department of literature, and of this he gave some presage as a boy when,
at the age of twelve, he carried home triumphantly Raleigh’s “History of
the World,” on the purchase of which he had invested a birthday gift. He
largely overcame early defects in education; and by dint of extraordinary
diligence, acquired large stores of historical learning. His tastes did
not lie in the same direction as Dr. Leifchild’s, and he never became the
popular preacher which his predecessor was; though on the platform, in
depth of thought, range of argument, and sometimes brilliancy of
illustration, he surpassed him. Every man in his own order. The one
excelled in appeals to the head, the other in appeals to the heart. Each
did a vast deal of good in the Great Master’s service.
The recognition, or “ordination,” as it is called, of the new pastor took
place on the 5th of May, 1825. The Reverend Joseph Hughes, of Battersea,
the Nonconformist Secretary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and
a friend of Leifchild—who wrote interesting memoirs of his life—opened
the service with Scripture reading and prayers. Dr. Winter, of New
Court, one of the leading city ministers, “stated the nature of a Gospel
Church”; Dr. Waugh offered the ordination prayer, for which his wonderful
“gift in prayer” eminently fitted him; Dr. Fletcher, of Stepney, “an
eloquent man,” delivered the charge; and George Clayton preached to the
people.
Kensington was considerably changed when the new pastor reached it. The
suburb was much more populous than of yore. Streets and squares,
terraces and crescents were rising and stretching here and there; but the
town, as it was now called, remained compact. Beyond the turnpike road,
then bordered by only single lines of houses, there spread out north and
south a wide border country of market gardens and orchards; and my
predecessor told me of his dreary walks in winter, from his residence on
Notting Hill to Hornton Street Chapel. No good pavement, no gas-lighted
lamps, existed then; and the wayfarer was left to pick his path as best
he could on pitch dark evenings, across Campden Hill, helped only by a
glimmering lantern carried in his hand.
Unfortunately the Kensington records supply scanty information respecting
the Vaughan period,—the years between November, 1825, and November, 1832,
being passed over without one single line; whilst before and after,
secular concerns are the chief subjects of entry. Now the appointment of
new managers, then the retirement of a secretary, next the letting of
pews; and, as a variation, the erection of a tablet in the chapel to the
memory of a departed hearer. These are the topics which occur on the
pages of the old parchment-bound volume.
The “History of Kensington” supplies a list of the institutions existing
in connection with Hornton Street just before the close of Dr.
Leifchild’s ministry, and these continued in working order under Dr.
Vaughan.
“A Benevolent Society, for visiting, instructing, and relieving the
sick poor of all descriptions, at their own habitations, and which is
at present chiefly conducted by ladies belonging to the congregation.
A Tract Society, for the dispersion of religious tracts by the
subscribers, to whom they are furnished at reduced prices. A Blanket
Society, for the gratuitous distribution of blankets to the poor
during the severity of the winter season. The Infants’ Friendly
Society,—a female institution, which provides clothing and
nourishment for poor women and their children during their
confinement. An Auxiliary Missionary Society, to assist in the
propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts, and which, by means of
contributions of one penny per week (and upwards), raises the sum of
nearly one hundred pounds per annum. Besides these, collections are
made at the chapel for the Hoxton Academy; and every severe winter,
on a smaller scale, to assist in relieving the poor of the parish.”
{61}
The Auxiliary Missionary Society greatly increased its contributions
under the new pastorate, and before Dr. Vaughan left they were, I
believe, more than doubled. I remember attending a missionary meeting in
Hornton Street, soon after I entered the ministry in 1832, when a large
attendance in the chapel, a well-filled platform, and energetic speeches
by the pastor in the chair and by others, bore ample witness to the
missionary spirit which was reigning in the place. One family in
particular, at a later period, was distinguished by zeal for the
conversion of the heathen, and did perhaps more than any other to fan the
flame of missionary benevolence. I allude to the Newtons, who—with their
father, a deacon in the Church, and their mother, who was indeed “a
mother in Israel”—held a foremost place, not only in this respect, but in
other works of faith and labours of love. Being warmly attached to Dr.
Vaughan, they all, parents and children, held up his hands and cheered
his heart. One of Mr. Newton’s daughters, in my time, was married to the
Rev. J. H. Budden, a valuable missionary at Mirzapore; and it was during
Dr. Vaughan’s administration that this excellent man, then I think a
member of the Church, had devoted himself to the London Missionary
Society, of which, down to the present day, he has remained a
distinguished agent. The young lady he married, and her sisters, were
indefatigable as collectors for Foreign Missions; and I have often
thought what a blessing it is for a congregation to have such helpers;
not only because they themselves feed streams of holy Christian charity,
but because by example and social influence they stimulate the usefulness
of others. A sister of Mr. Budden’s, also connected with Kensington,
became the wife of Mr. Birt, a missionary who laboured assiduously and
successfully in South Africa; and it was a sad calamity for the Mission,
and her family at home, when, in early life, she was killed by an
accident, whilst travelling with her husband in a bullock wagon over an
African wild.
The Tract Society mentioned in the list just now cited developed into a
new form. The Christian Instruction Society came into existence, and was
energetically taken up by Dr. Vaughan and his friends; meetings used to
be regularly held, when the visitors attended to report their labours,
and to receive small sums out of funds collected for relieving poor
people in the neighbourhood.
The Sunday School also received large attention and support from the
Newton family. I believe that all the members were in the schools,
either as teachers or scholars; the mother being a model teacher, whose
praise in the congregation, amongst some of the old members, has echoed
down to this very day. Kensington furnishes many illustrations of that
inspired saying, “The memory of the just is blessed.”
The Sunday School anniversary, at the end of March, was a high day. Just
as the spring buds began to burst in the hedgerows which lined the
opposite side of the road, crowds of youngsters, full of springtide hope
and joy, were seen crowding within the doors to take part in the yearly
festival. The boys occupied the gallery on one side, the girls filled
the other. The little maidens on these occasions wore white caps, of
which they were rather proud, but as they were often criticised, the
practice of putting them on was entirely dropped about the year 1845.
The singing of special hymns by childish voices was a constant
accompaniment, and to many a great attraction.
Whilst these forms of usefulness went on in immediate connection with the
Church, outside of it stood two institutes of a thoroughly catholic
description—the British School and the Bible Society.
At the back of the old chapel were buildings occupied by the British
School, where a large number of boys and girls were educated upon
unsectarian principles. Church people and Dissenters united in their
support, but the latter were foremost. Elementary education at that
period was largely promoted by the voluntary efforts of the British and
the National School Societies; the first of these rallying round it the
ranks of Dissent, the second being a pillar of strength in the
Established Church. The minister and deacons at Hornton Street took
special interest in the Kensington British School.
The British and Foreign Bible Society had a large auxiliary for many
years, comprehending a district which reached over both Westminster and
the Court suburb. The annual meetings originally were held in the
Haymarket, sometimes under the presidency of Royal Dukes, when, during
the period of Dr. Leifchild’s ministry, he would be sure to be present,
and make telling speeches in his own characteristic style. In the latter
period of his pastorate, I believe, the district narrowed; certainly in
Dr. Vaughan’s time the auxiliary had formed itself into distinct
branches, and the Kensington one was wont to hold its own meetings. The
King’s Arms, by the palace gates had an assembly room in which the
friends of the Bible Society used to meet in Dr. Vaughan’s days, and
there he did not fail by his sonorous eloquence impressively to commend
the circulation of the Holy Scriptures throughout the world, as equally a
Christian duty and a Christian privilege. On the platform, especially in
later years, on denominational and patriotic questions, he often
surpassed himself. The light from under his knitted brow, his compressed
lips, his lordly bearing, his significant attitude and graceful
gestures—something dramatic appeared in his oratory on such
occasions—revealed much out of the ordinary way, and raised in listeners
high expectations, which were rarely disappointed.
Dr. Vaughan spent more time at home than in visiting his people, not
always to the satisfaction of the latter; but his profiting appeared unto
all men, and his more intelligent hearers appreciated the results of his
diligent study. He gradually rose into fame as an author, and his “Life
of Wickliffe” won for him a high reputation. Other historical works,
which it is needless to specify, made him still more widely known, and
literary men honoured the Kensington pastor as an ornament to their
profession. His authorship led to his London University professorship.
History was his _forte_, and as Professor of Modern History in the new
academical institute, he did good service. All these laurels served to
attract thoughtful and cultivated people to Hornton Street. Inferior in
numbers to many, the congregation, perhaps, in reference to the educated
class, was inferior to none. Some of the aristocracy might now and then,
during the latter part of his ministry, and afterwards, be seen within
the humble walls. The Duchess of Sutherland and Lady Mary Fox were, I
know, great admirers of the Doctor; and the former of these ladies—so
queen-like in her appearance and manners—was once, I am told, present at
a prayer meeting in the little Kensington schoolroom. The pastor was
thankful to have opportunities of usefulness amongst people of rank, but
he had no idea of flattering the great and seeking their patronage. I am
quite sure from what I knew of him, and from conversation on the subject,
he valued an occasional attendance of distinguished persons, much talked
of at the time, only on account of the good he hoped to do them, not at
all on account of any assistance they rendered, or any _éclat_ they
conferred. Though of humble extraction, he was one of Nature’s nobility,
without assumption or servility, he could bear himself well amongst the
noblest of the land.
One word ought to be said about his son—a member of the Church, and whom
I think I now see sitting in the table pew, with his intellectual face,
and long raven locks, looking up with loving eyes to his parent and
pastor. The Doctor was proud of his son, and well he might be. But
thankfulness for such a treasure went beyond all pride. The youth won
the praises of such men as Sir James Stephen and Charles Kingsley, and
had he been spared he would have proved a great blessing to the Church of
God. But his “sun went down whilst it was yet day,” and this bereavement
proved the greatest trial and sorrow of the father’s life. The son
resembled the father, not much in his mental habits, but very much in his
pulpit appearance and manners. I remember an old deacon saying, after he
had heard “Alfy,” as his father called him, preach for me after I came to
Kensington, “He’s a chip of the old block.”
It was in the year 1843 that Dr. Vaughan received an invitation to become
Principal of Lancashire Independent College. Immediately afterwards a
special meeting of the Church was held, and it is thus reported in the
records:—
“The letter of the Rev. Dr. Raffles, chairman of the committee,
containing the invitation, was read, and reference was made by Dr.
Vaughan to circumstances which seemed to make his continuance in
Kensington desirable and important, and to others which went to give
a strong claim to the call from Manchester. It was intimated in
conclusion, that the meeting had been called, not for the purpose of
giving expression, at that time, to any opinion on either side of the
subject, but simply for the purpose of making the Church and
communicants aware of the various considerations which it would be
necessary carefully to weigh, in order to the formation of a wise and
Christian judgment on the subject.”
It is natural that the Kensington people should be reluctant to part with
such a pastor as they possessed; but, with a noble unselfishness worthy
of imitation, they thought as much of the welfare of the Church at large
as of their own. An extract from the letter they sent to him deserves
insertion:—
“It would be to our honour, and it would afford us pleasure, to
enumerate, as we could, other considerations connected with your
character and attainments affecting the religious interests in this
place, which might naturally induce us to urge you to continue among
us; but we feel bound in this communication to deal faithfully as
those who fear God, the God of Truth, and we must therefore
acknowledge, dear sir, that while we are deeply pained at the
possibility of your leaving us, we are conscious that you possess
moral and intellectual qualities which eminently fit you to occupy
the very important post selected for you by your brethren in the
ministry; and as we value His blessing who alone can bless, we dare
not, if we could, interpose to prevent your acceptance of that
distinguished and honourable offer, if it shall appear to you to be
the will of God that you should accept it.”
Soon after Dr. Vaughan had sent in his resignation, he wrote to me
inviting an interview for the purpose of ascertaining whether there might
be a likelihood of my leaving Windsor, where I had been happily “settled”
for eleven years. I was taken by surprise, though I had before received
intimations from brethren that it might be my duty to undertake a sphere
of wider service than I then occupied. I could give no reply to Dr.
Vaughan at the moment, but told him I must at once consult my Windsor
friends. This may seem strange, but we had so much mutual affection and
confidence, that I could trust to their disinterestedness, whilst they
trusted to my attachment. The result was, after much anxious conference,
and the advice of two eminent brethren who happened to be on a visit to
Windsor, {68} that I consented to preach at Kensington, with a view to
the pastorate. I had no desire to leave Windsor. Far from it. I longed
to remain, if it were the will of God, and in that spirit prayed for
direction. After preaching a few times, I received a cordial and
unanimous invitation to Kensington, and the Windsor Church agreed to my
acceptance of it with expressions of unabated affection, saying they knew
I must leave them, and that if I went away to so short a distance, there
seemed more chance of their seeing me often afterwards. The spirit
manifested by the Society left and the Society joined was so beautiful,
that I record the fact as expressive of my own gratitude, and as an
example worthy of imitation. Before Dr. Vaughan went into Lancashire,
steps had been taken with a view to this result, and within two months it
was accomplished. Some may think this a hasty settlement; at all events
it lasted for thirty-two years, with growing affection on both sides.
The following letter of acceptance was written on the 27th of July,
1843:—
“MY DEAR BRETHREN,—
“I do not think it desirable to delay any longer than is absolutely
necessary a decided reply to the unanimous and affectionate
invitation which you have sent me, to accept the pastoral office. It
appears to me to be the path of duty to remove from my present charge
to the Church at Kensington. Had I not been gradually prepared for
this step, I do not think I could have found it in my heart thus to
sever the tie which has pleasantly bound me for more than eleven
years to my present people; but the way has been opened by degrees,
and the hand of Providence has, I conceive, now placed me in a
position, with regard to you, from which it would not be proper to
retreat.
“Confiding in the sincerity of that approval and affection which you
are pleased to express, and above all, looking up to the Fountain of
all good, for His aid and blessing, I venture to advance, and accept
your united call.
“The spirit of supplication which has marked your proceedings, in
reference to this matter, gives me the strongest ground to hope that
in this instance the voice of the Church is the voice of God. I am
deeply sensible of the great responsibility I incur in accepting so
important a charge, especially as the successor of one whose eminence
in the Christian world might well provoke, in relation to myself,
humiliating comparisons. But I rest on Him who can successfully
employ the humblest instrumentality in His service. Let me hope that
the spirit of prayer I have already referred to may continue, and
that you will earnestly seek an enlarged effusion of Divine influence
on my anticipated labours. The consciousness of many infirmities and
imperfections compel me, at the very commencement of our new
relationship, to implore that you will ever manifest toward me that
candour and forbearance which I feel that I shall especially need.”
Before I pass on to the new pastorate, it should be stated, in reference
to Dr. Vaughan’s ministry at Kensington, that for some little time before
his removal to Lancashire, the Rev. N. Jennings, M.A., F.R.A.S., became
associated with him as assistant minister, and in that capacity he
rendered important service, especially in conducting Bible classes,—his
instructions were highly appreciated by the youthful members of the
congregation.
V. THE FIFTH PASTORATE.
_THE REV. JOHN STOUGHTON_, _D.D._
1843–1875.
THE new pastor felt his removal from Windsor very deeply; and on the
first Sunday of his regular ministry in Kensington he was anything but
himself—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 while passed before he could accommodate himself to altered
circumstances; but the kindness he everywhere met with gave him
increasing encouragement.
A recognition service was held on October 31st, 1843, when his old friend
and neighbour, Dr. Morison, delivered an introductory discourse; the late
minister, Dr. Vaughan, gave the charge; and his predecessor, Dr.
Leifchild, addressed the congregation. It was a pleasant circumstance
that three 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 thenceforth associated like fellow-workmen in the same
edifice, was very striking from the manner in which it was put; and the
listener was led to hope that if diligent, devout, and earnest, he would
meet his friend in the world of light, when all results of faithful
labour will be finally revealed.
On reviewing the appearance of the neighbourhood, compared with what it
was years before, changes were visible. Kensington had enlarged, the
population had increased; still there were rural spaces 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. Hence pastoral visitation required much time and some
toil; and many were the wanderings in unknown neighbourhoods, taken by
the new minister in order to secure an acquaintance with his hearers.
The congregation had become large in the latter part of Dr. Vaughan’s
time; and old families who had loved him did not transfer, but rather
extended their attachment to the object of their recent choice. Without
mentioning names, which would be invidious, there was _here_ an old
gentleman who looked well after his pastor’s interests; _there_ an old
lady with a large school, who did all she 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 evinced alienation, but gradually came to listen lovingly to the
pulpit occupant, whom the Great Master, they believed, had sent amongst
them. Many new attendants gradually sought sittings on the old spot;
some of them long since entered a better world and a better Church, and
others still remain, who kindly greet the retired shepherd whenever,
happily for himself, he comes in their way.
It may be mentioned that Kensington, on many accounts, has long been a
favourite place of residence for artists and literary men, and a few of
these became some occasional, others regular hearers. Two Royal
Academicians, and one of the editors 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 the
north to Kensington, and fully won the confidence and affection of his
pastor; others, whom it would be boastful to mention, and some still
spared for great usefulness, lightened the load of his cares and
increased the sum of his enjoyments.
One most interesting fact should not be passed over. Kensington was
remarkable for ladies’ boarding schools, and a number of the pupils
attended Hornton Street 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 of his life; and in the evening of
his days it is his privilege to regard several of them still with a
fatherly affection, to which they faithfully respond.
Curious characters at different periods, it may be added would come into
the vestry to have a little chat; a gentleman during the Crimean War
gravely proposed to the preacher of peace a clever scheme for blowing up
Sebastopol; and at another time one of clerical appearance repeated, with
extraordinary rapidity, long passages out of the Greek Testament.