Edwards, Arthur William (1854-1910)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

Early years

Arthur was born in 1854 at Mattishall, East Dereham, Norfolk to parents Samuel and Elizabeth.. His father was a local preacher, class leader and society steward for fifty years.

Arthur was converted in 1870 at the village chapel at Prickwillow, Ely. The following year Arthur began preaching, with his father.

Ministry

Arthur built the Ashill Chapel in the Watton Circuit. At Wisbech, during nine years, the circuit income doubled, missionary revenue trebled, membership increased and three school-rooms and four chapels were built.

Arthur served his District as Candidates Examination secretary, Sunday School Secretary and Missionary Secretary.

His obituary records that as a preacher, both to young and old, he excelled; he was a close student, a good visitor, a capable administrator, and an enthusiast for the interests of the Kingdom of God.

Family

Arthur married Sarah Maria Church (1851-1923) in late 1878 in the Mitford Registration District, Norfolk. Sarah was the daughter of Rev Robert Church. Census returns identify six children.

• Mabel Eliza (b1879) – mother’s help (1901)
• Percival Arthur (1881-1967) – a grocer shopkeeper (1911)
• Horace Alfred (1883-1955) – a teacher
• Grace Muriel (1884-1944) – manageress of retail wool store (1911); married Harry Simons in 1915
• Ralph Valentine (b1886)
• Robert Moffatt (1891-1964) – an apprentice chemist (1911)

Arthur died on 18 June 1910 at Wymondham, Norfolk.

Circuits

• Sunderland
• 1874 Ipswich
• 1876 Cambridge
• 1878 Lynn
• 1880 Swaffham
• 1885 Manea
• 1887 Downham
• 1890 Watton
• 1893 Wisbech
• 1902 Norwich II
• 1903 Luton II
• 1908 Wymondham

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910/129; 1910/910

PM Minutes 1910/234

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers