Birch, Henry (2)

Birch, Henry (2), an English Congregational minister, was born at Birmingham, July 29, 1812. Through the efforts of a female servant and his mother's death, he. early in life became a Christian, and joined the Church in Carr's Lane in 1832 or 1833. He greatly desired to go as a missionary to India, but the delicate state of his health hardly made it advisable. He commenced his studies for the ministry under the Rev. S. Barber of Bridgenorth. In September, 1837, he entered Rotherham College. He was ordained March 30, 1842, over the Church at Providence Chapel, Driffield, Yorkshire, and remained pastor there till his death, Oct. 21, 1856. Many souls were converted as the result of his labors. His preaching was scriptural, clear, and greatly calculated for instruction and edification. See (Lond.) Cong. Year-book, 1857, p. 168.