Transcript

of

Rt. Rev. Benjamin Price [Obituary]

by

Rev W. Harpley

Trans. Devon Assoc., vol. XXVIII, (1896), pp. 50-52.

Prepared by Michael Steer

The obituary was read at the Association’s July 1896 Ashburton meeting. Benjamin Price (1804-1896) was the first bishop of the Free Church of England. (See portrait provided in Wikipedia.) Born in 1804 at Llanllywenfel (Llanlleon-vel), in the Buellt district of Brecon, the son of Isaac Price, a shopkeeper and prominent Calvinistic Methodist elder. He was a great nephew of David Price, vicar of Llanbadarn Fawr, Ceredigion, and a cousin of the Orientalist David Price. The obituary, from a copy of a rare and much sought-after journal can be downloaded from the Internet Archive. Google has sponsored the digitisation of books from several libraries. These books, on which copyright has expired, are available for free educational and research use, both as individual books and as full collections to aid researchers.

The Right Reverend Benjamin Price, the first Bishop-President of the Free Church of England, was a native of the Principality of Wales, being the eldest son of the late Mr. Isaac Price, of Builth, Breconshire, an influential and leading elder of the Welsh Presbyterian body; and his ancestors can be traced back to the early part of the seventeenth century, or even earlier.

His father was a man of deep piety, great faith, and untiring activity and zeal in the cause of God. Although busily engaged in commercial pursuits, he would frequently spring into the saddle and ride forty, fifty, or even sixty miles, to one of those large religious gatherings held periodically in some parts of the Principality, and home again the fourth day. Few laymen were better known or more beloved in the religious world of South Wales; of this popularity his son had abundant evidence during his various ministerial tours. Everywhere, whether at Bala, Aberystwith, or Carmarthen, he found his father's name a passport, ensuring for him the warmest reception and hospitality. He died at the early age of fifty-seven.

The Bishop's earliest recollections were associated with the Sunday-schooL He could remember his first attendance at one, at the age of six or seven, held one Sunday afternoon in a neighbouring farm-house. From a child he had known the Holy Scriptures. He was the subject of early impressions. At one time he thought it wrong to indulge in the usual play and recreation of boys, and sought the company of his elders and religious people. His father kept open house; rarely was it without visitors, and his delight, as a lad, was to stand behind the chair and listen to the conversation between his father and his guests.

Originally intended for commercial pursuits, he was placed in a house of business in the city of Worcester, and at the same time his father gave him in charge to the Rev. Edward Lake, minister of the Countess of Huntingdon's chapel in that city, who faithfully watched over him with much tenderness and solicituda

At about the age of eighteen his mind received such a turn, that he could not give his whole attention to business; he returned to his native country, was subsequently proposed for the ministry and accepted, and began to prepare for his examinations. He was now thrown among a class of young men of keen intellect and ready wit, who were expert theologians and able controversialists, and lashed unmercifully the young ministers whom they considered behind the intelligence of the age. This had the effect of stirring his spirit, and stirring him on in his studies, with a determination not to be behind his contemporaries.

He passed successfully, and was admitted into the ministry in 1830. In the same year he was appointed, contrary to all precedent, to preach, in English, at the Newtown (Montgomeryshire) Association, before ten thousand people. It was considered a high honour. Speaking of it, he said he had since trembled more at facing a hundred people than he did then that vast throng! and could only wonder at the confidence and assurance of youth. He won great praise ; for "the sermon was short," they said. The marvel was they tolerated him at all, for behind him sat the greatest preacher in all the Principality, the Rev. John Elias, who was to follow next, and for whom the people waited in eager expectation.

The ministry thus begun was continued for several years in the Principality; but, having married an English lady, he removed to England again. The mastership of an old endowed school, in his wife's native parish, formerly held by the curate of the parish, being offered him, he accepted it, and held this appointment for some years.

In 1845 he was unexpectedly invited to supply a Free Church at Ilfracombe, a place then scarcely known. At Exeter, on his way there, he met the Rev. Mr. Bulteel and others, and first heard of the Free Church of England, and was informed that the church at Ilfracombe belonged to the new movement On the first Sunday there was a small congregation of twenty -four people. The congregation, however, rapidly increased, and soon filled the church; eventually he was urged to accept the charge of it. The prospect was not encouraging, and he hesitated. The church was leased for seven years, and the minister's stipend guaranteed for that period. Finally he accepted it, and returned in August to enter on his stated labours, which were continued with scarcely the interruption of a single Sabbath, except in official duties, until his health broke down, shortly before his decease. The Free Church of England grew, if not rapidly, yet steadily. In 1863 its principles and doctrines were embodied in a Poll Deed, and enrolled in her Majesty's High Court of Chancery; and in 1868 Bishop Price was elected Bishop-President, and, subsequently, consecrated to the office by Bishop Cridge, Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America, and formerly Dean in the English Church in British Columbia, Canada.

In all philanthropic movements connected with Ilfracombe and its neighbourhood. Bishop Price was ever to the front; and he took a great interest in education, being for more than a quarter of a century Secretary of the British School. He always took an ardent interest in the progress and prosperity of Ilfracombe, and for many years was a member of the Local Board. In connection with the scheme for the railway to Ilfracombe, he was an earnest supporter, and in recognition of his services in this matter a handsome gold watch was presented to him by local friends. He also strongly favoured the making of the Capstone, and was one of the first shareholders of the Ilfracombe Hotel Company.

He became a member of this Association in 1879.

He died at his residence. Home Villa, Ilfracombe, on Monday, January 6th, 1896, at the advanced age of 91 years.