Sermon Preached by The Reverend John William Atkinson (1847-1916) on "The First Election of Deacons" Manuscript sermon preached by The Reverend John William Atkinson on "The First Election of Deacons" (Acts chapter 6, verses 1-7) at Bedford Villa, 24 Oct 1872, and preached subsequently at Park Church and Latimer Church, Mile End (on four occasions), 1872, 1878, 1891 and 1897. 1872