Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference by William Shaw
The late Rev. M. Bennett was born at Buckley-lane, in the year 1820. He was the son of pious parents, and in early life was led by Primitive Methodist agents to ‘the feet of Jesus.’ He was converted to God in 1838, and immediately gave himself up to the service of the world’s Redeemer. After a brief preliminary course he entered the ranks of the ministry on probation in 1843. He spent his probation in Horncastle, Boston, Rotherham branch of the Sheffield circuit, and Ilkeston Stations, being received into the full ministry in 1847. From Ilkeston he went to Nottingham North (Hockley) circuit, and thence in succession to Bottesford, Derby, Edinboro’, Middleham, Newtown and Welshpool, West Bromwich, Dawley, Shrewsbury, Whitchurch, Prees Green, Macclesfield, Tipton, and Bilston.
Being physically unable to perform the duties of the active ministry, he was superannuated by the Conference of 1870, and removed to Ripley, near Derby, where he continued to reside until his decease. About four years ago he was seized with paralysis and rendered almost physically helpless, but lingered on in prolonged pain and in complete dependence upon the kindly aid of his devoted wife and friends until the 4th of March, 1890, when, after having patiently endured, he fell asleep to await ‘the coming of the Lord Jesus in His glory.’
He was a sound Methodist preacher, and his pulpit ministrations were marked by mental ability, and often attended with much divine power. His highest ambition was to lead lost souls to the Saviour, and his greatest joy was realised when he thus succeeded. In the days of his active ministry he assiduously visited the families and members of our societies with acceptability. As a Christian, he was highly esteemed by those who knew him best, and he has left a blameless name to his church and people. He was liberal in heart and hand, and besides having given generously to Kimberley, Ripley, and other stations during recent years, he has bequeathed the whole of his large library of books to our Manchester College, £30 towards a new chapel for Ripley, and £150 to the Superannuated Preachers, Widows, and Orphans’ Fund. He lived the life of faith, and died peacefully triumphant through the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Family
Matthew was born in 1820 nr Tyldesley, Lancashire, to parents Matthew, a coal miner, and Sarah. He was baptised on 11 June 1820 at Little Hulton, Lancashire.
Matthew worked as a coal miner before entering the ministry.
He married Sarah (abt1825-1878)
He married Elizabeth Wibberley, nee Wigley (1837-1912) in late 1881 in the Belper Registration District, Derbyshire.
Matthew died on 4 March 1890 at Ripley, Derbyshire.
Circuits
- 1843 Horncastle
- 1844 Boston
- 1845 Sheffield
- 1846 Ilkeston
- 1847 Nottingham N
- 1849 Grantham
- 1850 Derby
- 1851 Edinburgh
- 1853 Middleham
- 1854 Newtown & Welshpool
- 1855 West Bromwich
- 1856 Dawley
- 1857 Shrewsbury
- 1858 Whitchurch
- 1862 Prees Green
- 1864 Macclesfield
- 1867 Bilston
- 1870 Ripley (Sup)
- 1878 Ilkeston
- 1882 Ripley
References
PM Minutes 1890/21
W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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