Details:
Pioneer Methodist missionary. Preached to congregation in Newcastle
Place:
St. Johns Cemetery, Parramatta
Source:
The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate
Details:
For many years the grave of Mrs. Leigh, wife of Rev. Samuel Leigh lay hidden. At last it was found and renoated. It bears the names of Catherine, the wife of Rev. Samuel Leigh, died 15 May 1831 aged 50., Robert, their second son born 1804, died 1859., Sarah, wife of Rev. D.J. Draper, died 16 February 1838 aged 28., and Josiah, infant son of the above died 19 February 1838.
Source:
Glory be 1845-1945, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the opening of the first Wesleyan Chapel in Newcastle
Details:
Samuel Leigh was the pioneer Methodist missionary in the Southern Hemisphere. Cruel indeed was the lot of the convicts. From sunrise to sunset they toiled in chains, working in the forests, in the lime pits, or in the primitive coal ¬ mines. Even Governor Macquarie was shocked. I must build a church at Newcastle, he said to Rev. William Cowper. I really cannot any longer endure the existing state of things there. 1 will give instructions for commencing the work immediately, and you must go over at once and lay the foundation stone with as much solemnity as possible. This command was duly carried out and the services were said to be peculiarly awakening, solemn and impressive, Rev. James Colwell wrote in The Methodist in December, 1902. But now the church (Church of England) was built, no clergyman was available and Rev. Cowper turned to Rev. Leigh for help, requesting him to visit the settlement as frequently as possible and preach in the new church. Leigh, who cheerfully consented, thus describes his services The convicts were conducted to the church by the military. They behaved well and several of them soon showed great improvement in their dispositions and habits. Immediately preceding his first visit to England, Leigh was again in Newcastle, this time at the request of Governor Macquarie, who asked him to supply the vacant Church of England. Sailing in one of the Government ships, he resumed his labours and preached to a congregation numbering 800 hearers. There he continued his services for some time until severe indisposition made his return to Sydney compulsory
