Samuel Bland
Samuel King Bland (1822-1908) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. His early gospel labours were exercised with the church meeting at East-street Chapel, Walworth. He became co-pastor with George Wright, of Beccles. After resigning this position, he assumed the role of an Evangelist, emphasizing that peculiar work of encouraging the churches and equipping the pastors of those churches. In the words of William Styles, “he became an ‘institution’ among the Strict Baptists of East Anglia…known far and wide as a sort of unordained Bishop, on whom devolved “the care of all the churches.” He came to be recognised as “the acknowledged leader of the cause of the higher Calvinism and Strict Communion in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.”
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The Life And Ministry Of Samuel Bland
On the occasion of my recognition as pastor of the newly-formed Church at Cheshunt, Oct. 17, 1853, I gave what I believed to be a true account of my being brought out of darkness into light, and afterwards felt constrained to enter the Gospel ministry. That statement was taken down and published in the December number of the Earthen Vessel, of which the following is an extract: I need add no more, except a few of the many incidents of my lengthened life; may the little left confirm the reality of the past. In that service, lovingly remembered brethren took part—all since gone home:—George Moyle, Joseph Hamblin, Thomas Jones, George Wyard, William Allen, and others.
