The following obituary was for Pastor Arthur Bryant who was the Minister at Zion Congregational Church for 24 years.
During his time at Zion, Pastor Bryant baptised 279 people.
I remember him as a kind, patient man who had time for everyone.
He died on the 3rd March 1991.
Zion Church
Thanks to Susan J for the newspaper cutting and Jack M for the photograph !
I was one of the 279 people baptised by Mr Bryant - on 22 July 1945.
ReplyDeleteTruly one of the nicest human beings ever!
ReplyDeleteI always thought that I was baptised by Mr Bryant, but as I was baptised in 1943 I guess it couldn't have been him. Has anyone any idea who would have done it in that year?
ReplyDeleteMy brother was certainly baptised by Mr Bryant in 1949.
A much nicer building than the present one
ReplyDeleteIt is possible, Bill, if Mr Bryant was a Deacon at Zion in 1943 and they did not have a regular minister. Doreen Morris's wonderful history of Zion would probably clarify your query - over to you, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's possible to compare the old Zion building with what has replaced it. The present place is for the present age, whilst the old building had run its time and would have cost far too much to repair. In its heyday the old Zion would have held massive congregations but, as with most churches, this had declined. I attended the opening of the new building in 1991 and was impressed by what I saw.
Dibd you all spot the deliberate mistake? The new Zion opened on 2001, not 1991! Sorry all.
ReplyDeleteThe preacher in 1943 was the Rev J. Sutcliffe of Romiley, Bill, so it was possibly him who baptised you !
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