The Life And Ministry Of Joseph Billing
Earthen Vessel 1908:
Mr. Joseph Billing has gone from us, and is now at home with the Lord. Born in Bermondsey, he was the son of Mr. Thomas Billing who, for many years, was connected with the Printers’ Pension Society. The fear of God was planted in early life in his soul, and we have heard him tell with that pathos that moved our hearts with a strange feeling of Divine fervour, how, as an earnest Churchman, he paid a visit to Bath on business, and whilst on the coach, just before reaching the city, he lifted up his heart in prayer to be guided to comfortable apartments, and how he was directed to the house of some godly Baptists, who during his stay, “They took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way or God more perfectly,” Thus early in his Christian career he showed that strong belief in prayer which remained with him to the end. He was educated at St. Olave’s Grammar School, Southwark. In 1843 he purchased a small printing business at Woking village, and many were the happy seasons he enjoyed in the little Baptist Chapel at old Woking. The business soon grew to such proportions that a move was necessary, and so in 1850 he came to Guildford and bought the property in the Railway Esplanade, and began with between thirty and forty employees, the business that today is carried on in the very imposing building known as the London Printing Works, and engages some 250 employees.
As a citizen he earned the honour and respect of the community among whom he dwelt, as the wonderful demonstration at his funeral proved, being attended by practically his whole staff and representatives of every section of the town. For nearly twenty-five years he was deacon at the Old Baptist Chapel, and for about sixty-five years consistent member of our churches in this neighbourhood. He was a regular subscriber to the Strict Baptist Mission for many years, and also the Aged Pilgrims’ Friends Society for nearly seventy years, becoming a subscriber when twenty-one years of age; and some years since gave a donation to secure the cases he nominated until their decease. Two outstanding features of his life and character have left their mark upon us all, and no doubt will be an inspiration to the many whom today mourn his loss. One was his tender care for the Christian poor, and the other his wonderful spirit of prayer. To the last the former was his concern; one of his last acts, the day before his seizure, to his sorrowing pastor, was a commission for them, and this interview closed, as all such visits did, with prayer, so sweet and heart-melting, that it remains a sacred memory to us today. In the earlier days he was a preacher of much acceptance, and his prayer meeting addresses, especially those on Sunday afternoon, until a few years ago, were a source of much spiritual joy and help to us all. And right to the end of his days he was a pillar in the Church and a saint might in prayer. The denomination loses a good friend and a generous helper; he never tired of helping causes of truth in a quiet and unostentatious way, and many needy pastors have had occasion to thank God on his account.
His end came suddenly and unexpectedly: he was in his usual place at the old Baptist Chapel on the last Sunday in 1907, and as senior deacon announced the hymns. Through a slight cold his doctor advised he should not go out on the first Sunday in 1908, which was a disappointment to him: but he seemed nicely when we visited him on the Monday. He retired to bed as usual on Tuesday, after conducting family worship, and in the very early hours of Wednesday was attacked with an epileptic seizure and never recovered consciousness, and peacefully fell asleep in the presence of members of the family and pastor, at noon on Friday, Jan, 10th, 1908, in his ninety-first year.
The funeral took place on Wednesday, January 15th, and was conducted by Pastor W. Chisnall. The service was uplifting in character, and full of comfort to the bereaved relatives, and was attended by a very large company.
On Sunday, January 20th, a special sermon was preached by the Pastor to a large congregation, at which most of the members of the family were present. Mr. Billing leaves with us a fragrant memory—strong in faith, tender in love, generous in help, peace-loving in disposition. Our brother leaves a sorrowing widow, three sons, and one daughter to lament their loss. Our deepest sympathies are with them.
W. Chisnall
Guildford
Joseph Billing (1817-1908) was a Strict and Particular Baptist deacon. For sixty-five years he belonged as a member of various Strict Baptist churches, serving as deacon for almost twenty-five years the church meeting at the Old Baptist Chapel. In 1843, he started a printing business which would later be known as the “London Printing Works”. Although he exercised a gift in preaching, he never presided as pastor over a church. As a successful business man, he was a regular subscriber to the Strict Baptist Mission and the Aged Pilgrims’ Friends Society.
