Carefoot, Thomas (1846-1912)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by T.C.S.

Haslingden Circuit has lost one of its best officials in the death, after a brief illness, of Mr. Thomas Carefoot. Born in 1846 in Preston, he was converted when a young man at Chorley. He was early given a “note,” and speedily became an efficient local preacher. For forty-five years he laboured hard on the Chorley, Preston, Heywood and Haslingden Circuits. Preaching with him was a passion and under his tender and earnest pleadings many have been won to God. For twenty-one years in succession he gave the anniversary address at Eldon Street Church, Preston.

Trustee for several chapels, he once submitted to the selling of his goods by a mortgagee for a Chapel that was in financial difficulties. Coming to Townsend Fold, Haslingden Circuit, a few years ago, he threw himself into the work enthusiastically, and at the time of his decease was society steward, class leader and pew steward. He was also a member of the District Committee and represented his District in the Bradford Conference.

Two years ago he lost his wife, and from that blow he never fully recovered. He passed away on September 13th. A large crowd attended the funeral, one touching feature being the stopping of the mill at which he formerly worked, and the attendance of the mill-workers at the service. The funeral service was conducted by Revs. R. Shields and T.C. Showell.

He was a generous, loyal soul, one of the best, and is much missed by his sorrowing daughter and son-in-law, and by a host of friends.