Bell, Albert (1894-1964)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

ALBERT BELL: born at Magdalen, Norfolk, in 1894, he served for some years as a Travelling Evangelist, before entering Hartley College in 1920. His circuits included Andover, Tranent, Malmesbury, Stokesley, Ipswich, Widnes, Preston, Stanley, Manchester (Higher Ardwick), Radcliffe and Leeds (Rothwell). He became a supernumerary in 1959, and for two years served actively in the Southport North Circuit, where he finally made his home. 

Early in his ministry, he suffered a severe motor accident from which he was a very long time in recovering; indeed his recovery was due in no small measure to his complete devotion to his ministry, and his invincible determination to serve while life should last. He combined a faithful pastoral care for his people with the passion for evangelism which, from his youth, always characterised his work. His home life was shadowed by misfortune of a most tragic nature, and the courage and patience with which he endured this adversity have been a shining witness for many years. By what he showed himself to be in these tribulations, as well as by his zealous and loving care for his churches, he won the high regard of those who knew him, and the gratitude of those among whom he laboured.

In addition to circuit responsibilities, he took a great interest in the work of the Free Church Federal Council, and the Christian Endeavour movement, serving on the National Council of the latter. Almost to the end, he continued to preach and to render service when opportunity presented itself. There could have been no more faithful and valiant ministry. He died in hospital at Southport on 18 June 1964, in the seventieth year of his age and the forty-fifth of his ministry.

Family

Albert was born on 24 April 1894 at Magdalen, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, to parents Isaac, who worked the land, and Sarah.

The 1911 census return identifies Albert as a domestic groom.

The 1933 Methodist Who’s Who identifies he had a special interest in child psychology.

He married Gertrude Hall (1889-1964) in the summer of 1923 at Stokesley, Yorkshire. They had one son.

Albert died on 18 June 1964 at Southport, Lancashire.

Circuits

• 1919 Andover
• 1920 Hartley
• 1922 Tranent
• 1928 Malmesbury
• 1930 Stokesley
• 1935 Ipswich Rope Walk
• 1939 Widnes
• 1942 Preston Field Rd
• 1945 Stanley
• 1948 Manchester Higher Ardwick
• 1952 Rothwell
• 1956 Leeds, Rothwell
• 1959 Southport (S)

References

Methodist Minutes 1964/220

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers