present—Mr. T. F. Wainwright and the Rev. Joseph Johnson. (Applause.) This proved that the work of Mr. Cort was widely appreciated, and had the operation of the testimonial fund not been limited as regarded money—for that was not the principal object—the response would have been on an extremely wide scale in Sale and the district, whereas it had been confined practically to the members of the congregation and a few friends. They had had a, number of communications of regret for inability to be present, including letters from the Rev. Canon H. Bethell-Jones, the Rev. Dr. C. C. Atkinson and the Rev. R. W. T. Petch—who were all not well—and the Bishop of Chester. The Bishop wrote: “I am exceedingly obliged to you for letting me know about the approaching presentation to the Vicar of St. Anne’s and Mrs. Cort. I regret that a confirmation at Stalybridge that evening makes it impossible for me to be present, and besides I am under medical orders to keep my engagements within narrow limits, but I shall heartily share from a distance the pleasure of the occasion, rejoicing that good service in and beyond St. Anne’s is being thus appreciated, and hoping that Mr. and Mrs. Cort may be spared for many years to carry on their duties, cheered and aided by an increasing body of fellow workers. With the best wishes for Christmas and New Year to the gathering and those whom it represents. I remain, yours truly, F. J. CESTR.” He should just like to say that the response to this testimonial appeal had been exceedingly gratifying (the total amount had reached about £124), and they had had sums varying from 5s. to £10. Spread over a large number the response gave evidence of the most perfect spontaneity. (Applause.)
Mr. Mills, in making the presentation, said he was the only person connected with that church who had been a church officer and was there at the time Mr. Cort was appointed. He had had much to do with Mr. Cort and during the whole time he had never heard that gentleman say a word in distrust or disparagement of anyone. He was what he called a man. (Hear, hear.) When they met with a man such as was Mr. Cort they could not help but like him, and he had not known anyone to say a word in dispraise of Mr. Cort. (Applause.) He had had to do with their Vicar long before 25 years ago.
He was warden under his father and had been warden under Mr. Cort. He had the greatest pleasure in asking Mr. Cort to accept the gifts that wore now offered him, and he wished Mr. and Mrs. Cort long life and the greatest happiness. (Loud applause.)
Mr. T. G. Armstrong endorsed what Mr. Mills had said.
The Rev. J. P. Cort thanked them sincerely for this handsome presentation, for which he felt he could not on that occasion adequately thank them. During the twenty-five years he had been vicar of the parish he had only tried to do his duty. (Hear, hear.) He was only human, and he felt there had been omissions on his part. If there had been they had been kind enough to overlook them. Of course, during the last quarter of a century he had had his trials and difficulties, and at times feelings of depression and despondency might have weighed him down so as to almost make him think it would do better for him and for the congregation if a change were to be made—(“ No, no.”)—but kindness such as was displayed by them on this memorable occasion was well calculated to drive away all depressed feelings and make him and his wife enter into the work with renewed earnestness, zeal and energy. (Hear, hear, and applause.) It served to show them how many friends they had, not only among present, but past members of the congregation, and also among members of other churches, with whom he had always maintained the most friendly relations. (Applause.) He was thankful to say that in Sale they did not know any bitter sectarian controversy, and he trusted that as long as he was there he should always use his influence towards ensuring that such a state of things might continue to exist. (Hear, hear, and applause.) This was a red-letter day in the history of the parish, and he felt that the gathering was truly representative—brought together to give this tangible proof of their esteem and. might be add, their love. (Applause.) Twenty-five years was a long time to work in any one place. It was just twenty-eight years that week since he came among them as curate to his late honoured father, whose memory they still cherished and whose work many remembered. Might he tell them another thing? It was exactly thirty years that day since he was ordained in the Cathedral Minster at York, so that this was a clerical birthday. (Applause.) Throughout the twenty-five years the work had prospered at St. Anne’s The church during that period had been enlarged and twice beautified, a new organ had been provided, the room in which they were now met had been built, the old schools–as they called them now “the mixed department”–had been altered, the new vicarage which now made the parish complete had been purchased, and recently their beautiful bowling green had been added and had proved of great benefit. (Applause.) He mentioned these things not in any boastful spirit, but in all humility, and he did not forget that all these works could not have been entered upon and carried out without their most loyal sympathy and active co-operation. In conclusion he would say that, it would be the endeavour of himself, and wife to try to the utmost of their power to faithfully serve them as long as it was their privilege to be amongst them, and they hoped to hand down to their children the souvenirs they had received as a reminder of their parents’ connection with the important parish of St. Anne’s, Sale. (Applause.)
Mr. Edward Yates, formerly schoolmaster at St. Anne’s, then presented to Mrs. Cort the ruby and diamond ring. He did so in a speech full of reminiscences, going back to the days of the first Vicar, Mr. Cort’s father.
Mrs. Cort, in reply, said she was deeply sensible of their kindness and of the generous words that had fallen from Mr. Yates. This lovely ring would always serve to remind her of the dear friends in Sale. (Loud applause.)
The Rev. Joseph Johnson, who was asked to say a few words, said he esteemed it a great privilege to be present. There was a very much larger public outside who would have liked to have honoured their Vicar and who hold him in the highest affection and esteem. In his own church and much beyond Mr. Cort had by his self-sacrificing devotion to the common good, and such work as this, raised the whole standard of citizenship. (Applause.)
A cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Mills and Mr. Yates, on the motion of Mr. Harcourt Willson (renter’s warden), seconded by Mr. J. Battersby (vicar’s sidesman), and a similar resolution was passed the Chairman, on the proposition of Mr. J. Battersby, seconded by the Rev. J. P. Cort.
During the evening a pleasant miscellaneous concert was provided by a glee party comprised of members of the choir, under the conductorship of Mr, J. H. Stratton, the organist; Miss Hesketh (songs), Mr. Herbert A. Owles (songs), Miss Amy Armstrong (elocutionist), and Miss Churchill (piano). Mr. J. H. Stratton, Miss Marjory Crosby and Mr. J. Biddolph acted as accompanists.
Transcribed from The Bowdon Guardian, 4 May 1917:
SALE VICAR’S SUDDEN DEATH.
EXPIRES IN HIS CHAIR.
We regret to record the death of the Rev. John Patchett Cort, M.A., vicar of the Parish Church of St. Anne’s, Sale, who died suddenly while seated in his chair in his study on Sunday afternoon. The news of the sad occurrence spread very quickly, and caused much distress in the district.
The discovery was made by Mrs. Cort, who on entering the room thought her husband was asleep. A closer inspection revealed to her the certainty that some-thing was wrong, and medical assistance was immediately summoned. Doctors Crawford and Nicholson came in answer to the call, and it was found that the vicar had been dead for a little time—evidently having painlessly expired from a haemorrhage in the brain. He was in his sixty-first year. Latterly he had not had the best of health, though he was in good spirits at the morning service at St. Anne’s on Sunday, and showed no sign whatever of diminished strength. He chatted cheerily with the wardens on bidding them adieu at the vicarage gates as he was about to enter the house for luncheon. The service at St. Anne’s Church on Sunday night was cancelled.
The late Rev. J. P. Cort was born at Sale in 1856, and was the only son of the late Rev. J. J. Cort, M.A., who was vicar of Sale for thirty years, and was the first vicar of St. Anne’s. Trained with a view to ministry in the Church of England, he was educated at Owens College and St. John’s College, Cambridge, graduating B.A. at Cambridge in 1879, and M.A. in 1883. He subsequently became an associate of Owens College, and had the honorary degree of B.A. of Victoria University, Manchester. He was ordained deacon by the Archbishop of York in 1879, and priest in the following year, and from 1879 to 1881 was senior curate of St. Philip’s, Sheffield, a large parish of over 20,000. He came to Sale as curate to his father in 1881, and it was widely recognized that an excellent choice had been made when three years afterwards, on his father’s death, he was made the second vicar of Sale. He well continued the traditions which had grown around his capable father’s occupancy of the post, with the result that it would be impossible to find an instance of amore complete sympathy between vicar and congregation and vice-versa. He was a surrogate for the diocese of Chester, and in a variety of ways his connection with the Church of the Establishment kept him prominently in the public mind. His positions in this connection have included hon. Secretary of the Diocesan Branch of the Church of England Temperance Society, diocesan representative on the central committee which meets in London, hon. secretary of the Bowdon Rural Deanery Sunday School Association, and secretary (latterly chairman) of the Altrincham, Sale, Knutsford and Lymm Police Court Mission.
Into the various movements begun since his official connection with St. Anne’s for the attainment of objects likely to benefit the parish, the Rev. J.P. Cort threw himself with a rigour remarkable for its persistence and stimulating quality. Thus he guided to success efforts which had ended in the enlargement of the church by the erection of a north aisle and a new organ chamber in 1887, the building of a new infant school, and the enlargement of the mixed schools by the erection of cookery and class rooms. The organ has been latterly repaired and improved at a cost of over £1,000. It was a matter of deep pride to him when the jubilee celebrations at St. Anne’s took place, and he was able to say that the vigorous life of the parish was unimpaired. One of the claims upon his sympathy outside the consideration of his own particular parish and **[illegible]** which was ever favourably regarded by him, was that which concerned itself with the deepening of the missionary spirit, and St. Anne’s is looked upon as a congregation thoroughly imbued with love of the missionary cause.
The late Mr. Cort was a specialist in Poor Law administration, and his advice was often in request from London. He frequently attended conferences in London and the provincial cities and towns. He was elected as one of the representatives of Sale on the Altrincham (now Bucklow) Union in 1883, and about fourteen years ago was made chairman of the Board, the highest position that can be conferred upon a guardian. Since then he has been annually re-elected, the last appointment was made only last week. Equal with his interest in Poor Law administration was his interest in education. He was elected a member of the late School Board for Sale, and was vice-chairman, and when the Administrative Sub-committee supplanted the School Board he became a member of the new body. He was chairman of the Sale School Attendance Committee and a member of the Northenden School Attendance Committee. In 1903 he was made a member of the Diocesan Voluntary Schools Association, as one of the representatives of the Rural Deanery of Bowdon, and he was chairman of his own and manager of other schools. He was one of the trustees of the Sale Educational Foundation. From its inception he had been chairman of the Sale and Ashton-on-Mersey Civic Guild of Help. He was an active supporter and staunch friend of the Sale Girls’ Industrial School.
A movement which at once elicited the approval of Mr. Cort was that which began the Church Lads’ Brigade, of which the Sale St. Anne’s Company was the senior company in the north of England. The reverend gentleman acted as chaplain to the 3rd Battalion Chester Regiment. Many years ago he was instrumental, along with the late Mrs. Worthington and others, in forming a district nursing association for Sale, and he had filled the positions of hon. treasurer and hon. secretary.
Mr. Cort leaves a widow and three sons and a daughter. His sons are in the Army.
THE FUNERAL.
GREAT PUBLIC TRIBUTE. The affection in which the late vicar was hold was abundantly reflected in the scenes at the funeral on Thursday afternoon. Along the line of route from St. Anne’s Church, where a service preceding the interment was held, to the cemetery, which was by way of Northenden-road, School-road, Washway-road and Marsland-road, the funeral procession passed through roadways thronged with spectators, while at the cemetery numbers gathered at the graveside. At the Town Hall, Sale, the flag floated at half-mast.
A short private service, at the Vicarage, conducted by the Rev. Lowry Hamilton, of Northenden, was followed by the public service. St. Anne’s Church was filled in every part. The coffin was carried from the vicarage to the church, and the order of procession was: The surpliced choir, churchwardens (bearing their staves) and members of the Church Council, the surpliced clergy preceding the coffin, after which followed the chief mourners, with a detachment of the Sale and Ashton-on-Mersey Joint Fire Brigade, under Superintendent J. Royle, forming the rear. At the entrance to the church the procession was received by an escort, consisting of a detachment of wounded soldiers from lngestre Red Cross Hospital, Ashton-on-Mersey, under the command of Corporal Haley, and a detachment of the St. Anne’s Company of the Church Lads’ Brigade, under Staff-Sergeant Cannon, with whom was Major G. H. Bell, representing the officer commanding the 3rd Chester Cadet Battalion, of the Church Lads’ Brigade. The escort lined up on each side of the footway.
The service, was conduced by the Rev. P. Holland Lester (rector of St. Martin’s, Ashton-on-Mersey), Rev. T. Eaton McCormick (vicar of St. Mary’s, Ashton-on-Mersey), who read the lesson, and Rev. Cyril Bethell-Jones, vicar of St. John’s, Brooklands. The hymns, “I heard the voice of Jesus say,” “Nearer, my God, to Thee,” and “Now the labourer's task is o’er,” were sung, and the selections by Mr. J. H. Stratton, Mus.Bac., the organist, concluded with Chopin’s “Marche Funebre.”
THE PUBLIC PROCESSION.
The order of the procession to the cemetery, admirably marshalled by Mr. C. W. Clough, was: The wounded soldiers (in the rear of whom walked Mr. H. V. Kilvert and Mr. Edwin F. Stockton, chairman and vice-chairman respectively of Ingestre Red Cross Hospital) and St. Anne’s Company of the Church Lads’ Brigade, teachers, scholars and mothers, the children of the Sale Girls’ Industrial School (in charge of the superintendent, Miss Hopton), Poor Law guardians, deputations, St. Anne’s Christian Brotherhood, the clergy, the open hearse, at the sides of which walked committee-men and members of the St. Anne’s Christian Brotherhood, who acted as bearers; a landau containing tributes of flowers, broughams in which rode the chief mourners; church-wardens and members of Church Council, lay representatives, Sale District Education Committee, trustees of Sale Educational Foundation, followed by private motors and broughams.
The chief mourners were: Lieutenant J. P. Cort and Lieutenant A. H. Cort (sons), Mr. J. P. Russell (brother-in-law), Mr. J. R. Peacock and Mr. W. F. Peacock (cousins), Mr. G. Walker and Mr. J. McDonald.
The following public bodies were represented:—
Bucklow Board of Guardians (of which the late Mr. Cort was chairman).— Mr. W. Bell and the Hon. J. E. Cross (vice-chairmen), Rev. C. H. Conybeare, Rev. A. Symonds, Mrs. Sam Thompson, Miss Needham, Mrs. J. Hall, Mrs. Shield, Mrs. Brogden Carter, Mr. K. Clarke. Mr. B J. Miller, Lieutenant-Colonel C. E. Newton, T. Walkden, J. W. Byrom, C. Brown; J.P. Cox, Rev. Joseph Johnson, Mr. C. Price, Mr. J. Bellamy, Mr. J. Gillespie, Mr. S. W. Gould and Mr. T. W. Hadfield, members; Mr. George Leigh, clerk; Mr. W. C Jennings, deputy clerk; Mr. F. Eastwood, master; Miss White, superintendent nurse; Messrs. T. Prichard, H. T. Mercer, H. A. Moore and T. H. Peters, relieving officers.
Altrincham Division Conservative Association.— Mr. H. V. Kilvert (chairman).
Knutsford Children’s Homes.— Miss Ward (superintendent).
Sale District Council.— Messrs. J. McDonald (chairman), R. B. Pettener(vice-chairman), Ernest Jones, W. Hughes, J. S. Whitelegg, A. Midwinter and S. Walker; D. Hallewell (clerk), W. Holt(surveyor), D. Southern (accountant), Dr. Miall Woodhead (medical officer), J. W. Hargreaves (nuisance inspector) and C. W. Appleyard (sewage works manager).
Ashton-on-Mersey District Council.—Messrs. J. T. Wells (chairman), W. W. Briggs (law clerk) and J. W. L. Foulkes (clerk).
Sale High School for Boys.— Mr. A. W. Carver.
Sale District Education Committee.—Messrs. J. Morley (chairman), J. Clarke (vice-chairman), J. W. Sidebotham, J. Battersby, R. J. McBeath, A. Nixon, E. Entwisle, T. Percival, J. Daly, A. Lawson and Walter Taylor (clerk).
Sale Educational Foundation.— Mr. T.F. Wainwright (chairman), Rev. T. Webster, Mr. J. W. Robson and Mr. R. W. Green.
Sale and Ashton-on-Mersey Civic Guild of Help.— Mr. J. Crosby, Mr. and Mrs. W. Farrow and Mrs. Henry Store.
Sale Wesleyan Circuit.— Mr. L. T. Foulkes.
Poor-Law Unions Association of England and Wales (of the executive of which the late Mr. Cort was a member).—Mr. R. A. Leach, clerk to Rochdale Board of Guardians.
Northenden Parish Council,—Mr. H. Jones.
North-Western Vagrancy Committee.— Mr. George Pilling (Runcorn Union).
Sale St. Paul's Trustees.— Messrs. R.P. Gill, T. Richardson and Mr. T. J. Bird.
Bucklow Rural District Council.— Mr. J. McKenzie (surveyor).
Dunham Massey Parish Council.— Mr. S. Taylor.
Manchester Ship Canal Company.— Mr. J. Hartley (Broadheath).
Bowdon Rural Deanery Sunday School Union.—Mr. John Macnamara.
Sale and Ashton War Pensions Committee.— Messrs. Edwin F. Stockton (chairman) and J. E. Whipp (secretary).
Altrincham, Sale and Lymm District Police Court Mission.—Rev. Canon Wainwright, G. B. Thurston (rural dean), E. S. Oliver and F. C. Bozman, and Messrs. W. Bell and H. Stanley.
Sale Golf Club.— Messrs. G. F. Kendall, D. T. Mylrea, A. E. Taylor and H. H. Brown.
St Anne’s Parish Church.— Messrs. H. Benson and J. Taylor (wardens), R. A. Wright, H. H. Brown, E. W. Barton, F.S. Churchill, H. Howarth, H. Jessop, Willcock, Harcourt Willson, A. Simcock, C.M. Dorman, G. Goodall and Whiteway (Church Council), W.S. Coppock and J. Crosby (lay representatives).
St. Anne’s Christian Brotherhood.— Messrs. H. Jarman, H. Shawcross (hon. organist), W. H. Brookes, J. R. Brownhill, J. H. Chorlton, J. Cordingley, W.R. Whitelegg, W. Wynne, S. T. Wood, C. K. Wright, W. W. Harrison,(hon. secretary), A. W. Ranger (hon. treasurer) and G. Crossley and J. Taylor (hon. auditors).
The clergy present included the Revs. J. Batey (Partington), Digby Walsh (Carrington), J. W. Chaplin Wilkinson (Hyde), H. Hurst (St. Mary’s, Ashton-on-Mersey), J. Edwards Evans (Ringway), S. W. Dunn (Ashley). J. H. Poole (Toft), J. R. Brunskill (Hale), C. D. Lewis (St. David’s, Hale), R. W. T. Petch (St. Paul’s, Kersal, formerly vicar of St. Paul’s, Sale), D. Ellison and W. Herald (Northenden). Also in attendance were: Revs. Father Thompson and Father O'Reilly; Revs. J. Todd and R. S. Brearley (Sale Wesleyan ministers); and the Rev. J. Macowan (Sale Presbyterian).
Among others present were: Dr. Herbert S. Renshaw, Dr. T. T. Blease, Dr. Crawford, Dr. Nicholson, Mr. Nicholas Kilvert, Mr. Lester Dale, Mr. Harry Richardson, Mr. J. H. Hall, Mr. E. C. Smith, Mr. Charles Fisher, Mr. E. Peake, Mr. S. Harris, Mr. Hopwood, Mr. H. C. Edminson, Mr. U. F. Mountain, Mr. T. F. Over, Mr. G. Board, Mr. L. Steans (head master, Senior Department) and Miss Lord (infants’ mistress), Sale Springfield Council Schools; Mr. and Mrs. E. Newton Bowden, Captain P. Newton Clough (Sale and Altrincham Company 1st Chester Cadet Battalion Cheshire Regiment), Mr. W. H. Watson (warden for Ashton-on-Mersey in right of the township of Sale), Mr. Joseph Watson, Mr. J. Hinde, Mr. H. Midwinter, Mr. T. Warburton (Sale stationmaster), Mr. S. Lambert (ex-Sale stationmaster), Mr. F.I. Horrocks, Mrs. John Morley, Rev. Canon Rowntree (Stretford), Mr. Marsh, Messrs. William Worthington, A. Walters and T. Sutton (who, along with Mr. A. Midwinter, are original scholars of St. Anne’s Day Schools, Sale), Mr. Marsh, Mr. Alfred Watkin (Lymm), Mr. W. T. Forster, Mr. J. K. Davies, Mr. R.W. Maddox (representing Rev. John W. Baker, vice-chairman of the North-Western Vagrancy Committee, and also Mr. Harris P. Cleaver, clerk of the West Derby Union, and hon. secretary of the North-Western Poor-Law Conference). Mr. Sam Davies (ex-Guardian), Mr. Herbert Proctor, Mrs. Proctor Pearson, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Proctor, Mrs. John Morley, Mr. Philip Sidebottom and the Misses Sidebottom, Mr. Herbert C. Dyson (Timperley), Mr. R. Wall (Parr’s Bank, Sale), Mr. T. Later, Mr. J. R. Leo, Mr. Harold Lee, Mr. H. A. Rogers, Mrs. and Miss Withington, Mr. S. Pearson, Mr. J. Woodward, Mrs. Goodhead, Mr. J. H. Walker, Mr. Hugh Williamson, Mr. and Mrs. S. Woodhead, Mr. W. Bott, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Braithwaite, Mrs. Hamlet, Mrs. Cannon, Mrs. Hook, Mrs. Royle, Mrs. Foster, Mr. E. Broadbent, Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, Mr. Claude W. Jones, Mr. E. Stockton, sen., Mr. J. Clarke, Mr. William Goulden, Mr. T. Hunt, Mr. J. H. Lee, Mr. H. G. Harris, Mrs. Merrill, Mrs. H. Benson, Mrs. F. Fogg, Miss Hesketh, Mr. John Chadwick (overseer of Baguley), Inspector Dawson, Detective-Sergeant Dumble, Mrs. E. W. Barton, Mr. T. Biddolph, Mr. Joseph Williamson and Mr. W. Jones (Northenden School manager). There were also present several wounded soldiers from the Bexton-road Red Cross Hospital, Knutsford and a number of inmates of the Poor Law Institution, Knutsford.
Communications regretting inability to be present were received from the Lord Bishop of Chester (Dr. Jayne), Mr. R. F. Riddick, Mr. R Hornby (ex-chairman of Bucklow Guardians), Miss Ostler, Mr. CH. Prince (member of the Guardians), Mr. C. W. Prince (secretary of the North-Western Vagrancy Committee), Mr. George Craighill (clerk of the Gateshead Union), Mr. G. S. N. Hull (clerk of the Chester Guardians), Mr. A. B. Lowry (chief general inspector of Local Government Board, and late inspector for the Lancashire district), Mr. Reginald Potts (clerk to County Council), Dr. Byers (district medical officer of Wilmslow), Nurse Wilson (ex-superintendent nurse of Knutsford Infirmary), Mr. Somerville (relieving officer, Wilmslow), Mrs. Cockram, Dr. W. Scott, Captain Carter, Dr. W. Agar Renshaw, and Mr. E. A. Eason.
In the cortege were the private carriages of Mr. H. V. Kilvert, Mrs. Brookes (Mersey Lea), Mr. E. Entwisle and Mr. N. Kilvert.
The opening prayers at the graveside were said by the Rev. Joseph Chapman (vicar of St. Paul’s, Sale), and the committal portion of the service and the Blessing were pronounced by the Rev. Canon Wainwright.
The following committeemen and members of St. Anne’s Christian Brotherhood acted as bearers: Messrs. W. W. Harrison, J. H. Chorlton, C. Ledger, J. R. Still, W. Heywood and R. Whitelegg.
THE WREATHES.
Tributes of flowers were sent by: —“Devoted wife and children,” Mr. and Mrs. Russell, “Proctor, Wyn, Kittie and Angela,” “Addie” (Drury), “James, May, Donald, Kenneth and Ruth.” “Billy and Kitty,” Mrs. Evans (Boundary House), “Organist and choir of St. Anne’s.” Mr. Russell, Mr. and Mrs. Biddolph, Mr. Appleby, Leonard and Harold Bethell (old scholars), 2/2 Co. E. Lancs. Royal Engineers, Mr. and Mrs. Heywood Reynolds. Will and Jessie Hobdey, Mrs. Milnes, Mr. and Mrs. Drucquer, Maurice and Duncan Drucquer, Mr. and Mrs “Billy” Stratton, Inmates of Bucklow Institution (Knutsford), Staff of Bucklow Institution (Knutsford), Misses Medcalf, Mrs. Proctor, Mr. and Mrs. Churchill and family, Sale and Ashton War Relief Fund, Mrs. Grimshaw, Mrs. and Miss Horrocks, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Forster, Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Barton, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald and family, Miss Hopton, Staff and Girls Sale Girls’ Industrial School, Ministers and Officers of Sale Wesleyan Circuit, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Richardson ** Christian Brotherhood, Mr. and Miss Stratton and Mrs. Makinson, Mr. and Mrs. W. Page, district visitors, “Mary, Hetty, Fanny,” Young Women’s Bible Class, S. Ashworth, St. Anne’s Mothers’ Meeting, Mr. and Mrs H. Howarth, Miss Mellor, “Annie and Hilda,” “Blanche and Rita,” Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Taylor, Mrs. Sergeant and Miss. Drink-water, Medical Officer, Matron and Nursing Staff, Bexton-road Red Cross Hospital, Knutsford; Charles Fisher, wife and family, Mrs. Bowden, Miss Pendlebury, Mrs. Allen, “Freddy and George,” Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Halstead and “Florence,” “Old Scholars and Boys,” Mr. and Mrs. H. Gibson, Mrs. Fred Tring and Miss Tring, Mr. and Mrs. J. M’Donald, Mrs. James Hall, Mrs. S Brookes, “Roy and George,” Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Richards, Nurse H.A. Barber, Trustees Trinity Wesleyan, Sale Educational Foundation, Mrs. G. A. Richards, Mr. and Mrs. Lister Keale, Mr. and Mrs. Benson and Marjorie, Mr. and Mrs. Frape, Mrs. H. A. Forsythe, Infant Department St Anne’s School, Mrs. E.C. and P.C. Smith and family, Mr. and Mrs. Claude W. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. C. Taylor and Doris, Sunday School Teachers and Scholars, James Whitelegg, Mrs. Chetwynd Atkinson, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor and family (Thorn Lea), Mr. and Mrs. Proctor (Albert-road), Mr. and Mrs. J. Brookes, Teachers and children of St Anne’s Day Schools, Lady Members St Anne’s Bowling Club, National Union of Teachers (Sale Branch), Mr. and Mrs. Herbert S. Smith, Committee Altrincham, Sale and Lymm District Police Court Mission, Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Kendall, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. White, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Kendall and G.G. Uttley, Mrs. L. Parr, Misses Mountain, Mrs. Reynolds and daughters, Members of St. Anne’s Church Council, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Coppock and Annie, Mr. and Mrs. Hoyle Smith, Mr. and Mrs. A. Mawer, Baby Tony Ingham, Mrs. Robert C. Haworth, Willie, Kitty and Baby Margaret Peacock, Staff and Scholars Sale Springfield Council School, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Hughes (Wallasey), Mr. and Mrs. R. Lea, William John Macgown and family, Miss. Wardleworth and sisters, Mr. and Mrs. Crosby and Dorothy and Marjorie, Mrs. Smart and Mrs. L. Smart, Mr. and Mrs. H. Hunter, Mr. J. Warrington (St. Anne’s Parish Clerk), Mr. G. B. Armstrong and family, Mr. and Mrs. Simcock, Mr. T. Hampson and family (Hope-road), Council and Members of Sale Golf Club, Sale and Ashton-on-Mersey District Administrative Sub-committee for Education and Managers of Council Schools, Miss Pearson and Miss Rocca, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. Walker, Mr. J. Clement Rutter and family (Coton House) and Private and Mrs. G. L. Norman Rutter, Staff of Worthington-road Council School, Mrs. Appleby and family, “Mona and Ethel,” Mr. and Mrs. Joe Watson (Wood-lea, Ashton), Mrs. Dale and family (Hereford-street), Staff at Children’s Home, Bucklow Union Office Staff, Mr. and Mrs. Leigh, North-Western Vagrancy Committee, Bucklow Board of Guardians and Clerk, Relieving Officers Bucklow Union and Mr. and Mrs. H. Bethell
Messrs. C. W. and J. P. Clough, of Sale, had charge of the arrangements.
DISTRICT COUNCIL’S REFERENCE.
VOTE OF CONDOLENCE.
Before the commencement of business at Sale District Council on Tuesday night, Mr. J. McDonald presiding,
The chairman said they would be aware of the sudden death of the Vicar of St. Anne’s, and he thought that, looking at the fact of Mr. Cort’s long residence in the district, and of his being so well known to them, a vote of condolence should be passed by the Council to Mrs. Cort and the family. Though not a member of the Council, Mr. Cort had in various ways been connected with the public work of the district. Therefore, he would call upon Mr. J. W. Robson to move that a letter of condolence be forwarded to Mrs. Cort.
Mr. Hobson said though the late Mr. Cort was not a member of the Council, he touched the work of the authority at so many indirect and also direct points that it was only fitting the members and officials should express their feelings at a time like the present. Apart from that fact, Mr. Cort was one of the best known men in the district, was most highly respected, had the affection of all classes and creeds, and was felt to be a great power for good. He was a man who never differentiated in the people he spoke to, and was the friend of both rich and poor.
They honoured him because his father before him had for a long time been in that district, and had been the vicar of the same parish, and it seemed to them fitting that the son should follow in the father’s footsteps. In doing so, Mr. Cort showed that he was able worthily, more than worthily, to follow his father. They felt that Sale had been much the better for having had Mr. Cort in its midst, that he had been the friend of every good cause; and whatever were their political or religious opinions they felt he was a man of wide sympathies, open heart and broad mind. He really could not do justice to a subject like this; but he felt they would be doing themselves honour, and carrying out a public duty, by pass-in the very sincerest way this vote of condolence.
The vote was accorded, and the members and officials rose in their places as a tribute of respect.
Footnote:
Transcribed from The Bowdon Guardian, 4 May 1917 - A few words are not legible, due to the condition of the original newspaper article. These are indicated thus: **
On an historical note …
The Revd. Jonathan Johnson Cort was the Vicar at St Anne’s from 1854 to 1884 (30 years) and was succeeded by his son, the Revd. John Patchett Cort, 1884 to 1917 (32 years). Both are buried at Brooklands Cemetery, Sale.
They established a strong musical tradition at St Anne’s, which has remained to this day.
One of ‘JP’s’ sons was John Leonard Patchett Cort who, in turn, instilled in one of his grandsons, Bernard Taupin, a love for literature. A prolific songwriter, ‘Bernie’ Taupin (as he is better known) is the lyricist behind many of Elton John’s most memorable pop hits. In the wake of Princess Diana’s death he rewrote the lyrics of “Candle in the Wind” in her honor; performed by Elton at her funeral, the resulting single became one of the biggest chart hits of all time.
Bernie Taupin has lived in The States for over 25 years and, a self-taught artist, has established an art gallery.
A legacy of the musical tradition established at St Anne’s …
David Thomas
The Spire, February, 2005