William Carpenter, 1806-1865

 Born Ireland, originally intended to become a lawyer, ordained deacon 19 June 1831, Priest 27 May 1832. Curate of Odogh, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland June 1831- December 1832 where he was very popular. Married daughter of Sir William Forbes whilst there (Gelling mentions a possible elopement).

Appointed Curate of St Barnabas 12 December 1832, which post he held until 19 March 1848 when after some misunderstanding about the feelings of his congregation he moved to become Vicar of St Judes, Liverpool, January 1849 to February 1850. His stay at St Barnabas had made him very popular in Douglas though his decidedly evangelical tone (and it must be said anti-Catholic feelings) caused some problems. Some impressions of that period can be found in Manx Recollections

1832 saw the beginning of the ministry and reign of the greatly honoured and beloved Dr. Carpenter. He was Incumbent of St. Barnabas in Fort Street, but his character and spiritual influence were felt in every church in the town. He was a power for God and humanity. To this day his name is held in the highest reverence; and there are those still living who can trace their spiritual birth and regeneration of life to the teaching and saintly example of this consistent earnest man. He was the instigator also of almost every good work that was set on foot in the town and neighbourhood. He cared for the bodies as well as the souls of the community; and by his means the House of Industry was built, an institution for the housing and employment of the aged and destitute poor. ... He it was, too, who inaugurated the Hospital and Dispensary in Fort Street, and built and set on foot the schools connected with St. Barnabas Church, where an excellent secular education was given, but subordinate to the teaching and spiritual guidance of the Word of God. He was a father amongst his people, and from the humblest to the highest was rewarded as such. At all hours and under all circumstances he was welcome in their dwellings; his counsel was ever needed and as readily given

Liverpool was not a success and he moved to become Vicar of Christchurch, Moss-side Manchester, 1850-1864. Ill health caused him to move to become Vicar of St. Pauls Penzance from June 1864 where he died 25 December 1865.

References

J. Gelling A History of the Manx Church Douglas:Manx National Heritage 1998
K. Forrest Manx Recollections Douglas 1893 (see chap 3, 8, and 13)