Vaughan, Ernest (1881-1932)

Christian Messenger 1919

Obituary

On February 20th, Ernest Vaughan passed to the Homeland. A somewhat prolonged affliction had compelled him to seek Superannuation at the Conference of 1931, but his haven of rest was destined soon to be elsewhere in heavenly places. On Superannuating last July, he came to reside at Intake, the place of his birth. During those seven months among his relatives he made a valiant fight, though his case to some few friends seemed hopeless from the start. His last hours were marked by the same quiet trust in God’s goodness as he had displayed all through life. He died as he had lived, nobly, quietly and in peace. That he suffered greatly with but few periods of respite from pain, was known by his loved ones, who watched over him and carefully tended him in his lingering sickness; yet he never murmured. He was a comparatively young warrior, sorely stricken by a malignant malady, who was glad at last to lay down his arms and enter into the peace of God, He belonged to a well-known and highly-respected Intake family. He spent his childhood and youth in the Intake and Mosbro’ Circuit. While young he gave his heart to God and became a teacher in the Intake Sunday School. Later he went “On Note” with the late Mr. Strong. Preaching captured his mind and thrilled his soul, and very soon he felt the call to the wider sphere of service the Ministry. Undeterred by early disadvantage, he studied hard to equip himself for the work of a minister. Entering Hartley College in 1904, he had the distinction of being one of the first two students to take the three year course. He quickly won a high place in our Ministry. After serving the whole of his probation on the Bradford Second Circuit, he ministered at Oldham Third with great success, a large new school being erected through his enterprise and practical help. Seven years at Morley, first as Second Minister, and later as Superintendent, were followed by two years at Hunslet. He then went to Worthing, labouring most successfully for  five years after initiating a scheme for the Building of a new Church, and seeing the foundation stone-laying ceremony, he broke down in health. He was granted a year’s rest in the hope he would recover his health, but this had to be extended a further year. At the last Conference he was compelled to Superannuate. In Circuit, District, and Connexional work he was most reliable, capable and zealous. He was a capable administrator on his Circuit, and served efficiently in the official life of the Church, holding office as S.S. Secretary in the Leeds District. While at Worthing, several honours were conferred on him. He was Secretary of the Free Church Council; representative of that Council for four years on the Borough Education Committee; a distinguished and effective member of the School Management and Medical Inspection Sub-Committees and of the West Sussex County Council Education Committee’s sub- Finance Committee. For a period he was Secretary of the C.E. Holiday Tours. As a preacher he was quiet and thoughtful, revealing a deep insight into spiritual truths. He never ceased to be a student and possessed a well-stored mind, the result of extensive reading in may fields. Ernest Vaughan will be remembered by his courtliness and his unfailing kindness. He was a most brotherly man, overflowing with the milk of human sympathy, and always ready to pass on the much-needed word of comfort and encouragement to others.

All the Circuits he travelled will be able to cherish the memory of one who served them with diligence and devotion, and who spent unsparingly all the powers he possessed in the Master’s service. He “passed beyond ”into the unclouded light of that “land that is fairer than day” with undimmed vision and with an unwavering faith, and entered the triumphant life of a successful Christian warrior.

Ernest Vaughan leaves a sweet and gracious lady and a daughter to mourn his loss in their loneliness. The sanctity of his character and the clarity of his witness were revealed in a home life that was ever fragrant in love’s sweet kindliness and peace, a place of healing and benediction. In their great sorrow and loss our loving sympathy and sincere prayers go out to support them.

On Wednesday, February 24th, a well-attended and impressive service was held in our Intake Church, conducted by the Rev. Holden Pickup. The Revs. W. H. Folley, C.H. Sheldrake, and D.M. Bowman (representing the General Committee), assisted. The Rev. W.J. Targett (Circuit Minister) gave an address, and conducted the committal service at the grave side The Rev. H.G. Collinson offered prayer. Of his brethren in the Ministry, the Revs. G.P. Maynard, C. Higgins, J.W. Nesbitt, A. Surtees, A.G. Gray, J.R. Witty and T.R. Spray (Leeds) were also present.
“Servant of God, well done!
Rest from thy loved employ!”

Family

Ernest was born in 1881 at Intake, Sheffield, Yorkshire, to parents Aaron and Harriet. Aaron was a coal miner.

The 1901 census records Ernest working as a wagon repairer at a colliery.

Ernest married Ellen Strong (abt 1881-1948) in the summer of 1911 in the Sheffield, Registration District, Yorkshire. Birth Records identify one child.

  • Helena (b1913)

Ernest died on 20 February 1932 at Intake, Sheffield, Yorkshire.

Circuits

  • Hartley
  • 1907 Bradford
  • 1911 Oldham
  • 1915 Morley
  • 1922 Leeds IV
  • 1924 Worthing

References

PM Minutes 1932/333

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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