PASTOR GEORGE WISE "Protestant Stalwart"
"Called To Higher Service"
Pastor George Wise was called home on November 29th 1917, he was 62 , his passing removed from the City of Liverpool a remarkable man, one who had impressed his character on the city. The church which he founded had progressed enormously, until at the time of his death there were nearly a score of organisations connected with it. Among these were Endeavour Societies, Temperence Societies, Open Air Gospel Work, The George Wise Protestant Crusade, Boy's Guild, Bible Study Classes, Woman's Bible Classes, Woman's Pleasant Wedensday Evenings, George Wise Tontine Society with a Approved Section under the National Insurance Act with over 1,000 members. Then there was the Sunday School, with between 800 and 900 members, two Young Woman's Bible Class, the Men's Bible Class and a Cycling Club which Mr. Wise boasted we have the largest membership of any similar organisation in the city. This was not the only direction in which the creative side of his religious work was maintained . In addition he had purchased two houses opposite the Church in Netherfield Road which were adapted for the purpose of a club for the very poorest of the poor. Here under the title of the Kirkdale Social Institute, a magnificent work was carried on. The institute could be likened to a recruiting station for the army of the Protestant Reformer's Church, Here was conducted a work of rescue from habits of gambling and drinking and included sewing classes for young woman. In addition to his religious activity he served in many public capacities. He was a member of the Liverpool School Board, being elected as a Protestant candidate at the top of the poll with a majority of 52,000 over his nearest opponent. He served for three years on the City Council. He sat on the West Derby Board of Guardians and was a member of the Liverpool Distress Committee.He rejected more than once, offers to stand for Parliament.
"Funeral"
His funeral was an impressive demonstration of regard, Prior to the internment at Anfield Cemetery, a service was held at the Protestant Reformer's Memorial Church, conducted by Pastor T. B. Wilmot, who was assisted by Pastor H. D. Longbottom. The address was delivered by Rev .Stanley Parker of Great Homer Street Wesleyan Church of Pastor Wise he said " He was a mighty believer, a wonderful Protestant, a man of stainless character, and lived a spotless life of wonderful influence. He was one of the bravest and most dauntless souls the world had ever known. He was a man of remarkable contrasts-one who had the brain of a philosopher, and might have been a great professor of theology-a mighty thinker, and yet he had the simple heart of a little child He knew a great deal about science and about philosophy, and yet his religion was based on a simple faith and a simple trust in his Saviour. He was a valiant warrior, who could face a world of adversaries without flinching. The joy of battle was in his blood, and yet he was a man with a wonderful capacity for friendship. He lived and died poor, and yet enriched many with the greatest things of life, liberating forces that would never die. Though he came to Liverpool unknown, and without any influential backing, he became one of the most powerful and potential influences in the city, which no man had moved so profoundly as he .
"The Procession"
The funeral procession to the cemetery was headed by Representatives of Orange Lodges, wearing their regalia,. They were followed by two carriages laden with beautiful wreaths. then came the hearse, on which were many floral tributes, and outside the church there was a huge concourse of mourners , and crowds gathered at every point along the route. In the neighbourhood of Netherfield Road numerous places of business and shops were closed, and the blinds of private houses were drawn as a mark of respect to the dead Pastor. The Lord Mayor (Major Utting) sent his carriage, he himself being unable to attend the funeral. The whole of the route from church to cemetery was thronged, dense crowds of people lining the roads the entire way. The cemetery and approaches were densely thronged, people having congregated within the precincts shortly after noon. The road leading to the gateway was lined with a sorrowing crowd, who, as the funeral procession slowly passed onwards, were visibly moved. Thus ended the life of a great man. Pastor George Wise successor at the Protestant Reformer's Memorial Church ,was the Rev. H. D. Longbottom who later became the Lord Mayor of Liverpool and the Grand Master of the Loyal Orange Institution of England. "Taken from "George Wise of Liverpool" With thanks to the late Councillor R. F. Henderson, Chairman of the Liverpool Protestant Party"
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