Refreshments for the Pulpit
In the books of Darlington parish church, the following items appear, which show that, in the olden time, provision was made for comforting the inner man:—
“Six quarts of sack to the minister who preached when he had no minister to assist, 9s.; for a quart of sack bestowed on Jillett, when he preached, 2s. 6d.; for pint of brandy when George Bell preached here, 1s. 4d.; for a stranger who preached, a dozen of ale. When the Dean of Durham preached here, spent in a treat in the house, 3s. 6d.”