Longstaff, Arthur (1877-1944)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1931
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1931

Early years

Arthur was born on 3 March 1877 at New Shildon, Co. Durham, to parents Joseph and Elizabeth. Joseph was a clerk in an engine works (1881) and later a railway clerk (1891). The family moved to Newcastle-upon-Tyne soon after Arthur was born. Older brother, Joseph, became Vice President of Conference in 1920.

Arthur was educated at Rutherford College, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Ministry

His obituary records that Arthur was a lovable personality, gentle in all ways. Never allowing difficulties to ruffle him, but possessing a sagacity that won the respect of his officials and the confidence of his people. He was a faithful friend and pastor, ever seeking to sustain the faith of his flock, and to stand in with them in the seasons of trial and sorrow.

His greatest desire was to preach the gospel of the saving grace of God. He knew men needed a Saviour. He was proud of his vocation. Shortly before he died he said to a colleague: ‘Tell the fellows it is glorious to be in the Ministry. I am so glad to have been in it. It is a grand life.’

Family

Arthur married Mary Ellen Stewart Tweedy (1878-1946) in the spring of 1906 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland.

  • Arthur Stewart (b1907)
  • Leslie Gordon (1910-1933)
  • Edward Cyril (1913-1978)
  • Henry Algernon Spence (1915-1997) – a hotel proprietor (1946)

Arthur died on 3 March 1944 at Thomas Taylor Homes, Stannington, Northumberland.

Circuits

  • Hartley
  • 1902 Burnopfield
  • 1908 Gateshead II
  • 1913 Brinkworth
  • 1915 Newbury
  • 1918 Crowle
  • 1922 Barnoldswick
  • 1925 Pickering
  • 1930 Chesterfield II
  • 1934 Newton & Hyde
  • 1939 Shrewsbury
  • 1942 Newcastle (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1931/64

Methodist Minutes 1944/136

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Downloads

Comments about this page

  • Margaret,

    You can view the following page.
    https://www.myprimitivemethodists.org.uk/content/chapels/county-durham-2/a-d-county-durham-2/burnopfield_colliery_primitive_methodist_chapel
    This gives some information about the ex Pm chapel at Burnopfield.

    By Geoff Dickinson (07/08/2023)
  • I am the daughter of Edward Longstaff so Arthur Longstaff was my paternal grandfather. He sadly died before I was born so I never knew him. I live in Suffolk but I visited Burnopfield during a visit to Newcastle in 2016. I could see that the chapel was built in 2000. Has the church where my grandfather served been demolished ?

    By Margaret Longstaff (07/08/2023)
  • This page was modified on 12 April 1916 to add an article published in the 1923 Christian Messenger.

    By Geoff Dickinson (12/04/2016)

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.