Early Life

Richard was born to Thomas Cornall and Mary in Lancashire, Richard Cornall found spiritual awakening aged 12 or 13 under the ministry of the Rev. W. Bateson at Hambleton Church in the Fylde. He helped with teachings in connection with St James’ Church, Preston and became a lay helper at Stackstead and at Christ Church, Preston before studying at St Bees Theological College. In 1859 he was ordained by Dr. Graham, the Bishop of Chester, and became the curate of Christ Church, Everton, Liverpool.

Vicar of Emmanuel

The Rev Richard Cornall was appointed vicar at Emmanuel, St Philip’s, Bristol, just after the church’s consecration in 1862. (The church’s location was in a poor and  populous area. He continually requested funds for in local papers from patrons to support his flock. He stayed as vicar of the church for 45-years, resigning in 1907 and during his time he oversaw 900+ marriages, 1,983+ baptisms, and over 800 confirmations.

Whilst vicar the Rev Richard Cornall published numerous sermons and pamphlets, ran bible classes and helped those in his community and further afield. Despite being offered other opportunities, at other churches, Richard Cornall maintained at Emmanuel’s and with his St Philip’s flock.

Marriage and home life

Richard Cornall married Elizabeth Burton on the 15^th July 1854 in Preston. Together they had 7 children, some of whom were also linked to their faith either through marriage or their career. They were:

• Mary Alice (1856-1919) – married Edward Lockyer, a curate
• Charles B (1857-1870) – died aged 13
• Elizabeth E (1860-) – married Charles H Clark, a vicar
• Harriet L (1863- ) – married John Henry Jones, a curate
• Albert R B (1865- 1935) – married Emily Day. He was an insurance inspector
• Annie F M (1867-1946) – medical missionary, never married
• Arthur W (1868-) – married Ada Elizabeth Warriner. He was a book keeper

After living in Lancashire, Richard Cornall settled in Bristol living at 151 Portland Square, 18 Ashley Hill, 20 Ashley Hill and 44 Ashley Hill. In his later life he lived with his daughter, Dr Annie Cornall.

Death

The Rev Richard Cornall died after 4+ years of being bed bound. The Dean of Bristol offered the use of Bristol Cathedral for the first part of his funeral, a very prestigious offer. The family declined, instead having it at his old church – Emmanuel.

He is the grave with 

Dr Annie Cornall – daughter (1867 – 1946), died aged 79. See biography of Dr Annie Cornall

Elizabeth Cornall – wife (1831- 11^th Apr 1904), died aged 73

Charles Bateson – son  (26^th Dec 1857- 17^th Oct 1870), died aged 12