Rev. Alfred Hewlett (1804-1885)
Born in Oxford on 24 April 1804, Alfred Hewlett is a second cousin of Esther Beuzeville and a nephew of James Philip Hewlett I. He is the eldest son of William Hewlett (1776–1851) and Elizabeth Griffith Meredith (1781–1863).
Alfred Hewlett married Catherine Ann Gibson of Belfast on 12 July 1827 at St Giles’ Church, Oxford.
As a young man Alfred conducted a day school in which he taught classical and commercial subjects. At the age of twenty-two he experienced what he described as a decisive religious conversion under the preaching of a local clergyman. Convinced he must proclaim what he had discovered, he resolved to enter Holy
Orders. Theobstacles were considerable: he was already married, without a degree, lacking formal qualifications, and almost penniless.
Undeterred, he enrolled in 1827 at a collegiate society connected with Oxford University, obtaining permission to miss chapel and lectures so that he could continue earning his living as a schoolmaster. He graduated in 1830.
After many months awaiting appointment, he accepted in December 1831 a post as deacon at a small chapel in Astley. He described the place as a moral wilderness; many of the cottagers were cotton weavers and hostile to the established church. A wealthy friend from Manchester provided financial support. His outspoken Calvinist preaching drew criticism from the Bishop, who reproved him for what were termed “dubious doctrines” and made it clear that it might be prudent to move on.
In 1837 he became incumbent at Lockwood, near Huddersfield in Yorkshire, receiving £150 per year with a house provided. Though the ministry was demanding and his heart remained attached to Astley, the remainder of his work there proved highly successful.
He founded a new school and raised funds to relocate it from a barn adjoining the vicarage to a purpose-built building east of the chapel. In 1841 he oversaw the construction of a tower annexed to what had been a plain square chapel building.
A convinced Calvinist, Alfred Hewlett’s churchmanship was distinctly puritanical. He preached in a black gown, rejected ceremonial and ritual, and regarded the sermon as the central act of worship. Yet alongside his doctrinal firmness was tireless pastoral care. He set himself the task of visiting ten houses a day while in residence. In November 1860 he recorded visiting a woman in the workhouse:
“Poor Priscilla, she has been in the same bed, in the corner of the same room, in the same workhouse for thirty-nine years, and she is always glad to see me.”
At the height of his powers—an admired preacher in demand across the country—he remained attentive to the forgotten and overlooked.
For fifty years he ministered at St Stephen’s, Astley, becoming both a spiritual leader and a respected village figure.
St. Stephen's Church, Astley with Manse at far left.
He and Catherine had nine children, several of whom led notable lives. His daughter Rosa was the mother of Dean Hewlett Johnson, the controversial Dean of Canterbury Cathedral. A son, Alfred Hewlett, became a successful industrialist, while others served as overseas missionaries.
Though not remembered for his sentimentality, he was widely regarded as a man of deep compassion. After his death in 1885, a monument was erected near the church in recognition of the esteem in which he was held
.
Sources and Further Reading
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King, Rev. William, Bells and Pomegranates. A biographical account including details of Alfred Hewlett’s ministry and character.
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St Stephen’s Church, Astley – Parish History. Background on Hewlett’s fifty-year incumbency and local legacy.
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Wikipedia, “Hewlett Johnson.” Context on Alfred Hewlett’s grandson, the Dean of Canterbury.
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Sincere thanks to Mike & Romi Richardson of Gloucestershire for sharing photos from family archives..