Dedham Parish Church -Burkitt Monument

This tablet commemorates William Burkitt, who succeeded Newcomen in 1692. He soon revived the Lectureship and his reputation as a theologian is still well known. To this day letters are sent to Dedham from all parts of the English-speaking world asking for information about his Commentary, which was first published in 1700.
It is thought that this was the only memorial tablet made by Thorne to which he put his signature. Dr George Taylor, when Headmaster of the Dedham Grammar School and Lecturer of Dedham from 1840 to 1871, made the following translation:

" To heaven hath soared the soul, while the earth beneath covers the mortal remains of William Burkitt, M.A. , of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, who after he had faithfully published the heavenly doctrine for twenty years in the church at Milden, Suffolk, removing thence to this church at Dedham, at the earnest and ardent desire of the inhabitants, discharged here with all fidelity the office of a Gospel Pastor for another twelve years, still often times revisiting, after the pastoral manner, the flock at Milden, which was still his own. Neither did he feed the Lord's flock by public preaching and catechising only, but also by frequently visiting them from house to house; he taught, admonished and consoled them, ministering willingly to the wants of the poor upon that and other occasions."
" Moreover, for the space of six years he stood forth the kind patron and friend of certain Protestants, who for conscience sake, under religious persecution, having fled from France, had settled themselves in places near him. And in order that a certain course of lectures which had been accustomed to be delivered in Dedham Church for many years past might be permanently continued, to the end that true religion might flourish, he left by his will his dwelling-house in Dedham, together with certain lands annexed, upon such conditions that all succeeding preachers of that Lecture might have the benefit thereof."
"And so powerfully did he stir up the liberality of others, that from their bountiful hands came those sums of money by which, for the same end and purpose aforesaid were purchased. He died on October 24th, in the year of Redemption 1703, and the 54th year of his age. This monument was erected by the pious care and at the expense of his widow, Mary, the eldest daughter of Samuel Cox, Vicar of Ealing in Middlesex."
I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the Lord's house: Psalm 122: 1.
Bless, O Lord our God,
the worship and work of this church
that it may be a house of prayer,
a centre of Christian teaching,
a community of service,
and a witness to your redeeming love:
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.