Born in London in 1870 Mr. Babbs came to South Africa at the invitation of Mr. (Afterwards Sir) Herbert Baker, to act as Quantity Surveyor for many important buildings including Groote Schuur, now the official residence of the Prime Minister, the Rhodes Memorial at Rondebosch, the Allen Wilson Memorial at the Matopos and the Cape Town University buildings. Mr. Babb’s held several important professional appointments and was much in demand as a consultant. He was keenly interested in a number of Christian and philanthropic organizations; he was a past President of the Capt Town Y.M.C.A, and a trustee of the Ladies Christian Home for over 40 years. He was a Personal Member of the Baptist Union, a most valuable member of the B.U. and B.M.S. Executive for several years, and was the denomination’s President in 1942-1943. He was the writer of the much-appreciated “Pilgrim” page in the South Africa Baptist.
Mr. Babbs was associated with the Capt Town Church for over half a century; few men have been so completely trusted and so greatly beloved in their own community and few have rendered such signal service with so little self-advertisement. He was a great lover of young people and for many years was Superintendent of the Sunday school and joint leader of the Y.P.F. A keen student of the Scriptures from his earliest manhood, he was a preacher of rare quality and a Bible Class leader of exceptional influence. Above all, and explaining all, he was a humble, consistent, completely dedicated follower of his Savior and Lord. He was called home on 8th August 1953.
Written by: Syd Hudson-Reed
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