Peake, Maria (nee Bond) (1836-1887)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Samuel Peake

MARIA PEAKE, daughter of William and Maria Bond, was born at Coventry, October 5, 1856. When very young she was taken to our Sabbath-school in Grove Street; and when about fifteen years of age she gave her heart to God, and became a member of our Connexion, and continued such until her death.

For many years she was a teacher in the Sabbath-school. She manifested deep interest in the prosperity of our Zion, and laboured to promote its welfare. On the 8th of January, 1878, she was united in marriage to the writer, and afterwards travelled with him in Coventry, Peaton Strand, and Presteign Circuits. In each station she won the affection and esteem of the people.

During the last three or four years of her life she frequently suffered much, and for the last six or seven months she was not able to leave her home. In this protracted affliction she showed much Christian fortitude and great patience. She was exceedingly weak in herself, but strong in the Lord. On one occasion she said, ‘I am as weak as a bruised reed, I need God’s help every moment.’ On another occasion she said, ‘God has not got a weaker child than I am, but I feel the arms of the Lord are all round about me, bearing me up.’ In life and in death she found the religion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to be a glorious reality. The promises of God’s word were a great comfort to her, and shone out with increasing brightness on her path as she got nearer the celestial city. She found Christ to be the everlasting rock beneath her feet.

When awake she appeared to be generally engaged with the Lord. One day her husband said to her, ‘Mind you do not let Satan come between your soul and the Saviour.’ She replied, ‘I have no time to notice him, I am talking with Jesus and looking to Him all the time. I hope the Lord will lift me up higher in His love.’ On another occasion she said, ‘If I die I shall go to be with Jesus.’ She was very happy. Clapping her hands, she said, ‘Bless His name, Glory! Glory !! Glory!!! I hope He will fetch me soon.’ She said, ‘I feel resigned to the will of God in everything.’ On another occasion she said, ‘I am resting on the blood of the cross; I have given myself up into the hands of the Lord, my body, soul, and spirit; my will is altogether lost in the will of God. I cast my care on Jesus.’

At length the weary wheels of life stood still, and she passed away calmly and triumphantly to glory, April 30th, 1887. On May 4th her remains were removed from Presteign to Coventry, and interred in the family grave, the Rev. C. Temperton conducting the service.

As a daughter the subject of this memoir was dutiful and affectionate. As a sister she never tired in kind words and obliging acts. As a wife she was very industrious, frugal, and full of sympathy and affection. As a mother she was exceedingly kind, and manifested the deepest interest in those committed to her charge. As a Christian she was a humble and sincere follower of Jesus Christ. She was kind to the poor, and a liberal supporter of the cause of God,

A funeral sermon was preached in our chapel at Presteign by James Nott, Esq., and at Coventry by Rev. C. Temperton, to large and attentive congregations, with good effect.

Family

Maria was born on 5 October 1836 at Coventry, Warwickshire, to parents William, a weaver, and Maria. She was baptised on 21 October 1836 at St Michael, Coventry.

She married Samuel Peake on 8 January 1878 at Foleshill, Warwickshire. Census returns identify one child.

• William Oliver (1879-1957) – a commercial traveller in waterproofs (1901)

Maria died on 30 April 1887 at Presteign. Radnorshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1889/311

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers