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[ transcription of Obituary Notice in the Year Book of the Congregational Union of England & Wales for 1866, page 239, from a copy in Dr Williams's Library, London ]
BURDER, Henry Forster, D.D., Hackney. This eminent servant of Christ was born at Coventry, November 27th, 1783. His father was the Rev. George Burder, author of "The Village Sermons," and formerly Secretary of the London Missionary Society. Trained carefully in the ways of God, both by the instruction and example of his parents, he early became the subject of religious convictions ; and on the10th November, 1783 [sic], when ten years old, made a solemn surrender of himself to God, not only in prayer, but also in writing. He received his education partly in his native town, and partly under the superintendence of the late venerable Rev. John Eyre, of Homerton. He was for a time engaged kin business both in Nottingham and London, but relinquished it after a short period to prepare for the ministry. He became a student at Hoxton College, and afterwards studied, with his life-long friends, Joseph Fletcher and George Payne, at Glasgow. They all took their degree of M.A. together, and in a few years subsequently all had the degree of D.D. conferred on them. On returning home Mr Burder became one of the tutors at Wymondley for a year. He then became assistant minister to Rev. Samuel Palmer, then of St. Thomas Square, Hackney. On the death of Mr Palmer he succeeded to the sole pastorate. While at Hackney, he was chosen to fill the Chair of Philosophy and Mathematics at Hoxton and Highbury College. He was thus occupied for twenty-two years, from the year 1807 to 1829. His pastoral charge increasing, and years beginning to tell on his constitution, he resigned his professorship, and restricted himself to his ministerial duties. In the seventieth year of his age, and the fortieth of his ministry, he relinquished the pastorate at Hackney, his friends testifying their regard by presenting him with a purse of £1,000. This money he generously applied to the foundation of a scholarship in connection with New College, to be called the "Henry Forster Burder Scholarship," value £30 per annum, and tenable for three years.
Dr. Burder retired to Hatcham, near Peckham, to reside with his son, and attended the ministry of the Rev. R.W. Betts. He continued to hold on the even tenor or his way, with but little failure of mental or physical strength, till he reached his eighty-first year. He died December 29th, 1864, resting calmly on Jesus. He enjoyed peace, and sometimes experienced the "joy which was unspeakable and full of glory." His death was improved by Rev. R.W. Betts.
Dr. Burder was an author ; he published a book on "Mental Discipline," a volume of Sermons, a volume on "The Essentials of Religion," "Notes on the Apocalypse," and some other works. His ministry was successful. He raised the congregation, from comparatively nothing, to be one of the most respectable and numerous in the suburbs of London ; and, but for some unhappy differences in the congregation, wold probably have continued to minister for a few years longer. His attainments were considerable, and his mental powers well balanced. Precision, order, regularity, characterized all his proceedings. He was much esteemed by the numerous students who passed under his instruction, and was beloved by the people of his charge.
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(The Rejoice & Sing Enchiridion:edited by David Goodall; last amended 10/1/04)