Bull, Alfred John (1855-1932)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

Early years

Alfred was born in 1855 at Newbury, Berkshire to parents John and Mary Ann. John was a wood turner.

Alfred was educated at the Wesleyan Day School. His earliest religious impressions were received at the Primitive Methodist Sunday School and age joined the Church at the age of fourteen. Alfred moved to Hungerford when aged eighteen, where he was soon pressed into service on the plan. After twelve months as a local preacher, Alfred was recommended for the ministry.

Ministry

Whilst at Bournemouth, three chapels were erected and the way prepared for the Herridge Memorial Church at Springbourne.

His obituary records that in his circuits, which varied in character from rural to city and seaside resorts, Alfred rendered service of sacrificial character and was esteemed and loved by his people. He himself radiated a happy, sane religion. Following superannuation, Alfred continued to preach almost every Sunday.

Family

Alfred married Jane Ann Mainprize (1850-1932) on 6 July 1880 at Bridlington, Yorkshire.

• Herbert John Mainprize (1881-1971) – a schoolmaster
• Florence Jane (1883-1977) – a schoolteacher
• Frances Elizabeth (1884-1977)
• Beatrice Mary (1887-1917)
• Louise Isabel (1889-1890)
• Elsie Annie (1893-1918)

Alfred died on 4 November 1932 at Bridlington, Yorkshire.

Circuits

• Sunderland
• 1875 Grimsby II
• 1877 Alford
• 1878 Doncaster II
• 1880 Wakefield
• 1883 Malton
• 1884 Leeds IX
• 1886 Ripon
• 1889 Bedale
• 1892 Bridlington
• 1895 Swinefleet
• 1896 York I
• 1899 Newport, IoW
• 1903 Bournemouth
• 1907 Whitby
• 1911 Selby
• 1914 Cockermouth
• 1923 Bridlington (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910/969

PM Minutes 1933/245

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers