Papers collated by Canon Robert Daniel Kermode relating to ecclesiastical and pastoral matters in the parishes of Lezayre and St George's, Douglas and personal matters

Date(s): late 19th century - early 20th century

Creator(s): various

Scope & Content: Contents include a volume of his wife's Mrs Kermode entitled 'Shirt Day October 27th 1917'' recording garments distributed by sewing parties, 1917-1918; also postcards and Christmas greeting cards sent to Canon Kermode from parishioners away on active service during the First World War.

Administration / Biographical History: Canon Robert Daniel Kermode (1868-1948) was the son of William Karran Kermode J.P (1838-1912) and Frances née Creer (c.1840-1916). In 1890 Robert achieved a place at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge and by the end of the university year he successfully won the Lady Kay Divinity Scholarship and transferred to Jesus College, where he read for the classical Tripos degree. Gaining his masters (M.A) in 1893 Kermode took his Holy Orders and was ordained a deacon in St Paul’s Cathedral that same year. His first post was a curate’s position in St George’s in the East End of London: 1896 saw him back on the Island, having accepted the position of curate at St George’s, Douglas. By 1898 Rev. Kermode had become the vicar at Kirk Maughold, returning to St George’s, Douglas as vicar in 1908. That same year he married Bertha Harrison Clucas (1875-1959) of Thornhill. Ramsey. The couple had one daughter, Frances Margaret Clucas Kermode (1911-1997).

In 1912 Robert was made a Canon of St Patrick and in 1913 he was elected Proctor for the clergy in the Convocation of York, a position he held until 1920. During the First World War (1914-1918) he was chaplain to the Loyal Manx Volunteers; he also kept handwritten notes on the welfare of the men within his parish who were conducting war service. In 1920 he left St George’s, Douglas and took up the vicar’s vacancy at Kirk Christ in the northern parish of Lezayre. By 1939 the Canon was preparing to retire, however the outbreak of the Second World War (1939-1945) interfered with his plans. Given his replacement Reverend Gordon Sayle (b.1903) was chaplain for the Manx Regiment, the Canon agreed to stay active and provide pastoral care for the parish until Rev. Sayle returned from war.

The Canon had a keen interest in Manx archaeology and the history of the Manx Church; he was a member of the Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society for fifty years, wrote several articles on parish history, was the editor for the Diocesan Magazine and had published (posthumously) The Annals of Kirk Christ Lezayre in 1954. The Canon was a prominent Freemason, being a Past Master of St Maughold Lodge, a provincial Grand Chaplain and a Past Grand Warden of the Isle of Man Province. Canon Kermode died (aged 79) at his home in Lezayre and buried in Lezayre Churchyard.

Language: English

Extent: 1 box

Collection: Manuscript Archive

Level: FONDS

ID number: MS 09727

Record class: Private

Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.im

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