Lane, George John F.G.S. (1871-1952)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1922

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1932

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1922

Early years

George was born in 1871 at Tonypandy, Glamorgan, to parents William and Esther. William was an assurance agent (1881)

George was converted at the age of thirteen and soon began to prepare for the plan. He entered the ranks of local preachers in his sixteenth year.

Ministry

George gave much attention to building and extension work. Whilst travelling with Rev E Phillipson at Stockton, he was associated with the erection or purchase of eight chapels. A handsome church at Saltburn-by-the-Sea was a monument of his enterprising and aggressive ministry.

Within his districts, George held the offices of District C.E. Secretary, Building Committee Secretary and Candidates’ Examining Secretary. He also took the chair at the Metropolitan Missionary Meeting.

George had a special interest in Geology, being a recognised authority on fossil vegetation. He took a B.Sc in Geology at London University by correspondence. George was later made a Fellow of the Geological Society of London as a recognised authority on fossil vegetation.

George was a preacher with a commanding personality, a fine voice, a ready utterance, with evangelical fervour and abounding humour.

Whilst at Surrey Chapel, George’s health gave way after a few months of intensive ministry, during which buildings were completely overhauled, and he reluctantly had to relinquish the station.

George retired to Stockton-on-Tees where, for a number of years, he served on both Durham County Council and Stockton Corporation. He was a founder member and President of the Stockton Rotary Club.

Family

George married Annie Mary Clapham (b abt1875-1956) in the spring of 1898 at Yarm, Yorkshire. Annie was the daughter of Mr. John R. Clapham, the circuit steward of the Stockton circuit. Census returns identify one child.

• Mary Esther (1899-1979) – married Harold J Gargett in 1922

George died on 6 October 1952 at Stockton-on-Tees, Co Durham.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1892 Jarrow
• 1896 Stockton
• 1900 Alston
• 1904 Brompton
• 1908 Saltburn
• 1916 Stockton
• 1921 Surrey Chapel
• 1922 Stockton
• 1932 Stockton (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911/187; 1922/330; 1932/278

Methodist Minutes 1953/127

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers