Williamson, John Platten Stimpson (1863-1900)

Transcription of Obituary In the Christian Messenger

MR. JOHN P. S. WILLIAMSON. The Briston Church and Circuit have sustained a severe loss in the death, on October 23rd, 1900, of Mr. John P. S. Williamson, of the Hall Farm. For several years he had taken a great and growing interest in all departments of our Church life and work. At the time of his death he filled the offices of Circuit Steward, Local Preacher, Superintendent of the Briston Sunday School, and Secretary of the Class Meeting. Our brother had inherited traditions which carried him back to the early days of Primitive Methodism in this neighbourhood, his grandfather, the late Mr. John Stimpson, having been Circuit Steward some fifty years ago. He regarded this connection with the past not merely as an honour, but as a responsibility, and threw himself heartily into all work that made for the welfare of the Circuit. Opportunity for work was not lacking, and his will was always ready to meet the opportunity. All schemes making improvement had his cordial acquiescence, although they entailed much hard work and self-sacrifice. It is only by these means that permanent Christian work is ever done, and by his concentrated and persistent efforts he won the esteem and love of all with whom, he came in contact. The end came suddenly, while engaged in his business as farmer. Exactly how it came we shall never know. A stumble, a fall against the waggon, and death was instantaneous. But he lived in possession of imperishable life, and although such a death, without a witness or a last word, was a terrible shock and sorrow to his friends, it was to him the dawn of the life of real existence. The funeral took place in Briston Churchyard on October 27th. The first portion of the service was held in the Chapel. Rev. J. C. Mantripp officiated, assisted by the Rev. J.H. Rose (Sheringham). A large company of local preachers and other officials attended, with a deputation from the local branch of the Free Church Council, of which the deceased was a member; also the teachers and scholars of the Sunday school, the members of the Church and congregation, representatives of other Churches and the local Oddfellows Club. A memorial service was held on Sunday evening, November 18th. A large congregation assembled, filling the chapel, and overflowing into the schoolroom. The Rev. J.C. Mantripp preached from 1 Cor. xv. 54 – ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ Our brother died at the age of 37 years. His life was short as we measure time, but long in service. It will be difficult to fill his place. JOS. C. MANTRIPP

Family and other information

John was baptised on 20 February 1863 at Aylsham, Norfolk. His parents were John and Mary. John, senior, was a farmer of 28.5 acres in 1881.

John worked on his father’s farm.

References

Christian Messenger 1901/30

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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