The Rev Levi Nuttall's Postal Order

Although impoverished both spiritually and financially - an appeal to the Baptist Home Missionary Society went unanswered - the church lost no time in seeking a new pastor. The call was given to Levi Nuttall (seen right), a student of Mr.T.Dawson, minister of Byrom Hall Liverpool, and his ministry commenced on Sunday October 28th 1859. It was his first pastorate, and his ordination to the Christian ministry took place on Good Friday 1860 in the presence of a large gathering of Baptist ministers and laymen.

In retrospect, it can be seen that this ministry was the beginning of the most eventful and successful period in the life of Ogden Church, which continued almost to the end of Mr.Scragg's ministry in 1955. During this time, the church had only four ministers who, between them, maintained nearly 100 years of Christian ministry, mostly in the Calvanistic tradition.

Rev.L.Nuttall

It is evident that Mr.Nuttall's ministry was marred by recurring ill-health the whole time he was at Ogden. In the church's invitation to him it was suggested that "the neighbourhood would tend greatly to the establishment of Mr.Nuttall's health". In spite of his indisposition he conducted a vigorous ministry, to the extent that it became necessary to build a new chapel.

Image right: The Postal Order sent from Ficksburg to Rev L Nuttall in Cape Town in 1898 (signed by Nuttall)

On Good Friday 1861 the cornerstone of the new building was laid by Henry Kelsall, who still maintained a lively connection with Ogden and gave liberally towards it. It was opened on April 18th 1862, when the preacher was Rt.Hon.Lord Teynam. The cost was £1000 of which £300 was outstanding at the opening, and this amount was rapidly reduced by the efforts of the ladies' sewing classes, conducted by the ministers wife. Rock Villa, Newhey, which was the church manse until 1969 was built during Mr.Nuttal's tenure. Unfortunately, the church records relating to the rest of Mr.Nuttall's ministry end abruptly, shortly before the opening of the new chapel. hoverer, it is known that he stayed for 13 years, when ill-health led to his resignation from Ogden. Following visits to America and South Africa seeking restoration of health, he conducted a very successful ministry at Houghton Street, Southport. his health again broke down and eventually he made his home in Cape Town where he died in 1905.

Extract (pg 29) The Story of 100 Years 1820 - 1920, being the history of the Baptist Church in South Africa by H J Batts The Rev. Levi Nuttall was Rev G W Cross' successor in Grahamstown in 1879. It is very singular, but there was another Nuttall, a prominent Wesleyan minister, in the country, who was twice President of the Conference—though of no relation, and he was named Ezra. These men, rejoicing in the Bible names of Levi and Ezra, became well known throughout South Africa as faithful ministers of Jesus Christ. The Rev. Levi had previously visited South Africa on a health trip, on the advice of his friend and fellow student, the Rev. R. H. Brotherton, and was therefore known in the Grahamstown Church. He was minister of a large Church in Southport, England, where his labours had been greatly blessed. He responded to the call, and came out in 1880. The records of those days refer in the warmest terms to Mr. Nuttall’s high character, urbanity of manner, and preaching ability. His pastorate in Grahamstown was marked with many tokens of Divine approval, and the fine Lecture Hall was erected under his direction. He entered very heartily into the extension work of the Union, of which he was appointed President in 1882. In 1886 he resigned, and accepted the pastorate of the Cape Town Church, where the same success attended his ministry. In the year 1893 he retired from the regular ministry, and did excellent work as agent for the Bible Society till 1905, when he fell on sleep at Kenilworth, near Cape Town, aged 70 years, leaving behind him an honourable record and fragrant name. His beloved widow, daughter of the Rev. J. Harvey, a Baptist minister, is with us still, and follows the doings of our Union with great interest, though past 80 years of age.