Miall, Reverend James Goodeve G

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Watercolour portrait of the Reverend James Goodeve Miall age 83

From John Sowden's notebooks:

"The Reverend James Goodeve Miall came to the pastorate of Salem Chapel, Bradford from St Neots, Huntingdonshire in January 1837. The journey by post-chaisse occupied three days and one of the first sights on entering Bradford was a man selling his wife in the streets.
Mr Miall discharged his duties with fidelity and discretion rarely exceeded in the Christian ministry. The career of Salem Chapel was one of enduring prosperity, resulting from time to time in the drafting away its members to form new branches. Before the close of Mr Miall's ministry no fewer than five churches had emanated from Salem Chapel. In the year 1862 when he had been in Bradford 25 years he was presented with a handsome testimonial, accompanied by a purse of 200 Guineas. On this occasion it was stated that the membership of the church had increased from 37 to 400, later still it increased to 500.
Mr Miall was chairman of the Congregational Union of England and Wales held at Birmingham in 1861. Upon educational platforms and at the Mechanics’ Institute he was a powerful pleader.
In connection with the Bradford in Infirmary, the Fever Hospital and other institutions Mr Miall’s advocacy was always given. In 1875 Mr Miall decided to retire owing to advancing years having been nearly 40 years pastor. How cordial and sincere were the relations between the retiring pastor and his people may be judged from the fact that a sum of £3200 was subscribed for the purpose of securing him an annuity. In December 18, 1883 was Mr Miall’s golden wedding day and the occasion was celebrated by a service. Mr Miall was a native of Portsmouth and married Miss Mackenzie. He was survived by one daughter and four sons. He was brother of the late Edward Miall, member for Bradford from 1869 to 1874, who was also trained for the ministry, but left it for the political arena. He died in 1896 at the age of 90."

Year

1888

Creator

Sowden

Image filename

sowden-30