Rushden Research Group: Park Road Baptist Church Memorials

Surveyed 2006 by Kay & John Collins

The Memorials

inside

Rushden Baptist Church in Park Road

The memorials inside Rushden Baptist Church in Park Road.

The plaques were recorded in 2006, and the position noted of where they were situated.

In 2008 there has been extensive work at the Church and the first 4 memorials have been moved.

1. Brass plaque - to right of pulpit [2008 now situated in entrance vestibule (Bottom Right)]

To the memory of William Richard GROSS
of Caldicott in this County
Who died October 4^th 1887 aged 67 years. He was for 39 years a member,
and for 36 years a deacon of this church, and for 28 years a Superintendent
of the Sunday School; these offices he sustained with honour and distinction,
being foremost in every sacrifice for the welfare of the work he loved so well,
his gentle spirit and modest bearing making him beloved of all men.

2. Brass plaque - to left of pulpit [2008 now situated in the entrance vestibule (Bottom Left)]

To the memory of Samuel KNIGHT born August 7 1808 Died March 29 1902.
A man of God, a lover of God’s House, and a servant of this church in many ways.
68 years a church member, 50 years a deacon, 33 years a Sunday School Superintendent.
Under his will he bequeathed most of his property to the church, the fund for the
erection of this building receiving therefrom seven hundred & fifty pounds.

3. plaque - on the wall at the back of the church [2008 now situated in the entrance vestibule (Top Left)]

For Remembrance Charles Arthur Kersey GREEN
1862-1947 An honoured servant of this Church
Forty Years a Deacon – Church Treasurer for twenty-two years.
“Fervent in Spirit”.

4. plaque - on the wall at the back of the church [2008 now situated in the entrance vestibule (Top Left)]

For Remembrance Frederick CORBY 1863-1940
Devoted His life to the Welfare of this Church
Forty-two years a Deacon – Church Secretary for Thirty-Seven Years.
“Serving the Lord”

5. plaque - high above the organ

To the memory of
W Cyril GROOM
ARCO ATCL
Organist at this Church
1931-1975

6. plaque - above the organ

To the praise and glory of God
This organ was rebuilt in 1948
And dedicated
In Grateful Remembrance
of those from this Church
Who gave their lives in the cause of Freedom
During The First World War (1914-1918)
And The Second World War (1939-1945)
Greater Love Hath No Man Than This

7. Cornerstone Plaque - situated to the left of the stage.

Cornerstone of this building was laid on September 26th. 1900 by:-

Rev. W.F. Harris (pastor)	Mr. B.V. Barrow J.P.
Mrs. R.E. Bradfield	Mr. Ald. Cleaver J.P.
Mr. C. Bayes	Mr W. Lewin
Mr. John Cave	Mr. W.B. Skinner
Mr. W. Timpson	Mrs.S. Knight (senr)
Jesus Christ himself being the chief Cornerstone Ephens. 11-30

**The five stones [see Old Baptist MIs 40-45] outside this church have recently been moved - now by the south wall of the Church. (moved 2004 for alterations)

Rushden Echo, July 20th 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins

Organist Enlists
Mr. J. Lindsay Clipson, A.R.C.O., organist of the Park-road Baptist Church, has joined the Honorable Artillery Company.

The Rushden Echo Friday 11 April 1919, transcribed by Nicky Bates

Portrait Unveiled at Rushden - A Victim of the War - Park Road Baptist Sunday School

At the close of the morning session of the Park-road Baptist Sunday School on Sunday last a special service was arranged for the unveiling of a life-like portrait of Mr George A Philby, one of its ablest and most devoted leaders, who laid down his life at the Front, for all mankind. Mr Philby was a leader of this department for some few years, and a devoted teacher in the senior school for many years. On being called to the Colours, Mr Philby joined the Howe Battalion, Royal Naval Division, and eventually proceeded to the battle front. The whole staff of the school regrets the loss of his personal companionship and helpful service, indeed every school loses a sincere friend. Several of Mr Philby's late workmates were in the audience, and all bore testimony to his genuine life and character. Mr Thos. W Alderman, a fellow workman, and also present leader of the school, spoke a few words of appreciation of Mr Philby's service and devotion to the school, teachers and scholars, and said he believed his late friend lived his gospel in the factory as elsewhere.

Mr F Cowley, superintendent of the Junior School, also spoke feelingly of Mr Philby's loss to them, and said he believed his spirit was even with them now. Mr Cowley admonished the children to follow Mr Philby's worthy steps, and to serve - as he served - his day and generation.

The Rev. R C Law regretted he did not know more of such an estimable life as that of their late friend. From what he could gather from all his friends, Mr Philby was thoroughly loyal, devoted, and sincere in all he undertook.

Mr Law then unveiled the portrait which is to hang in the school, the scene of his past devoted work, and will, it is hoped, prove to be a life-like reminder of "a true servant of God."

Some favourite and appropriate hymns were sung, and Mr Herbert Lack (Presdient of the district Sunday School Union) pronounced the Benediction.

Mr S C Brightwell (secretary) had carried and ably all necessary arrangements.