Burchell, Thomas

Burchell, Thomas an English Baptist missionary, was born in 1800. After the completion of his preparatory studies he was set apart to his work, Oct. 13,1823, and soon after sailed for Jamaica. It was decided to establish a station at Montego Bay. On Feb. 29,1824, he formed a Church, which grew to a membership of sixteen hundred persons. His constant and severe labors exhausted his strength, and he revisited his own country. On his return to Jamaica, in the early part of 1832, he found his part of the country in a state of insurrection. Charges were brought against him ol having fostered the rising of the slaves. His chape was levelled to the ground, several magistrates being present and abetting. He himself was thrown into jail. 'When his trial came on 'he was acquitted, but was advised to leave the island. After an absence of several months, he returned to Jamaica in 1834, and was received by his friends with intense joy. A still better chapel was erected, in which he continued to minister until 1843, when, prostrated by his arduous labors. hu left Montego Bay, and took charge of a much smaller station at Mount Carey. It soon became evident that he must again have entire relaxation from his work, and he once more returned to England, where he died London, April 16,1846. See (Lond.) Baptist Magazine 1846, p.369,370. (J. C. S.)