SUDDEN DEATH OF A MINISTER IN CHAPEL.

 In the course of his address he remarked that when Caesar lived the Romans had nothing to fear, and reminded those to whom he was speaking that as Jesus was the captain of their salvation, ever pleading for them, they need not fear if they faithfully served him. He rejoiced that they could feel that Jesus would be preached in that new chapel as the sinner's only hope and refuge, and having uttered the words, " Nothing but Jesus," his voice ceased, and he fell back into the arms of the Rev. Edward Alford, and in a few minutes breathed his last in the presence of the large congregation, who were thus thrown into a state of much painful excitement.

 The people quietly withdrew, and the corpse was left in the chapel to await the inquest before the district coroner, which was held when the medical evidence showed that apoplexy was no doubt the cause of death, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Freeman's Journal, Dublin 11 December 1874

FUNERAL OF THE LATE REVD. GEORGE OBERN

The funeral of the late Rev. G. Obern, whose sudden death occurred at Stroud Green Chapel under circumstances recorded in last week’s issue, took place on Friday afternoon.   The body was brought down from his place of residence to the Chapel in Bartholomew-street, where a service was held conducted by the Rev. G. Wallis.  There were a number of persons present, most of whom were attired in mourning. 

The service commenced with singing the hymn “farewell, dear friend, a long farewell”, and during the proceedings there were also sung the hymns commencing “Come let us join our friends above”, “Shall we gather at the river”, and “Safe in the arms of Jesus”.  An address was delivered by the Rev. D. Harding, of Basingstoke, who had known Mr. Obern for a period of 26 years.  His first thought - almost wish, he might say – was that he might have gone Home with his departed friend.  Still he was desirous to stay and do a little more work in the service of his Lord and Master.  The more conspicuous traits in the character of their departed friend was his childlike simplicity, his prayerful disposition, making a point of offering up prayer wherever practicable before leaving any house he might visit, and his firm belief in God and his promises.  Perhaps few amongst his ministerial brethren were more honoured of God in the conversion of sinners, and he hoped the mantle of their deceased friend might fall on his younger brethren.  Mr. Harding concluded – “I feel no regret for him, I shed no tears at his departure: for his death was a translation – he was not for God took him”.

The Rev. F. Robertson spoke of some of the solemn lessons to be deduced from this solemn event.  One was that our times are in God’s hands and that we should be prepared for death, however and wherever the summons might come.

The Rev. J. Ingham dwelt upon the comfort to be derived from the death of the righteous and subsequent resurrection to eternal life.

On the conclusion of the service the body was removed to the hearse, and proceeded to the Cemetery, the cortege being headed by several ministers, some of whom had travelled many miles to be present at the mournful ceremony.  Four superannuated ministers acted as pall bearers, and the bearers were chiefly local preachers.  A large number of friends of the deceased and others to whom he was known, both meal and female, followed, rendering the procession on of unusual length.  The service at the grave was read by the Rev. T. Cummin.

On Sunday evening, at Stroud Green, there was a “memorial” service.  The preacher was the Rev. E. Alford, who claimed the deceased as his spiritual father, he (Mr. Alford) having been converted in a revival eighteen years ago in Dorsetshire when some hundreds were brought to a knowledge of the truth, Mr. Obern at that time labouring in that neighbourhood.  The chapel was crowded, and many could not obtain admittance.  It was announced that the funeral sermon would be preached on Sunday evening next at Bartholomew-street Chapel.

NWN 17/12/1874

d. 07/12/1874 aged 60 years

REVEREND GEORGE OBERN

The Inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon at four o’clock, at the new chapel, before the County Coroner, J.C. Pinniger, Esq., and a Jury, of whom were the following:- Messrs. S. Wickham (foreman), R. Gibbings, C. Midwinter, R. Skinner, W. Skinner, H. Adams, C. Walker, W. Kenham, G. Guyatt, E. Cox, E. Dell, H. Batten, and J. Freeman.  After viewing the body, evidence was taken as follows:-

Edward Alford said – I am minister of this chapel, which is a Primitive Methodist Chapel, and has been recently erected.  The opening services, which commenced on Sunday, were continued yesterday, when there was a tea and public meeting.  The deceased was present as one of the ministers appointed to take part in the meeting.  Our meeting commenced about half-past six, and was first addressed by Mr. G. Moss, of Reading; then by the Rev. E.W. Shalders, Congregational Minister of this town; next by the Rev. John Leach, of Hungerford; then by the Rev. W. Rowe, who is now present; next by the Rev. F. Robertson; a collection was then made on behalf of the funds of this building.  This would be about half-past eight.  As Chairman of the meeting I said I thought it would be well to separate as the building was not very dry; but stated that Messrs. Obern, Cummin, and Wallis were appointed to deliver addresses, and if the friends wished to remain, I had no doubt these ministers would deliver short addresses.  I observed the congregation was anxious to hear those gentlemen, so, after making an announcement as to future services, I called on Mr. Obern to speak.  He had taken an interest in this building, and expressed pleasure at being present.  He spoke for about ten minutes – not longer.  I observed that at the commencement he spoke a little louder than he usually did; but he appeared to be under no special excitement.   At the close of his address he turned round, as I thought, to sit down, but reclined against myself and Mr. Robertson, the Baptist Minister.   I immediately thought he had a fit of some kind.  We tried to get him placed on the seat of the rostrum, but experienced difficulty.  He made a slight noise once, as if groaning, but it was not very loud.  A medical gentleman was sent for; and after a time Dr. Ryott arrived.   Our opinion before the doctor arrived, was that he was dead.  I believe Mr. Obern to be a little over 60.   He was a superannuated Primitive Methodist Minister, and resided at Montague Place, Newbury.  I have known Mr. Obern for 18 years.  He was laid aside from his official duties about four years ago, in consequence of an apoplectic stroke.

Mr. F.E. Ryott, of Newbury, surgeon, said – Last evening I was requested to come to the Chapel at Greenham to see a minister who was thought to be in a fit; on reaching the chapel I found Mr. Obern was dead.  I have since ascertained from his wife, that deceased had an attack of apoplexy and paralysis some three years ago, and I have no doubt from the excitement of speaking a blood vessel was ruptured on the brain causing immediate death.  The death would be from apoplexy.

Mr. Alford explained that Mr. Obern usually spoke very quietly at the commencement of his address, and that on the present occasion h was slightly above his usual tone of voice.

The Jury without further deliberation returned a verdict of death from apoplexy, and at the suggestion of the foreman, kindly handed their fees to Mr. Alford towards a fund being raised for the widowed daughter of the deceased who with her children were dependent upon him.  The Revs. W. Rowe and F. Robertson were also present at the inquiry.  The funeral, we are informed, will take place on Friday afternoon.  There will be a service at the Bartholomew-street Chapel at 2.30, and the body will then be conveyed to the Cemetery for interment.

NWN 10/12/1874

Mrs. P p. 132 LS47

d. 07/12/1874 aged 60 years

OPENING OF NEW CHAPEL AT STROUD GREEN

MELANCOLY TERMINATION TO THE PROCEEDINGS.

The new place of warship which has recently been erected at Stroud Green, in the parish of Greenham, for the use of the Primitive Methodists, was opened on Sunday last. The chapel is well built and neatly designed, and faces the public road at a short distance from the Green. It is built of brick, lighted with 8 windows, and capable of seating 125 persons. It is entered by a door from the front; the interior is fitted with open seats having sloping backs, and a rostrum is provided for the preacher. Everything has the appearance of being substantial and good without recourse to unnecessary expenditure, and the edifice is an ornament to the locality. The work has been creditably carried out by Mr. E. James, builder, of Newbury, from plans supplied by Mr Kerridge, of Wisbeach.

On Sunday morning the first service, consisting of a meeting for prayer, was held. At half-past two a sermon was preached by the Rev. H. 0. Rattenbury (Wesleyan), and in the evening by the Rev. W. Rowe. The chapel was crowded to excess on both occasions.

On Monday there were tea meetings, held at four and five o'clock to accommodate the large numbers that were expected. The service afterwards was commenced with singing and prayer.

The chair was taken by the Rev. E. ALFORD, who alluded to the prayer meeting held on the previous morning at which the chapel had been dedicated to the service of God, and hoped that the Divine Glory which filled the temple of old at its dedication would ever be p•esent, consecrating the building, the services, and all connected with it to the highest and holiest of purposes. He called upon

Mr. GEORGE Moss, who stated that he was born and brought up at Stroud Green, and lived there for many years until his removal to Reading. He recollected the Primitive Methodists coming into the neighbourhood. They frequently preached upon the Green and many flocked to hear them. Their venerable friend Mr. Obern was one of the earliest preachers, and he well remembered that he placed his hands on his (the speaker's) head, and prayed that God might convert him and make him useful in His cause, and it was to the prayers and labours of Mr. Obern that he attributed under God his conversion. He would have been glad to have been present at the dedication services yesterday, but he was engaged in his Master's service elsewhere, having had to preach three sermons and walk more than 25 miles. It behoved them all to work for the night of death was fast approaching when their opportunity for doing good would be over. About two years ago he was at a meeting, and whilst a good man was speaking he fell to the ground, and died almost immediately. There was no doubt that it was in his case, "Absent from the body, present with the Lord." Death might be near to some of them ; but if about their Master's work when the summons came it would be a happy and triumphant entrance into eternal life. [lt will be seen by what transpired subsequently that the speaker's words were somewhat premornitory.]

The Rev. E. W. SHALDERB spoke of the pleasure it gave him to see such a neat and elegant sanctuary, and hoped it might be divinely consecrated, and prove to many souls in that neighbourhood the wicket gate of salvation, the interpreter's house, and the place of refuge.

The Rev. J. Duca, of Hungerford, next spoke, and was followed by the

Rev. W. Rowe, of Newbury, who alluded to the unproved architecture of their places of worship, and the stately chapels which were being raised in many large centres of population ; but he would rather forfeit all these than that as a connexion they should lose their love for open air worship, and those evangelistic labours of carrying the gospel from house to house and among people who could not be induced to attend any place of worshipmeans which under God had been blessed in their prosperity and present position as a denomination.

Rev. F. Robertson spoke of the higher life to which all Christians should, after their conversion, seek to attain.

The collection was then made, and the hymn was sung :

" Sweet lend of rest, for thee I sigh,

When will the moment come,

When I shall lay my armour down,

And dwell with Christ at home."

The Rev. G. OBERN remarked that it was said a Roman need not fear so long as Caesar was alive ; and a Christian need not fe.r so long as Jesus, the Captain of his Salvation, lived to plead for him above. It was a glorious thought that Jesus the friend of poor sinners would be preached in that chapel, and he trusted it might be the spiritual birthplace of very many souls. It was observed that the "Amen" with which he concluded his address was delivered in a faltering tone, and in attempting to resume his seat Mr. Obern fell back and was caught by the Chairman and the Rev. F. Robertson. Water was obtained, the windows opened, and every assistance rendered. In the meantime the benediction was pronounced, and the congregation withdrew quietly. A messenger was dispatched for a medical man, and Dr. Ryott attended with all expedition, but pronounced life to be extinct, an opinion that had been previously shared in by those who remained with the deceased. Many stood outside to hear the result, and were subsequently allowed to enter to take a last glimpse of one who was greatly beloved for the kindness of his disposition and his former useful labours.

The Inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon at four o'clock, at the new chapel, before the County Coroner, J. C. Pinniger, Esq., and a Jury, of whom were the following :—Messrs. S. Wickham (foreman), R. Gibbinga, C. Midwinter, R. Skinner , W. Skinner, H. Adams, C. Walker, W. Kenham, G. Guyatt, E. Cox, E. Dell, H. Batten, and J. Freeman.

After viewing the body, evidence was taken as follows : Edward Alford said—l am minister of this chapel, which is a Primitive Methodist Chapel, and has been recently erected. The opening services, which commenced on Sunday, were continued yesterday, when there was a tea and public meeting. The deceased was present as one of the ministers appointed to take part in the meeting. Our meeting commenced about half-past six. and waa first addressed by Mr. G. Moss, of Reading ; then by the Rev. E. W. Shalders, Congregational Minister of this town ; next by the Rev. John Leach, of Hungerferd ; then by the Rev. W. Rowe, who is now present ; next by the Rev. F. Robertson ; a collection was then made on behalf of the funds of this building. This would be about half-past eight. As Chairman of the meeting I said I thought it would be well to separate as the building was not very dry ; but stated that Messrs. Obern, Cummin, and Wallis were appointed to deliver addresses, and if the friends wished to remain I had no doubt these ministers would deliver short addresses. I observed the congregation was anxious to hear those gentlemen, so, after making an announcement as to future services, I called on Mr. Obern to speak. He had taken an interest in this building, and expressed pleasure at being present. He spoke for about ten minutes—not longer. I observed that at the commencement he spoke a little louder than he usualy did ; but he appeared to be under no special excitement. At the close of his address he turned round, as I thought, to sit down, but reclined against myself and Mr. Robertson, the Baptist Minister. I immediately thought he had a fit of some kind. We tried to get him placed on the seat of the rostrum, but experienced difficulty. He made a slight noise once, as if groaning, but it was not very loud. A medical gentleman was sent for; and after a time Dr. Ryott arrived. Our opinion, before the doctor arrived, was that he was dead. I believe Mr. Obern to be a little over 60. He was a superannuated Primitive Methodist Minister, and resided at Montague Place, Newbury. I have known Mr. Obern for 18 years. He was laid aside from his official duties about four years ago, in consequence of an apoplectic stroke.

Mr. F. E. Ryott, of Newbury, surgeon, said— Last evening I was requested to come to the Chapel at Greenhorn to see a minister who was thought to be in a fit ; on reaching the chapel I found Mr. Obern was dead. I have since ascertained from his wife that deceased had an attack of apoplexy and paralysis some three years ago, and I have no doubt from the excitement of speaking a blood vessel was ruptured on the brain causing immediate death. The death would be from apoplexy.

Mr. Alford explained that Mr. Obern usually spoke very quietly at the commencement of his address, and that on the present occasion he was slightly above his usual tone of voice.

The Jury without further deliberation returned a verdict of death from apoplexy, and at the suggestion of the foreman, kindly handed their fees to Mr. Alford towards a fund being raised for the widowed daughter of the deceased who with her children were dependent upon him. The Revs. W. Rowe and F. Robertson were also present at the inquiry. The funeral, we are informed, will take place on Friday afternoon. There will be a service at the Bartholomew-street Chapel at 2.30, and the body will then be conveyed to the Cemetery for interment.