Bible Christian Magazine Albert Gascoigne

Mr. Albert G. Gascoigne (Birmingham)
THE subject of this sketch is a native of Birmingham, a fact of which he is justly proud. It is not too much to say that he represents the better spirit of the great Midland Metropolis. He is a little over forty years of age, having been born early in 1865. When a child he attended the Methodist New Connexion Sunday School in Moseley Street now a branch of Mr. Jowett's church. His father was not a Christian man, but Mr. Gascoigne recalls with pleasure his father's eagerness for his children to receive the advantages of a Sunday school training; and it is a pleasing fact to record that all the three children are earnest Christian workers to-day, Mr. Gascoigne's brother being a Methodist New Connexion local preacher, and his sister a devoted Sunday school teacher at the historic Ebenezer Congregational Church. Mr. Gascoigne's early days were by no

means spent in luxury, nor was he privileged to enjoy great educational advantages. When he was seven years of age his father died, and before he was twelve his school life closed, and force of circumstances compelled him to go to work. He has in no small degree the commercial instincts characteristic of the citizens of Birmingham, and by his integrity and industry he has advanced from the position of errand boy to manager in a firm of brassworkers, where he has been employed for nearly 28 years.

His conversion took place in 1881, and was brought about through an open-air mission service, which was being conducted in the famous Birmingham Bull Ring. That the change was real has been abundantly evidenced by his life since. He has always been an enthusiast in outdoor preaching, and it is quite a common occurrence for him, after a full Sunday's indoor work, to go into one of the poorer districts and preach the Gospel. He was for several years associated with an unsectarian

mission in the city, where he was Sunday school teacher, and later superintendent. One of the members of his old class (Rev. W. Allen) is now a Presbyterian minister, and all the others are engaged in Christian work. He was one of a band of' young men who, starting out to preach, used to meet at each other's houses weekly, and deliver extemporaneous sermons. He married in 1893 a fellow-worker of the mission, and all intimate with their home life know that she is a help-meet in the truest sense. She is a most saintly character, and whilst of a quiet, retiring disposition, is ever active in performing good deeds. Not long after their marriage they came to King's Heath to live, and, on the invitation of the Rev. James Hallett, they joined our church, which was then in its infancy. At the first Sunday evening service Mr. Gascoigne found three adults. There was no Sunday school or other organization. With characteristic energy he set to work, feeling that God had led him there. He was requested by the minister to become superintendent of a Sunday school which did not exist - to use a paradox - and for five Sundays he went, morning and afternoon; but no children came, although

invitations had been given. On the sixth Sunday two arrived, one of whom is now an interested member of the church.

The successful condition of the church at King's Heath is due more to Mr. Gascoigne than to any other individual. When others have faltered he has been steadfast. There is to-day a flourishing Sunday school and a band of hope, both of which he superintends, and feels a pardonable pride in being founder of both. For many years he has also organised popular Saturday evening concerts for the people, which are a decided success. He is at present senior circuit steward, and this is his second term of office. Twice he has represented the circuit at Conference. He is a preacher of considerable merit, and has had the joy of witnessing scores of conversions. He is heartily welcomed to all the pulpits of his own circuit, and is in frequent request for specials in other churches. He has always been a true friend to the ministers, and all

who have laboured in this circuit have shared his hospitality, and entertain for him the highest respect. May his bow abide in strength. - (W. U. B.)

[ Volume 2 pages 24 - 27 ]

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