Chelsea in the olden & present times / by George Bryan.

  • Bryan, George.
Date:
1869
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Chelsea in the olden & present times / by George Bryan. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    151/240 (page 139)
    Dr. Wellesley’s appointment of the Rev. Henry Blunt, M.A., then a young clergyman who had gained the esteem of a large portion of the parishioners, as Morning Preacher and Senior Curate, gave great satisfaction, and, as presently will be seen, shewed the correct opinion he had entertained of Mr. Blunt’s piety, zeal, and qualifications to discharge the sacred duties he had so wisely entrusted to him. Dr. Wellesley, after some years had elapsed, resigned, and died at Bishopwearmouth, at an advanced age. Some few particulars respecting the Rev. H. Blunt may here be very appropriately mentioned. The following opinion of him, as a preacher, given by an avowed infidel, will convey a tolerably good idea of his impressive manner of delivery. I will give it as nearly as possible in the individual’s own words. “ I went,” said he, “ to your place yesterday, (meaning the church,) and if ever I go again anywhere it shall be to hear Mr. Blunt. I went in and meant to come out shortly, but I had no sooner looked at him than his keen eyes seemed fixed on mine, and as he appeared so sincere in what he said, I re- mained till he had finished. He certainly was most persuasive, and it spoilt my dinner.” This was afterwards mentioned to Mr. Blunt, who smiled, and said, “I hope there were many others who went home to their dinners equally impressed.” When Trinity Church, Sloane Street, was completed, the Rev. Mr. Blunt became the Incumbent (the parish at that time was not as at present divided into ecclesiastical divisions). Here he was again greatly beloved by his large congregation, including both rich and poor. Some years afterwards he ac- cepted the Rectory of Streatham, Surrey, where he at length died, as much esteemed by the inhabitants there, as he had been previously at Chelsea, Mr. Blunt was the chief founder of the first Benevolent Society established in this parish, in 1829, entitled the Chelsea Relief Association, and principally through his exertions no less a sum than ;^i63 was collected within a very short period. Hence arose other similar societies, whose benevolent objects are well deserving of support. The Infant School, in Markham Street, might be considered as Mr. Blunt’s cherished offspring, and the National Schools at all times were regarded by him with feelings of deep regard. The Rev. Mr. Lockwood, M.A., succeeded the Hon. and Rev. Dr. Wellesley, as rector, and manifested great interest in promoting the welfare of the parish, but ^after a comparatively short period he resigned.