Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference
GEORGE CHUN: born at Swindon in 1862. After a short term at Hartley College he commenced his ministry in 1884, and travelled in the following circuits: Canterbury, Whitstable, Westgate-in-Weardale, Saltburn, Loftus-in-Cleveland, Pontefract, Loughborough, Boston, Beverley, Skipton, Middleton-in-Teesdale, and Motherwell.
He was a fine example of the successful circuit minister. He gave equal attention to every side of his work and was diligent to the smallest detail. As a preacher he was earnest and evangelical, bringing to his task the fruits of wide and careful reading. He possessed the qualities which make both for strength and gentleness. He was forthright in defence of what he believed to be right, and was wise and gentle when dealing with the sick and sorely troubled. He won his way into the hearts of his people and never failed to obtain their affection and trust.
Retirement in 1929 brought to him larger opportunities of service in the area of Bellshill. Presbyterian and Congregational churches were glad to call upon him to supply during ministerial vacancies. So wide was his influence that he became a veritable ‘father-in-God’ to many. Increasing years took their toll of his physical powers, but his spirit remained ever fresh and youthful. He never lost his love for his Church or his brethren in the ministry, and was always keenly interested in all that pertained to the Work of God. To the end of his long life he walked in close company with his Lord. To visit him was to be made aware that earth and heaven are not far apart to the humble follower of Christ. He passed peacefully to his Father’s Home on March 4, 1953, in his ninety-second year and in the sixty-ninth of his ministry.
Family
George was born on 9 February 1862 at Swindon, Wiltshire, to parents George, a railway labourer (1891), and Susanna.
Before entering the ministry George worked as an ironmonger’s clerk (1891).
He married Annie Fletcher (1860-1932) in the summer of 1890 in the Bramley Registration District, Yorkshire. Census returns identify two daughters.
- Gladys (b1893) – a teacher (1939)
- Monica Annie (1901-1978)
George died on 4 March 1953 at Bellshill, North Lanarkshire.
Circuits
- Hartley
- 1884 Canterbury
- 1887 Whitstable
- 1890 Westgate
- 1894 Saltburn
- 1898 Staithes
- 1903 Pontefract
- 1906 Loughborouggh
- 1910 Boston
- 1913 Beverley
- 1915 Skipton
- 1918 Middleton in Teesdale
- 1924 Motherwell
- 1929 Supernum
References
Methodist Minutes 1953/144
W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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