Chapter IX: "Father" Olney

Chapter IX.
"Father" Olney

THERE were several worthy men in the deacon's office when we first came to London; but out of them all, our friend, our counsellor, our right hand, was Thomas Olney. Never minister had better deacon, never church a better servant. He died in 1869, and at this moment we miss him still, and so do hundreds of the Lord's poor, to whom he was an incarnate providence. In his house we first enjoyed hospitality when we came to New Park Street, he sat in the pulpit with us at the Surrey Gardens in order to communicate our wishes to those who kept order, and he so frequently travelled with us that some jocose friend called him our "dry-nurse." He was our model deacon, and take him for all in all we ne'er shall look upon his like again.

"We know something about deacons, and all we know is to their honour. Those of our first village ministry were the excellent of the earth, in whom we took great delight. Since our sojourn in London we have seen the last of a former race of deacons; fine, gentlemanly men, rather stiff and unmanageable, not quite to our mind, but respectable, prudent grandees of Dissent, in semi-clerical dress, with white cravats. Our present staff of deacons consists of peculiarly lovable, active, energetic, warm-hearted, generous men; but as we may hope to live with them for another quarter of a century, we will only say of them that we love them heartily and find them true yoke-fellows.

Thomas Olney, senior, has left us another Thomas Olney, Treasurer, in the person of his son, and a William Olney, Deacon, who is greatly beloved by us all, and is the daily subject of our earnest prayers that he may be restored to health and spared to us for many years to come. There is also another generation of Olneys springing up, one of whom has already distinguished himself as a leading worker among us.

Thomas Olney was born at Tring, Nov. 10th, 1790. His father, Mr. Daniel Olney, was for many years a deacon of the Baptist church in that town. Thomas was sent to London, and apprenticed in the City to a wholesale mercer. From his first entrance into London he attended the ministry of Dr. Rippon, at Carter Lane. Here the Lord graciously met with him and saved his soul. He was proposed as a candidate for church fellowship, December, 1809, and remained for sixty years a member of the church. He was accustomed, even in their earliest years, to take his children to Carter Lane Chapel, having a little chair fixed on the pew-seat for the youngest.

THOMAS OLNEY. In 1817, an early Sabbath-morning lecture was commenced in Carter Lane Chapel. To be at the service by half-past six o'clock, to collect the necessary funds, and to welcome the various ministers, was Mr. Olney's great delight. His closest friendships were formed within the circle of the church. Not only did he say of the church, "Thy God shall be my God," but also, "Thy people shall be my people." In 1829 Carter Lane Chapel became the property of the City, and was pulled down; Dr. Rippon became old and feeble; the love of many waxed cold, and they left the church in its hour of peril. Not so Thomas Olney: he remained manfully with the church. He was appointed a trustee for the chapel in New Park Street, opened in 1833. His much-loved pastor, Dr. Rippon, expired in his presence, it might as properly be said in his arms. It was his privilege for some months, by his care and kindness, to cheer the last days of his highlyesteemed friend, towards whose memory he cherished till his last days a most tender affection.

During all the time of erecting the new chapel in New Park Street, Mr. Olney may be said to have "favoured the very dust of Zion." From foundation to top-stone he watched its progress with interest and prayer. Prosperity was given under the ministry of Mr. James Smith, and it was Mr. Olney's happiness to see all his four sons baptized and united to the church. In 1838, he was, together with his friend Mr. Winsor, chosen deacon of the church. He faithfully served in that office thirty-one years. He was ever remarkable for his early and constant attendance at the prayer-meeting, and other week-day services. He loved the habitation of God's house.

God had other mercies in store for him. His beloved Zion was to rise and shine. By the providence of God, Deacon Olney had his attention directed by his old friend, the late Mr. G. Gould, of Loughton, to the present Pastor, under whom, through the divine blessing, the church has grown and multiplied. A new and far larger building was needed; a meeting in Mr. Olney's house commenced the undertaking, and the work after much pains and prayer was accomplished. In 1855, "Father Olney," as he was playfully styled by Pastor and Deacons, was chosen treasurer of the church, and by the help of his sons fulfilled the office, together with those of Deacon and Elder, until his death.

He was treasurer fourteen years. "Of his love and devotion to both the pastor and the church we all are witnesses." His greatest pride, we might almost use that word, was the work of God at the Tabernacle. He gloried and rejoiced in all that concerned the church. He loved college, orphanage, and almshouses, and helped them all to the extent of his ability. His fellow officers in the deaconship shared his esteem and love. And now that he has changed earthly for heavenly service and joy, may his memory and example stir us all to copy and follow him as far as he followed Christ. Our departed friend had a childlike faith and a manly constancy. To believe in Jesus and to work for him were the very life of his new and better nature. He was eminently a Baptist, but he was also a lover of all good men. The poor, and especially the poor of the church, always found in him sincere sympathy and help. His name will be had in lasting remembrance.