Saturday, July 26, 2008

Charles Haddon Spurgeon - Metropolitan Tabernacle

This is Metropolitan Tabernacle...the only original portion of the building is the front that you see in the picture...this building was heavily damaged by German bombing in WWII.

While this is not Charles Spurgeon's original pulpit, it was a thrill to stand behind it. The church continues to do well as they run approximately 600 in worship on Sunday mornings...not as many as Spurgeon but still going strong in the ministry.



Charels Haddon Spurgeon, (June 19, 1834 – January 31, 1892)
On his way to a scheduled appointment, Charles Spurgeon encountered a snow storm forced him to cut short his intended journey and to turn into a Primitive Methodist chapel in Colchester where, in his own words: "God opened his heart to the salvation message."

The regular pastor was not present (probably because of the storm) and a lay leader had to give the message. Even though the message was not delivered in a great manner...it was scripturally sound and the Holy Spirit moved greatly. The text that moved him was Isaiah 45:22 - "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God, and there is none else." That is why these words are still posted on a sign above the pulpit in the sanctuary!

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a British Reformed Baptist preacher who remains highly influential amongst Christians of different denominations, among whom he is still known as the "Prince of Preachers." He also founded the charity organization now known as Spurgeon's, that works worldwide with families and children, as well as a famous theological college which after his death was called after him: Spurgeon's College. His sermons were translated into many languages in his lifetime.

Bunhill Fields - London

Bunhill Fields is a former Dissenters' burial ground of four hectares, bounded by City Road to the east and Bunhill Row to the west. Today the area is an oasis of calm and greenery, which has been managed as a public open space by the City of London since 1867.

The cemetery was established for many that were martyred for their faith...the church of England would not allow them to be buried in their cemetery. It is the last resting place for an estimated 120,000 bodies, including three of Britain's most eminent Nonconformists - William Blake, John Bunyan and Daniel Defoe. Also buried in the cemetery is Dr. Isaac Watts - the father of hymnology! The main burial ground was also severely damaged by German bombing during World War II.


JOHN BUNYAN
John Bunyan is the author of Pilgrim's Progress (a book translated into more languages than any other apart from the Bible)




DANIEL DEFOE
You may know him as the author of Robinson Crusoe...he was also a religious dissenter. Which means that he fought for freedom of religion and did not want to conform to the Catholic church because he felt their practices were not scriptural. I agree...

The site has a long history as a burial ground, but is most significant for its Nonconformist connections, dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, and the burial of prominent people including William Blake, Daniel Defoe, John Bunyan and Susannah Wesley (mother to Charles and John Wesley).

WILLIAM BLAKE
English poet, painter and print maker...dissenter...