Bright, Richard (1886-1901)

Transcription of Obituary in the Christian Messenger

RICHARD BRIGHT,  The Mynde, was the only hope of his widowed mother, and the pride of her life. We ourselves had hope in him for the future welfare of our church at Lingen, where he had been a member for several years. His constancy, interest, and integrity awakened in us expectations which always delight us, in our young people. He was steady, quiet, unobtrusive, yet firm in his faith, not ashamed to confess Christ, nor afraid to associate himself with God’s people. While attending the grammar school at Presteign he was accidentally struck on the head with a wicket stick, the metal end piercing his skull. Medical aid was at once procured, and for a few weeks we hoped he would be spared to us, especially as we watched his activities at home and his attendance at the means of grace, though he himself told a workman that he should not live long, this would kill him. Not long after he was seized with a violent pain in the head caused by a piece of fractured skull which rested upon the brain. The best surgical skill was employed in its removal, but all in vain. He died at the early age of fifteen years on Monday, November 10th, 1901. A deep sense of respect and love for Richard, and sympathy for the bereaved mother, was manifest throughout the neighbourhood. There were representatives from the grammar school, Presteign, the village day-school, and our own church and school came out in large numbers on the day of the funeral; and wreaths, most beautiful, costly, and numerous, expressed the sincerity of our esteem and the loss we all sustain. Mr. Moss, the Sunday school superintendent, fittingly took part, in the burial service. Through the agency of Sunday school, Christian Endeavour, and class meetings Richard gave unmistakable evidence of a changed heart and a renewed nature. There is not the shadow of doubt but he, passing through the night of death, entered into the light of one bright day “for ever with the Lord.” The Circuit Minister conducted a memorial service in Lingen Chapel on Sunday morning, November 17th, 1901.

Family

Richard was born in 1886 at Lingen, Herefordshire, to parents John, a farmer, and Eliza.

References

Christian Messenger 1902/379

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers