Bible Christian Magazine Walter Gillett

Mr. Walter Gillett, J.P. (Brighton)

INTERESTING and instructive as is the study of the ways by which persons find themselves in certain positions, not less so is the study of those factors by which they have been led or controlled. The subject of this sketch, now a prominent Bible Christian Methodist in Brighton, was formerly a member of the Anglican Church, and the simple but pleasant incident by which he was led to throw in his lot with "the people called Methodists" is not altogether unromantic. This; however, is not exactly the place to relate it.

Born at Cheltenham on November 23rd, 1856, he sang as a lad in the church choir, and it was here where he first experienced spiritual

quickening, during a mission conducted by the Rev. W. A. H. Aitkin. It occurred when between seventeen and eighteen years of age. Leaving Cheltenham, he migrated to Brighton, where, by sheer force, of ability and industry, he has proceeded from the humblest position to affluence and honour. Although receiving his earliest religious impressions in the Church of England, and having no intention whatever to forsake her communion, by a combination of circumstances, which he interprets as the result of the workings of a beneficent Providence, he was brought into spiritual relationship with the Bible Christians, with whom he has remained as a zealous worker covering a period of a quarter of a century. All the important offices of the church he has filled, and is frequently a representative of his circuit at the Conference, and a member of the Connexional Committee. Few ministers have a more worthy circuit official and co-worker, his unstinted devotion to the highest interests of the churches being one of the striking features of his religious life. Whilst by no means oblivious of the material

side of Christian life and work, his spiritual vision leads to the emphasizing of the essentially spiritual aspects of Christian service as the supreme end to be attained. When at Conference his speeches are few and at rare intervals, but the higher and more profitable service of generous giving is intelligent and constant. His position in business is now of such a character that he is able to devote a large portion of his time to the religious welfare of the churches with which he is identified. He has rendered excellent service, in co-operation with the Pastor and others, in the erection of the two new churches at Brighton, and is very desirous that the spiritual results shall fully justify the new extensions. Being devout and spiritual, with a breadth of sympathy stretching beyond the narrow limits of denominationalism, he is a personal force for good in his own circuit, and an influence for righteousness in the civic life of the town. In 1904 he was elected to a seat on the Town Council, and in 1906 was appointed Justice of the Peace.

The respect of his lay and ministerial brethren at the Annual Conference is shown by the position he fills in official life, and being now in the very strength and vigour of manhood, not having reached his fiftieth year, there is reason for hope that his past service may prove but an earnest of what Providence may assist him to render in the future. The possessor of many valuable moral and spiritual qualities, with leanings toward the emotional side of religious life, and consequently somewhat impulsive, the hope is cherished that his years of service may yet be many, and his spiritual influence deep and permanent.

[ Volume 2 pages 17 - 20 ]

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