The Vicar of Rotherham on Soirees Dansantes
November, 1853
The Rev. R. Moseley, the Vicar of Rotherham, on a late occasion spoke from the pulpit in condemnatory strains of the annual Ball about to be given at that place, and went so far as to read out the names of the patrons of the Ball as objects of public reprobation.
The matter was represented to the Archbishop of York, who disapproved of the proceeding, and the Doncaster Gazette informs us that:-
"Mr. Moseley has judiciously adopted the recommendation of his primate, by candidly avowing that it was an error of judgement in reading the names of the patrons. But at the same time he solemnly declares that no change has taken place in his opinion on the inconsistency of such amusements with a spiritual and Christian life. As we have no wish to protract a discussion on this painful subject, we are heartily glad that the good sense of the Vicar, through the intervention of the Archbishop, ultimately prevailed, and that he has withdrawn the offensive part of his declamation. At a meeting of the Ball Committee, held on Wednesday evening, and after the Vicar's letter had been read, it was unanimously resolved, - 'That he be informed the Ball Committee accept his apology, relying upon the admonition which he has received from the Archbishop of York having the desired effect of preventing him from using the pulpit of our parish church on any future occasion in such an improper manner,' "
