The Life And Ministry Of Gideon Gore

Earthen Vessel 1894:

The Late Mr. Gideon Gore

Mr. Gideon Gore was born of godly parents in the neat little market town of Melksham, Wilts, situate about midway between Trowbrdige and Devizes. From a letter by his beloved sister Miss Gore, we learn that a work of grace was commenced in his soul when a youth, and was baptized by the late Mr. Pocock, in the month of September, 1865. On the family removing to Trowbridge, they soon became united to the Church at “Zion,” where the late John Warburton was so many years pastor. Our deceased brother immediately identified himself with the Sunday-school, in which institution he became a most earnest worker, and was, for the last nine years co-superintendent with our brother-in-law Mr. W. Applegate, who feels the loss most keenly. It was our pleasure to be acquainted with the departed, and it has also been our privilege to observe with what perseverance, diligence, heedfulness, and, withal, unpretending devotion, he always exercised in the interest of the rising race and the cause of God at Zion. In his secular calling he was favoured much after the same manner as Mr. James Boorne, who forms the first of the three portraits in present issue. The following is the spontaneous expression of the Wiltshire Times, in which we heartily concur:—

It is with deep regret that we record the death of Mr. Gideon Gore, who passed away on Wednesday afternoon, December 13, 1893, at his residence, Castle-street, Trowbridge. For a considerable length of time he did not enjoy good health, and about three months ago it was found that he suffered from cancerous affection, which proved to be the immediate cause of his death. He was 48 years of age. Throughout nearly the whole of his life after boyhood, Mr. Gore was employed by the firm of Salter and Company, and during the long period of twenty years he managed the weaving department. His sterling qualities were highly-appreciated by his employers, and by the whole of the workpeople he was also highly honoured and respected. For thirty years he actively identified himself with Zion Sunday-school, and filled the position of superintendent for about nine years. As leader of the singing in the chapel, he also rendered excellent service during twenty-one years, his retirement, owing to ill-health, being marked by the presentation of a handsome timepiece and a purse of gold, by friends connected with the chapel and school, who were delighted to take the opportunity thus afforded of testifying to their appreciation of his efforts. His remains were interred on the 18th at the cemetery, in the presence of a very large concourse of sorrowing relatives and sympathising friends. The service in the chapel was conducted by Mr. Porter, of Allington, and those who followed to the grave, in addition to the relatives included Mr. W. Applegate, deacon of Zion Chapel, several members of the church and congregation, a number of scholars, Mr. W. Walker, deceased’s employer, and Messrs. F. Randall, W. Eyles, and E. Elliott, managers of the extensive cloth works. 

On the following Wednesday evening, an eloquent expression of sympathy with Mrs. Gore and the family was read and signed at a meeting of the teachers and others connected with the Zion Chapel Sunday-school. That expression of sympathy will, we feel sure, be shared in by all who knew and esteemed the many sterling qualities of the late Mr. Gideon Gore.

This paper would not be complete without reference to his last hours. Gideon Gore belonged to a loving, gracious family; each took an interest in the other. Miss Sarah Gore says, in a letter to me, “Dear Friend, I feel I must tell you our beloved brother is called home. You will remember how weak he was when you were here on November 8. Since then he gradually lost strength. The last time he went to chapel was December 3, when he was present at the ordinance, (administered by Mr. Remington, of Devizes), which he much enjoyed. On the 8th he attended to some school business, and after arranging his worldly matters with his brother John, he seemed only quietly waiting—camly resting. On the 13th I saw him early in the morning—he looked so quiet, and said, ‘I shall soon be landed, but should like one more bright shining.’ I said, ‘God will give it you,’ and ‘if not,’ he replied, ‘it will be all right.’

“‘His love in time past forbids me to think,

He’ll leave me at last in trouble to sink.’

A little later on he said to his brother John, ‘The poet was quite right—

“‘Jesus can make a dying bed 

As soft as downy pillows are.

Jesus has taken the sting away, and all is peace, perfect peace.’ And so continued till the end.

About our loss I cannot tell you, except that it seems impossible to fill the gap, for he was more than a brother; but then we have to rejoice in the glorious, happy end, and are certain are certain Jesus hath done all things well.—S. Gore”

We could add much more, but must close by saying, “We sorrow most of all because we shall see his face no more.

John Waters Banks