Chelsea, in the Olden & Present TimesBryan, George
History
Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times
Bryan, George
Chelsea (London, England) -- History
The Rev. John Harding, M.A., was appointed Minister of Park Chapel in
1834. Some time after he became the Rector of St. Ann’s, Blackfriars.
In both parishes he was much beloved by his congregations, and greatly
esteemed by the parishioners. At length he was consecrated Bishop of
Bombay, and, having remained in India for many years, he returned to
England, and a short time since preached on a Sunday evening at Park
Chapel. An affecting scene took place on that occasion, as his lordship
left the chapel. A great number of persons had assembled outside to shew
the respect they entertained towards him, notwithstanding his long
absence from Chelsea. When Bishop Harding approached, he seemed almost
overpowered with the kind recollection manifested by so many of the
congregation and other inhabitants, and, after a slight pause, he said,
with considerable emotion, “My dear friends, I thank you from my heart
for your kind remembrance of me. May God bless every one of you!” It
should here be mentioned that Bishop Harding, previously to his ministry
at Park Chapel, had been at St. Luke’s New Parish Church, with the late
revered Rev. H. Blunt, M.A., father of the present respected Rector, at
which Church he was also greatly esteemed.
The Rev. Henry Vaughan, M.A., did not long remain at Park Chapel, as the
state of his health rendered it impossible for him to continue. Some
short time afterwards he was called to his eternal rest. I heard it once
stated that Christian love was engraved on his forehead.
The Rev. Thomas Vores, M.A., who was next in succession, was, like his
predecessors, much beloved. About five years after his appointment he
vacated it, and went to Hastings.
The Rev. Dr. Miller, the Rev. W. Cadman, M.A., and the Rev. C. J.
Goodhart, M.A., were equally respected as being zealous and faithful
ministers. The two former are, at the present time, in the full vigour
of life, and actively engaged in discharging their sacred duties in large
parishes. With respect to Mr. Goodhart, who has only recently left the
chapel, and whose ministry there extended over so many years, it would be
a difficult task to notice him adequately in a given space; the best
summary will be to state that on his retirement he was presented with a
silver salver and a purse containing about £540, as a testimony of the
high respect entertained by the congregation for his long and faithful
ministrations.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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