Madras in India. He worked there for four years, but found the climate too oppressive for his young growing family. On returning to England, he resided for some time with his uncle, Thomas Sturge of Northfleet, and became known in the neighboring town of Dartford, where he assisted the pastor of the Congregational Church. After the death of that pastor, he established a Baptist church in that growing town on 7 April 1867 which met in the Working Men’s Institute. The work was so successful, that a more permanent chapel was constructed in Highfield Street and dedicated on 20 April 1868. The work continued to prosper under his charge, until his retirement in 1886. His disposition, reputation and influence recommended him to many in the community. He was a member, and for a long time chairman, of the School Board, a member of the Board of Guardians, a governor of the Grammar School, and a helper in the local emigration society. Retirement In his retirement, he was a valued friend and adviser to all the neighboring churches and pastors, becoming known as the "Bishop of West Kent". He maintained his interest in national and denominational affairs, attending the regular meetings of the London Baptist ministers' fraternal. The last year of his life was marked by a debilitating weakness, of which he died on 25 January 1901. He was buried in the East Hill Cemetery at Dartford in Kent, where his tombstone reads: In loving memoryofERNEST BRAINERD STURGE who fell asleep in JesusSeptember 21st 1882in his 21st year.'As in Adam all die, even so in Christshall all be made alive.' 1.Cor. XV.22. Alsoin loving memory ofthe Revd ALFRED STURGE,for nearly 40 years a faithful minister ofJesus Christin this town,founder and first pastor of the Baptist church in Highfield RoadEntered into his rest Jan 25th 1901in his 85th year.'He was a good man, and full of the HolyGhost and of faith: and much people wasadded unto the Lord.' Acts.XI.24. Also in loving memory ofMARGARET TAIT STURGEwife of the Rev ALFRED STURGE,a devoted wife & mother and an earnest Christian worker.Entered into her rest on March 29th 1913,in the 95th year of her age. References External links Highfield Road Baptist Church in Dartford Dartford Town Archive Baptist Historical Society Baptist Historical Society of Queensland 1816 births 1901 deaths 19th-century English Baptist ministers English Baptist missionaries Baptist missionaries in India English Quakers