Clulow, Arnold Harrison B.A., B.D. (1907-1984)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

ARNOLD HARRISON CLULOW, B.A., B.D.: born in Atherton, Lancashire, on 23rd June 1907. A third-generation Methodist minister, he was educated in Luton, Heywood and Hull. Accepted by the Primitive Methodist Conference he trained at Hartley College. His keen mental ability enabled him to obtain his Bachelor of Arts and post-graduate Bachelor of Divinity degrees through Manchester University. The circuits he counted it a privilege to serve were: Stalybridge, Rochdale (Smith Street), Hull (Waltham Street), Cleethorpes (Mill Road), Grimsby (George Street), Scarborough (St. Sepulchre Street), Sutton (Surrey), London (Wimbledon), Woking, and Folkestone, where he remained upon retirement. 

Exceptional administrative claims fell upon him in his first circuit due to his superintendent’s illness, an experience which proved invaluable in widely contrasting circuits and situations. Nowhere was his vision, foresight and wisdom more in evidence than in dealing with complex problems in the planning and erection of new Methodist churches in Woking and Folkestone. Affectionately known as ‘Jim’ from college days, his marriage to Dorothy (Doreen) Ena Royle in 1934 was greatly blessed for almost fifty years. Their mutual Christian example and love of music and drama, was reflected in the vocations of their family Peter, Jennifer and Christopher. 

Jim’s pastoral gifts found expression far beyond caring for his immediate church flock. Varied chaplaincy responsibilities found him ministering effectively to naval men of the minesweepers in Grimsby, Guards regiments at Pirbright, soldiers at Shorncliffe and Borstal boys at Dover. His interest in psychology and clinical theology equipped him for a ministry to patients at the Belmont Neurological Hospital and the Brookwood Mental Hospital, Woking. He served as a member of the Central Committee of the Methodist Homes for the Aged and involved himself enthusiastically in support of the National Children’s Home. Throughout his ministry he was untiring in his efforts to strengthen ecumenical links. 

Jim read widely, addressing his alert mind to trends in modern theology. His sermons reflected both his ability to think deeply and to apply the message of the Christian Gospel in terms his hearers could understand. He had a sparkling sense of humour being able to use well suitable illustrations and anecdotes. He balanced effectively formal and free orders of worship to the blessing of his people. Together with Dorren he made his home a haven of friendship for many. Following a severe heart attack he died in hospital on 28th January 1984 in the seventy-seventh year of his age and the fifty-third year of his ministry.

Family

Arnold was born on 23 June 1907 at Atherton, Lancashire, to parents William Francis Clulow, a PM minister, and Elizabeth Harrison.

He married Dorothy Ena Royle (1908-2002) in the summer of 1934 in the Heywood Registration District, Lancashire. Birth records identify three children.

• Peter J (b abt1937)
• Jennifer M (b 1942)
• Christopher F (b abt1946)

Arnold died on 28 January 1984 in the Ashford Registration District, Kent.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1931 Stalybridge
• 1932 Rochford Smith St
• 1934 Hull, Waltham St
• 1937 Cleethorpes, Mill Rd
• 1941 Grimsby, George St
• 1945 Scarborough 
• 1949 Sutton, Surrey
• 1955 Wimbledon
• 1961 Woking
• 1967 Folkstone
• 1973 Folkstone (S)

References

Methodist Minutes 1984/63

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers