From the decayed state of this place of worship, and for the safety of
those persons who assemble therein, at the recommendation of several
architects, a new wall has been erected, and the building generally
having undergone a thorough repair, with 200 additional sittings, and
baptistry, &c. was re-opened for the worship of God, on Thursday,
November 27, 1834, when three sermons were preached; that in the morning
by the Rev. Dr. Andrews, of Walworth, from Heb. ix. 12; that in the
afternoon, by the Rev. Thomas Shirley, of Seven Oaks; and that in the
evening, by the Rev. J. H. Evans, A.M., of John-street chapel,
Bedford-row, when upwards of thirty pounds were collected.
The church now encouraged by considerable additions, and the regular
attendance of an increasing congregation, take this opportunity of
gratefully acknowledging the services of those good men who helped them
in their low estate, and also to record the loving-kindness of the Lord
who has so graciously appeared in reviving us under the ministry of our
present pastor, the Rev. D. Denham (late of Margate), who was publicly
recognized as our pastor, with three of our brethren as deacons, on
Monday, Dec. 15, 1834. The Rev. G. Comb, of Oxford-st., delivered the
introductory discourse, and asked the church and minister the usual
questions. The Rev. M. Dovey, of Rotherhithe, offered up the ordination
prayer; and the Rev. Thomas Shirley, of Seven Oaks, gave an affectionate
charge to the pastor from 1 Cor. iv. 1, 2. The Rev. J. Smith, of
Shoreditch, explained the deacon's office, showing the qualification
and grace required to fill it, and then in a most scriptural manner
addressed the church from Heb. xiii. 22. Messrs. Benson, Bridgeman,
Moial, Boddington, and Hewlett, engaged in the other parts of the
services.
N.B. The expenses of general repairs and enlargement of the chapel
(which will now seat about 700 persons, including a number of free
sittings) will rather exceed 400 pounds; and as nearly _half that sum_
has been realized by the exertions of a few individuals, we trust our
appeal will not be in vain to those Christian friends to whom God has
given the means of assisting us, and whose delight is to promote the
cause of Christ upon earth. Donations, however small, will be thankfully
received if forwarded to our Treasurer, Mr. Richard Edwards, 6,
Chester-place, Old Kent-road.