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H. P. Barker
Harold Primrose Barker (August 10, 1869 – April 18, 1952) was a British preacher and Bible teacher whose ministry within the Plymouth Brethren movement spanned over five decades, focusing on evangelism and expository teaching across Britain and beyond. Born in Crewe, Cheshire, England, to parents whose details are not widely documented—likely a Christian family given his early faith—he grew up in an evangelical environment. His education was informal, centered on personal biblical study rather than formal theological training, typical of Brethren lay preachers, though his articulate writings suggest a keen intellect honed through self-directed learning. Barker’s preaching career gained prominence in the late 19th century, marked by successful gospel tent campaigns, such as one in Crewe where three socialist politicians and a railway representative confessed Christ. He preached extensively in England, Scotland, and the West Indies, notably residing in Grange-over-Sands during World War I and serving in Barbados for years, where he married a Creole woman. His sermons, preserved on SermonIndex.net, emphasized the Holy Spirit’s role and Christ’s centrality, reflected in works like The Vicar of Christ and Christ in the Minor Prophets. A prolific writer, he authored books including From Start to Finish and Windows in Words, and co-wrote the hymn “We praise Thee for Thy Spirit, Lord” with A. Cutting. Married with a large family—his eldest son Eric became a missionary in Portugal—he passed away at age 82 in England.
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H. P. Barker emphasizes the importance of remembering the Lord Jesus Christ and not forgetting His sacrifice and love. He draws parallels between the forgetfulness of humans towards each other, like the late Queen of the Belgians, and the forgetfulness of the chief butler towards Joseph in the Bible. Barker highlights the significance of partaking in the Lord's supper as a way to cherish and remember Christ, rather than focusing solely on personal blessings or benefits received.
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Remember Me
We naturally like to be remembered. It would pain us to know that our friends never think of us when we are absent from them. "My people no longer remember me," said a late Queen of the Belgians; "it is time to go." The words were the last she ever uttered. Her heart was broken by the forgetfulness of those who were dear to her. Before the chief butler left the precincts of the prison, Joseph made a very simple request of him: "Think on me, when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me" (Gen. 40:14). When once again the butler moved in the high circles of the Egyptian court, it says of him: "Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him" (Gen. 40:23). Sad words, telling once again the story of human forgetfulness and ingratitude. Has it ever struck you, Christian reader, that your Lord and Savior has made of you a request similar to that of Joseph? He does not want His people to forget Him. It is well that we should note the exact terms of His request. "Take, eat…in remembrance of Me." Observe that He does not say "in celebration of your blessing," or "in remembrance of the benefits conferred upon you," but "in remembrance of ME" (1 Cor. 11:24). How can we explain the indifference of many Christians to this touching request of their Lord? I can understand anyone saying, "There are so many sects and companies with divergent views, that I am puzzled where to go to join in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus." But it is difficult to understand that one who owes his all to Christ should be content to let the years slip by without being concerned as to partaking of the Lord’s supper at all! Does such an one understand that it is the way He Himself has appointed for His people to show that they do not forget Him, but cherish His memory and desire His company? There is nothing that can so touch the heart and renew the affections as this remembrance of the Lord Himself. Our cold, forgetful hearts may be warmed; our affections renewed and fixed afresh on Christ, as we are gathered, even if only two or three in number, for the remembrance of Him.
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Harold Primrose Barker (August 10, 1869 – April 18, 1952) was a British preacher and Bible teacher whose ministry within the Plymouth Brethren movement spanned over five decades, focusing on evangelism and expository teaching across Britain and beyond. Born in Crewe, Cheshire, England, to parents whose details are not widely documented—likely a Christian family given his early faith—he grew up in an evangelical environment. His education was informal, centered on personal biblical study rather than formal theological training, typical of Brethren lay preachers, though his articulate writings suggest a keen intellect honed through self-directed learning. Barker’s preaching career gained prominence in the late 19th century, marked by successful gospel tent campaigns, such as one in Crewe where three socialist politicians and a railway representative confessed Christ. He preached extensively in England, Scotland, and the West Indies, notably residing in Grange-over-Sands during World War I and serving in Barbados for years, where he married a Creole woman. His sermons, preserved on SermonIndex.net, emphasized the Holy Spirit’s role and Christ’s centrality, reflected in works like The Vicar of Christ and Christ in the Minor Prophets. A prolific writer, he authored books including From Start to Finish and Windows in Words, and co-wrote the hymn “We praise Thee for Thy Spirit, Lord” with A. Cutting. Married with a large family—his eldest son Eric became a missionary in Portugal—he passed away at age 82 in England.