Tunley, William Baker (1878-1939)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

WILLAM BAKER TUNLEY: born at Liverpool on January 17, 1878, and from his earliest days was associated with the Primitive Methodist Church. He was trained for the ministry at Hartley College, and for thirty-six years exercised a faithful and fruitful ministry. 

He was conscientious in all his pulpit work, his pastoral visitation, and circuit administration. Sensitive in disposition and friendly at heart, he endeared himself to all who knew him as a truly devout soul. He was ever a diligent student, a thoughtful preacher, and maintained a lively interest in the Church to the end. He was a welcome visitor in the homes of his people, and to those in trouble he was a friend indeed with an understanding and sympathetic heart. With his well-stored mind and understanding of youth, he was able to help many young men in preparing themselves to become local preachers. 

During the last year of his ministry heart trouble restrained his usual full and efficient service, and a sudden heart failure brought his earthly ministry to an end and his passing to higher service. His greatest ambition in life was to be a faithful minister of the Gospel. He died at the age of sixty-one years and was laid to rest at Shrewsbury on July 15, 1939.

Family

William was born on 17 January 1878 at Liverpool, Lancashire, to parents John Tunley, a grocer (1881), and Margaret Baker. His brother, Walter, was also a PM minister.

William was a grocer’s assistant before entering the ministry (1901).

He married Florence Mary Carter (1880-1954) in early 1908 in the Oswestry Registration District, Shropshire. Census returns identify one child.

• Johnn Leslie (1909-1965) – a chemist & optician (1939)            

William died on 12 July 1939 at Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1903 Canterbury
• 1905 Sherringham
• 1907 Whitchurch
• 1911 Market Drayton
• 1916 Church Gresley
• 1919 Nantwich
• 1922 Chester III
• 1926 Liverpool V
• 1931 Warrington
• 1934 Minsterley

References

Methodist Minutes 1939/222

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers