Mitcham Parish vicar from 19th July 1859 to ??????

Clip of Rev Wilson and his wife from Merton Memories photo 49808 17th July 1909. Copyright London Borough of Merton.

CANON KEEPS GOLDEN WEDDING VICAR OF MITCHAM 55 YEARS.

The Rev. D. F. Wilson, for the past 55 years vicar of Mitcham. and Mrs. Wilson celebrated their golden wedding on Tuesday. Mr Wilson is in his 84th year and both he and Mrs. Wilson are in very good health. Mr. Wilson still conducts the chief services, and social activities of his large parish. He is the chairman of the school managers, and is seldom absent from the meetings.

Canon Wilson became vicar of Mitcham in 1859, and when in July, 1909 he celebrated his jubilee all Mitcham united to do him honour. He has held the living longer than any of his predecessors, 45 in number, though two of them held it 45 years. The church was founded in 1291.

Canon Wilson has seen the population grow from 4,000 to 31,000, and three new churches built. He has also baptised the grandchildren of men whom he baptised in the same church.

Source: Gloucestershire Echo – Wednesday 28 January 1914 from the British Newspaper Archive (subscription required)

Merton Memories photos

Collingsby Caricatures
Rev Wilson
c. 1875
1909 the 50th anniversary as parish vicar