The Life And Ministry Of Thomas Higham

Earthen Vessel 1895:

The Late Thomas Higham

By James Curtis

Knowing that a great number of God’s people felt a strong attachment to our beloved brother Thomas Higham, and that his memory will be cherished with sincere affection by them while life lasts, and by the wish of his beloved and sorrowing widow and family, I have undertaken to write a few particulars concerning his life and labours. For over forty years I have known and loved him, and the friendship first formed has continued unbroken until his glorious translation.

Our dear brother, in his early days, like the rest of the fallen sons and daughters of Adam, walked according to the course of this world, living without God and without hope. But

“The appointed time drew on apace,

Not to propose but call by grace.”

The divine purpose and providence of our covenant God led him in 1848 to Old Brentford Baptist Chapel, where, under a sermon preached by Mr. Coles, the arrow of conviction entered his soul, and he was brought to his knees, a real penitent, seeking for mercy. A great spiritual revolution was wrought in his soul, but the mercy he so earnestly sought came through the blood of the atonement applied, and he often sang:—

“Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart,

Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart;

Dissolved by Thy goodness I fall to the ground,

And weep to the praise of the mercy I found.”

Soon after we find him putting on Christ, as every genuine disciple of Jesus should by being baptized. In 1852 he came to London, and soon joined the Church under the pastoral care of the late venerated John Foreman, whose ministry proved instructive, comforting, and establishing to him. It was then that our acquaintance began. Possessing not only grace but gifts, his services were soon sought for in the Sunday-school, T. Higham, J. Curtis, and R. E. Sears becoming teachers of the first, second, and third classes respectively. Those were happy days. How sweet their memory! It soon became apparent that these three young men were destined for the ministry, which has been fully demonstrated.

Our brother Higham commenced preaching, after considerable anxiety, perturbations, and solemn questionings, in a small room in Little King-street, Camden-town, on the second Lord’s-day in August, 1860, to a congregation of nine. But how marvelously did God work, and soon around the young preacher a number of people were gathered, to whose souls his earnest preaching of Christ was abundantly blessed. This place became too straight. Efforts were put forth, accompanied by much prayer, the result being the building of Avenue Chapel, College-street, Camdentown, with a seating capacity of nearly 400 persons. It was opened for Divine worship on Jan. 27th, 1862, by Messrs. J. Foreman, J. Wells, and Milner. In preaching at the Avenue, our brother was wonderfully helped and blessed.

From a record in the July number of the Voice of Truth, 1865, I find our brother attended the meeting of the Suffolk and Norfolk Association, held at Grundisburgh. Now, that of itself was nothing particular; many others did the same, but often from little things issue great events, and so it was in this case. After returning home our brother wrote a letter to the periodical quoted, as follows:—

”Dear Sir,—Attending with a friend the meeting of the Suffolk and Norfolk Association held in June last, at Grundisburgh, I could not help reflecting that the Strict Communion Churches in London and its suburbs had no such organisation. The Churches in Suffolk and Norfolk in association are united upon the great doctrinal truths of the everlasting Gospel, and are also steadfast in holding fast by the laws of Zion’s King for the government of the Church upon earth. They have sympathies in common with each other, to help where help is needed, by advocating each other’s cause and rendering pecuniary help to their sister Churches who are unable wholly to support themselves. They are zealous in the great cause of missionary labour, in carrying the Gospel into villages where no chapels exist, and also the claims of foreign missions are not disregarded. I feel we in London might go into Suffolk and take a few useful hints from the Suffolk and Norfolk Association, and organise such an one ourselves. And why should the Churches of London and the suburbs remain without an association? It might be argued that no benefit could be derived in a city like this by having such an organisation. I think there are several reasons why we should unite.

1st. Because the importance of the great truths we believe demands that we should lose no effort to make them known, and endeavour by encouraging young men from our ranks to preach them, and giving young men countenance by rendering them help by our presence, counsel, and mutual support.

2nd. The small causes of truth demand our help. How many of them are languishing for want of a little help. They cannot command, at times, acceptable supplies for lack of funds. And many of the itinerent ministers (worthy men they are), by reason of labouring for the bread that perisheth, dare not devote much of their time to study for fear of robbing their families.

3rd. The young and rising generation claim our help. An organisation has begun. May God prosper it and give it permanent usefulness.

4th. The cause of foreign missions claims our help and advocacy. A movement has begun at Keppel-street, which, supplemented by help from several sister Churches, has resulted in maintaining a minister in India, and a chapel has been built at Tulleygaurn for his stated ministrations. Why not more? A necessity arises still for united effort.

5th. We, as ministers, and the several Churches in and around London should unite for mutual counsel, and endeavour to promote brotherly love, also to aid each other, to use united effort to publish the name of the Lord. Also to have, at least once in the year, a statement of the progress or otherwise of the state of the various Churches, by which means we should he brought into contact with each other, and be stirred to much brotherly love and more earnestness in the service of our Divine Master.

May God arise and shine upon us, stirring us up to more diligence. So prays,

Yours for Jesus’ sake,

Thomas Higham

Avenue Chapel, Cambden-town”

This letter had its effect, and led the late Mr. Crumpton to consult with myself and others. Result, the Metropolitan Association of Strict Baptist Churches was formed. When we look at what it is now, we may well exclaim, “What hath God wrought?” To His holy name be all the glory and praise.

Our beloved brother continued to preach at the Avenue for some years, great success attending his ministrations, sinners being converted and believers established in the faith of Christ. He received but a small stipend from his people, and that, I believe, was distributed in charitable ways, to those less favoured in providence than himself. Then came dark and troublous times, not in his Church, but in his circumstances. Being of a free and generous disposition, his kindness was taken advantage of, to the injury of himself and family. These things so preyed upon his mind that he gave up his pastorate and business, and left the neighbourhood for Walworth-road, where he has since resided. But this, I think, was the great mistake of his life, for it was certainly against the wish of his people, and did not result in his temporal welfare. The wisest of men sometimes make great mistakes. But in all things I believe he was actuated by the purest motives, seeking to live righteously and godly in this present world.

From the time of his removal to Walworth-road until his decease, our brother rendered good and loving service (as a supply) to the Churches in and around London, carrying with him a savour of Christ wherever he went, preaching a full and complete salvation through the atoning sacrifice of the dear Redeemer. The path of tribulation he had to tread gave a tone and depth to his ministry which proved very helpful to many of the tried children of God.

Heart Spake To Heart

Our brother often preached at Artillery-street, Kingston, Barnet, Norwood, Walkern, Brentford, Egham, Hounslow, Wandsworth; and other places, his outspoken testimony of truth being well received, and many souls were blessed and comforted in their pilgrimage. For some time past an internal disease had been making ravages upon his constitution, and notwithstanding every means used, terminated fatally on Easter Sunday, April 14th, 1895, much to the surprise of his dear ones and the doctor himself, who thought and said on the previous morning that he was doing well and would soon be about again. But the time of his departure had come. Quite suddenly blood poisoning set in, and consciousness was taken away. There were one or two lucid intervals, sufficient to show where the hope of his soul was anchored. He said, “Glorious inheritance—I am going home.” That home he has reached, and received the precious welcome from the Master he delighted to serve. His dying words were few, but his whole life testified the reality of his religion and faith in Christ.

The Funeral

His remains were interred at Norwood on Thursday, April 18th, brother Bush officiating. The writer, to his deep regret, was prevented from taking part, owing to an accident. Very solemn and impressive addresses were delivered in the chapel and at the grave by brother Bush. On Sunday evening, April 21st, Mr. Davis, of East-street Baptist Chapel, made special reference to the death of our brother, preaching from the words, “To die is gain.” It was a most touching and impressive sermon. Special reference was also made by Mr. Hall, at Camden High Schools, and by Mr. Leggett, at Artillery-street. Brother Bush also preached at Kingston from Matt. 25:28. At the close of the service a resolution of sympathy for the widow and family was moved by brother Bush and carried unanimously.

So another of good old John Foreman’s boys has gone to his reward. He fought a good fight, finished his course, kept the faith, and now possesses the crown of righteousness. May our gracious God comfort, sustain, and provide for the widow, and bless the dear sons and daughters, that the father’s God may be theirs also. So prays, in Christian affection and sympathy,—James Curtis