1855 Jan 1
Journeyed in Estafette to Melbourne being a cool day enjoyed the ride much.

2
Commenced the sittings of District which continued until the 6th. This being the District immediately preceeding Conference many questions of great importance were discussed as recommendations to Conference for adoption in these new circumstances. Upon the motion in the financial meeting of Mr Pascoe that "the lay element should be admitted into the Constitution of the Conference a discussion of great length and seriousness ensured which ended in resolving the question to the consideration of a committee, then voted, which should bring their report next Financial District Meeting.

It was also recommended that the "Worn Out Ministers Fund should be abolished" and the Ministers supported for life by a charge upon the Circuit Meetings on the same Principle as the Children's Fund.

The state of the work was found to be very encouraging but a great need for more Ministers was felt. Bro W.P.Wells passed a credible examination and was unanimously recommended to be received into full Connection.

Jan 2-6
Bro B.S.Walker also passed his examination and was recommended to be received on trial.

On Saturday afternoon ended one of the most interesting District meetings I have attended. Some of its sittings were from 6am to 10pm with only half an hour allowed for each meal. Bro I Harding accompanies Rev W Butters and Rev I. Eggleston to Sydney to attend Conference.

7
Preached in the morning to a full congregation at Collingwood from 1 Thess 5:23,24. Afternoon assisted Rev J.C.Symons in Covenant Service and Lord's Supper. Evening preached to a full chapel at North Melbourne.

8
Spent an interesting day with Bro Waugh at St Kilda.

10
Attended a large tea meeting at Collingwood on behalf of the City Mission and spoke in connection with Dr Cairns and other eminent Ministers.

11
Took a steamer to Geelong. Tarried all night with Bro Harding.

12
Returned to Ballaarat to which office I am re-appointed by the District.

Baptized a child.

13
Married a couple and went to Creswick Creek. Preached in evening to a few and met Chapel Committee. Found they had only collected £110. Resolved to be more urgent in soliciting subscriptions.

14
Preached twice baptized two children. Held Covenant Service and administered the Lord's Supper. Concluding the day with a good prayer meeting.

16
Met the Society at Creswick Creek and detailed to them an a/c of the New Form of Methodism about to be initiated in these colonies. After which we held a profitable conversation as to what can further be done to promote and extend the work of God.

17
Received a letter from home giving me an a/c of the death by accident of a distressing character on the Isle of Madeira of Bro L.Partridge. It is most harrowing circumstance and so full of mystery that we are cast solely upon the doctrine of an all wise providence "working all things according to the Counsel of his own will"

21
Preached to full congregations morning and evening. The Lord was with us.

23
Preached at Cornish Town

24 Preached at Mt Pleasant

25
Met the Society and instructed them in the plan of new Conference now meeting in Sydney and conversed together as to the importance of increased zeal to promote the salvation of men. Resolved to have more prayer meetings Another Sunday school and a tract Society.

26
Commenced a new class in my own house.

28
Thermometer 110° in the shade of brick wall. Heat so oppressive that we preached in the stone school house for coolness. This the first sermon in it. Text John 15:11. Felt it good to proclaim Rev 22:17 in the Evening. We are looking for a revival of religion.

Feb 4
Opened the New Chapel at Creswick Creek just erected. 54x27 Substantially erected of pine tongued and grooved at a cost of £450. Congregations overflowing. My heart leaped for joy while I beheld upward of 400 persons earnestly listening to the word of life.

5
Continued opening services by a tea meeting. Such numbers attended that it necessary to serve the third time. After tea all the local preachers spoke in connection with myself and all our hearts were greatly cheered while we saw the growing empire of our King. Opening services realized £100 leaving a deficiency of £200.

8
Anniversary of landing in this Country. My heart bounds with gratitude in reviewing the year. Have been preserved in health and peace. Through many struggles I have been brought and with much success have been able to prosecute my arduous toil. To Him to whom my more than all is due I consecrate my lengthened days. -

11
Preached thrice Two baptismal services Attended Cemetery and finished a laborious day by administering Sacrament of Lords Supper. Felt much power in enforcing Matt V1:33 in the Morning and Lam 1:12 in the highway afternoon -Distributed several hundred tracts. Surely it is not labour in vain.

12
Journeyed to Creswick Creek to make financial arrangements in reference to new Chapel.

25
Preached twice and met four classes at Creswick

26
Preached and met two classes.

27
Returned to Ballaarat and joined a couple in marriage.

Mar 8 Since above date have been busy with opening services of our Stone School house.

March 4
Rev I Egglestone preached two powerful sermons to crowded congregations

March 8
And a sermon in the afternoon by myself. On Monday 300 sat down to tea. After tea a glorious meeting A.L. Lynn Esqre in chair. Speeches by Revs I Egglestone Martin Taylor and Bros Salt Gripe-Bamden, Hall and Hewitt. I rejoice to see this day. The erection of the building has cost us such anxiety but now that the top stone is brought forth gratitude abounds. The total outlay is £2400. Govt Grant £1000 Subscriptions £800 Opening services £159. Leaving an unliquidated balance of about £450

10
Today instead of meeting Bro Harding for tomorrow's services received a note informing me that his wife so unwell he is obliged to despatch her to England. In consequence he cannot come.

11
In consequence of Bro Harding's absence had to officiate in his place in continuence of opening services. Father Moyle preached in the evening. Collections for day £22.

13
Called a meeting for Financial Settlement of the stone building. Found treasurer extremely awkward In consequence had to postpone it till Thursday (?) to a larger meeting

14
Preached to a good congregation at Mount Pleasant

24
Received intelligence from England that the Missionary Committee were about to send out my betrothed in care of a party of Missionaries for Hobart Town.

25
Preached with unction to crowded congregations

27
Held Quarter Day. Finances about £130. Had all the brethren to tea in my own house. After tea married a Couple. Evening held the Local preacher's meeting. It has been a delightful day. It was our painful duty to resolve upon the omission from the plan of Bro Porter. Harmony and love prevailed and all our hearts were knit to each other. We thank God and take courage.

28
Wrote a lengthy epistle to the Mission House detailing what has been wrought in the Circuit during the year. Preached in the evening with great delight at Mt Pleasant.

30
A day to be remembered My soul sweetly filled with Jesus both in private prayer and class meeting. A brighter day is dawning. Wrapped in desire for "the peace and prosperity of Zion"

31
Journeyed to Creswick

April 1
A blessed day. Preached morning and evening to most crowded congregations. Conducted a love feast in afternoon and a prayer meeting.

10
Attended to various matters of business with Chairman of the District and enjoyed a visit to St Kilda in the evening.

11
Returned to Geelong

12
Acted "Bridegrooms friend" in the union of Rev W P Wells with Miss Kean. Spent day at the house of Mr Noble near the lakes. Twas a day of pure enjoyment.

13
Preached a sermon on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of a new stone church and school house at Ceres Barchool Hills. After this was present at a tea meeting at which much enjoyment.

14
Returned to Ballaarat.

15
My natal day. Preached in morning from Is 45:11 In the evening the Lord marked the day thus: - While preaching to a crowded congregation at Mt Pleasant text Rom 8:l6 the Holy Ghost came down -three penitents (one a Backslider) literally roared for mercy. Two of them were much comforted and one went away triumphantly rejoicing in the Saviours love. My heart rejoices in God and still feels "Let this my every hour employ" etc

18
Favoured with a visit from Mr & Mrs Wells en route from Geelong to Castlemaine. Preached Ex 17: V 13

22
Reopening of (formerly) Claytons Hill Chapel erected 11 months since at cost of £370. The population having left that hill it became necessary to remove it to another called Mt Pleasant. Perhaps next year it may be necessary to move again and such is the work on the goldfields. Rev I Harding from Geelong preached to overflowing congregations. In the Township too the congregations were crowded. Also at Creswick. The population vastly increased and every sabbath but serves to deepen the feeling "What are we amongst so many?".

23
A public tea-meeting full attendance interesting speeches and together with yesterday's services realised £107 the amount required to free the building from debt.

24
Preached at Mt Pleasant in connection with a week of special services to promote the work of the God.

29
Preached with power to overflowing congregations at Creswick.

30
From this place another exodus is taking place but enough left to warrant yea to absolutely require the employment of another Minister; but we ask for one in vain - Visited the people and preached to a good congregation this evening.

May 1
Meeting of Local Board. Amicably settled unpleasant business and made final arrangements for loan upon School House of £500.

2
Too unwell to preach at my appointments

6
Preached twice to crowded congregations once to Sunday School. Baptized 8 children and administered Sacrament of Lord's Supper. A laborious but happy day

9
Preached from Matt 5:3

13
Preached morning to our own people and in evening opened a new Welsh Chapel. Had special liberty and felt great enlargement in speaking to a crowded and most attentive congregation concerning "Gospel Unity" Ep 1:9,10. May the "times" soon come!

16
Experienced painful disappointment in receiving no letters from England respecting the departure of Miss Partridge. Preached in the evening to a good congregation concerning the" Spiritual Mourner and his Comfort" Matt V:4. In comforting others was comforted myself. Baptized three children.

17
Joined two couples in marriage

20
A good day Preached in morning at Mt Pleasant to full congregation. Afternoon addressed the Sunday School. Evening preached 105 minutes (too long) from Eph 1:9,10. In anticipating gospel unity my soul greatly enlarged. Congregation overflowing the place is already far too straight for us. After sermon addressed the Society and endeavoured to point out a few of the foxes that spoil the vines. In private commune with God my soul unexpectedly blessed. Solitude and disappointment had pressed heavily on my spirit throughout the week. But in the presence of my Divine Master felt all well. He is leading me in a way that I know not but in His Hands feel safe. My heart strangely warmed as I thought on and prayed about the phrase "Riches of grace" Grace indeed is wealth. Such wealth I covet and feel I can sacrifice everything to its attainment. "Lord whatever else thou desirest give me thy grace " my soul cries.

1855 May 21
Wrote several letters-joined a couple in marriage and read the address of Australasian Conference to the Society.

23
Preached to a good congregation on the blessedness of the meek Matt V:5. Felt it good.

25
A strong wind blew down our Cornish Town Chapel. This place has stood 20 months and with frequent repairs has cost about £500. But it is not now worth £30. Thus what was put up for cheapness has proved the most expensive.

27
Such a terrible day that it proved impossible to hold any service. Wind blew a perfect hurricane and rain came down in streams. Met a class for tickets and preached to a handful in the afternoon. Thus passed a most gloomy day.

28
Formed a "Local Board" for the management of Creswick Day School. Resolved to pay the Master and Mistress £400 per annum and reserve the balance realised by fees and Govt allowance for repairs and other incidental expenses. Baptized a child - gave out all the tickets and preached.

29
Preached at Mount Pleasant from Matt V:6 Felt it indeed blessed to be hungry etc.

30
Received a letter from Castlemaine informing me that Frank Davies has received letters from home in which it is stated that Miss Partridge had left England (Feb 20th) for Australia. Of this event so vitally connected with my interests for life I can learn nothing but through this indirect medium. Spent a pleasant day with Captain Thomas of William's Town and preached in the evening.

June 1
Had a visit from the Govt inspector of Schools. Says the Wesleyan are the best schools in the Colony and that our Ballaarat School house the best building (excepting those in the city). Arranged for the erection in place of the Cornish Town tent blown down of a neat weather board building 35x20 to cost £100. Begged about £34 towards this amount. Joined a couple in marriage.

3
Met two classes Preached and baptized two children before dinner which kept me engaged for five hours incessantly. Evening preached to a most crowded congregation at Mount Pleasant. My soul was greatly enlarged while I expounded 1Pet 1:21.

4
Spent former part of day in begging for Cornish Town New Chapel. Raised the amount to £70. Evening presided at Teacher's Meeting Mount Pleasant

5
Preached at Mount Pleasant and gave tickets.

6
Preached Township

7
Journeyed to Creswick Creek. Met the people who promised to raise £100 to assist in completing their Chapel with floor etc. Engaged Mr Huddart to proceed forthwith and returned to Ballaarat.

8
Took possession of one acre of ground granted to us for burial purposes, and corresponded with Govt for money to fence it in. Met class for tickets.

9 Received a letter from Sydney announcing the arrival of my beloved Narcissa who is sent to become my wife. My heart overflows with gratitude to the giver of all good that he has safely conducted her hither. Formed plans for the accomplishment of Circuit work so as to hold Quarter meeting on 18th and proceed to Sydney on the 19th of this month.

10
The Lord's Day. Preached in the New Chapel Gravel Pits which has superceded the one blown down by late gales. Finished giving the tickets and preached with comfort to a crowded congregation in the evening.

June 11
Despatched 17 letters on various business to other parts of Colony and joined a couple in marriage.

13

Made and preached a sermon on "Purity of Heart" Matt 5:8.

14
Examined the Mount Pleasant Day school.

Evening spent in special intercourse with God. The event just before me marks an era in my history. Ere it closes I review the past. It overflows with blessing. My every step has been abundantly blessed of God and my heart feels unutterable praise to the God of all grace whose mercies to me have no end. I anticipate the future. Its events I cannot know but such issues pend upon the dispensation just before me that I feel I dare not venture upon it without special in vocation of heavens smile. And blessed be God my confidence in Him is strong. "Surely good ness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever", Yes I will! All my springs are in thee! In the hallowed light that streams from the mercy seat I see that whatever the future evolves it is my Fathers intention to save me and that all events shall be made subservient to this end. Therefore "it is well" it shall be well. How precious is Christ. It is in his face I behold the glory of the Lord "Flashes of the day spring from on high shed from the Windows of the skies". To Him I afresh consecrete my residue of days. Without Him I feel a feather in the wind - a bubble in the breeze. In Him I have firm solid rock. My soul earnestly goes out after him and importunately prays that the new relation which ( ) I am about to sustain may be abundantly sanctified and in its issue redound to "the glory of God". Faith says it shall be even so.

June 15
Examined the Township day school. Felt delighted to see so many being trained to "make the best of both worlds". "Received a letter from Rev J. Albiston, whom I was expecting to supply my place in my anticipated absence from circuit, to say indisposition prevents his coming. At this somewhat disconcerted as I had quite calculated upon him. However it is plainly my duty to proceed to Sydney and fetch my spouse. I drew up plans for my place to be supplied by the local brethren, and leave the cause in God's hands whose it is. Met my class. It was a season of special good. The Lord is being very gracious unto us. Bless His name!

16
Married a couple before breakfast. Saw all Circuit matters put on such a basis that I can leave with comfort all being well on Tuesday morning next as arranged. Left Mr Williams the school master in possession of plans to see them carried out. "Disappointments come single". My trustworthy housekeeper informs me she wishes to follow my example and get married. Upon her services I had calculated with confidence but the date of my calculations destroyed. She resolves however to remain at her post till my return though solicited to the contrary. This is enough to say in her praise. How valuable is fidelity. She knows it would embarrass me to leave now therefore she postpones her pleasure to serve me.

17
Preached thrice - two baptismal services and concluded a solemn and happy day by administering the Lords supper. My heart greatly affected by special kindness the people are anxious to show me in connection with my anticipated marriage. The Lord knit us to one another and himself more and more.

18
Held Quarter Day. Finances flourish. Receipts - Expenses - Local preachers meeting at 6 pm.

19
At daylight took passage in the Mail cart for Melbourne being a two wheel spring cart and myself the only passenger. Proceeded 10 miles when the axle broke and wheel flew off. Sustained no personal injury but was delayed 3 1/2 hours. At 12 noon resumed our journey proceeded to Melton 25 miles short of Town and were benighted. Took Inn for the night.

June 20
At 6.30am proceeded and reached the "Home" Melbourne at 9am. At 11 took steamer "Samson" and at 1pm the "Yarra Yarra" for Sydney. The day was most beautiful and at 2pm fairly started for destination.

23
At 11 entered "Port Jackson". Sun was shining in cloudless sky. And casting his beams upon natural scenery than which more enchanting I never beheld, the effect was most brilliant. At 1 took bus in Sydney for New Town and about 2pm met my beloved Narcissa at the house of her Bro in Law Rev B. Chapman. Eternal praise to Him who by reason of his goodness merits all my love.

24
Preached at Surry Hills Chapel from 1 Pet 1:21 and spent a most happy day.

July 1
Preached at Chippendale and baptized 8 children.

3
United in marriage to Narcissa Partridge Was met at breakfast by several of the preachers and at 3pm in company with my bride took a most pleasant trip on the river to Parramatta.

6
Having spent since 3rd pleasant hours in this retired rural retreat returned to Sydney.

8
Preached twice at New Town and once at Stanmore.

15
Preached at New Town in morning and at York Street evening. The latter place is the largest chapel I have seen in the Colonies_ Congregation good and (?) gracious influence in proclaiming 1 John 3.14.

18
Having spent a few weeks under happy circumstances at Sydney we took leave of our friends and proceeded to Melbourne in the "Telegraph".

20
Safely anchored at 10pm in Hobsons Bay.

21
Arrived at the house of Mr J.Spensley at Collingwood where we were met by several friends.

23
Had a pleasant drive to Pentridge where Narcissa met some old friends

24
Proceeded in "Shandon" to Geelong and were met on wharf by Revs I. Harding and J. Albiston who gave us a hearty welcome and most kind entertainment

25
Mr Harding kindly drove us several miles around the country which we enjoyed highly

26
At 9am started in covered cart for Ballaarat which Mr Mewton had kindly procured for us and of which he took charge. Reached Lethbridge.

27
After a rough and tedious ride arrived at Ballaarat 7pm where we were met by Mrs Willy, Miss Thompson and Mr Spensley. The house hung with evergreens decked with white ribbons and upon table a sumptuous supper.

29
Preached twice and administered Lords Supper

31
Preached and met leaders

Aug 1
Preached in Township