Pipe, Henry Arthur (1850-1914)

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

The passing of Henry Arthur Pipe, on January 7th, was unexpected, although his burly and apparently robust frame had shown signs of weakness during the past year. His services as a preacher will be greatly missed on the Wangford Circuit and by the neighbouring Free Churches.

Born at Rendlesham, in Suffolk, in the year 1850, Mr. Pipe, at the age of twenty-one, joined the Metropolitan Police, and rose from the ranks to the position of sub-divisional inspector. His position gave him many opportunities to exert Christian influence, of which he took full advantage. He also served the Church diligently as a class leader at Stoke Newington and as a local preacher on the Kingston-on-Thames, Hammersmith, Walworth, and Forest Gate Circuits.

On his retirement he returned to Suffolk, residing at various places on the Wangford Circuit, and recently at Westleton, where he died. Mr. Pipe was a delegate to the Bradford Conference and a member of the General Committee. He has also been several times delegate to the District Synod. His work in the villages was recognised in October last by his election as president of the Saxmundham and District Free Church Council. He was a member of the Blything District Council and a manager of the Westleton Council School.

In harness almost to the last, he only reluctantly gave up his preaching appointment on the Sunday before his death, took to his bed on Monday, and on the Wednesday he was not, for God took him. The burial took place in most distressful weather, but a large company, including representatives of various churches and public bodies, gathered. Rev. J. C. Mantripp conducted, and Revs. W.J. Petherick (Secretary, F.C.C.), P.M. Hoyle and W. Howard took part. Rev. F.C. France, who should have represented the General Committee, owing to the short notice could not be present.

Great sympathy is felt for the widow and family. His son Arthur is choirmaster and chapel steward at our East Dulwich Church.

It will be difficult to realize that his familiar presence will no more be seen in our pulpits and at official meetings. The temperance workers especially have lost an enthusiastic advocate.

Family

Henry was born in 1850 at Rendlesham, Suffolk, to parents Henry Pipe, who worked the land, and Elizabeth Kemp.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Henry.

1861 scholar
1871 agricultural labourer
1881 police sergeant
1891 police inspector
1901 farmer
1911 retired Met police officer pensioned, formerly farmer’s assistant, now small farmer with son

He married Eliza Bridge (1851-1928) on 29 February 1872 at St John, Stratford, Essex. Census returns identify seven of eight children.

Arthur George (1872-1948) – wharfinger’s ledger clerk (1911)
Alfred Edward (1876-1925) – wharfinger’s clerk (1911)
Sidney Bridges (1878-1939) – a clerk (1911)
Bertie James (1880-1891)
Ernest Henry (1885-1951) – a farmer & grazer (1911); emigrated to New Zealand in 1925
Harold Samuel (1888-1952) – working on father’s farm (1911); farm bailiff (1921)
Florence Eleanor (1891-1930) – married Robert Free, a bricklayer’s labourer, in 1910; married Douglas Charles Watling, a timber merchant (1921), in 1921

Henry died on 7 January 1914 at Wesleton, Suffolk.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1914/328

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers