In Memoriam, James Gordon Smith (1899)

Liverpool MP and philanthropist Samuel Smith's memorial book to his only son

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

First edition, printed for private circulation. Slim hardback, grey cloth boards with printed titling. 21 × 14cm, 35pp.

A privately printed In Memoriam book for James Gordon Smith, printed for his father, Samuel Smith MP. The book contains a preface, a sermon by the Rev George Johnstone titled The Incompleteness of Life (preached in Trinity Presbyterian Church, Prince's Park, 11th December 1898), an address at the Chapel of Toxteth Park, and a list of those present at the funeral.

James Gordon Smith (1871–1898) was the only son of Liverpool MP and philanthropist Samuel Smith, who was associated with Liverpool charities such as the Mersey Mission to Seamen, Mrs.Birt's Sheltering Home, the YMCA etc, and was also a keen supporter of "social purity", attacking plays that he thought had displays of sexuality, or "glorification of the vulgarest debauchery" as he put it. Samuel erected and opened a building for the Liverpool Seamen's Friend Society and Bethel Union in 1900 as a memorial to mark the death of his son. It became the Gordon Smith Institute in Paradise Street, and was the headquarters for the Liverpool Seamen's Friend Society.

Condition

Good condition. There is some marking to the cloth along the bottom edge, and some light spotted foxing to the prelims, but otherwise in good, solid condition.