Allport, Enoch (1876-1958)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1927
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1927

Early years

Enoch was born in 1876 at Brierley Hill, Staffordshire, to parents John and Abigail. John was a clay miner (1881).

Enoch received his first religious training in Harts Hill Sunday School. When fifteen years old his was converted in the Harts Hill Church. Enoch was mentored by Mr J R Smith, and by the age of seventeen was a preacher of note. A little later he was recommended as a hired local preacher. In 1901, Enoch passed his examination for the ministry and entered directly into circuit life.

As a youth aged fifteen, Enoch worked in a glasshouse.

Ministry

Enoch served his districts as Temperance, Sunday School and District Secretary.

His obituary records that Enoch’s preaching was of a high standard, rooted in wide interests, extensive reading, a great love for his fellow men, and solid convictions. He had an original mind, and his presentation even of the most difficult themes was fresh and arresting. He did not dipise the use of his ready wit to dispel dull ness and to quicken interest.

Living in an industrial area for so long and having so great a love for people, it was not surpraising that he had a special interest in the social applications of the Gospel, and this note was frequently sounded in his sermons. He was always welcomed in the homes of his people. His natural friendliness, his geniality, his sympathy, his sincerity, his utter lack of pompousness – all these combined to make him a true and well loved pastor.

In retirement at Lostwithiel, Enoch continued to preach, for ten years almost every Sunday. To the very different conditions of Cornwall he brought a freshness and stimulus that was greatly appreciated.

Family

Enoch married Lizzie Willows Croft (1871-1966) in the summer of 1905 at Skegness, Lincolnshire.

  • Ewart Croft (1906-1978) – a newsagent (retired in 1966)
  • Christine Mary W (1911-1996)

Enoch died on 15 June 1958 at Lostwithiel, Cornwall.

Circuits

  • 1901 Alford
  • 1905 Horncastle
  • 1906 Driffield
  • 1909 Brampton
  • 1913 Oldbury
  • 1916 Old Hill
  • 1920 Lichfield
  • 1928 Dudley
  • 1935 Blackheath &c
  • 1941 Bodmin (Sup)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1927/742

Methodist Minutes 1958/199

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Comments about this page

  • Enoch was my 3rd cousin 4 x removed.

    By Zoe Brewin (23/03/2021)

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