with audiences of children is generally said to have had much to do with his geniality and humour rather than his approach to matters of theology, which was somewhat Scottish in approach, though he also thought highly of Isaac Watts' works. He is considered to be the forerunner of other Independents who later became interested in preaching to children, particularly Baptists. Thomas Chalmers considered him The Wilkie of Preaching and many called him the Prince of Preachers of the young for he pioneered this movement and was the main inspiration for its development. Even as he aged, his success did not diminish. At Surrey Chapel, Blackfriars Road, a year before his death, his presence enabled the chapel to attract 3,000 children. Death and memory Fletcher died on Sunday, 30 September 1860. He was married and a father. A tribute to his memory was given by fellow Scot, John McFarland, in Finsbury Chapel on 14 October. In his memory his congregation commissioned a soaring cross of polished granite that they placed at his gravesite. It featured an unusual, pierced octagonal cross, at the top. The mason of this expensive monument was W. H. Burke of Newman Street, Marylebone c. 1861. The cross still stands at Fletcher's grave at Abney Park Cemetery, Stoke Newington, London. References Ripley, Peter (1985), 'The Black Abolitionist Papers: vol 1 The British Isles 1830-1865', Raleigh: Univ. of North Carolina Press Joyce, Paul (1985), A Guide to Abney Park Cemetery, London: SAPC & L.B.Hackney French, James Branwhite (1883), A Guide to Abney Park Cemetery, London: James Clarke & Co External links Frederick Douglass' Reception Speech at Finsbury Chapel Fletcher, Alexander (1841) 'A Guide to Family Devotion' Fletcher, Alexander (1841) 'Scripture History' Fletcher, Alexander (18xx) 'The Devotional Family Bible' Scottish Congregationalist ministers Scottish abolitionists Burials at Abney Park Cemetery 1787 births 1860 deaths Alumni of the University of Glasgow Scottish religious writers People from Stirling 19th-century Ministers of the Church of Scotland Congregationalist abolitionists Ministers of Secession Churches in Scotland