2-995-806 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Rev. William Wood Stamp, president of the Wesleyan Methodist Society for 1860-61, 1860. Engraving from a photograph by Messrs. Eastham and Bassano, of Regent-street. 'It is scarcely necessary to remark that to be elected President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference is at the same time a high honour and a heavy responsibility, and it says something for the general opinion of Mr. Stamp's qualifications that he was elected by a majority of eighty-four votes...Like many of the early Wesleyan preachers, the scene of his first efforts was a very humble one; it was, indeed, no other than a room in a place near Lincoln's-inn, called "Narrow Hall." This room was occupied by a poor woman who "took in" mangling, and Mr. Stamp has since been heard to say that his first sermon was delivered "to six old women and a mangle."...His peculiar adaptability to business matters, as well as an intimate acquaintance with all the laws and customs of the Wesleyan body, have rendered Mr. Stamp peculiarly eligible for the office of President; and his present physical and mental vigour gives promise of his carrying out its duties with energy and ability'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.