The Life And Testimony Of Nancy Beach
Earthen Vessel 1914:
Mrs. Nancy Beach, the beloved wife of the late highly esteemed and God-honoured William Beach, was called to enter into the joy of her Lord early in the morning of June 1st. Her translation to the better country leaves a big gap in spiritual and earthly friendships. She came into the light of this world Dec. 2nd, 1826. Her parents were Christ-illumined people; she was, therefore, a child of much prayer, and it was her father’s joy to know that he was the chosen instrument through the Holy Spirit’s power of giving serious impressions to his daughter while in communion with the Lord at the family altar. With her parents she attended Rye Lane Chapel, Peckham, and sat under the ministry of the late George Moyle, whose ministrations were owned of God in the deepening of her spiritual life. As a young girl the love of God drew her soul to Jesus as her personal Saviour, in whom she realized pardon, peace and liberty. A few years later she was baptized by the late Mr. Moody at East Street Chapel, Walworth, and joined the Church there. In the providence of God, her early married life was spent in New Zealand, where trials and mercies were experienced. Her first husband, Mr. Martin, died in the year 1873, after which she returned to England. Her great miss in New Zealand was the preached word; godly people with her, however, were wont to meet in her home for praise and prayer, and seasons of sacred nearness to the Lord were enjoyed. When she came back to her native land, she attended the Surrey Tabernacle, and listened with holy rapture to the glorious Gospel as proclaimed by the ministers who supplied the pulpit. In due course she was married to Mr. W. Beach, of Chelmsford, and attended the Baptist Chapel, London Road, of that town. The late Mr. F. G. Burgess, shortly after her marriage, became pastor, and then she and her husband were united to the Church. She proved a valued helper to the Cause and her pastor, and many were her practical acts of sympathy and kindness to the poor in sickness and temporal trials. The writer came into the privilege of her friendship while supplying the above- mentioned Chapel at Chelmsford, prior to becoming its Minister. Memories of hallowed communion in the Gospel and its service are remembered with deep thankfulness to the God of all grace. Zeal for, and devotedness to, the Cause of God, marked her spirit and life, while in addition her reverence and love for the Word of God manifested the life of grace within. She was never, apparently, more happy than when Christ, her redeeming Lord, was exalted as complete Saviour. Through divine grace Emanuel’s name was “as ointment poured forth.” The last few years of her life were spent in the shade of weary and dark days, accompanied with much pain and wearisome nights. One of her favorite savings was: “Underneath are the everlasting arms.” The end was sweetly peaceful as her righteous soul passed to be “for ever with the Lord.” Her friends will best remember her in the days when spiritual vision was clear and spiritual activity marked and constant. She was interred at Nunhead on June 5th in sure and certain hope of resurrection to life eternal, the Revs. B. E. And W. Hawkins officiating.—H. S. B.
Nancy Beach (1826-1914) was a Strict and Particular Baptist believer. She was the wife of Deacon William Beach and a member of the church meeting at Chelmsford, Essex.
