Blog of the week 7

My blog with the narrowest appeal, I suppose, is the Childs Hill Baptist Church History Blog. It is here. One of these fine days I would like to write a history of the church. The blog is one easy way of amassing material. The church began in the 1860s and 70s and after three long pastorates had 4 short ones then me. As far as I can ascertain the church began as an evangelical church and has stuck to that to a greater or lesser extent over the years. Spurgeon and F B Meyer are among those who have preached here.

There are 48 posts, including plenty of pictures. You might find something interesting there or be inspired to do something similar for your own church. This post is from the minute book and refers to the first minister Rev William Rickard

“The last three or four years of his life were spent in much suffering. In March 1893 he had to go into hospital and underwent a serious operation. After six months leave of absence from the church he seemed to have recovered, and resumed his loved work; but his recovery was only for a short time, for increasing weakness at length necessitated his resigning the pastorate, and on Sunday September 23rd 1894 he preached his farewell sermon from Acts 20:26, 27: ‘Therefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you all the counsel of God’, and 2 Corinthians 13:11: Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind. Live in peace and the God of peace will be with you’. The chapel on that occasion was crowded almost to suffocation, many having to go away not being able to find even standing room in the porch or on the staircases.
“Less than a month from his retirement he was taken ill and lingered in much bodily suffering until called to higher service on January 21st 1896. The funeral took place on the Saturday following when nearly the whole of the village seemed to go into mourning. The coffin was borne in and out of the chapel and to the grave by members of the Fire Brigade. Hundreds attended the Marylebone Cemetery (notwithstanding the rain) to show their love and respect to one who had for so many years been their friend, and who had loved and served them to his utmost.
“Thus closed upon earth the life of one who was faithful to his God. May we who serve the same Lord and Master be equally as faithful. ‘Blessed are the dead which die I the Lord from henceforth. Yes, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours and their works do follow them.’