Parker, Ellen (abt1840-1902)

Transcription of Obituary In the Christian Messenger

MRS. PARKER, wife of Mr. George Parker, leader of our Society at Day House Bank, Bromsgrove Circuit, and member of our church, exchanged mortality for eternal life, October 24th, 1902, in the 63rd year of her age. She had been a member of the Christian Church and of that branch of it called Methodism for 30 years. She was convinced of sin and led to Christ during the Revival conducted at Bingley Hall, Birmingham, by Messrs. Moody and Sankey. Her conversion was real and abiding, as evidenced by her consistent and exemplary conduct ever since. Her husband says she never lost her sense of the favour of God from the time of her conversion. She loved the House of God, and was most regular in her attendance. She was also partial to the class meeting, was most regular, punctual and orderly in her general conduct, industrious and painstaking, looking well to the ways of her household. Given to hospitality, she was always happy in entertaining the servants of God. Her affliction – an internal tumour – was painful and long, but in her sufferings the grace of God shone eminently. She never murmured or complained, but possessed her soul in patience. The Rev. Mr. Allen, vicar of the parish, visited her. Upon his asking her how she was, she replied, “I shall be better off soon when it pleases the Lord to call me. I’m in great agony sometimes, but I’ll praise Him for the past and trust Him for the future. I know I shall go to Heaven; I have no desire to live, only for the sake of those I am leaving behind.” The vicar said, “Some people say it is impossible to know these things previous to death.” But she affirmed again her confidence, and she added, “The Lord Jesus will be waiting to receive me.” This was a valuable testimony to the saving grace of God, a testimony which the vicar will not soon forget. The last time the writer visited her he was delighted with her state and prospects; she was fixed on the Rock of Ages. A sweet and beautiful spirit has passed away from our Church to the higher service of Heaven.

W. Evans

Family and other information

Ellen was born abt 1840. She was married to George Parker (b abt 1835), a builder.

I have not been able to identify a record of their marriage. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

References

Christian Messenger 1903/379

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers