The Life And Testimony Of Emma Debnam
Earthen Vessel 1912:
Mrs. Emma Debnam, the beloved wife of Pastor J. R. Debnam, was born at Steeple, in Essex, of God-fearing parents. From her youth she felt convictions of sin, and was often led to cry, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” At last the Lord was pleased to set her soul at liberty by the application of John 17:24, “Thou has loved them from the foundation of the world.”
She joined the Calvinistic Church in the village where she dwelt: but when on leaving home to reside at Maldon, Essex, under the ministry of the late Mr. Edward Debnam at the Strict and Particular Baptist Church, she was baptized, and became a member until her union with her beloved partner, Mr. J. R. Debnam, whose first pastorate was at Bradfield-St.-George. She proved a true pastor’s wife. She was much loved by the people at Horham during their love residence there, and it was a real pleasure for a minister to spend a few days in their home. Her children rose up and called her blessed; her husband trusted in her, and found her a helper in all his pastoral work. A few years more were spent a Nunhead, and then followed their removal to Streatham.
In the early part of January, 1911, she was taken very ill; a specialist was consulted. It was found that an operation was necessary; her valued life was prolonged for eighteen months afterwards. Her sufferings and weaknesses were borne with much patience and resignation to her heavenly Father’s will. She remarked, on retiring one night, that the words of a hymn had been very sweet:—
“And when in death they bow their head,
He’s precious on a dying bed.”
She was confined to her bed about three weeks. The last Sabbath she spent on earth her dear husband was not engaged, and spent the time with her. She said to her daughter, “What a happy day it had been, having father at home.” She was visited by her pastor, T. L. Sapey, who read to her on the last occasion the 17th of John, not knowing it had been such a blessing to her years before.
On Sunday, July 14th, “the Lord called her to Himself.” She fell on sleep in Jesus.
Her funeral took place on Thursday, 18th, conducted by Pastors E. White and T. L. Sapey. Mr. Sapey read the Scriptures and offered prayer at Hambro’ Road Chapel, Streatham. Mr. White gave an address. He said he had known and highly-esteemed the departed for many years. She was a true sister in Christ; a gracious, godly woman; and honored member in Israel, revered by all who knew her best. A loving mother, her example, her prayers, her affection for her children was best known only by themselves. Thank God, she had the joy of seeing each of them brought to the Lord, and she had the bright hope of meeting them in the glory land. She was a beloved, faithful wife; her bereaved husband will miss her moth of all. He has the prayers and sympathy of all his friends in his great loss.
The funeral cortege then wended its way to Elmers End Cemetery, where Mr. Sapey deposited the precious remains in the “sure hope of a joyful resurrection to everlasting bliss.”
Mr. White concluded the service at the grace. Several friends from various Churches where our brother has preached came to show their sympathy with the family and their attachment to the deceased at the funeral.
E. White
Emma Debnam (?-1912) was a Strict and Particular Baptist believer. She was the wife of gospel preacher, J. R. Debnam (son of Edward Debnam), having met her husband after joining Debnam Snr’s church.
