Chelsea, in the Olden & Present TimesBryan, George
History
Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times
Bryan, George
Chelsea (London, England) -- History
Thomas Davey, Esq., of the King’s Road, died in 1833; he was a celebrated
florist, and resided opposite Royal Avenue Terrace. This gentleman
served most of the old parochial offices, and his general good-natured
disposition gained for him the respect of all parties in the parish.
William Tebbs, Esq. died in 1831, aged 59; he was beloved by a large
circle of friends, and esteemed by all who knew him.
* * * * *
Most of the old and respected parishioners of Chelsea, who once occupied
a prominent position in it, have passed away from the scenes of this
world, to enjoy, it is hoped, that pure and unalloyed happiness which can
only be realized in that kingdom where there is neither poverty, anxiety,
sorrow, or pain. Some of them no doubt are interred in this ground, but
it would have displayed partiality to have noticed some and emitted
others.
From an official statement, dated Dec. 22, 1823, shewing the receipts and
disbursements under each head, from the incorporation of the Burial
Ground Trustees, April 10, to September 1823, it appears that the whole
amount of expenditure, during the above period, was £17,243 8s. 6d. This
amount included £4,713 1s. 0¼d., for enclosing the ground, and £1,135 5s.
7½d., for building the temporary chapel, which was erected at the
northern entrance, for reading the Funeral Service, previously to the
erection of the Church.
* * * * *
In concluding the account of St. Luke’s Church, and Burial Ground, I
venture to insert, at the request of some subscribers to this work, the
following lines:—
REMINISCENCES OF ST. LUKE’S CHURCH.
Whene’er I view that beauteous tower,
Built with artistic taste and power
Upon yon sacred sod,
My heart awakes, with thankful strain,
For in old age I see again
That temple of my God.
Once in that Church I bent the knee,
And join’d the holy minstrelsy
That lifts the soul above:—
The powerful organ swell’d on high,
And many felt that God was nigh,
Inspir’d by faith and love.
I’ve seen there a bride, in rich attire,
Receive the ring from her loving sire,
And sign the marriage book:—
Then when they left the bells were rung,
And the porch fill’d with old and young,
To see their happy look.
I’ve stood beside the baptismal font,
Where children oft to Christ were brought,
And th’ cross mark’d o’er their brow:—
And it was a joyful after-sight
To see them, in emblematic white,
Confirm their sponsor’s vow.
The preacher, by his earnest way,
Fill’d the Church on the Sabbath day,
And touch’d their hearts within:—
He told them of the bleating sheep, {144}
Of Saul’s deceit, and crime so deep,
And warn’d them of his sin.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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