Warcup, Alfred (1858-1930)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916

Early years

Alfred was born on 18 May 1858 at Hornsea, nr Hull, Yorkshire to parents John and Hannah. His parents were Congregationalists. His father, after being in business for years at Hornsea Mill, died of consumption at the age of thirty.

Alfred received his early education at ‘Carruther’s Academy.’ For six years he worked in the drapery business.

Alfred was converted through a Primitive Methodist evangelistic service held on 18 January 1878. He spent two years as a local preacher before entering the Sunderland Institute. He embarked on a second year of theological study in Manchester, but before many weeks had passed he was called to fill a vacancy at Filey due to the death of Rev John Holroyd.

Ministry

Alfred was a lover of books, but his effectiveness as a preacher was due I no small measure to the intimate knowledge of his people gained in pastoral visitation.

Alfred superintended the building of a new church at Chippenham.

Alfred enjoyed travel. He visited continental countries and preached in Rome. He also crossed the Atlantic and occupied the pulpits of several Canadian churches.

In retirement, Alfred served for six years as chaplain at the West Norwood Cemetery.

Family

Alfred married Sarah Copping (1864-1938) in the summer of 1885 at Kirtling, Cambridgeshire. Sarah was a local preacher. Census returns identify three of six children.

• Copping (1889-1921) – student in civil service (1911)
• Warner (1891-1983) – a Presbyterian Minister
• Winifred Tennyson (1892-1967) – a nurse; married Joseph Gilmore in 1948

Alfred died on 3 December 1930 at West Norwood, Surrey.

Circuits

• Sunderland
• Hartley
• 1882 Pocklington
• 1884 Patrington
• 1885 Weymouth
• 1886 Bradfield
• 1889 Portland
• 1891 Malmesbury
• 1894 Chippenham
• 1897 Glastonbury
• 1900 Chipping Norton
• 1901 Camborne
• 1903 Exmouth
• 1906 Malmesbury
• 1910 Slough
• 1913 Cirencester
• 1916 Weobly
• 1919 Upper Norwood (Sup)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916/537; 1931/310

PM Minutes 1931/323

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers