Education
Christ"s College; Rugby School.
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John Purchas
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He received his education at Bury Street Edmunds, Rugby School and Christ"s College, Cambridge (Bachelor, 1844. Master of Arts, 1847). He was curate of Elsworth, Cambridgeshire, 1851-1853, of Orwell in the same county, 1856-1859, and of Saint Paul"s, Brighton, 1861-1866 (where he was a curate of Henry Michell Wagner). And perpetual curate of Saint James" Chapel, Brighton, after 1866.
Purchas introduced the use of vestments such as the cope, chasuble, alb, biretta, et cetera, and used lighted candles on the altar, crucifixes, images, and holy water, together with processions, incense, and the like.
On 27 November 1869, he was accordingly charged before the Court of Arches with infringing the law of the established church. He did not appear to answer, giving as reasons his poverty, which prevented him from securing legal assistance, and ill-health.
Decision was rendered against him on 3 February 1870, but in terms which did not please Colonel Charles James Elphinstone, who had brought the suit.
Elphinstone appealed for a fuller condemnation, which was obtained on 16 May 1871, the decision going against Purchas in all points.
Purchas had put his property out of his hands, and so could not be made to pay costs. Moreover, he did not discontinue the illegal practises, and was suspended for twelve months. But in spite of this he continued his services until his death.
He was also the author of a comedy, several poems, including Poems and Ballads (1846).
The Book of Feasts; Sermons (1853). The Priest"s Dream: an Allegory (1856).
And The Death of Ezekiel"s Wife: Three Sermons (1866).
Achievements
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Purchas" most important literary achievement was the editing of Directorium Anglicanum: being a Manual of Directions for the right Celebration of the Holy Communion, for the Saying of Matins and Evensong, and for the Performance of the other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church (London, 1858. A standard work on Anglican ritualism).
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Born
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Died
October 18, 1872 (aged 49)