Thomas Raven, a pupil in St. George’s Hospital, died in his sleep in 1826, aged 20.
Dr. John M‘Leod, the companion of Sir Murray Maxwell, and the author of a voyage in H.M. ship “Alceste,” to the Yellow Sea, and of her shipwreck in the Straits of Gaspar; he died in the King’s Road in 1820, aged 38.
Thomas Davey, Esq., of the King’s Road, died in 1833; he was a celebrated florist, and resided opposite Royal Avenue Terrace. This gentleman served most of the old parochial offices, and his general good-natured disposition gained for him the respect of all parties in the parish.
William Tebbs, Esq. died in 1831, aged 59; he was beloved by a large circle of friends, and esteemed by all who knew him.
Most of the old and respected parishioners of Chelsea, who once occupied a prominent position in it, have passed away from the scenes of this world, to enjoy, it is hoped, that pure and unalloyed happiness which can only be realized in that kingdom where there is neither poverty, anxiety, sorrow, or pain. Some of them no doubt are interred in this ground, but it would have displayed partiality to have noticed some and emitted others.
From an official statement, dated Dec. 22, 1823, shewing the receipts and disbursements under each head, from the incorporation of the Burial Ground Trustees, April 10, to September 1823, it appears that the whole amount of expenditure, during the above period, was £17,243 8s. 6d. This amount included £4,713 1s. 0¼d., for enclosing the ground, and £1,135 5s. 7½d., for building the temporary chapel, which was erected at the northern entrance, for reading the Funeral Service, previously to the erection of the Church.
In concluding the account of St. Luke’s Church, and Burial Ground, I venture to insert, at the request of some subscribers to this work, the following lines:—
Whene’er I view that beauteous tower, Built with artistic taste and power Upon yon sacred sod, My heart awakes, with thankful strain, For in old age I see again That temple of my God.
Once in that Church I bent the knee, And join’d the holy minstrelsy That lifts the soul above:— The powerful organ swell’d on high, And many felt that God was nigh, Inspir’d by faith and love.
I’ve seen there a bride, in rich attire, Receive the ring from her loving sire, And sign the marriage book:— Then when they left the bells were rung, And the porch fill’d with old and young, To see their happy look.