USA > Rhode Island > Bristol County > Bristol > Two hundred years of St. Michael's rectors, 1721-1955 > Part 2
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During this period of the reign of John Usher, a very amus- ing, yet distressing, episode took place, which had much effect on the congregation of St. Michael's, and caused consternation and embarrassment to the Rector, Church-Wardens, and Vestry. Used as the people were to the beautiful old church bells of England, they determined to have one of their own, shipped from London itself. The story of this misadventure is amusingly told in the following poem of Mr. Mark Anthony DeWolf Howe:
THE BRISTOL BELL
(1728)
When George the Second in Albion's Isle Defended the faith, 'twas a weary while Till a ship that sailed from Rhode Island's shore Could drop its anchor at home once more.
And the churchmen of Bristol, who'd hoarded well
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And sent overseas for an English bell Had waited full many a month and long For the cheer of their new-built steeple's song. But at last the vessel at Newport lay, And a brave little sloop sailed down the bay To ferry the bell to Bristol town That should bless Saint Michael's with wide renown. Though the brave sloop's men number only two, Their pride was enough for a galleon's crew, And it puffed them large with the part they'd play- For when pride is at work, it works that way. "The deck is too lowly a place", they said, "For our glorious cargo, high overhead We'll hang it, and fling to the winds its peel. To speak for the righteous joy we feel." So up to the cross-trees the bell they swung, Forgetting by mere mischance its tongue; "What matter!" cried brawny Waldron, "I Will smite it myself, 'neath the arching sky!" Then aloft he climbed with a mighty sledge To waken a note from the slumbering edge Of the Church's treasure, all silent till The mounting Waldron should prove his skill. "Give ear, good helmsman!" he cried aloud As he reached the top of the slender shroud, And praise to himself for his prowess spoke And curved his arm for a giant stroke. D-o-n-g! Glorious tone! How its echoes ran Round and across the horizon's span! Did ever a sound so full and clear Ring in a proud Bristolian's ear!
"Again!" cried the steersman in mad delight, "Still a lustier note from the metal smite!" And the answer came, "What you hear below Bristol shall hear this time I trow!" Oh. the ponderous blow that descended then- 'Twas past all telling of tongue or pen! For alack and alas! by ill fortune's whim It cracked the church bell from top to rim! Then woe for the pitiful homeward sail, And the crestfallen heroes glum and pale,
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With an eager crowd on the wharf to be met With naught but a prayer to forgive and forget! In briefest measure their tale they told, But they learned a lesson that's never grown old; When pride, on land, sea, river, or bay, Is at work, it can work in a direful way.
Undaunted by the fate of their London bell, the parishioners of St. Michael's set about getting another one. Several months they had to wait, but at last it came, and Bristolians rejoiced to hear its sweet tones on the Sunday air. So, too, did the people on Poppasquash, in the scattered farms of that part of the town; but not so much as Mr. Usher, who coming out of his house on what is now Constitution and Wood Streets, on his way to church, would hear in his mind the bells of old England. Little did the S. P. G. Missionary realize that a time was coming in the not distant future, when all that he trusted in of political security would be knocked on the head, and London the center of his universe, would become the capitol of a foreign country, and the commercial rival of an American metropolis.
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CHAPTER IV
Part 1.
COLONIAL VESTRY MEETINGS
St. Michael's Church, Bristol, 6th April 1724 Monday in Easter Week
The Parishioners being duly warned to a Convention for choosing Church Officers. were chosen:
Vestrymen
Church Wardens
Col. Henry Mackintosh
Maj. Ebenezer Brenton
Mr. Jabez Howland Mr. Nathaniel Bosworth
Capt. Thomas Lawton
Capt. Samuel Little
Mr. Wm. Monroe
Mr. Wm. Walker
Mr. Jabez Howland-Headstone in St. Michael's Close
Mr. Henry Bragg
Mr. Obadiah Papillon-Headstone in St. Michael's Close
Mr. Nathaniel Bosworth
July 24th 1725
Col. Mackintosh and wife gave an additional Deed of Land to the Church wardens and Vestry of St. Michael's Church in Bristol as the words of the Deed may be seen; so that what was formerly given with this present addition makes a lott of Eighty Six feet in length and Sixty Six feet in Breadth, for the use of the Church of England as by Law of Great Britain established and no other- wise.
March 3rd 1726
At the adjournment was voted that the Church wardens should make application to Mr. Craddock to purchase us a good Bell-near Five Hundred weight, we paying the usual advance, he sells his other goods for.
September 1728
At a meeting of the Church Wardens and Vestry duly warned in the Church,
Whereas upon the 3rd day of March 1726 it was voted to get a good Bell, near Five Hundred weight. The Church Wardens being asked whether they had received any answer from Mr.
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Craddock relating to the Bell; Replied they had and he could give no account of it; nor when it should come. Voted, therefore, that application be made to Nathaniel Kay, Esq., of Rhode Island, to procure us a Bell of about Seven or Eight Hundred weight; and the Rev. Mr. Usher is desired to draw up a letter to be sent to Nathaniel Kay, Esq., for that purpose.
Voted that Two Joynt Stools be provided for the use of the Church .
St. John's Day after prayers the Church Wardens and Vestry being desired to tarry, the Rev. Mr. Usher read the letter for the Church Wardens and Vestry to sign in order for sending it to Mr. Kay.
October 20th, 1729
The Parishioners being duly warned and met in the Church. Capt. Lawton and Mr. Nathaniel Bosworth acquainted them that they had received the Bell of Nathaniel Kay, Esq., and paid him Two Hundred and thirty pounds for the same which they de- livered to Major Samuel Lindzey and Isaac Ingraham for a safe conveyance in their boat to Bristol. But by an unfortunate ac- cident it was broken.
November 24
The Parishioners being duly warned to meet in the Church, voted to Receive the Bell of Captain Lawton and Mr. Nathaniel Bosworth. Voted that Captain Lawton and Mr. Nathaniel Bos- worth should find a casque to put the Bell into and ship it for Boston to Mr. Francis Bourland, Jr. in order to have it sent Home to England.
Voted that Captain Davis be desired to write Mr. Francis Bourland of Boston desiring him to ship the Bell of Bristol Church for London and consign it to Mr. Thomas Sandford of said place by the first convenient opportunity in order to having it new cast. Voted that Captain Lawton and Mr. Nathaniel Bosworth should wait upon Mr. Kay and desire him to write to Mr. Thomas Sandford of London to pay casting said Bell-and Captain Lawton and Mr. Nathaniel Bosworth aforesaid are to give Mr. Kay se- curity for the same.
St. Michael's Church, Bristol, 15th April 1734
Voted, Mr. Gridley Sexton with a salary of Three pounds. Mr. John Ingraham Bell Ringer to be paid by Subscription he performing according to custom.
Voted, that the Church Wardens provide the Church with a
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decent Common Prayer Book as soon as possible.
August 12th
The Vestry being duly warned to meet this day, met ac- cordingly. Present: Capt. Davis, Capt. Lawton, Mr. Munroe, Capt. Walker, Mr. Pearse, Mr. Papillon, Mr. Ingraham, Mr. Bosworth, Mr. Geo. Monroe, Mr. Mundy, Mr. Lindal.
Voted, that the Church Wardens be desired to take a view of the Steeple of the Church, and point it if they think it neces- sary for the preserving it.
Voted, also that Mr. Nathaniel Lindal have liberty of placing a handsome clock in the Tower of the Church, if such a one he can procure.
St. Michael's Church, Bristol, 30th May, 1736
Voted, also, that the Church Wardens be desired to procure Two Thousand of Boards in order to finish off the Gallery. And likewise that they go forward and finish ceiling underneath the Gallery, if they think it proper.
Voted, that Mr. Richard Pearse should have a birth in the Gallery for building a Pew No. 2, he paying for the same to the Church Wardens Eight pounds and such parish dues as from time to time shall be laid on the same.
Voted, that Mr. William Munroe should have ground in the Gallery for building him a Pew, he paying to the Church War- dens, and such Parish dues as from time to time shall be laid on the same.
St. Michael's Church, Bristol, 23rd April, 1739 Monday in Easter Week
Voted, that John Usher, Rector of the Church aforesaid, be paid by his Parishioners for his Service for the present year Eighty pounds exclusive of the strangers money.
Signed John Usher
St. Michael's Church, Bristol, Aug. 7th, 1749
Voted, that Nathaniel Bosworth, Nathaniel Pearse, and Na- thaniel Munro, Esq. be a committee to seek redress at the next Town Meeting in Bristol from a burden laid upon the members of the Church of England towards supporting the Town School, and make a report at the next Parish meeting of their Proceedings. Whereas the Committee appointed to return a list of the names of those that attend the Church in Bristol have omitted the doing it, it is voted that Nathaniel Pearse and Nathaniel Munro, Esq. be joined with Nathaniel Bosworth, Esq. as a committee to draw
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off a list of the Persons that attend the Church in Bristol and pre- sent it to the assessors of the Town.
January 2nd (1750)
At a Parish Meeting the Committee chosen to make applica- tion for redress from a burden laid upon the members of the Established Church towards supporting the Town School, made their report, as on file may appear.
1775
At a parish meeting duly warned and met 17th April, 1775.
Voted that Messrs. Nathaniel Munro and Nathaniel Pearse, Jr. be Church Wardens and that Messrs. Joshua Ingraham, Wil- liam Hoar, John Usher, Richard Pearse and James Munro be Vestrymen for the year ensuing.
At a meeting of the Parishioners in Sept. 1775 duly warned.
Voted, that Captain Joshua Ingraham be Moderator, and that Jno. Usher be Clerk of said meeting, after which the meet- ing stood adjourned to the 26th inst.
Voted, that Jno. Usher wait on the Rev. Mr. Doyle at Cam- bridge, and give him an invitation to this Parish upon liking, and that the said Usher's expenses be paid by the Parish . .. The meeting adjourned by several adjournments to October 25th.
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CHAPTER IV
PART 2
DEATH OF JOHN USHER
Journal of S.P.G. in London: "A letter from Mr. John Usher Son of the late Missionary at Bristol in Rhode Island, N. E. dated June 15, 1775 acquainted the Society that his Father their Mis- sionary for 52 years past departed this life on the 30th April last, and thanking the Society for the many favours bestowed upon him. As Executor to his Father he shall presume to draw for the Salary which shall be found due. Having been informed that the Society have made it a standing rule to allow the Heirs of a de- ceased Missionary as a gratuity the sum of 30 pounds sterling, he shall wait the Society's pleasure before he draws for the same.
"Agreed in Opinion that Mr. Usher be acquainted that the Society do not allow any gratuity to the widow or children of Missionaries, except in cases of indigence and distress; and that he be directed to deposit the Library in the Hands of the Church Wardens.
Agreed with the Committee."
The death of John Usher Senior came within a few days of the battles of Lexington and Concord, distant only about 65 miles from Bristol. The old S. P. G. Missionary could not be expected to regard the matter as anything but a terrible calamity. To the British Crown he looked as a pledge of political security, and the maintenance of law and order, to which at his ordination he had vowed obedience. (Note - On the Oath of Allegiance. Every can- didate for Holy Orders before he is ordained in the Church of England is required to take an oath of allegiance to the British Sovereign. This is an ecclesiastical oath recognizing that the Crown is the legal Head of the Church of England. Foreigners have taken this oath to obey all legal requirements while living in England. The oath did not apply to citizens of the United States after July 4 1776. This the Tory Clergy did not realize, for had they done so they would have remained in their own country, giving their allegiance to their government., and not leaving their parishioners to shift for themselves. A conspicuous example
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of this patriotic attitude was that of the Rev. Dr. White of Phila- delphia, Chaplain of Congress in the Revolution, and later the first Bishop of Pennsylvania). His continual teaching of passive obedience and non-resistance made him conspicuous in Bristol, for like many others, he had no realization of the manifest des- tiny of our great country. We cannot blame him for his life-long attitude. It was for his son and successor to realize that the days of colonial dependence were over, and that a new country was coming to birth, a country in which the American Church would take its own independent place in the Anglican Communion.
October 25th, 1775 At a meeting of the Parishioners, October 25th
Voted, that a Subscription be set on foot for the support of a Minister for Six Months, which was accordingly done. Voted, that Hezekiah Usher purchase Shingles and Nails to repair the Church forthwith and be paid out of the School money. Voted, likewise, that Messrs. Nathaniel Pearse, William Pearse, and John Usher be a Committee to wait on the Rev'd Mr. Doyle and agree with him for Six Months, on as reasonable terms as can be generously done.
November 26th, 1775
At a Parish Meeting duly warned-Two of the Committee, viz; William Pearse and John Usher, the other one being sick, Report as follows-that they had waited on Mr. Doyle and agreed with him for Six Months with an addition of Twenty Dollars to the Subscription if agreeable to the Trustees of the School money, that it should come out of said fund. Mr. Doyle's Board coming out of said Subscription at the rate of Two Dollars per week- which Report was approved by said Parish.
Easter Monday, March 31st, 1777
At a meeting of as many of the Parishioners of St. Michael's Church as the Distressing Day would admit of-it was unanimous- ly voted that the Church Wardens and Vestry be rechosen and stand as in the preceding year.
John Usher, Clerk, as per vote.
April 20th, 1778
At a meeting of as many of the Parishioners of St. Michael's Church as could be conveniently convened from the distraction of the times, it being Easter Monday, it was unanimously voted
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that the Church Wardens and Vestry be rechosen and stand as in the preceding year.
John Usher, Clerk, as per vote
March 27th, 1780
At a meeting of as many of the Parishioners of the Church as could be conveniently convened from the Distressing Day,- it being Easter Monday, it was voted that the Church Wardens and Vestry be chosen as follows-viz .-
Vestrymen
Nathaniel Pearse
Church Wardens Jno. Usher Nath'l Pearse, Jr.
Josh'a Ingraham
Wm. Pearse
Wm. Hoar
Richard Pearse
Hez. Usher
Sion Martindale
Aaron Bourne
John Usher, Clerk, as per vote and also Moderator of said Meeting
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THE REV. AND MRS. ABRAHAM L. CLARKE
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The Rt. Reverend SAMUEL SEABURY Who ordained the second Reverend John Usher
An early view of the interior showing the tablets.
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The interior of the Church as it looks today.
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Photo by Henry A. Curtis
Two flagons. Part of the Nathaniel Kay bequest. One bears the maker's mark (BB) for Benjamin Brenton of Newport, R. I. (1686 - 1740). The other is marked (IR) uniden- tified. Both pieces bear interesting inscriptions,
A Legacy Vallanic for the Life of Church of Engle in Bristol 1734
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Photo by Henry A. Curtis
Chalice and paten. Both pieces bear the same inscription: "A legacy of Nathaniel Kay, Esqr., for the use of the Church of England in Bristol, 1734." The chalice bears the maker's mark (IR). The paten is decorated with a gadrooned border and has the Maker's mark EW for Edward Winslow of Boston, (1669-1753).
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Photo by Henry A. Curtis
Baptismal bowl with dolphin handles. A seventeenth century piece used in the time of John Usher. Unmarked.
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Photo by Henry A. Curtis
The Baptismal Basin is inscribed "The Gift of Isaac Royall, Esqr., to St. Michael's Church in Bristol, 1747." It is engraved with the donor's coat-of-arms and motto "Rec- tore Puro." The Maker's mark is T. Edwards. Isaac Royall married Elizabeth Mackin- tosh, granddaughter of a founder of St. Michael's Church.
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Photo by Henry A. Curtis
Pair of loving cups with strap handles. Dated 1806. Acquired in the time of the Rev. Mr. Griswold.
CHAPTER IV
PART 3
ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH DESTROYED BY THE BRITISH
May 25th, 1778 dawned fair and warm in Bristol. There was hardly a cloud in the sky, and as the day lengthened the heat strengthened. Looking west towards Poppasquash the waves in the harbor shimmered in the sun's rays, while down the bay the mirage at Sandy Point on Prudence was clearly seen. On Hope and Thames Streets groups of people were seen talking excitedly together, while in front of St. Michael's Church Mr. John Usher and Mr. Nathaniel Bosworth were having an animated conver- sation. Rumors were flying round that three British frigates had been seen off Poppasquash headed for Warren. "They mean trouble", said Mr. Usher. "Yes", replied Mr. Bosworth, "lucky cur powder is stored in a good safe place, under the Meeting House." "I be greatly feared the lobster-backs will not be bought off by a gift of sheep, as I gave them in '75", said Simeon Potter joining the group.
Presently on the still spring air there broke the sound of gun fire to the north. "That's in Warren", said Mr. Usher. Immedi- ately the little groups of people joined together, as the sounds of the guns increased. "Beware ye rebels", broke a harsh voice nearby, "ye will soon know what it means to raise rebellion against the King." But before the people could lay their hands on him, the Tory had slipped away from them.
Soon the sound of a galloping horse was heard coming from the north. The rider hove in sight, it was Amos Gorham. "The British are coming", he cried. "Get to your homes, the enemy means mischief." Even as he said these words a house burst into flames. Bristol was on fire.
Having been landed from the British ships near Warren, the marine detachment under the command of Lieut. Colonel Camp- bell, a ruffian who disgraced the uniform he wore, were under orders to seize the powder of the American forces and to destroy Bristol. Marching along the road from Warren, they were soon joyfully carrying out their orders, to the obvious disgust of some of the officers, as the houses of the little village went up in smoke.
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Without taking the trouble to investigate coming to St. Michael's Church, Colonel Campbell supposed that here was where the "rebel" ammunition was stored, and immediately ordered the de- struction of the church. On being informed of the true nature of the building, he sent an officer into the church to investigate. But it was too late, the flames had already done their dreadful work. A crowd was gathering near the fire, and fearing violence the British colonel threatened to fire on the citizens. "Disperse, ye bloody rebels", he cried out, but was answered with jeers and cat-calls.
As the sun went down over Poppasquash, a sad sight met the eyes of Bristolians. The little town was a mass of ruins. Houses which had been the homes for many years of colonists, were mere shells. standing like ghosts among the trees. Here and there women and children were picking up what they could find of their possessions, while the sobs of children testified to what they found of their playthings burnt to a cinder. Groups of men with muskets in their hands were asking why had the red-coats been allowed to depart so easily. To this there was no answer, except to say that the powder which the enemy had come to destroy, was safe and sound in the hands of the Patriots, thanks to its safe keeping in the basement of the Congregational Church on Bradford Street.
Is it surprising then that when peace came at last, St. Mi- chael's Church in Bristol rebuilt and refurnished on the old site, was a leader in patriotism in Rhode Island, and that its walls echoed to the prayers for George Washington, our first Presi- dent? So the old St. Michael's of the Church of England passed cut, in giving birth to the new St. Michael's of the American Episcopal Church.
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CHAPTER V
DOCUMENTS
Last Will and Testament of Nathaniel Kay, Esq. In The Name of God. Amen
I, Nathaniel Kay of Rhode Island in New England. and being in good health and sound mind for which I Bless Almighty God and knowing the uncertainty of my life do bequeath my Body to be buried in the Churchyard under or near my Sisters Tomb if I dye in said Island .
And as for my Estate reall and personall I Bequeath and Dispose of in the following manner
In the first place I give and bequeath to my well beloved wife, Ann Kay, Two Thousand pounds Lawfull current Money of New England and all the Furniture of my House, viz; Plate, Bed- ding, Woolins, Linens, Glasses, Slaves, Tables, Chairs, Chaise, and every parcel of that sort as if particularly mentioned, ex- cepting my Books only. She may take what Bibles and Prayer Books she pleaseth, and the use of my dwelling House, of my Chaise House and Stable as long as she shall choose. Item. I give and Bequeath unto the Four Churches of England-in my Collec- tion, viz; that of Newport, Bristol, Providence and Kingstown Narragansett. Mr. McSparran, Minister, each of them One Hun- dred pounds lawfull current money of New England to be dis- posed of by the Minister and Church Wardens of the four re- spective churches for the time being to furnish each of them with a piece of Plate for the Holy Communion.
And I give One Hundred pounds of the same currency for the use of the poor of the Church in Newport and as the Minister and Church Wardens thereof shall think most fitting.
Item. I give and bequeath my Farm at Bristol unto the Min- ister and Church Wardens and the Vestry of the Church of Eng- land in Bristol, or the major part of them for the time being, that is to say upon trust and confidence and to the interests and pur- poses, Benefits and use of a School forever to teach Ten poor boys their grammar and arithmetic gratis. And I give Two Hundred pounds current money of New England to the Trustees aforesaid to Build a School House whom I empower to choose and appoint
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a Master for the said School whom I would have Episcopally ordained and be assistant to the Church of England Minister in the Town. .
Item. I give and bequeath my Dwelling House and Coach House to my wife during her natural life, after which I give and Bequeath, both with my Lotts of Land in Rhode Island and Four Hundred pounds in currency of New England to Build a School House, to the Minister of the Church of England, Mr. James Honeyman, and the Church Wardens and Vestry for the time being, that is to say upon trust and confidence and to the intents and purposes Benefit and use of a School, to teach ten poor Boys their Grammar and Mathematicks, gratis; and to appoint a Master at all times as occasion or vacancy may happen, who shall be Episcopally Ordained and assist the Minister Episcopall of the Town of Newport in some proper office as they shall think most useful.
Item. I give the Remainder of my Estate both Reall and Per- sonall after my Debts, Legacies and Funerall expenses are paid unto my very good Wife, Mrs. Ann Kay, whom I hope will be a very good Benefactor to the School, and whom I constitute and appoint to be my sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testa- ment hereby Revoking and making void all other former Wills and Testaments by me made: In witness of all which I have, here- unto set my Hand and Seal the Seventh Day of March, in the Sixth year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord King George the Second, A.D. 1732/3.
Nathaniel Kay (Seal)
Signed, Sealed, Published and Declared by the said Nathaniel Kay to be his Last Will and Testament in Presence of Us, Sion Arnold, Mary Arnold, Sarah S. B. Bush. Her mark .
The Bishop Seabury Ordination Certificate of John Usher, Jr.
Samuel, by divine permission, Bishop of Connecticut and Rhode Island. To all whom it may concern, Know ye, That at an Ordination held under the protection of Almighty God, in Kings Church in Providence in Rhode Island, on the Thirty-first day of July, one thousand, seven hundred, and ninety-three, We, the Bishop above mentioned, did solemnly admit and promote our beloved in Christ, John Usher (of whose morals, learning, sound doctrine and diligence we were fully satisfied) unto the Holy Ord- er of Priests; and him the said John Usher did then and there rightly and canonically ordain Priest, He having first in our pres-
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ence made and subscribed the declaration required of him. In Testimony whereof we have hereunto affixed our Episcopal Seal at New London in Connecticut the 30th day of October, 1793, and in the ninth vear of our Consecration.
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