Lewis Payne reads his poem "A sexton's job," Town of Fogo

• Main Author: Power, Maureen
• Other Authors: Payne, Lewis; Dawe, Bessie, Lewis Payne, 85 (b. 14 September 1922) and Lewis Payne, 85, (DOB Sept 14) and Bessie Dawe, 82, (DOB Dec ?) live together in Seldom-Come-By. Bessie is from Stag Harbour and Lewis is from the Town of Fogo. Lewis' family is from the town of Fogo, but he is not sure where they were originally from. They both are Anglican. Lewis has one child, Bruce, who is a teacher and owns a store called the 'This and That' store in the Town of Fogo. Lewis' brother is Stewart Payne, the bishop. Bessie has eight children: six boys and two girls.
• Format: Moving Image (Video)
• Language: English
• Published: 2007
• Subjects: Oral Traditions; expressions and the written word; Social beliefs; practices and customs; Payne; Lewis; Sextons; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/ich_cn/id/952

Lewis Payne reads a poem he wrote about being a sexton at the church, a position he held for 20 years. His job as sexton involved turning on the furnace, ringing the bells, and taking care of the church. He speaks about the reverends that they have had in the parish over the years. After the reverend who was there when Lewis started as a sexton died, there was Rev. Monroe who left shortly after his arrival. Rev. Melbourne arrived next, but could not adapt to outport life. After he left they had a local lay minister, George Oak. Finally the Bishop found them a good reverend, Rev. King. Lewis' poem ends by saying that he is going to stop being a sexton when he reaches age 65.