Stanwell, Selina (nee Andrew) (1838-1915)

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

With the translation: of Selina Stanwell our Church has. lost one who loved it with unstinted loyalty, and one of its faithful ministers for nearly half a century is bereft of as true a helpmeet as ever succoured the heart of man. 

She was born at Conisholme, near Louth, on May 13th, 1838. At nine years of age she joined the Church of Christ. When the Reform agitation rent the mother church of Methodism in twain, she cast in her lot with the Primitive Methodists, and remained, in active membership until she “crossed the bar.” 

In 1868 she was united in holy wedlock to Rev. John S. Stanwell; and travelled with him on the following circuits:—Chelmsford, Silsden, Dewsbury, Otley, Halifax, Colne, Hereford (twice), Cardiff, Lancaster, Morecambe, Blackheath and Torquay, where, upon retirement from the active work, they elected to settle down. Though never of robust health, she was in labours “more abundant.” Her chief aim was to feed the membership and increase the spiritual power of the churches. She laid a number of young ministers under deep obligation by the way she made her home attractive and helpful to them. The cup of her joy overflowed when her only child, John S. Waltham, decided to enter the ministry. 

At the end of the days Torquay was exchanged for Cleethorpes as a place of residence. Much was hoped from the change, but after a few months of acute suffering God called her to the rest and reward of the home beyond.

Family

Selina was born on 13 May 1838 at Conisholme, Lincolnshire, to parents Thomas Andrew, who worked the land (1841), and Elizabeth Willey. She was baptised on 20 May 1838 at Conisholme.

She married John Samuel Stanwell (1840-1918) in the summer of 1868 at Louth, Lincolnshire. Census returns identify one child.

John Samuel Waltham (1869-1933) – a PM Minister

Selina died on 15 September 1915 at Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916/485

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers