"On Monday last the remains of the late William Sanders, Esq., of Whipton, were buried at Heavitree churchyard. His funeral was very numerously attended. Arrangements were made for the body to be in the yard precisely at two o' clock, and to make sure of punctuality the Rev Curate Cole had the earliest intimation of the fact, and concurred in the time, and gave his word to be in attendance that very hour, and was presented with hatband and gloves.
"For half an hour all were kept waiting in the yard under great anxiety. Messengers were sent in all directions to get a rev. gentleman of christian feeling to officiate, and succeeded in getting the Rev. --Warren at Heavitree, who promptly attended and performed the duties required.
"What do you think Mr. Editor? Why, ten minutes to four, the Rev. Cole was seen just this side of Heavitree -bridge coming up the town flourishing his walking stick, as if he was practising military cuts. So much for divine truthfulness. (Has Priest Cole returned the hatband and gloves, or has he given them to Mr. Warren."
The ancient custom of willing a hatband and gloves to the person who buries you seems to have been followed here. A busy parson must have had quite a collection of black leather gloves and crepe hatbands!
There would have been so much indignation generated in Heavitree churchyard on that Monday that I dare say some of it is still floating about. Whatever had happened to Mr Curate Cole? Was this divine untruthfulness? No! He probably slept in late or just forgot. It could happen to anyone! Still it wasn't a good idea to be seen flourishing a walking stick in a military manner that same afternoon.
The anonymous correspondent to the newspaper was feeding the anti-clerical flames of the times (and The Times!) He clearly didn't enjoy hanging about Heavitree churchyard of a November day.
Priest Cole has the feel of an insult. Was he perhaps a despicable Tractarian? Still, that nice Rev -- Warren comes out of this smelling of roses.
Source: The Western Times, 3rd December, 1859.
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