Thus lived and died the first pastor of the Independent Church at Kilsby.
Concerning his death, the historians before referred to, say—"the tears and groans of his flock attested the greatness of their loss: it would be, indeed, a less difficult task to find a suitable successor to the see of Canterbury, than to the village of Kilsby." Subsequent events indicate that there is considerable truth in this statement; for though sixty-eight years have passed since the death of Mr. Strange, and Kilsby has had in that period pastors of varied excellence and usefulness, not one has yet been found to live, and labour, and die amongst them after the manner of the first pastor.
The noble-spirited village pastor's wife is worthy of a short record, as we find the following notice of her death, written by the Rev. H. Knight, of Yelvertoft:—
December 12th, 1819, died at Yelvertoft, in the county of Northampton, aged 84, Dorothy, the widow of the late Rev. Thomas Strange, many years Protestant Dissenting minister at Kilsby. She was "an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile." To the last she manifested an ardent attachment to the Redeemer, and a great delight in the ordinances of religion. As her course was holy, so it pleased God that her end should be peaceful. Under the most severe affliction, which terminated her life, she was supported by those words—"The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?" from which Mr. Knight preached her funeral sermon. Knowing in whom she believed, and longing to depart that she might be with Christ, she sweetly breathed her spirit into his hands. Her truly amiable spirit, unaffected piety, exemplary conduct, and Christian benevolence, endeared her to all who knew her. "The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance."
The records of this Church have not been to any extent preserved, so that the numbers that entered into communion during the ministry of Mr. Strange cannot be ascertained; and the names of the subsequent pastors, with the date of their ministry, constitute nearly all that can be now presented.
Mr. Jacob Harwood was ordained here in 1786. He removed to the neighbourhood of Leeds. Mr. H. Gritten was pastor in 1790. Mr. Thomas Gardiner was the next minister, and he left in 1794. Mr. Morrell came in November of that year, and left at Midsummer, 1799. Mr. Thomas Spencer came at Michaelmas in that year, and left in 1805. Mr. Thomas Jones almost immediately succeeded, and removed in 1811. Mr. Morgan followed Mr. Jones, and continued until 1824. Two or three ministers occupied the pulpit successively until 1827. On the 28th of June in that year Mr. Thomas Porter was ordained. Mr. Porter was from the academy at Hackney: at his ordination, Mr. Pinkerton, of Weedon, prayed and read the Scriptures; Mr. Griffiths, of Buckby, delivered the introductory discourse; Mr. Hobson, of Welford, offered the ordination prayer; Mr. Collison, Mr. Porter's tutor, delivered the charge; Mr. Scott, of Rowell, preached to the people.
Mr. Porter resigned his charge at Kilsby, Nov. 10th, 1839, and removed to Godalming, in Surrey.
Mr. James Rees Jones accepted the pastoral charge, and was ordained June 18th, 1840. He removed to Bolton, in Lancashire, in 1851.
CRICK.