LORD SOPER
Originally uploaded by abers
I enjoy learning about our family history.
My husband is related to the Methodist minister, Lord Soper, and I was happy and surprised when I saw an anecdote about Lord Soper in a book I purchased, "Church Chuckles."
Lord Soper (1903-1998) was noted for preaching to one and to all on Tower Hill and then in Hyde Park in London, even in his 90s, right up until 3 weeks before his death. He was made a Lord for working hard to help the poor, pushing for equal rights for women and all races, for his dedication to pacifism, and for animal rights. I read that he was so devoted to being a pacifist that when asked what he would do if Russia invaded England, he replied "I would offer them tea."
That is not at all my view!
Here is the story from the book I bought:
While addressing the crowd at Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park the distinguished Methodist minister, Lord Soper, was interrupted by a heckler who kept shouting "What about flying saucers?"
Finally Lord Soper turned to him and, much to the delight of his audience, silenced him with "I cannot deal with your domestic difficulties now."
And no, there is no aristocratic estate that accompanies the title of Lord, so no castle or manor house for us!
Donald Soper was given the non-hereditary title of Lord for his life long dedication to good works.
There is a touching obituary in a London newspaper and it ends with "His was a gallant, debonair faith, yet under all the layers of sophistication he was at heart a simple believer. Jesus was his master and friend right up to the end."
Wow what a witness he was! Thanks so much for sharing this bit of family history with us. :D
ReplyDeleteI believe we need more people like him in our world today.
ReplyDeleteJust blogging around and found your blog. So glad to see you here blogging, so many deserted blogs these days. Every blog I visit, is like meeting someone new. Thanks for letting me visit.
ReplyDeleteSusan
http://joininandgogreen.blogspot.com
http://myfavoritesolarlights.blogspot.com
Oh that is a funny story, and quick wit.
ReplyDeleteI think it's pretty neat that you're related to him. Love that story!
ReplyDeleteSounds as if He was a great Man. Isn't it fun finding out about wonderful family history.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that he had a sense of humor and appreciation of the absurd with the comment about the flying saucer and domestic difficulties! LOL
ReplyDeleteBut more than that, I love that the obituary says he knew who his master and real "Lord" was. Jesus, the alpha and omega and finisher of our faith. Savior and friend. The name to which every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that He is Lord. When all of our differences are stripped away, when we no longer argue or debate about this or that, Jesus will be our bond.
I look forward to meeting Lord Sopper some day and so many other interesting people, relatives, and friends.
xo
Sheila
Sounds like quite a man. : )
ReplyDeleteSome people are such originals and he certainly was one and one with his heart in the right place.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to have a relative in the family tree with such a zest for the Lord and humor.
ReplyDeleteSo exciting to be related to a "Colorful" aristocrat....Big bummer no sprawling estate in your future lol!
ReplyDeleteCarol
What a wonderful story! We are members of the United Methodist Church, so this story has special meaning to me. A great ancestor for your husband!
ReplyDeleteHe sounds like a really interesting man, and what a great story to find about him.
ReplyDeleteJen
He sounds so fascinating! Isn't genealogy filled with wonderful surprises!
ReplyDeletehow fun to find that your husband related to kind of great people in the world :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for sharing a bit of the story!
have a great day mrs Terra.
Blessing,
Delvalina
hahah... domestic difficulties ..that's hilarious!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wondeful story. I hope when I leave this earth one day, that will be a defintion of me.
ReplyDeleteJesus was her master and friend right up to the end."
Thanks for visiting my blog:)
I remember him too, he was a very interesting figure.
ReplyDeleteGreat story, and we do need more people like him today!
ReplyDeleteOh, Terra, I love this! And what a wicked sense of humor with his response to flying saucers! LOL Thanks so much for visiting and all your kind words regarding my bluebird flock, which I'm happy to say is still sticking around!! Take care,
ReplyDeleteDonna
So enjoyed this. Lord Soper was an aristocrat in all the ways that matter.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sense of humor-flying saucers. Haven't had any one those, maybe some words flying here at there-not bad-just in anger.Thanks for sharing. Fun!
ReplyDeleteHe sounds like someone I would love knowing! How proud you must be to have someone of such fine character in your family's history, Terra.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to be related to someone who appears in books and memoirs. Nice bit of family history.
ReplyDelete"Terra Garden" has been included in the A Sunday Drive for this week. Be assured that I hope this helps to point even more new visitors in your direction.
ReplyDeletehttp://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-sunday-drive_30.html
I love this story...what a great person this Lord Soper was! And thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog!
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