The Life And Ministry Of Thomas Kemp
Gospel Standard 1870:
Death. On Jan. 2nd, 1870, aged 82, Thomas Kemp, of Pell Green, Wadhurst, a deacon of the church there for between 40 and 50 years.
He was a carpenter by trade, and built the chapel there for Mr. Crouch. The people met for a time in Mr. Kemp’s house, but the place soon became too small for them. Mr. Kemp said to Mr. Crouch, “When you give me the word, I will build a chapel, and I will never ask you for the money.” After many prayers, and many fears on the part of Mr. Crouch, the word was given, and Mr. K. built the chapel on his own ground, in 1826. [The writer does not say, but we presume the chapel was invested in trustees.] The chapel had soon afterwards to be enlarged.
My departed friend was one who walked in the truth as well as talked of it. I knew him for about 40 years, and never knew him to depart from his principles. His death was not so triumphant outwardly as the deaths of some are; but he lived a life of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who, he always said, had led, fed, and kept him all his journey through, and he died in peace.
T. B.
Brenchley
Thomas Kemp (1788-1870) was a Strict and Particular Baptist deacon. He served the office of deacon for nearly fifty years with the church meeting at Pell Green, Wadhurst. The church at first, met in his house, but offering to build a chapel for the pastor (Mr. Crouch), a meeting house was constructed in 1826.
