The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1886-12-04 00:00:00

DEATH OF A WELL-KNOWN BAPTIST
MINISTER.

The Rev. Francis Tucker, 8.A., a prominent
minister of the Baptist denomination, died
on Saturday evening at Dowleis House, The Mall,
Wanstead—the residence of his Pon-in-law, Mr.
Whitaker—in the 74th year of his age. Deceased was
in early life a missionary in India, and on leaving that
sphere of labour he became minister of Union Chapel,
Manchester, now under the pastoral care of the Rev.
Dr. Maclaren, late president of the Baptist Union,
where he remained for 15 years. He resigned that
position in 1856, in order to accept the pastorate of
Camden-road Chapel, Holloway. This chapel had just
been erected for the Baptist demonstration by Sir
Samuel Morton Peto, Bart., and the deceased
was thus the first pastor. He occupied that position
for the long period of 28 years, and only resigned
two years ago, owing partly to the death of his wife,
which occurred about that time, and partly to his
own failing health. He was most anxious that the
cause in Camden-road, which had been extremely
flourishing and become the centre of great religious
activity and influence in the neighbourhood, should
not decline through any fault of his, and he thought
it better to retire and make room for a younger man.
Great regret was felt by the church and congrega-
tion on his announcing his determination to take
that step, and on his severing his connection with the
church, an address was presented to him, together
with a cheque for .£2OOO, as a mark of love and
esteem on the part of his church and congregation,
and also with the object of rendering his declining
years free from worldly anxiety. He did not, however,
live a life of idleness and ease, but frequently preached
on special occasions in several parts of the country.
He maintained tolerable health until last Thursday
week, when he was suddenly attacked with a severe
stroke of paralysis, which affected the whole of his
left side and also his speech, completely prostrating
him and rendering all conversation impossible. Once
or twice he slightly rallied, and it was hoped he
might ultimately recover, but on Saturday evening,
as previously stated, he quietly passed away. He
leaves seven children, one of whom has been a mis-
sionary. The news of his death will be received with
great regret by th 3 Baptist denomination, not only in
the metropolis, but throughout the country, as he was
well-known for his great piety, and his earnestness
and ability in the pulpit. Deceased was some years
ago President of the Baptist Association, and as a
result of his year of office Upper Holloway Baptist
Chapel was erected as an additional place of worship
in the neighbourhood, and several members of
Camden-road Chapel left to form the nucleus of the
first church there, which was presided over by the
Rev. S. H. Booth as its first pastor. To him eno-
eeeded the Rev. J. R. Wood, under whose ministra-
tions the cause has so flourished as to render an ex-
tension of the chapel necessary. The announcement
of the rev, gentleman's death was made on Sunday in
most of the Baptist chapels throughout the metro.
polis,as well as in several places of worship of other
denominations in the north of London.

WE owe cbedience to the law of reason, which
teaches mediocrity in meats and drinks.
Docioa : The only thing I can recommend for you
is a change of scene. Patient: Change of scene is no
good; I've tried it. Doctor : I understood you to
say you had not been out of town for years ?
Patient: I haven't; but rill a scene-shifter at the
theatre.
' 3/I...twNING, dear boy. D'y know Cholly is weal
sick?' ' Hadn't heard of it, 'pon honah. What's the
matter?' 'Blood poisoning. He cawn't live, doncher
know.' 'Paw boy. How did it happen?' He got
stung by a bawid mosquito night before last.'