Memorials of the Independent Churches in Northamptonshire

HE CHURCH AT

me they occurred, or where the records, when made, have been subsequently neglected and lost, it becomes

e Lane, Wellingborough; it appears to be scarcely possible now to discov

le band of worthies who renounced their worldly prospects in connexion with the Church by law established,

d, 'Gospel Courage; or, a Christian Resolution for God and his Truth. In a Sermon preached before the Honourable House of Commons, at Margerett's, Westminster, at a public Fast, the 21st of May, 1643.' Being called up to London, he gained a high reputation, and was offered considerable preferments; but he refused them all, resolving to return to his charge at Wilby. He appears to have been a man of considerable eminence and great usefulness. His awakening sermons, and exemplary life and conversation, produced a signal and happy reformation; his people revered and

y Church, where at the foot of the altar is the

nterred Mr.

servant of

er of God's cause

uccessful preach

ng to this tow

ved twenty-

d, Decembe

means of producing that regard for the principles of the Gospel and the purity of the Church that actuated the early Nonconform

living was given to him by the Lord or Lady Brooke. While he continued in it, he was generally respected

ment than many of his brethren. When cast out of his living, he repaired to Meers Ashby, where he preached at a Mr. Preston's, in the

r his ejectment, and exercised his ministry as the times would permit. It is recorded that he was bound over to t

orough, upheld by Mr. Alsop and Mr. Rowlet, and the latter continued preaching here until removed by death. His constitution was feeble, for Mr. Alsop said of him, "If this man had but a body to

exceedingly precious for a long time, especially for two things-the extraordinary suitableness of his compositions to the minds of the weakest, notwithstanding the fulness and depth of his matter, and the great piety and refr

om which this in Cheese Lane descended, or when a stated

, and in such a dilapidated state, that it was found to be necessary to erect a new place of worship; when the present Meeting House was raised at the bottom of the lane where the c

avis, of Rowell, in 1692, in which Mr. King took a part. We find his name also as minister at Wellingb

ing and to preach for him on a week evening, observing, "It is with the utmost readiness and pleasure I embrace the opportunity of serving you which you propose in your obligin

d, and Dr. Doddridge was invited to preach on the occasion. He improved the event in a very serious, suitable, faithful sermon, from Amos iv. 11, which was published at the request of the people, with a dedication to those inhab

t situation of your affairs, have been as it were before my eyes and on my heart in almost every sentence; and I have frequently mingled these meditations with earnest

to Mr. Orton Mr. Thomas, who had been a student at the academy at Daventry, first under Dr. Ashworth and then under Mr. Robins. He was ordained about the same time as the late Mr. Toller was settled at Kettering, they having closed their academical course nearly together. Mr. Thomas resigned his charge about 1786, after having been pastor about eight years, and went to Enfield. He was succeeded

enry Summers. In reference to this ch

ssary for the society to look out for a successor; and in March, 1792, Mr. Henry Summers, who was assistant to the Rev. Robert Winter, of Hammersmith, after sufficient trial was made, received a unanimous invitation to the pastoral o

gregation was supplied partly by the neighbouring ministers, who voluntarily offered their services for the benefit of his widow, and partly by the students at the academy at Northampton. By the general consent of the whole society, at length an application was made to Mr. Daniel Washbourn, then a student at Northampton, to supply them during the academi

ordination service took place. The following is t

's Epistle to Titus); Mr. Edwards engaged in the general prayer; Mr. Worthington, of Salter's Hall, London, delivered an introductory discourse, in which he stated with ability and conciseness the grounds and advantages of such a service among Protestant Dissenters. He then proposed four questions to Mr. Washbourn, which were answered by him, and engaged in the ordination pr

requested that the ordination service be published

the ministers, Mr. Washbourn concluded the solemnities of the day with prayer. The kind providence of God appears to smile on this connexion, formed and ratified between minister and p

ts arising between the influential members of the Church and congregation, they went on to such a length as to issue in a separation-the building of Salem Chapel, and the formation of the Church assembling there. This was so painful to Mr. Washbourn, that he sent in his resignation, in which he expressed himself in the following words:-"While I desire to entertain no sentiments of hostility towards those who have thought proper to desert my ministry and to form themselves into a separate community

d to bless his memory and to render it blessed." But we find that "it pleased the great Head of the Church, who retains the prerogative of determining the trials of his servants, greatly to obstruct the usefulness of the latter part of his life, and to render it the scene of peculiar affliction, by the rapid progress of a constitutional malady-overwhelming depression. The most remarkable feature in this visitation was its periodical character. Six weeks

ng in a comparatively quiet and unobtrusive sphere, have gone down to the grave accompanied by such deep expressions of u

and preached to them with his former acceptance. An invitation was given him to resume his labours, which he accepted; and after an interval of twenty years he again became the pastor of the Church. His services were cont

of the gentleman, and with the spirit of the Christian. His temper was amiable, and it was his constant aim to promote the spirit of piety and of peace among his people. In the

ficiating were Messrs. H. Knight, R. Hall, and T. N. Toller. "For upwards of four years before his death he was the subject of intense mental and physical suffering, which much beclouded his fine intellect; and the deep waters of tribulation went over his soul." "In him," it is justly said, "were united the elegant accomplishments of the classical scholar, and the graver acumen of the profound theologian; which, added to the unaffected fervour of his piety, the benevolence of his disposition, and the sterling integrity of h

dow to his memory, and placed

neral character. His attainments in learning were eminent; his intellectual power was considerable-his general information extensive; his skill in criticism was great; while he was a man of inflexible integrity, pre-eminently "without guile"-a sincere and steadfast friend, with much kindness o

Mr. Robertson's affliction, and the vi

gation on the decline, were led anxiously to deliberate on the course which a due concern for their own spiritual improvement and the welfare of Zion required them to take; at the same time keeping in view their obligations to their honoured and afflicted pastor. After frequent consultations among themselves and with various ministers in the county, and much prayer, it was suggested, that as no symptoms of returning health appeared, the connexion ought to be dissolved. It was with great regret that th

able him to resume his ministerial labours. He was accordingly invited to preach for a few Sabbaths in the month of April. At the expiration of this time, he was invited to the pastoral office; which, after proper consideration and advice, he accepted. A recognition service was held on Thursday, O

evening, Wednesday and Thursday morning. On Tuesday evening, Rev. Thos. Milner preached; on Wednesday evening, Rev. T. East; and on

final close. He was under the necessity of resigning his office. His letter of resignation was dated June 24th, 1845, having scarcely completed six years of pastoral labour

t situation as a pastor was at New Windsor, near Manchester. Here he continued until, after eight years' service, he was obliged by the state of his health to resign his charge, and preached his farewell sermon from the words of the Apostle, "I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you," &c., which was listened to with the deepest interest; and many sorrowed, "that they should see his face no more" as their beloved pastor. After an interval of two years, his health appeared to be sufficiently recovered for him to resume his stated labours, and he then accepted the invitation to become the pastor of this Church. Here he ministered with considerable success for a short period, the Church and congregation increasing; but the interest at first excited was not sustained until the close of his ministry, which might partly arise from th

r. Poulter had supplied the pulpit for some weeks with acceptance, he was invited to take the pastoral charge, which invitation he accepted, and was ordained Thursday, December 17th, 1846, when the Rev.

f rather more than ￡300. The site was presented by Mr. W. Warren, and the design given by Mr. E. Sharman. At the opening services

ors, to be by them invested in the funds or other good security, the interest of which is to be paid annually on St

THE CHURCH

y, is especially interesting to those minds that love to observe how the great Head of the Church carries on the affairs of his kingdom by the varied ope

e number of persons who had derived benefit from the labours of Mr. Davis, residing in Wellingborough and its vicinity, who had become members of the Church at Rowell. After some time, it was thought that their number was sufficient to form a distinct Christian community, i.e., an Independent Church, with its officers. They received a r

hereafter written, for our embodying and enchurching together; when, after that the former part of the day was spent in

is it is

present, give ourselves up to the Lord and to one another by the will of God, joyfully promising and engaging to walk with the Lord Jesus Christ and with his people in the observation of all Gospel

o one another by the will of God, and to this subscribed, in the presence of many witnesses, as becomes a Church of the Lor

ed to carry it towards them as a people to their officers. Then they chose Mr. Bettson, who had been approved by the Church at Rowell for the ministry of the word, to become their pasto

t that was the man they had chosen to the office of a pastor; and after prayer, laid their hands on him again, and declared to the people that he was their pastor; and the ruling elders gave him authorit

y of the same

any of the brethren, or backbited any, looking upon it as abusing that rule in the 18th chapter of Matthew; also very dishonourable

ded to the Church during his ministry, which continued for 33 years. During the early years of that ministry much

many different places. Occasionally they held Church-meetings at Olney, 12 miles from Wellingborough, in which pl

is trials were many; for preceding the choice of an assistant, another minister came to the town

performed the marriage ceremony among themselv

emnly promise, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ,

emnly promise, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, to

of marriage is 1692, and the date

, 22nd day of

nter into the estate of matrimony the day and year above written. As a testimony of firmly indenting and joining i

ence of the

tson. Samu

e. Susan

in the parish Church where the parties li

ote from the place where the parties live

county of Bucks, on the one part, and Ann Rollins, of this parish, in the county of Northampton, on the other part, were

Vicar of

n, July 2

e counsels of other Christian societies, as a means of encouragement and assistance under the struggles to which they are called. Acting on this principle, this Church

ld proceed against them as covenant-breakers; making use of Christian endeavours, evangelical admonitions, for their recovery, if the Lord pleases to bless to the same end; and in case of obstinacy to cut them off. Of this advice we heartily approve as a Church of Christ; and desire that the Spirit of the Lord may be with you in it, and enable you to go comfortably through it, and give you success in it. We pity you under your great and sore trials, and, as helping you, pra

Mau

. Re

m. F

it proved in the history of this Church. Mr. Bettson's age increasing and energies declining, they agreed to invite a co-pastor. A Mr. Grant, another member of the Church at Rowell, was chosen to this office. Finding his ministry accep

o that we hope the night of your affliction is far spent, and the day of much more abounding

ir covenanted places in the Church. We have no reason to doubt but the Spirit of God will in a gracious manner bring others. When He is pleased

of God doth so fit it for edification and conversion. We pray that such fruits may abound more and more; and in order there

rs amongst us; but seeing our dear Lord calleth him to work amongst you, and incli

f the Church to the several Churches therein named, for their messengers to come over and behold our order, and ass

ordination, the Church assembled for it, in order to ca

. By their mouth it was proposed to brother William Grant, whether or no he did willingly give up himself to the Lord and his Church, to serve the Lord and them in the work and office of a pastor; which call of God and his people he testified that he willingly obeyed and accepted. That being done, the mes

hat it soon became necessary to enlarge the

lace. "Mr. Grant was introduced to the study of a learned brother, for whom he was to preach. This and the other book was pointed out as of great importance, and discovering great erudition in the author. Mr. Grant said, 'Sir, I have had no literary advantages; therefore such works are lost to me.' 'I am very sorry, then, that you are to preach to my people, who have always been accustomed to such ministers as have had a very liberal education. But, Mr. Grant, if you should be confused in

another event took place which terminated in his favour. One of his hearers had ￡200 left her, but found great difficulty in o

oming to Wellingborough-"Mr. Grant, I wonder what induced you to come to such a reduced and poor people; how do you think you can be supported?" Then, as the effect of an instantane

en comfortably contain their congregation, and found it to be about ￡200. They built the walls, and put up part of the roof; but found themselves,

9th, 1770, that he preached for the last time, being very ill, and for some time before this having been carried to the pulpit. On March 22nd, 1771, a

omforts for the benefit of the poor." A friend said to him, "I wonder, Mr. Grant, that you do not keep a better fire this cold weather." He replied, "other people want fires as well as myself." He was a firm Dissenter, and h

Mr. Homes, the clergyman, to combine in collecting for the poor sufferers. When Mr. Homes saw the great influence that Mr. Grant had, and the unlimited respect paid to him, he determined h

sion, when two of his friends were leading him to the pulpit, and said, "Sir, how do you do? for I canno

e of Mr. Grant's manuscripts (Psalm lxxix. 8). After a

uities." Either God did remember against the Church their former iniquities, or I say the Church was mistaken; for the Church apprehends it so by her prayer. At this time she very plainly believes God did remember against her he

revent us;" that is, prevent our ruin, or we should be destroyed-we should be brought to nothing as a Church if thou sufferest the enemy to go forward in destroying them that are useful, cutting them off as they have d

or God's help; this may come in by way of petition in prayer. Our miseries and God's mercies are very proper pl

(2.) Learn from hence, when God is chastising you, and laying his rod upon you, to turn to him that smites you, when he calls you by his rebuke

resents some pleasing indications of the spir

tian brethren and sisters who have lately asked their dismission from the Church of Christ at Lu

no less than four sundry times; and our conclusion is, that we cannot receive you upon such a dismission: for, instead of a recommendation, you have an accusation, that you could not come to a temper; and then a conclusion, that your separation is groundless. How far this accus

walls, and heal all her breaches! We earnestly desire that the Lord may appear for his cause in Lutterworth, that you may have Christ's Gospel and his law powerfully and plainly preached amongst you, that all

vember 27th, 1741, and signed b

Gr

ting of Mr. Grant, is in the posses

tor come after God's own heart. The fears of the people were great, on account of their attachment to the ministry of Mr. Grant, that no one would be so acceptable as to keep them together; as they cons

epted their call, and removed with his family to Wellingborough, October 30th, 1770. The ordination took place June 20th in the following year, which appears to have been conducted according to the more general practice of the Churches. Mr. Smith, of Oundle, read the hymns; Mr. Hayton began in prayer; Mr. Bond, of Toft, delivered the introductory discourse, and asked the u

renewed; and another covenant after revo

eatly revolted from our dear Lord, in a deep sense of both former and later miscarriage

perfect, as it brea

Christian societies-viz.: Mr. Perry, the first pastor of the Church at Wollaston; Mr. Hennell, its second pastor

a noble spirit. A subscription was opened among them, and found to be of sufficient amount to warrant their proceeding in the business. While the building was going forward they conducted a part of their service in Cheese Lane Meeting, by the kind permission of the stat

cter, and ministry, was drawn up by the late Mr.

nistry till he had completed his thirtieth year. He began by privately exercising his gifts before the Church, and afterwards established an evening lecture among his poor neighbours, to whom he preached after the labours of the day were closed. He continued these exercises, and some occasional services, a considerable time before he relinquished his secular employment and devoted himself entirely to

o an uncommon degree the happy talent of giving a devotional turn to almost every subject. Far from assuming any consequential airs, he alone seemed insensible to what every one else perceived, that he was the life and soul of the company. While

ble. A sound judgment, a correct taste, and extraordinary diligence in reading and studying the word of God, joined

f his discourse he was peculiarly striking. His numerous hearers will doubtless long remember with what solemnity of voice and manner, with what pointed energy of expression, he warned the young, the thoughtless, and the dissipated; with how much skill and tenderness he administered the consolations of the Gospel to those who laboured under

ppiness of his family. Under the pressure of great, not to say unparalleled afflictions, he was resigned; when troubles came in upon him as a mighty flood, his heart was still fixed, trusting in the Lord.

a good conscience only excepted. The happy fruits of this disposition, and the beneficial effects of such an example, will, we trust, conti

eir long continuance on the other, did ever extort from his lips a single expression of impatience or distrust. His understanding was unimpaired and his f

ce. It is said, "that he was possessed of good talents; but was very high in doctrine, denied the Gospel call to sinners as sinners-that he manifested too great a degree of levity, having much jocular wit." "He came to Wellingborough like a

g; Mr. Whitehead, of Creaton, delivered the introductory discourse, asked the usual questions, and received Mr. Renals' confession of faith; Mr. Bull, of Newport, offered up the ordination prayer, with imposition of hands; t

e service with prayer." In connexion with this account it is stated, "that a very large concourse of people, and thirty ministers, were the agreeable witnesses of this important and happy settlement; and it is w

list of four pastors of this Church, whose united services here make up 150 years. During the past

afterwards settling in Nottingham, became a member of the Church at Castle Gate Meeting, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. Richard Alliott, by whom he was introduced to Rotherham College, which he entered in the autumn of 1798. Being then nearly thirty years of age, and not having had the advantages of preparatory training, the tutors wisely deviated from their usual course, and directed his attention chiefly to theological studies. He first preached for a time at Hinchley, in Leicestershire, going thither in 1802, but removed to Wellingborough in the closing part of the next year. He had a vigorous constitution; preached three times every Lord's-day; was a warm advocate for maintaining the afternoon service, in opposition to the modern plan of morning and evening only. He frequently preached on a week evening, in some of the villages in the vicinity of Wellingborough. He was a man of genuine piety, decided attachment to the principles of the Gospel, sterling integrit

he introductory discourse; Mr. Renals offered the ordination prayer; and Dr. Stowell, Mr. Tyte's tutor, delivered the charge, from Col. iv. 17. In the evening, Mr. Toller, of Kettering, preached to the peop

d his people, and the harmony that subsists between them and the other ministers and congregations generally in the town, present, we trust, a cheer

HE CHURCH AT

s separation might be regretted at the time, after the lapse of forty years it would be unwise to attempt to enter into the grounds of that separation. The unpleasant feelings at first produced

med here, in the presence of the Rev. Joseph Whitehead, of Creaton, and the Rev. Shadr

n: and we do hereby resign up ourselves to Christ, in Church fellowship and communion, resolving and promising in his strength to devote ourselves entirely to him; to believe his promises, live by faith upon them, obe

ther's happiness and welfare, by sympathizing with the afflicted, comforting the mourner, strengthening the weak, confirming the wavering, reclaiming the backslider, and by every possible means do all that we

up themselves to the Lord, and then

1st, 1813, when we find Mr. Gill, of Harborough, Mr. Whitehead, of Creaton, Mr. Bull, of New

4th, 1821, when he resigned his charge. He app

his charge in the year 1822, and continued for about 1

pastor of a Church at Liverpool, he soon resigned his charge here. He was succeeded by the Rev. Robert Davis, who, having received a unanimous invitation to become their pastor, entered on his stated services February

astoral office. On that occasion, the Rev. J. A. Morris, of London, delivered the introductory discourse; Mr. Toller, of Kettering, offered the ordination prayer; Dr. Pye

e cost of them was ￡300. They were opened on Tuesday, September 18th, 1849, when the Rev. Dr. Reed, of London, and the Rev.

casionally Orlingbury. As this Church is of comparatively recent formation, and as all those that have sustain

forward, we trust, with the cheering hope of continued and yet more abundant supplies of divine blessings,