Our Churchyard has been completely enclosed, and it is hoped that it will now cease to be a playground. We regret that there seems to be among the rising generation a very low opinion of the sanctity of God’s acre.

Trampling over the well-kept graves, breaking of the shrubs and thefts of flowers are frequent; in the Church, the destruction of books, obliteration of pew cards, and disarrangement of the furniture seems to be as a matter of course. Where so many parents show their contempt for the services of God’s House, by, month after month, and year after year, turning their backs upon them, it is, perhaps, not to be wondered at that the children should behave in this way. We wish any words we could utter would induce such parents to show a better example. Perhaps if they are plainly told how their example bears fruit, they may be induced to consider the matter.

Source: The Hampton Hill Parish Magazine - 1888 January