Gallimore, Josiah (1791-1837)

MEMOIR OF JOSIAH GALLIMORE,

(Local preacher and class leader, Congleton circuit)

This faithful servant and holy man of God, was  The early part of his life was spent in sin and folly.  When he was about thirty years of age, it pleased the Lord to direct the P. Methodists to preach the gospel at Wornish Nook; and under their ministry Josiah was convinced of his own depravity by nature, and the absolute necessity of a change of heart.  He sought the Lord earnestly, and found him to the joy of his soul.  He could then sing,

“My Jesus to know,
And feel his blood flow,
‘Tis life everlasting,
‘Tis heaven below.”

A class being formed at Wornish Nook, and a Sunday school instituted, he gave in his name as a member of society, and a teacher in the school.

After a time, however, the class was broken up, and every teacher fled, except Josiah, who for a considerable time continued to teach the school himself.  But at length he had the satisfaction to see the work break out afresh; souls were converted, and a class formed of sixteen members, over which Josiah was appointed leader.  The work of the Lord continued to flourish; and there is now an excellent chapel, a good Sabbath school, and fifty members in society.  To God be all the glory.

In February, 1827, he removed to Congleton, and undertook the raising of a new class, which now contains about eighteen members.  In September his name appeared on the plan as a local preacher, in which office he laboured with success.  In short, he was generally respected, and was useful in his day and generation.

In the winter of 1836, he caught a severe cold, which brought on a consumption, so that after a time he was obliged to cease from his work; and in the spring of 1837 he began to grow very weak, but calmly resigned himself into the hands of God.

As the time of his dissolution drew near, the enemy of souls harrassed him very much, suggesting every thing to his mind that might have a tendency to destroy his peace.  But God, who hath said, “My grace is sufficient for thee” did not suffer him to be tempted above what he was able to bear.

On the Sunday morning previous to his death, I led his class; after which I, with the members, went to see him.  Tears of joy sparkled in his eyes, and he cried, “Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord!”  Surely,

“The chamber where the good man meets his fate
Is privileged beyond the common walk
Of virtuous life, quite on the verge of heaven.”

We sung hymn 76, large book, and several prayed.  It was a refreshing time; and Bro. Gallimore shouted, “Glory to God! Glory to God.”  He had victory over death and hell, and could rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory.

A few moments before his departure, he said, “I feel the blood of Christ cleanses me from all sin.”  These were almost the last words he was heard to utter.  And he quietly fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, in hope of a joyful resurrection to eternal life.  He has left a wife and six children to the merciful providence of God, who “feeds the young ravens when they cry.”  May they and all be prepared to meet him in heaven, is the prayer of

T. Parr

(Approved by the Quarter-day Board.)

 

Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1838.  Pages 452-453.

 

Comments about this page

  • This is very likely the same T Parr (Thomas) referred to in my four part history of the Parr Family in other parts of this site.

    By Ian M Parr (26/01/2013)

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