Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference
PERCY BAILEY: born in Staffordshire in 1893, he came of godly parents, and after training in Hartley College, he began his ministry in 1921. He served three terms in Eastern Nigeria, where his unique qualities of heart and mind found full expression in the service of his Master, and many are the tributes of his fellow-missionaries to his work there. In 1929 he went as superintendent to Clun (Salop), and later served at North Shields, Chester-le-Street, Hexham-on-Tyne, and Woodville. In every sphere he exercised a gracious influence that will long be remembered.
His was a soul that was easy to know, for he had a genius for friendship that brought all who knew him into a closer relationship with their Lord. His ready smile and genial greeting, his wide interest in all that brought cheer to others, his instant sympathy and help to all in sorrow or difficulty – truly his was a personality that was many-splendoured in its reach unto others. Treasures came to those who shared the intimacies of his presence. He had a well-stored mind, for he loved reading and the beautiful always had a ready response from him. He knew prayer’s richest discipline; and the ring of reality as he lifted up his own soul to God strengthened many other hearts. He loved preaching and was an appreciative listener to the master interpreter of the Word, always growing in thought and vision. His soul was quickly kindled when he saw the altar-flame. Four years ago, a breakdown in health interrupted his work; but in affliction he showed the same faith and buoyancy that had always been his strength and was able to resume the work he loved. The end came suddenly on 14th June 1955, in the sixty-second year of his age and the thirty-fourth of his ministry.
Family
Percy was born on 17 July1893 at Checkley, Staffordshire, to parents John, a farmer, and Ann. Before entering the ministry, Percy worked on the farm.
He married Lily Evelyn Greenwell (b1899) in the spring of 1924 in the Easington Registration District, Co. Durham. Birth records identify three children.
- David (b1927)
- Godfrey (1929-1929)
- George S (b1932)
Percy died on 14 June 1955 at the General Hospital, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire.
Circuits
- Hartley
- 1921 Nigeria
- 1929 Clun
- 1933 North Shields
- 1939 Chester le Street
- 1942 Hexham
- 1949 Woodville &c
References
Methodist Minutes 1955/147
W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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