Congregationalism in the Court Suburb

JOHN STOU

3–1

certainly by no means at home. He thought next day the people must have repented of their choice. Matters, however, mended afterwards, though a good

e successive pastors of the same Church shared in the solemn service; and but for uncontrollable hindrances, the predecessor of them all, Mr. Clayton, would have been present to assist. Dr. Vaughan's charge was most impressive; and the allusion he made to himself and his successor, as thence

paces between the Court suburb and the neighbouring localities; and people from Paddington, from Brompton, and from Knightsbridge took long country walks to their chosen place of worship. Hen

could to bring her pupils under the spiritual influence of the preacher they heard from week to week; and elsewhere a family group outstretching helpful hands for all sorts of good works. The kindness, candour, and forbearance of all were wonderful; and if a few were not reconciled at first to the change which had happened, and naturally sighed at the loss they had sustained, they never

s of Punch, will be remembered by some who read these pages; and an eminent sculptor still remains faithful to his early ecclesiastical attachment. In later days the present President of the Institution of Civil Engineers [73] removed from th

eet chapel. Thus the pastor gathered round him a circle in which he took a very lively interest. Friendships were then formed which have since been the joy

during the Crimean War gravely proposed to the preacher of peace a clever scheme for blowing up Sebastopol; and at an

ive power to the scriptural form of bishop and deacons. Hence the office of manager was abolished, and an election of new deacons followed. Those who had been called "managers" were now elected to the diaconate, and new men were added to the number. Altogether they now amounted to seven; their names being Messrs. Newton, James, Hine, Walker, Thurston, Tomlin, and Watson. To give additional importance to this new step in the Church's history, it was thought desirable to have special services connected with it; therefore, first the pastor, at a special Church meeting, explained the nature of the office, as given in the New Testament, and next Dr. Tidman, at a week evening lecture, delivered an appropriate address to the newly-chosen officers. The Church now, in form as well as spirit, received a decidedly Congregational impress; and so it has continued ever since. From time to time new diaconal elections were held, as vacancies occurred; the ballot being adopted, though the names of suitable persons could be mentioned beforehand, the pastor and those already in office being allowed, not indeed to dictate, but to suggest such as seemed most qualified for the office. The last-mentioned deacon on the list just given-Mr. Robert Watson, of Hammersmith-ought to be specially noticed, for he wrought a practical change in the conduct of Church business little appreciated at the time. Being a most conscientious, methodical, and business-like man, as well as a devout and earnest Christian, he, as secretary of the official s

lowship depending upon their election in the usual manner. That "manner" was in accordance with the usual practice in Congregational Churches half a century ago. A candidate first had an interview with the pastor; then he or

e remarked, that when a new trust deed of Church premises had to be made, instead of the Assembly's Catechi

should be celebrated by a special service. Accordingly," a commemorative discourse" was delivered on the 13th of

'Behold! how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity;' while at the same time they have exemplified the principle that progress is the law of spiritual existence in societies as well as in individuals. It has not been the peacefulness of death, but the peacefulness of life which has reigned over this spot

g, we have much of the religious machinery of the day at work upon this spot. But still, does it not admit of question whether, as the advocates of a system which boasts of its untrammelled freedom of action, and its vigorous voluntary power; as those who believe that our cause, to use the words of Dr. Doddridge, is 'the cause of evangelical piety'; as those, especially, who profess to be under everlasting and infinite obligation to Him from whom we have received our light and salvation;-I repeat, does it not admit of question, whether we are doing all that might be fairly expected of us, for the diffusion of the truths we so much value throughout the neighbourhood where we are located; whether our energies

erations should be made in order to provide increased accommodation." Such a meeting was held, and it determined that the chapel should be enlarged by throwing the vestry and small schoolroom behind the pulpit wall, with the organ

of a course of lectures in the new schoolroom on "Christian Evidences," which attracted large audiences from week to week; and next, the institution of a Bible class, including the whole of the week evening congregation, when expositions of Scripture were given by the pastor, followed by a list of q

t Bayswater, to which a portion of the Kensington congregation living in the Bayswater neighbourhood might remove. [81] This measure was advocated by the pastor as the right way of promoting the interest of Evangelical Congregationalism. To wait till bickerings arose, and diversions occurred in consequence, was truly mischievous. To "swarm" like bees, a

of Hornton Street hearers consisted of gentlemen just sworn in as special constables; and the grave and earnest manner of all present was increased by the Rev. William Walford, who preached on the occasion, and referred to his own recollections of what took place in England when, from week to week, it heard of the Paris Reign of Terror.

as completed and opened in September, 1849. The Sunday before a sermon was preached at Kensington from th

very influential deacons, Messrs. Newton and Walker, resigned, and migrated to the new settlement. Th

it, in order to form a Church at Horbury Chapel, Notting Hill, of the same faith and order

uccession of faithful pastors, in honouring the preaching of His Word by them, in creating a spirit of activity and desire for usefulness on the part of so many of our fellow-members, and in permitting love and union to prevail in our midst. We pray that these blessings may long be continued to you, and be realized by us in our new connection; that there may be s

to week, the communicants in the two places at the same time forming together one organic Church. This would have been very gratifying to the Hornton Street pastor, and would have coincided with his views of primitive municipal Churches; but practical dif

ne spirit, soon to be undeceived in this respect; but the tranquillity and good-will amongst the hundreds of thousands who thronged to the Crystal Palace are undeniable, and the effect of it on the Kensington Indep

neighbours. Promised subscriptions speedily opened the way to the execution of this enterprise; and in June, 1854, the pastor laid the first stone of the chapel in Allen Street. The chapel was opened in May, 1855, when the Rev. Thomas Binney preached in the morn

ole was paid for on the last Sunday in January, 1860, when public collections r

n, died suddenly whilst travelling in Switzerland, and it became the pastor's painful duty to preach the funeral sermon, just after his own return from a continental tour

that college-he having taken an active part in the foundation of it, and having declined one of the professorships offered at that time-made him particularly anxious to ascertain the path of duty at this crisis. He informed the deacons of what had occur

iven to you to succeed the late Dr. Harris as Principal of New College, we have prayerfully, and with thoughtful earnestness, endeavoured

hurch, and have desired to take an enlarged view of the interests of the Church of Christ as a whole. Our first attention has been given to the suggestion made by you as to the practicability of your

the following points have occurred to

gton as a sphere of labour for a

or representing the interests of N

osperous state of the C

ears, have manifested their attachment by erecting our present place of worship

er, and your increasing acce

ould be afforded to you at New College o

Church anticipates in secur

difficult (if as much so) to supply the

sion that, however honourable the invitation may be to you, and however it may be pressed upon your notice, and however usefully you might be employed in it, it doe

el, appeared more urgent: and it may be added that the deacons, especially Mr. Watson, turned the incident to account by proposing that ￡1,000 should be raised as a th

r highest point up to that time,-a proof of the Divine blessing on what had been done

of about ￡600. Of this amount the sum of ￡400 was subscribed beforehand, a

n that, during the absence of about four months, the friends would undertake to pay supplies. Before his departure he delivered two sermons on the first Sunday in February, and on the 7th of the month started with Dr. Allon, Dr. Spence, the Rev. John Bright, of Dorking, and Mr. Stanley Kemp Welch, on the much talked of trip. [88] It proved successful and gratifying, except that a serious illness befel Dr. Spence during his journey, and that the Kensingt

ion was passed: "That this meeting desires to express its cordial concurrence in the deacons' proposal for the appointment of an assistant to the minister, to be selected by him, and to be sustained, as an experiment for one year, by a special fund." In pursuance of this resolution the Rev. Alden

valuable and important services. He stated that in 1843 there were 251 members, and that since 1843, 1,200 members had been added, the number on the Church roll at the time the meeting was held being about 500; so, he said, "the Church has been doubled in number since our pastor commenced his ministry amongst us." This report appeared all the more gratifying when it was remembered that in 1849 forty members had been dismissed to the new Church at Horbury. He also read a long list of sums, amounting altoge

Company in 1868 wanted to purchase the premises for their own purposes, and this opportune circumstance enabled the friends to accomplish their long-cherished desire. Part of the ground in Allen Street purchased for the site of

of the celebration just described, but circumstances compelled a postponeme

g them to remember the subject in private prayer. In the month of April, 1871, the Church resolved "that the time had arrived when provision should be made for supplementing the minister's services by the appointment of a co-pastor." The Rev. Chas. S. Slater, of Nottingham, having preached at Kensington with much acceptance, the Church, in the month of March, 1872, sent him a cordial and unanimous invitation to become co-pastor; but he stated that he felt obliged to decline it, whilst acknowledging the receipt of it in highly becoming terms. The obligation arose fro

g circumstances it would be most advantageous for the spiritual interests of the people that the ground should be cleared for an efficient successor, who could undertake the whole duty, and so render the plan of assistanceship needless. This communication, received in the kindest manner, evoked the e

s accident at the Kensington High Street railway station, and this circumstance, together with his distinguished character and rank, attracted a crowded congregation when his funeral sermon was preached. A large number of officers and civilians connected with India, including Lor

widespread influence in what might be called the country of his adoption, and all loved him as a friend and father; and it has been said, if the natives in the Punjaub had had to choose a prince, it would have been Sir Donald; a still more striking remark, given in the notice of his life by a leading journal, was recently made by a native gentleman, to the effect that 'If all Christians w

the sunshine was the reflection of another presence, even of Him of whom it is said, "In Thy presence is fulness of joy.'" . . . His bright, cheerful appearance, commanding fi

O Lord God of truth," were amongst the last words he uttered

iful gift, conveyed privately by one of the contributors, touched his heart as may be supposed, and made him feel how great was his people's generosity, and how gracefully they exercised it. The avoidance of publicity, and

to attend the Evangelical Conference at New York. This was most refreshing, and in renewed health and spirits he return

pastor at Southampton, were secured for one year, and he co-operated with the senior minister very pleasantly; other help was also obt

loved

erous responses to benevolent appeals; but, at the same time, that there were other things of a different character which weighed upon my mind, such as the state of attendance on Sunday and week evenings, the need of more pastoral activity, to which growing years, personal habits, and increasing claims outside the Churc

confidence, sympathy, and support of the Church at large. Nor did I omit to notice a question long pressing on my mind, as to whether it was worth your whi

er, at once, or very soon, to seek a new pastor altogether, than to aim at mere assistance or even a full co-pastorate. I also suggested that, perhaps, with

ved for so many years, not, I hope, without some considerable success; and that I was prompted in what I said, not by desires for personal gratification, or by love

e an assistant. I complied with your request, so far as to say that without pledging myself to a permanent retention of office, I would accept your liberal offer to provide assistance, and would for the present continue my labours among

ified-the whole subject returns on my mind with increasing force. Before I left home for the holidays, I stated as much to the deacons; and what I then th

mities, which though they may not affect my pulpit labours, do affect my pastoral influence, and moreover, looking at pecuniary and oth

Therefore I beg now to place my resignation in your hands, and to propose, with the view of relieving you from prolonged suspense and uncertainty, that it should take effect at Lady-day

n so strongly and practically shown, that it would be unreasonable and ungrateful to suspect I did not still enjoy your confidence and love. I am assured of both, and my hope is th

t as long as that heart beats in this world; and my prayer is, that i

m their beloved pastor the communication now presented by the deacons"; also their full appreciation of "the motives and reasons which had led him to his decision"; the "unabated attac

e now open was to accept the resignation of their beloved and honoured pastor." When the committee gave in their report, some members lovingly made further efforts to r

ton, for the members of the Church and congregation . . . as well as for attached friends generally, to express their esteem for Dr. Sto

d, a sermon was preached reviewing the past, expl

league, and after the congregation had listened to several students from Highbury College, they fixed on a stripling, who won the heart and warmly reciprocated the affection of the aged prophet. As a son with a father, the young man served in the gospel for about seven happy years, rejoicing in the honour paid to the elder, in whose hoary hairs he gladly recognised a crown of glory, because the wearer walked in the ways of righteousness. Many of you will recognise at once who was that aged saint, and I need hardly tell any here who was that inexperienced but attached young man. After I came here it was long a cherished dream, that if I should live to be an old man, I might enter once more upon a co-pastorate. The sunny memories I had and have of that

ter destines to occupy in future years the pulpit of this place. Who sh

ed that both for young ministers and for old ones the colligate plan is very desirable. Age tempers youth. Youth animates age. The senior with refined experience, the junior with the flush and fervour of opening life, conjoined in pastoral work, must surely to all appear a beautiful ideal. I was not brought to say, 'What I shall choose I wot not,' but I have been compelled to forego the exercise of choice in the matter, and to fall back on simple convictions of duty

Thessalonians ii. 19, 20: "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presenc

e ever shed one drop of healing balm over a wounded heart, or cast one ray of light over a darkened dwelling, I thank God for it, as the fulfilment of a ministry in which angels might have been glad to share; and sure I am that the remembrance of it, a

d with the Ephesian elders. I can speak of your kindness and of the Almighty's grace, but of my own performances I cannot speak. Imperfections beset me round, which it is not my part to confess, save to the God of mercy.

the voice of the Gospel of peace; that all who come up to worship here may be accepted of the Lord; and that we who have met so oft together, and joined the voice of our pra

d make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; t

Thomas Chambers, M.P.; Mr. Henry Richard, M.P.; Sir Charles Reed; Dean Stanley; Canon Freemantle; the Rev. J. P. Gell, Vicar of St. John's, Notting Hill; the

l, Incumbent of St. John's,-Mr. Robert Freeman, an active and honoured deacon of the Church for many years, read an address in felicitous and graceful as well as truly Christian language

ou, and that communion table round which we have gathered in remembrance of the risen Saviour. I could pensively bid them, one by one, farewell, though I fully hope often to visit you again. I cannot forget Sunday morning

o go all round it; and if my poor teaching under such guidance has done any good, let God have all the praise. As to my ecclesiastical position, I have never shrank from expressing my opinion with regard to the Establishment principle. I am a thorough and earnest Nonconformist. There are many reasons why I could not conform; and I will now only mention this, that I could not surrender my liberty to preach the gospel in the pulpits of other communions, and to invite brethren of other communions to preach in mine. I have not seen it my vocation

t was a custom amongst the monks at Westminster to call a brother who had been amongst them thirty years by the gentle name of playfellow, and never to do anything disagreeable in his presence. And such, he would say, was the tranquil period which their friend had reached, yet not so as to quench hope of his still using voice and pen for the good of others. Another was by Mr. Richard, who referred to a deba

Sinclair, Vicar of the parish. He entered on that office about the time that Dr. Stoughton came to Kensington. The Vicar then called on him, to give a cordial welcome, and they remained on terms of friendship down to the farewell meeting. The congregation some time before sent a contribution towards building the new parish church, of about ￡100, through their pastor's hands to the Vicar, who expres