Eliza Mee – A presentation to the late organist

Transcription from the Ipswich Journal November 15th 1890

BRAMFORD – PRESENTATION TO THE LATE ORGANIST

On Friday a meeting of ladies was convened in the village schoolroom for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Miss Eliza Mee, who has just resigned from the post of organist in the parish church. The testimonial has been subscribed to by upwards of two hundred parishioners and friends. In addition to the recipient there were present at the meeting the collectors, Mrs and Miss Cruse, Mrs Fiske, Miss Letitia Mumford, Miss Wainwright, Miss Packard, Miss Sayer, Mrs George Leathers and Mrs Amner and Miss Leggatt. It should be stated that Miss Mee, who is afflicted with blindness, was the first organist in Bramford Church. The organ was bequeathed to the church by the late John Minter Morgan Esq on condition that she should be the organist, so that she might be helped to gain a livelihood and for upwards of 35 years she has faithfully filled the post. Her first service was taken on May 6th 1855 and her last on October 12th 1890. Her resignation is owing to an increase of pension which is now above the limit allowed whilst in active service by the rules of the Royal Blind Pension Society, of which Miss Mee is a member.
Mrs Cruso commenced the proceedings by stating that for 35 years Miss Mee had faithfully filled the post of organist, during which long period she had given her best and that for the best part of her life. She had, therefore, great pleasure, she continued, in presenting her with a purse containing £12 1s as an acknowledgement of her services which had been subscribed by parishioners and friends. In addition to this Mrs Cruso stated that Letitia Mumford, who had been one of the chief movers of the work, wished her to present a very handsome worked case, containing an elegant leather folding screen, on which was beautifully engraved, by Mr Westgate of the Lock Hotel Ipswich, the following inscription: “Presented to Miss Eliza Mee in acknowledgment of her faithful services as organist of Bramford Church for upwards of 35 years, Nov 7 1890” and under this were the names of the subscribers. Miss Mee, in answer, said that she could not express her gratitude in words, but she heartily thanked the ladies present, and all kind subscribers. There had been, she added, many changes during her period of service, and she wondered, when performing her duties for the last time, whether there was one present in the congregation who was also present at her first service 35 years ago. The ladies wished Miss Mee many more years of health and comfort, as she was led away, and the meeting closed.