Father Robert DollingAuthor ROBERT WILLIAM RADCLYFFE DOLLING was a social reformer and charismatic High Church Mission Priest. He was born on 10 February 1851 in Magheralin, North of Ireland. His Christianity was firmly Evangelical until he began working with High Churchan Father Stanton in St. Alban's, Holborn. Father Dolling is primarily remembered for his work at St. Agatha's, Landport, especially the Portsmouth Gymnasium and his 'manly' Christianity. Following his departure from the Mission in 1896 he authored this text. Dolling's first curacy was at Corscombe, Dorset, though he spent his time leading a Mission to the slums at St. Martins', Stepney. Following a disagreement with the Bishop of London he resigned almost immediately after his ordination. After a short rest, he took over the Winchester College Mission in the slum district of Landport, Portsmouth, resigning ten years later after another disagreement with another Bishop. Dolling struggled to find a permanent position and travelled throughout England and North America leading missions, raising money to pay the debt of £3,090 accrued in Landport and preaching. He was finally offered St. Saviour's, Poplar in 1898. Father Dolling spent the next four years fighting for the residents in the East End, regularly preaching in West End churches to raise money for his causes. He combined both love and a strong character, gathering around him a faithful group of helpers, including his sisters. He kept an open house and common table throughout his ministry and spent his time loving the unlovable and showing them the God who he believed in was able to save them. His work among thieves, prostitutes, schools, workhouses and drunk clergymen affected many lives in late Victorian England. He died after a short illness at his sister's house in Earl's Court, on 15 May 1902. Editor MATTHEW FISHER studied History and English at university, graduating in 2019, and is the webmaster of www.ReligiousHistory.co.uk, which focusses on religious developments during the long nineteenth century. He has specialist knowledge in Victorian slum-priests, which is the topic of an MRes due to be completed in 2021. In addition, he researches the development of Latter-day Saint, Southcottian, and Pentecostal movements. He is co-host of the Hello Mormonism Podcast. His twitter is @fisherssomerset. Read More Read Less