The Life And Death Of William Osmond
Earthen Vessel 1895:
The Late William Osmond
The announcement of the departure of our devoted and loving brother William Osmond to the heavenly Canaan took us somewhat by surprise. The event took place, as will be seen in the annexed account by brother Goodhew, secretary of the Church at Ebenezer, on Tuesday, January 8, 1895. As a sketch of the origin, call by grace and to the ministry, with a portrait, appeared in our September number, 1892, there will be no necessity for a recapitulation, a concise summary will be sufficient to refresh the memory.
William Osmond was born in the parish of Bermondsey, June 26, 1825. He was the subject of many providential cares, being preserved from sudden death on two or three occasions. Very early in life the Holy Spirit wrought on his heart, through the instrumentality of the Sunday-school at Jamaica-row, Bermondsey, where Mr. Dovey was pastor. After Mr. Dovey left, our departed brother attended Unicorn-yard, Tooley-street, under the ministry of W. H. Bonner, by whom he was baptized.
Removing from Bermondsey to Stoke Newington, he joined the Church at Mount Zion, Matthias-road. Here brother Cornwell and brother William Osmond became acquainted, and at this place they both began and went forth preaching the Gospel about the same time. They remained staunch, unflinching friends till death broke the tie. It was meet, therefore, that brother Cornwell should deliver the address at his funeral. William Osmond’s first pastorate was at Bethel, Hoxton; for nearly seventeen years he preached here, and during that time baptized above a hundred persons, brother Copeland, of Croydon, being among the number. Leaving here he went to Carmel, Woolwich, for three years. His third and last pastorate was at Ebenezer, Elthorne-road, Hornsey, where he dwelt in the hearts of a fond and loving people in peace five years. Deceased was a frequent visitor to the Aged Pilgrims’ Asylum, Hornsey-rise, and was much appreciated by the inmates. At the Saturday evening prayer-meeting in the asylum, when brother John Hodges presided, our departed friend often gave the address.
Meetings At Elthorne-Road, Hornesy-Rise
Sad, indeed, were the circumstances under which the special services were held in commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the pastorate of Mr. W. Osmond; for instead of preaching the two sermons on Sunday, January 6th, as announced, he was laid very low on a sick bed, but we were not without hope of his recovery. Mr. W. West preached instead, in the morning from John 8:12: “I am the Light of the world,” &c., and in the evening from Luke 10:33, 34, on the good Samaritan. The services were continued on Tuesday the 8th inst., but when it was known that our dear pastor had departed this life in the early morning of that day, the sorrowful effect and gloom felt during the day can better be imagined than described. However, Mr. F. C. Holden was enabled to preach in the afternoon from Isa. 12:9, 10, to the profit of many. In the evening a public meeting was held, presided over by G. F. Gray, Esq.; two deacons gave a few particulars of our pastor’s last days and close of his ministry, which came with unexpected shock to many on arriving at the chapel. Mr. Gray made a few opening remarks from 1 Sam. 16:12: “And the Lord said, Arise, anoint Him, for this is He;” Mr. Langford followed from Ps. 48:14: “For this God is our God for ever and ever.” &c. Mr. Beecher next, from Exod. 3:12: “Certainly I will be with thee”; Mr. Parnell, Isa. 42:16: “I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not”: Mr. J. W. Banks, Heb. 13:1: “Let brotherly love continue”; Mr. H. F. Noyes, Dent. 11:10-12, on the goodly land promised to Israel. All the services were solemnized under the cloudy dispensation we are passing through, yet they were proved to be sacred and with spiritual profit. The collections were good, and intended for the pastor, but would now go toward cost of his funeral.
The funeral of our late pastor took place on Monday, 14th inst., when a large number of sympathising ministers and friends assembled in our chapel, where a short service was held, the polished oak coffin being in the view of all. Mr. R. E. Sears presided, Mr. Holden read selections from Scripture, Mr. Rundell prayed, and Mr. Cornwell gave a short address, and suitable hymns were sung. On arriving at Abney Park Cemetery,
“‘Earth to earth,’ we lay to rest
All that’s mortal of our friend,”
was mournfully sung. Mr. Langford delivered a concise eulogium in memory of the departed, and Mr. E. Beecher offered solemn prayer. After a last look into the deep grave, the mourners dispersed. We feel that Rev. 14:13 is applicable to our late dear pastor.
The hymns used were from the pen of the late W. Winters. Brethren Parnell, Burbridge, Griffiths, and Noyes, also took part. H. D. Sandell and several other ministers were present.
William Osmond (1825-1995) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He served as pastor for the churches meeting at (1) Bethel, Hoxton; (2) Carmel, Woolwich; (3) Elthorne-road, Holloway.
