Bird, William (1850-1916)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by T.R.A.

The East Kirkby Church (Sutton and Kirkby Circuit) has sustained a serious loss in the sudden death of Mr. W. Bird, on March 27th, 1916, aged sixty-five years. He was at the time of his death a teacher of forty-eight years’ active service, church treasurer, and class leader, and was also trustee of several churches on the circuit. He held the position of society steward for many years.

The funeral service in our church was largely attended, Revs. J. Waggott, G.E. Wiles, M.H. Bainton and T.R. Auty taking part. The address was given by Rev. M.H. Bainton, who said, “Brother Bird ever commended the religion of our Lord. His sincerity was transparent, his convictions deep, and his devotion beyond compare. Any task he took in hand received his undivided attention. If he had any enemies he loved them, and would go almost any length for the sake of peace. Full of compassion, he would visit the sick and the disaffected alike. He was generous to a fault, both in gifts and judgment. He had intimate knowledge of chapel affairs; and would take any office when no one else would fill the post, and as readily relinquish it when a supply was found. He was a true Christian, and God has taken him home.”

Family

William was born in late 1850 at Odstone, Leicestershire, to parents John Bird and Hannah Blockley. Census returns identify the following occupations for William.