surprised, and consequently we passed by gospel tents at Kilburn and
Kentish Town without expressing much wonder. Having a desire to see how
the un-church and un-chapel going population of this mighty metropolis
spent their Sunday out doors, we strolled to the classic ground of
Chelsea and found ourselves on the north side of the bridge. This
spot has been for several years the scene of rather unclassical and
disorderly debates, and open air preaching. This arena of intellectual
life was rather dull on this occasion; there was only the ordinary open
air service and a few groups of the usual unintelligent and sceptical
wranglers. Seeing nothing worthy in what we witnessed to detain us at
this place, we strolled over the bridge, towards the canvas cathedral,
which has lately been erected there. Having reached the middle of the
bridge, the floating banners in the distance clearly indicate the
locality where this place of public worship rears its canvas walls, and
as we approach nearer we find the well known words "God is Love" neatly
inscribed on one of them. At this portion of the road our attention is
arrested by a few of the church-going population outside the entrance
to Battersea Park, gathered round some open air preachers. At last we
reach the south-eastern gate of Battersea Park, opposite which is the
front of the canvas cathedral a substantial tent, capable of holding
about 300 people. (The tent will seat 200). We were very much surprised
to find at one of the entrances a well-executed and coloured diagram
of the famous Babylonish temple of the Seven Spheres. We saw from the
crowded nature of the audience that the service on this occasion was
a very special one, for not only was the tent full but large groups
of people surrounded the entrances. A small bill informed us that Mr.
G. M. Turpin, a gentleman in connexion with the Christian Evidence
Society, was to preach this evening on Modern Discoveries and the
Bible, illustrated with diagrams. As we entered the interior of the
cathedral, we noticed hung behind the preacher a number of nicely
drawn and strikingly coloured diagrams representing views of Nineveh,
Babylon, Nimroud, slabs discovered in their ruined palaces, a page of
the annals of an Assyrian monarch, representations of a besieged city,
and a copy of the Moabite stone.
The service was very simple in its character. It consisted of a few
devout extempore prayers, reading a portion of Scripture, and the
singing (accompanied with an harmonium) of some of Sankey's hymns. As
may be imagined, our curiosity was excited as to how the preacher could
make a sermon containing anything spiritual profitable to his hearers
out of the pictures behind him. The portion of Scripture selected for
his text only stimulated our curiosity for it was the beautiful words
of our Lord contained in John c. 17 v. 17, "Sanctify them through thy
truth; Thy word is truth." One felt inclined to say "Sanctification and
pictures; a great deal of sanctification the preacher will get out of
them for his audience." No sooner, however, has the preacher got into
his introduction than the connection between his diagrams and his text
is clearly apparent, for he was evidently going to talk about the truth
of God's word as contained in the Bible. The text was divided into two
parts; first the assertion that God's word was truth; secondly, the
instrument of His people's sanctification. In treating of the first
division of his discourse the preacher gave forth some very clear ideas
on some of the most difficult topics, for revelation, the instrument
through which it ought to come and the form by which it was to be
transmitted to humanity in after ages, were all noticed, and men as the
media, and the book as the written record, and not oral tradition, were
shown to manifest the wisdom and condescension of God. "The Christian
Church," said the preacher, claims that in the Bible they have a
revelation of God's will, and the sublime idea of God in the possession
of the Jews plainly proved that it came from God's own revelation. But
objectors exist, and modern doubt cast suspicion on the sacred records.
What then is the voice of modern discoveries? Is it for or against
the credibility of the sacred record? In favour of reposing trust in
its statements, for modern science and discovery and exploration have
proved the truth of all the historical and geographical details of
the Bible, removed many of its historical difficulties, and by its
identification of sites of cities which were the subject of prediction,
proved its fulfilment and thus borne testimony to the supernatural in
the Bible. These propositions were supported by a vast array of facts
drawn from the traditions of mankind, the newly-discovered palaces and
libraries of Assyria, and the scholar's translation of its clay and
stone records.
When the preacher treated the second portion of his theme, the
intensely practical nature of his mind was clearly shewn in the way
in which while asserting God's truth to be the instrument of the
sanctification, he appealed to all present in a most solemn manner
to put the important question--"Were they sanctified?" "If you are
not you will never tread the golden streets of the New Jerusalem, but
while your friends are passing in you will be shut out." Mr. Turpin
evidently had the whole of his audience in his mind, for at the end of
his discourse he pressed home on the juvenile portion of his audience
the beauty of early piety by a contrast between the dying chimney-sweep
and Lord Byron in which the character of the sweep shone to the
disadvantage of the celebrated poet. Another hymn and prayer closed
the interesting canvas cathedral service. Those present, both old and
young, evidently enjoyed the service, for they listened with breathless
attention for the 100 minutes which the preacher had occupied in
delivering his glowing discourse. A brief prayer meeting closed this
instructive Sunday evening, which if we may judge from the expressions
of some of the audience, will not soon be forgotten. As we retired we
felt that many such canvas cathedrals, with able preachers and hearty
singing, would lay hold of large numbers of those who are at present
outside ordinary religious influences.
The tent was purchased expressly for this object by Basil Wood Smith,
Esq., a warm and devoted friend of the working classes and who is a
member at present of the Parent Committee of the London City Mission.
The tent was originally erected on the triangular piece of ground
outside the south-eastern gate of Battersea Park before the roads were
completed, with the sanction of Lord John Manners when his Lordship was
in office as Chief Commissioner.
Among other respectable firms in the building trade within the Parish
may be mentioned the firm of Messrs. Lathey Brothers, Builders, 1, St.
George's Road, New Road. Messrs. Lathey Brothers were the builders of
St. George's Vicarage House, Christ Church Schools and Residences,
Infant School in Orkney Street, St. Saviour's Church, the enlargement
of St. George's Church, and the enlargement of St. George's National
Schools. Also a Mortuary built in 1876 in the Churchyard of St. Mary's
from designs by Mr. W. White, Architect, and the re-interment of all
coffins, 1875, in the vaults or crypt under the church 424 in all. Some
of these coffins were brought here from St. Bartholomew's Church, Royal
Exchange, in the city of London, in 1840. A Record was made of the
Inscriptions on all the coffins which were re-interred. This document,
which is in the possession of Messrs. Lathey Bros., would form an
interesting Obituary if published.
The H.P. Horse Nail Company's (Limited) Factory, New Road, has at
present machinery capable of turning out one million nails per day.
With the exception of a few mechanics most of the employés are young
women. Of late years horse nails have become an important branch of
industry and a leading article in trade, the consumption, indeed, being
very large; and when it is considered that each horse has in its four
hoofs 28 or 30 nails, and that these nails are wearing out all day
and all night, and require renewing about every month, and that in
Great Britain and Ireland there are at the present time not less than
3,000,000 horses, representing a demand exceeding a thousand million
nails per annum the trade is entitled to rank with others in importance
and influence. Mr. J. A. Huggett, the inventor of the Patent Machinery
employed at this factory for the manufacture of horse nails, has hit
the right nail on the head, the quality of the nails having met with
the general approval of veterinary surgeons, farriers, and ironmongers.
The quality of the iron of which the nails are manufactured has its
perfection attributed to three causes:--First, it is the best Swedish
charcoal iron; secondly, it is heated in the Siemens furnace; and
lastly, which certainly is not the least important, it passes through
a rolling-mill worked by steam power, each roller weighs about ten
cwt.--Manager, Charles Moser, Esq.
Hugh Wallace's Vitriol Works were situated in the New Road; Schofield
and Co.'s Steam Saw-Mills and Stone Works, Stewart's Lane. The saw
frames are worked by fly wheels and connecting shafts so constructed
that the frame is always level be it ever so high a block sawing; this
is done by lengthening or shortening the shaft. By some persons the
frames are considered the easiest working ones in London. The moulding
machines are by Hunter, Queen's Road, Battersea, specially adapted for
string courses and steps. About eighty men and boys are employed at
these works.
[Illustration: ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH.]
ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH, Battersea--The following particulars respecting
this Church may not be uninteresting. The living is a vicarage of the
yearly value of £240 with residence in the gift of Trustees.
The Chapel-of-Ease, as St. George's was called, in Battersea Fields,
was built partly by a rate and partly by grant from the Parliamentary
Commissioners at a cost of £2,819; it is a neat building in the style
of English architecture, by Edward Blore, Esq., Architect. Its erection
began September 18, 1827. It was consecrated August 5th, 1828, by Dr.
Sumner, Lord Bishop of Winchester, and the first church his Lordship
consecrated in his diocese. The Rev. J. G. Weddell was the first
clergyman appointed. He held the living twenty-five years: died June,
1852. Within this hallowed sanctuary the venerable, esteemed and truly
honoured servant of Christ the Rev. John Garwood, late Secretary of
the London City Mission, laboured as curate in charge for nine years
previous to Mr. Weddell's death. The Rev. H. B. Poer was appointed in
1852. It was made a District Church in 1853. The churchyard was closed
as a burial ground in 1858. The Rev. E. S. Goodhart was appointed in
1859: he remained ten months. The Rev. Burman Cassin was appointed
in 1860: he resigned and was instituted at St. Paul's, Bolton, 1872:
he preached his last (valedictory) sermon December 31, 1872, at a
watch-night service.
The Rev. John Callis was appointed January, 1873. During his time the
Church underwent alterations. These were begun August 24, 1874, when
the side galleries were removed and the church enlarged by the addition
of two aisles at the cost of £1,700. The church will accommodate 800.
The church was re-opened by the Right Reverend Harold Browne, Lord
Bishop of Winchester, November 21st, 1874, at 4 o'clock p.m. The Rev.
John Callis left for South Heigham, Norwich, July, 1875.
The Rev. Thomas Lander, M.A., now holds the living, he was appointed
August, 1875. The Rev. T. Kirk ordained and appointed Curate to St.
George's, September 24th, 1876. Previously to his ordination he had
laboured for twenty-six years in connection with the London City
Mission, and was much beloved and respected in the district among the
people to whom he has been and still is so much blessed.
The population of the Ecclesiastical parish in 1871 was 16,172.[1] The
register dates from the year 1858. The area is 443 acres.--John Gwynn,
Samuel Lathey, Churchwardens.
[Footnote 1: St. Andrew's Temporary Iron Church, Patmore Street, was
opened on St. Andrew's Day, Saturday, Nov. 30, 1878, by the Bishop of
Guildford, late Dr. Utterton. The persons who took part in the service
were Canon Clarke, Revs. Lander, Hamilton and Kirk. Rev. G. Hamilton is
the Mission Clergyman. Some few years ago a gentleman offered to put
up a Church in South London. St. George's Parish, Battersea, was named
as being in need of one. A short time after the promise was made the
gentleman died. His widow anxious to carry out her deceased husband's
intentions, set apart the amount for the purchase and removal of the
Iron Church, which then stood in Chelsea.
According to the census of 1881, the inhabited houses and population of
Battersea were as follows:--
Number of Number of
Inhabited Houses. Inhabitants.
St Mary's 3758 24595
Christ Church 2011 14404
St Peter's 1183 8919
St John's 1068 7069
St Saviour's 1747 14172
St Philip's 2444 17428
St George's 2380 20612
Total 14591 107199]
"I love her gates, I love the road;
The church adorned with grace
Stands like a palace built for God
To show his milder face."--_Watts._
At the east end of the interior and south of the pulpit a white marble
tablet mounted on a dark marble slab has recently been erected. Within
a wreath of virgin marble most artistically executed is the following
epitaph engraved. "In memory of Elizabeth Maria Graham, of Clapham
Common, died December 14, 1874, aged 79, through whose devoted and
indefatigable labours this Church, the Vicarage, and Mission-room were
built and the St. George's Schools were founded. 'The love of Christ
constraineth us.'--2nd Cor. v. 14. 'The harvest truly is great but the
labourers are few, pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He
would send forth labourers into His harvest.'"--Luke x. 2.
"They that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord
hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before
him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And
they shall be mine saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up
my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that
serveth him."--Malachi iii. 16-17.
In St. George's Churchyard the ground has been levelled and the
hillocks have disappeared to make it resemble more a garden or field
with flat grassy surface studded here and there with shrubberies than
a receptacle of the dead, there are however some "sacred memorial," a
few grave stones etc., which indicate to the passer-by that this was
formerly used as a place of interment. We will just pause to read some
of the inscriptions. At the east-end of the churchyard is the vault of
the Rev. John Grenside Weddell, twenty-five years pastor of this flock,
who died the 23d of July, 1852, aged 75 years.
"I have sinned but Christ hath died."
Also in the same vault are the remains of Caroline the beloved wife of
the Rev. J. G. Weddell, who died the 22nd of December 1839, aged 64
years.
"Whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus
Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever."--_Hebrews xiii._ 7.
A few yards from this spot a head-stone is erected "Sacred to the
memory of Mrs. Ann Puttick of Nine Elms, who departed this life Oct.
5th, 1855, aged 64 years. Also of Henry her beloved husband, interred
at the Cemetery, Battersea. 'Even so Father for so it seemed good in
thy sight.'"
Here is a vault sacred to the memory of Leonora the wife of John
Charles McMullens, Esq., of Lavender Hill, in this parish, who died
24th June, 1813, aged 35 years. The epitaph states,
"Faithful and meek she bore the will
Of Him who to a troubled sea,
In powerful words said 'peace be still,'
My grace sufficient is for thee."
Also that of her husband, J. C. McMullens, Esq., who died 30th
September, 1855.
On the west-side of the gravel walk leading to the entrance of the
church a stone slab covers the grave of all that was of Louisa, wife
of Mr. J. A. Michell of this parish, who died in child-bed on the 24th
November, 1834; aged 23 years.
Far, far remote from objects dear,
A virtuous wife here rests;
Who ever studied while on earth,
To comfort and caress.
Her husband, and her parents dear,
Now mourn departed worth,
Affections was her constant theme,
While she had breath on earth.
In child-birth first her troubles rose,
Her babe on earth abides;
Extreme her grief, extreme her pain,
Delivered, and she died.
Her husband now consoles himself
With hopes not found in vain,
That as her happy soul's at rest,
His loss will be her gain.
Also of Sarah Gywnn, wife of James Gywnn, who died May 28, 1850, aged
67. And also of James Gywnn, who died January 28, 1851, aged 77.
Hard by is another grave-stone sacred to the memory of Mrs. Elizabeth
Stewart, widow of the late Lieut. James Stewart, R.N., who departed
this life on the 10th of ---- aged 60 years. The letters on this slab
are so eaten away by the tooth of time that we could not decipher the
date.
A head-stone marks the grave of Margaret Young, who died August 13th,
1855, aged 58 years. Added to this inscription are the words:
"For now shall I sleep in the dust;
And thou shalt seek me in the morning,
But I shall not be."--The book of Job vii. 21.
The epitaph on another slab is as follows: "Blessed are the dead
who die in the Lord"--so died on the 24th of May, 1829, aged 56
years--Mary, the beloved wife of B. Jonathan Broad, late Chief
Secretary at the Rolls. Also beneath this stone are deposited Barber
Jonathan Broad, Esq., many years an inhabitant of this parish, who died
the 10th of July, 1831, aged 61 years.
On another grave-stone is an inscription sacred to the memory of Alice
Buckney, daughter of Thomas and Charlotte Buckney, of this parish, who
died 9th August, 1830, aged 16 days.
Against the west wall in the rear of the houses in Ceylon Street is
a head-stone erected sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Dicker, the
beloved wife of Job Dicker, who departed this life May 6th, 1858, in
the 55th year of her age. At the bottom of this epitaph are inscribed
the lines so familiar to us and which all have seen in many a
churchyard:
Afflictions sore long time I bore;
Doctors were in vain!
Death and disease--and God did please
To ease me of my pain.
Weep not for me, my children dear,
Nor shed for me a single tear:
In heaven I hope we all shall meet,
Then all our joys will be complete.
Here is a stone in memory of Richard, third son of Henry Roston and
Amelia Bowker, who died Sept. 18th, 1849, aged 6 years. His dying words
were: "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not."
Also Elizabeth, who died Sept. 23rd, 1849, aged 1 year 3 months. Also
Alfred, who died Oct. 18, 1849, aged 4 years. Also Mr. Henry Roston
Bowker, father of the above children, who died July 23rd, 1852, aged 40
years. Also at the foot of this grave lie the remains of Mr. William
Robbins, grandfather to the above children, who departed this life July
1st, 1858, aged 71 years. "Boast not thyself of to-morrow, for thou
knowest not what a day may bring forth."
Near the wall at the south-side of the burial ground stands a solitary
head-stone sacred to the memory of Sarah Fisher, relict of Jonathan
Roundell Fisher, late of Cumberland and Otley, Yorkshire, who departed
this life 17th September, 1854, aged 67. The memory of the just is
blessed.
Near the entrance to the church at the south-side stands a plain
head-stone with no adornment, sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Clunie,
during 40 years the beloved friend of Mrs. Graham's family, of Clapham
Common. Born at Hull, August 29th, 1793. Died at Clapham Common June
22nd, 1853. Carefully trained by pious parents and by faith engrafted
in youth into Christ the living vine. She brought forth throughout her
whole life the precious fruits which spring from that all important
union, and abiding in Him her end was peace.
Scripture Readers, Mr. F. Vellenoweth, 62, St. George's Road; Mr. C.
Brooks, 9, St. George's Road; City Missionary, Mr. H. Langston; London
Mission Bible Woman, Miss Hulbert, 1, Ceylon Street.
CHRIST CHURCH is a composition of the early Lancet style, consisting
of chancel, nave, aisles and north and south transepts, with tower and
spire built of Kentish rag and Bath stone, raised by subscriptions at
a cost of £5,556, with sittings for 900. Interiorly it has two small
galleries. It was designed by Mr. Charles Lee, and repaired, decorated
and re-heated under the superintendence of Mr. E. C. Robins. The first
stone of this elegant church was laid by the Bishop of Sodor and Man,
on May the 27th, 1847. The living is a vicarage in the gift of the
Vicar of St. Mary's. The income is derived from the pew rents. The
area is 408 acres and the population of the Ecclesiastical parish
in 1871 was 18,720. The Rev. Samuel Bardsley was the first Vicar of
Christ Church but not the first minister. For some years it was a
Chapel-of-Ease and was supplied by the Vicar of the Mother Church.
The Rev. Samuel Bardsley was there from 1861 to 1867. The schools,
the Vicarage, and the school in Orkney Street were built during his
time. He resigned the living to become Rector of Spitalfields, and was
succeeded by the Rev. Edward Cumming Ince, M.A., of Jesus College,
Cambridge. In May, 1877, Mr. Ince resigned having suffered from
enfeebled health, amid the painful regrets of his beloved flock, who
for ten years had listened to his thorough evangelical discourses and
had profited so much under his faithful ministry.
The Rev. Stopford Ram, M.A., Secretary of the Church of England
Temperance Society, Instituted (Hospital Sunday) June 17th, 1877, left
on account of ill health, July, 1880, and died at Bournemouth, May
22nd, 1881, and buried on Ascension day.
"There remaineth, therefore, a rest for the people of God."
He has gone to his rest, like the bright summer sun
As it sinks in the west when its day's work is done,
But only to leave us a little while here,
To shine in another and far distant sphere.
He has gone to his rest--the journey is o'er,
And safely he lands on that bright, blissful shore,
Where banished for ever is sorrow and pain,
'Mid the harps that are tuned to a holier strain.
He has gone to his rest--no longer to roam,
The Master has called His dear labourer home;
Triumphant he enters the mansions of bliss,
And welcomes the change from a world such as this.
He has gone to his rest--the race has been run,
And vict'ry accomplished through Jesus the Son.
Unwearied by conflict, he knew no defeat;
His trophies are laid at our Great Captain's feet.
He has gone to his rest--we shall miss the dear voice
Which so often on earth made our spirits rejoice.
Yet mourn we? Ah, no! If in Jesus we reign
To-morrow we all shall be meeting again.
He has gone to his rest--that sweet Zion to share
With some of his flock awaiting him there;
Like him let us labour, the right to uphold;
Brave, patient, enduring, true-hearted, and bold.
_Alfred Sargant._
The Rev. H. Guildford Sprigg, M.A., the present Vicar, commenced his
duties, September, 1880.
"Holy, holy, holy: Lord God of Sabaoth.
Heaven and earth are full: Of the majesty of thy glory.
The glorious company of the apostles: Praise thee.
The goodly fellowship of the prophets: Praise thee.
The noble army of martyrs: Praise thee.
The holy church throughout all the world: Doth acknowledge thee."
--_Te Deum laudamus._
"Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before his presence with
singing."--_Psalm c._ 2.
Mr. Lowres, of Plough Lane, an energetic City Missionary, has laboured
in Christ Church district for nearly twelve years, and his local
Superintendents were the Rev. S. Bardsley and the Rev. E. C. Ince.
Mr. Warren, in an adjoining district, is another devoted Missionary.
[Illustration: ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.]