Bagnall, Arthur William (1872-1963)
Early years
Arthur was born in 1872 at Wednesbury, Staffordshire, to parents David and Mary Ann. David was a grocer. His older brother, Ernest James Talbot, was also a PM Minister.
Arthur began to preach at the age of eighteen. Success in his Candidates’ Examination placed him on the Reserve List, as it was then known, from which men were selected for immediate service.
Arthur worked as a grocer’s assistant before entering the ministry.
Ministry
Whilst at Eston, in his second year, the circuit called out a second minister. A new church was opened at Normanby, and a new manse erected at South Pank. Arthur became a member of the Eston School Board.
Arthur took a keen interest in education and questions of political and civic importance, frequently appearing in support of progressive candidates. Whilst at West Hartlepool, he did perhaps his most outstanding piece of public work, in a cause ever dear to his heart, that of international goodwill. Here he was made secretary of the Hartlepools Branch of the League of Nations Union. The membership grew from about forty to approaching eight hundred, and including representatives of all denominations and political parties.
Arthur retired to Leamington Spa in 1939 and moved to Cardiff in 1959.
His obituary records that his preaching was enlightened, challenging and practical, and brought many of his listeners to the point of decision. Out of his rich personal experience sprang an infectious joy and a radiancy. Every Circuit where he ministered was enriched by his devoted pastoral work. To those in trouble he was a rock of strength. He could stoop to do the humblest task with grace and dignity.
Family
Arthur married Florence Horton (1879-1964) in late 1900 at Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Records identify that Florence had at least one more child that died in infancy.
- Gwendolen Mary (1913-1982) – married Arthur J Roderick in 1940
Arthur died on 19 February 1963 at Cardiff, Glamorgan.
Circuits
- 1896 Horncastle
- 1898 Crowle
- 1900 Eston
- 1904 Shildon
- 1908 Leeds II
- 1911 Leicester III
- 1915 Manchester VII
- 1919 W Hartlepool
- 1924 Cross Keys
- 1929 Wrexham
- 1933 Northampton
- 1936 Towcester
- 1939 Leamington (S)
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1926/76
Methodist Minutes 1963/197
W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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