Joplin, John Hall (1838-1915)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by J.J.

The passing of J.H. Joplin took place on March 15th, 1915. For fifty years he has been a notable figure among the laymen of the North, winning a place in the hearts of the people by the sweetness of his disposition and the rare beauty of his life. Born at Bells Close, Newcastle, on March 3rd, 1838, at seven years of age he came to Howdon, and at fifteen he was converted. Four years later he came on full plan, and four years after that was called into the ministry, his own circuit, North Shields, being his first and only station. Mr. Joplin’s health gave way, and the next year he resigned.

He held a secretaryship on one of the Tyneside firms until he was pensioned off some ten years ago. The claims of his own church and circuit were always first with him; he has been choirmaster for over thirty years, class leader for over fifty years, over forty years he was secretary to the trustees, was leader of the Endeavour Society, and secretary to Band of Hope. A constant advocate of holiness, he was one of the wonderful band of local preacher evangelists, of whom vivid memories are still cherished in Durham and Northumberland.

Many times he might have represented his station at District meeting, but he actually only did so twice, and twice he was a delegate to Conference. He was twice president of the Durham and Northumberland Federation of the Free Church Councils, four times president of the local Free Church Council; also of the Sons of Temperance and Band of Hope Union, and he had just finished his term of presidency in connection with Tynemouth and District C.E. Union, the only layman who ever held the office.

The celebration of his seventy-sixth birthday drew testimonies to his worth from near and far. His decease has called forth a similar demonstration. His last act was to hand over a cheque for £45 to the trustees to pay for the painting and decoration of the sanctuary. The first service held in the church was that of his burial. The writer had charge of the proceedings, and was supported by Revs. D. Cooke, R. Laidler and J. Senior (Congregational). Sympathetic reference was made to his decease on March 28th.

Family

John was born on 3 March 1838 at Bell’s Close, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, to parents George Joplin, a keelman (1841) and coal trimmer (1851), and Sarah Hall.

Census returns identify the following occupations for John.