Story

Elizabeth was born in New Windsor, the daughter of Thomas and Charlotte. Thomas was a butcher. Elizabeth received her education at a local girl’s school and assisted her parents in their shop. Thomas died in 1867. By 1871, Elizabeth and her sisters were working as governesses. Soon after, Elizabeth went to London to work as a Deaconess in the Mildmay Institution.
The Mildmay Deaconess Institution was founded in 1860 by Rev. William Pennefather and his wife Catherine. In 1864, the reverend built a large conference hall, Deaconess home, an invalid home, orphanage and hospital in Mildmay Park, Islington. The Deaconess home was built for Christian women not occupied in the home. The idea was to bring charity and mission work to the city slums.
By 1901, Elizabeth was Lady Superintendent of Mildmay Park.
By 1926, Elizabeth was living at “The Rest” 90 Heene Road (later 166 Heene Road). This was a home for retired members of Mildmay. She died on 27th August.
Probate was granted on 11 Nov to Mary Louise Agar and Francis Henry Agar nurseryman (children of Elizabeth’s brother Henry). Effects £601 9s 1d.

In 1927, a window in St Matthew’s Church, Tarring Road was dedicated to Elizabeth. (see obituary below).

Researcher: Carol Sullivan

Date of Death: 27/08/1926

Cause of death: Unknown

Address line 1: "The Rest"

Address line 2: 90 (now 166)

Address line 3: Heene Road

Town: Worthing

County: Sussex

Country: England

Obituary

Worthing Herald 9^th April 1927

“Archdeacon at St Matthew’s

Dedication of Enlarged Sanctuary”

An enlarged sanctuary, new communion rails and panelling and a stained-glass window, all of which add materially to the beauty of St Matthew’s Church, Worthing, were dedicated on Sunday morning before a large congregation which included Boy Scouts, Wolf Cubs and Girl Guides from the troops attached to the church. The dedication was performed by the Ven. The Archdeacon of Chichester, and the lessons were read by the Vicar the Rev. Canon C J Hollis, while the morning service was conducted by Rev G Sparrow, curate in charge.

Following the singing of two verses of the hymn “Holy Offerings, Rich and Rare” the Archdeacon dedicated the window, which is directly behind the font with the words “In the Faith of Jesus Christ our Lord, we dedicate this window to the glory of God and in memory of Elizabeth Agar, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. “

In his sermon, the Archdeacon said that they had been taking part that morning in some simple but deeply impressive ceremonies which were full of beauty and full of significance. They had first of all dedicated that beautiful window at the west end of the church, and overlooking the font. It was placed there to commemorate the life of a loyal and faithful servant of God who had now gone to her rest. A parish could have no more precious legacy than a life of faithful service to God.

(Excerpt from the Service)

Personal Effects

Money left to others: £601 9 s 1 d

Current value of effects: £24676.00

1841

Peascod Street, Windsor, Berkshire

Thomas aged 25, butcher. Charlotte aged 25. Sarah aged 21. Child (Elizabeth) aged 1 day. Plus 1 servant.

1851

New Road, New Windsor

Elizabeth aged 10, pupil at a school run by Isabella Kellner and Mary Ann Lowth.

1861

6 Peascod Street, New Windsor

Elizabeth aged 19, pork butcher’s shop. Amelia aged 15, assistant in shop. Annie aged 14. Plus 1 housekeeper, 1 servant, 1 Pork Butcher’s man and an errand boy

1871

6 Peascod Street, New Windsor

Charlotte aged 55, widow, pork butcher. Henry Francis aged 16, assistant. Elizabeth aged 29, daily governess. Annie aged 24, assistant in shop. Kate aged 23, daily governess. Adelaide aged 21, daily governess. Louisa aged 19, daily governess. Plus 2 journeymen pork butchers, 1 errand boy and 1 servant

1881

Deaconess Houses, Mildmay Park, Islington

Elizabeth aged 39, sub-superintendent.

1891

Deaconess Houses, Islington

Elizabeth aged 49, sub-superintendent of Deaconess Houses

1901

68-70 Mildmay Park, Pennefather’s House

Elizabeth aged 59, lady Superintendent. Plus 7 boarders and 5 servants

1911

68-70 Mildmay Park

Elizabeth aged 69, lady Superintendent

1921

Visitor at 28, Devauden Place, Harrogate, Yorkshire.