Frederick W Baedeker

Early Life and Spiritual Condition

Frederick William Baedeker was born in Germany, but spent by far the greater portion of his long and fruitful life far beyond its borders. Trained as a physician, he was in his early years a man of strict morality and outward correctness, yet lived without God. In later life he often described himself during this period as “a German infidel.” Intellectual pride and unbelief marked the first half of his earthly career.

As a young man his health completely failed. Suffering from advanced consumption, he left Europe for the Australasian Colonies, hoping that the climate might prolong his life. During the voyage the French ship in which he sailed was nearly wrecked, and when he finally landed in Australia he did so literally on crutches, a hopeless invalid in human estimation. Yet God, who was preparing His servant for future labours of world-wide extent, preserved him through those early trials.

After some years he returned to the Northern Hemisphere, and his steps were directed to England, where he settled at Weston-super-Mare—a place destined to become both the home and base of his evangelistic labours for the remainder of his life.

Conversion at Weston-super-Mare (1866)

In 1866, through the invitation of Earl Cavan, Lord Radstock came to Weston-super-Mare to engage in evangelistic work. Meetings were held almost nightly in the Assembly Rooms for eight months, and a work of grace ensued of unusual depth and permanence. All classes were affected, though many of the converts were drawn from the upper ranks of society.

Through the persistent urging of a Christian military officer, Dr. Baedeker reluctantly consented to attend one of these meetings. His interest was aroused, and he returned again, though carefully avoiding personal contact with the preacher. On a later occasion, however, he was unable to escape before the close of the service.

Lord Radstock reached him, laid a hand upon his shoulder, and said solemnly, “My man, God has a message through me for you to-night.” Leading him into the ante-room, the two knelt together in prayer. In those sacred moments the accumulated infidelity of years was dissipated for ever. Baedeker believed God, trusted the Saviour, and entered into the joy of salvation.

He later described that decisive hour in words often repeated:

“I went in a proud German infidel, and came out a humble, believing disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God!”

Early Gospel Service

Almost immediately after his conversion, Dr. Baedeker was led into active service, pointing anxious souls to Christ—a work he found both delightful and fruitful. In a striking coincidence, his first Gospel address was given in Kewstoke, a village on the far side of Worle Hill from Weston.

Forty years later, on 30th September, he returned to that same village, and in the Iron Room delivered his last Gospel address. The theme was unchanged; the ruin of man was the same, and he knew no remedy but the one, inspired, unaltered Gospel of grace.

Call to Russia and Preparation

Lord Radstock had already opened a wide door for Gospel work in Russia, where many among the nobility had been brought under the power of the Word. After ten years of preparation, spent in the diligent study of Scripture and the exercise of his gift at home, Dr. Baedeker felt constrained to carry the Gospel to regions beyond.

In 1876 he began his first evangelistic journeys on the Continent, spending time in Berlin and other parts of Germany. Commended to Russian friends by Lord Radstock, he soon responded to the call to enter Russia and assist in the work already begun.

Deeply moved by the spiritual darkness of the vast Russian Empire, with its millions sitting “in the shadow of death,” he determined to devote himself almost entirely to evangelistic labour there.

Apostolic Labours in Russia and Siberia

In 1877, having let his house for three years, Dr. Baedeker set out again—this time accompanied by his wife and their adopted daughter—to labour almost continuously throughout Russia. From that time onward, annual journeys were undertaken, and eventually he spent far more time abroad than at home.

Through the influence of a Christian Countess, special permits were granted by the highest authorities, giving him access to every prison in Russia and Siberia—a privilege enjoyed by him alone. Each permit lasted two years and was repeatedly renewed. Feeling keenly the solemn responsibility, he used this access to the utmost.

Journey after journey was undertaken under conditions that would have taxed even the strength of a younger man. Thousands of miles were traversed, often by the most primitive means. Bibles, supplied freely by the British and Foreign Bible Society, were distributed by the thousand, while the living voice proclaimed salvation through Christ to prisoners, exiles, and officials alike.

He penetrated into every corner of Russia, including Siberia and even Saghalien Island in the Gulf of Tartary—the dreaded convict settlement for the most desperate criminals. His presence there astonished all; but he viewed those condemned men as still part of “the world” for which Christ had died. To the vilest offender he preached forgiveness, grace, and peace.

On one remarkable journey home, he passed through Japan, China, Singapore, and other lands, preaching the Gospel wherever opportunity offered.

Wider Evangelistic Sympathy

About twenty years before his death, hearing of German communities in Canada, Dr. Baedeker immediately booked his passage and went forth to preach Christ to his countrymen. The Stundists of Russia, the Armenians, and many others suffering persecution found in him a steadfast friend and helper. His sympathy for the oppressed and his generous benefactions endeared him to countless souls, both abroad and at home.

Final Years and Home-call

Even after passing the eightieth milestone, Dr. Baedeker showed no inclination to retire. In his final year alone, he undertook four journeys to the Continent, pressing on with youthful zeal. When friends marvelled at his endurance, he would quietly remark how interesting it was to discover what strain the human frame could bear when sustained by God.

In 1906, after attending a two-day Conference at Clifton, he caught a chill. From this he never recovered. On 9th October, 1906, at the age of 83, Frederick William Baedeker was called home to be with the Lord.

Legacy

Dr. Baedeker stands among the most remarkable evangelists of the nineteenth century. From a proud infidel and hopeless invalid, God made him a world-travelling herald of the Cross, carrying the Gospel into prisons, exile camps, and the darkest corners of the earth. His life illustrated in a striking way the words of the apostle: “God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” Though long since gone, his labours still speak, and the fruit of his apostolic service will only be fully revealed in eternity.