Collins, Owen Mountain (1890-1972)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

OWEN MOUNTAIN COLLINS: born at Cross Keys in 1890. He often expressed his gratitude for the religious training received in his childhood and youth. After training at Hartley College he went to his first circuit, Hinckley, but after only one year he became a Chaplain to the Forces in the first World War. His active ministry of 41 years was fulfilled at Wangford, Hinckley, Sileby, Leeds (Quarry Hill), Leeds (Armley), Church Gresley, Castleford and High Wycombe. 

He had an attractive personality, was gentlemanly in deportment and unfailing in courtesy. He was a man of joy, companionable and kind. In conversation he was genial, witty, free from guile and carping criticism. The quality of his life and work made visible to others the reality of the Christian Faith. He kept abreast of modern thought. He took a lively interest in social affairs and served as District Secretary for Temperance and Social Affairs. 

As a pastor he excelled. He lovingly cared for those of mature years; to youth he was a wise counsellor and guide; and children loved him. His members knew that when they were assailed by troubles he would be at their side to comfort and advise. His home was open to all kinds of people and to share its gracious hospitality and fellowship was an enriching experience. There was nothing slip-shod in his work. He diligently prepared to lead his people in worship. His preaching was removed from abstract theology, but in fluent language he related the sublimities of the faith to the life of his hearers. He was an evangelist who sought to fulfil his Lord’s commission to make disciples. He died 25th June, 1972, after several years of extreme feebleness in the eighty-second year of his age and the fifty-eighth year of his ministry.

Family

Owen was born on 25 March 1890 at Cross Keys, Monmouthshire, to parents John, a coal miner, and Rose. Before entering the ministry Owen worked as a coal miner.

He married Ethel G. Brown (1889-1966) in the spring of 1918 in the Newport Registration District, Monmouthshire.

• Rosa Marguerite (1919-2000) – married Arthur Ashworth Townson in 1953
• Philip Roy (1923-2006)
• Owen Rex (b1926)

Owen died on 25 June 1972 at Stockport, Cheshire.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1914 Hinckley
• 1915 Chaplain H.M. Forces
• 1918 Wangford
• 1920 Hinckley
• 1925 Sileby
• 1930 Leeds I
• 1934 Leeds Armley
• 1938 Church Gresley
• 1944 Castleford Powell St
• 1949 High Wycombe
• 1955 Chester (Sup)

References

Methodist Minutes 1973/137

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers