Temple Memorials

Sacred to the memory of Henry Bale. For many years a trustee, and steward, of the Wesleyan Society, who died January 13th 1855, aged 62 years. “The memory of the just is blessed.” Also of Mary, daughter of Henry and Eliza Bale, who died March 13th 1839. Aged 9 years , and 8 months. Also of Eliza, window of the late Henry Bale, who died in London, 28th October 1894, aged 86 years. “We all do fade as a leaf.”

This tablet was erected by old scholars of the Temple Wesleyan Day School, as a token of respect to the memory of George Clark, who for 33 years was the Head Master of the School connected with this church. Born Jany 6th 1852. Died May 26th 1911.

Sacred to the memory of E W Hunt Capt. 1st. Taunton Coy. The Boys’ Brigade 1937 – 1955. He was connected with this Church all his life and became a much respected member and official. Called to higher service 25-5-1955. “His Anchor Held”

In Memory of Eliza, the faithful and beloved Wife of Frederick Richmond, who died in peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, on the xth: (10th) of October Mdcccliv: (1854) Aged xliv (44) Years. xxx (30) Years a member of this Society. This mortal must put on immortality. i (1) Cor. xv (15), Ch. liii 53, v (verse).

In memory of Sydenham Percival Good late scholar of the Wesleyan College who died Novr 8th 1846, aged 11 years. This tablet is erected by his fellow students as a tribute to his excellency and a memento of their own mortality.

In memoriam John Southay, Born January 14th 1813, Ceased from his labours May 20th 1880. A Trustee, Steward, and Leader, and an earnest worker in the Society and Sunday School, and Ann, his wife, Born July 27th 1810, Entered into rest August 16th 1893. Sarah, their daughter, Born February 13th 1848, Died March 23rd 1866, each “Resting on the Atonement.”

Sacred to the memory of Prudence, the beloved wife of the Revd Francis Collier, Wesleyan minister. She was an affectionate mother, a consistent Christian, and died gloriously triumphing over death, March 14th 1845, aged 63 years. Also the Revd Francis Collier, who died at Scarbro. June 25th 1851, aged 81 years. Having faithfully preached the gospel for more than half a century.

Sacred to the memory of Anna Beloved and only daughter of the Revd Joseph Earnshaw Wesleyan minister, and Ann, his wife, who sweetly fell asleep in Jesus April 14th 1839, aged 8 years and 6 months. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise Matt. chap. 21. v. 16

In memory of the Revd John Simmons Wesleyan minister, who departed this life May 17 1866 in the sixty fourth year of his ministry and the 88th year of his age. Also of the Revd Sanuel Simmons (son of the above) late governor and chaplain of the Wesleyan Collegiate Institution, Taunton, who departed this life, September 2nd 1885. Aged 55 years. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, Hebrews 12th chap. 2nd v.

Sacred to the memory of William Hill who departed this life in the faith and hope of the gospel June the 26th 1852 aged 67 years. He was a useful member and class leader of the Wesleyan Society 41 years. Also of Martha Hill wife of the above who departed this life August 30th 1856 aged 82 years, She was a member of the Wesleyan Society 45 years.

In loving memory of Hephzibah the beloved wife of James Barnicott of the town who entered into life 11th November 1873 in the 65th year of her age. Hers was the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Also of John Roberts: James Warren: Randolph Bult who died in childhood and of Hephzibah Ada who fell asleep in Jesus 26th March 1866 aged 19 years, children of the above named. Also of James Barnicott who died in the faith and hope of the gospel 9th December 1876 having just completed his sixty-fifth year after he had served his own generation by the will of God. Also Reginald sixth son of the above named who entered into rest July 25 1905 in his sixty-first year. They serve him day and night in his temple. Rev. vii 15

To the glory of God and in loving memory of John Hammet of this town born March 29 1820 Died Dec 28 1893. Having zealously served the church of God as steward and treasurer of the trust of this chapel for a period of thirty-seven years and his native town for fifteen years as an active member of the local board of health he closed a life of Christian service in the 74th year of his age. “ Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house and the place where thine honour dwelleth.” Psalm XXVI.8.

Sacred to the memory of Ruth the beloved wife of William French who died happy in the Lord February 23rd 1839 aged 43 years whose remains are interred in a vault underneath this chapel. Also the above William French who died after a short illness October 25th 1845 aged 48 years he was a good man and feared God above many.

In memory of Elizabeth wife of William Newton who died Dec 22nd 1833 aged 33 and whose mortal remains were interred in a vault beneath this chapel. This tablet is erected in affectionate remembrance of her virtue and piety by her eldest son W Foster Newton of London Jan 26th 1861.

In memory of Wm A Venton, an earnest member of this church and local preacher who met with a fatal accident at Taunton railway station May 13 1898, aged 26 years.
On the previous Sunday he preached at Norton from Luke 19-5
Happy if with my latest breath I may but gasp his name. Preach him to all and cry in death. Behold. Behold. The lamb.
[Unmounted]

Sacred to the memory of William, the beloved son of John & Elizabeth Furniss of Truro, and pupil of the Wesleyan Collegiate Institution, who departed this life October 30th 1849, aged 14 years ....

Sacred to the memory of Henry R Batten who departed this life ....

Sacred to the memory of Maria Peach late of Bridgwater who departed this life July the 5th 1815 aged 20 years

She’s gone but speaks to us tho dead
she bids us in her footsteps tread
And in her Light ascend
Give us O LORD her spirit to breathe
indulge us then to die her death
and bless us with her end

(Quotes from poetical works of John & Charles Wesley) 

1st Taunton Boys' Brigade 1914-18

Example of graffiti on a pew in the balcony, curtesy of several generations of Queen's College students, some of which are dated pre 1st World War.

In earlier days during prayers the boys of Queen's used to kneel on the seat facing backwards, which gave them the opportunity to make their mark with the pin of the buckle of their belt, unseen.