The Life And Ministry Of George Greenyer

Earthen Vessel 1897:

The Late George Greenyer, of Ditchling, Sussex.

Mr. George Greenyer was born into this world of sin and sorrow, at Denton, Sussex, July l6, 1822. Our departed brother was brought up to attend Church with his parents and family, until he was about seventeen years of age, when, in the Providence of God, he was removed to Brighton, where he attended the Parish Church, often conscious of a void in his heart—a want he did not understand. 

He was at this time employed in a business establishment where there were several servants kept, when one day he overheard one of the female servants—a godly young woman—say, in answer to a question, “I read a chapter in my Bible night and morning.” Our dear brother thought to himself, ” And why should not I?” He procured a Bible, and set himself to the task; the blessed Spirit in the meanwhile deepening the nameless want. As he read the Word, light dawned upon his soul, and he saw he was a sinner before God, and living and dying in that state, hell must be his portion. He was in a sad state of mind, making vows of amendment, then finding he could not keep them, was afraid to go to sleep, lest he should open his eyes in that place where hope never cometh. 

Some time after this, the young woman whose words had first arrested him. Finding out a little of the state of his mind, invited him to go to Salem Chapel. Bond-street, Brighton, to hear the late Mr. Savory, and it was whilst listening to him one Sunday that the Lord spoke peace and pardon to his soul. The text was, “Who is this that cometh from Edom?” &c. (Isaiah 63:1) The good news came with such power that he was compelled to hold on to the seat in front to keep him from shouting with joy. (How sweetly he used afterwards to speak of that time.)

Ultimately he, with others, was baptised by Mr. Savory, and witnessed a good confession. He proved to be a very useful member, for many years labouring as a sick visitor, Sunday-school teacher, and tract distributor (he was the chief means of forming the Tract Society at Bond-street, which is doing a good work there). It was whilst superintendent of the school that he was first called out to speak in the Master’s name, walking to Falmer, some four miles distant, and conducting an evening service very frequently. This led to his being asked to supply in the villages, and finally at Ditchling. 

In 1865, by “The good hand of his God upon him,” our dear brother was enabled to remove to Ditchling; and in 1867, on the first piece of ground bought by him, was erected Beulah Baptist Chapel for the use of the friends then meeting in a room. From this time he chiefly devoted his time for the good of Zion in the locality where for 28 years he laboured as their pastor. He was well known as an earnest preacher. His theme was:

” Then will I tell to sinners round, 

What a Saviour I have found, 

And point to His redeeming blood, 

And say, Behold the way to God !”

It may truly be said of him, “ He was one that feared God above many.”

In October, 1887, it pleased the Lord to lay him on a bed of affliction, but judgment was sweetly tempered with mercy. He had his days of despondency, but proved throughout that underneath were the everlasting arms. His greatest trial was in being kept from his beloved pulpit work, where, in endeavouring to minister to others of the Word of life, his own soul was, by the Holy Spirit’s influence, richly fed. 

After fifteen months’ patient waiting he was again privileged to speak occasionally—Often in much weakness. The last time he preached was in the morning of May 12, 1895, his text being, “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim?”(Hos. 11:8).

From this time he seemed to be steadily looking forward to the change, often with pleasureable anticipation, always referring to it in his prayer at family worship, and begging that he might be permitted to leave behind him a testimony to the truth he had preached. 

On October 17, 1895, he was seized with partial paralysis, and all through his illness of twelve days was under a cloud. When some of the chapel friends came to see him, his plaint was, “I want the Master.” If Scripture or hymns were quoted to him, he would say, “Yes, it is very nice; but I want Him to speak to me.” 

On October 29, speech failed. As one stood by him, he suddenly caught her hand, then waved his hand aloft most rapturously. This was repeated several times in succession, and one felt certain that could he have spoken, he would have shouted, “Victory! Victory! Through the blood of the Lamb.” Shortly after this “he fell asleep in Jesus.”

On November 4, all that was mortal of our dear brother was laid to rest in the new burying ground, Ditchling, the service being conducted by Mr. S. Gray, pastor of Ebenezer, Brighton; assisted by Mr. Shaw, pastor, and Mr. Christmas, deacon, of Salem, Brighton. 

Alber Andrews

8, Ditchling-terrace, Brighton