Egerton, Leonard Oscar (1892-1944)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

LEONARD OSCAR EGERTON: born at Birkenhead in 1892. He entered the Primitive Methodist Ministry in 1921, after studying at Hartley College. He spoke frequently with deep appreciation of the help and guidance afforded him by his tutors. Some years of business training before entering the Ministry were of great advantage to him and, together with his experiences with a medical unit during the 1914-18 war, gave him a deep and sympathetic understanding of men. He was keenly interested in all that concerned’ young people, and by his appreciation of their more intimate personal problems made them feel that they could not ask his counsel without receiving helpful guidance. His own experience gave him an insight into many of the harsher aspects of life, but served only to deepen his sense of compassion and sympathy, though a highly individual sense of humour often masked these qualities. 

He had a wide knowledge of practical psychology, and possessed also an exceptional range of general knowledge, which added vivid interest to his ready conversation. In all his circuits he left gracious memories of a high standard of devoted service. In 1938 he was appointed to the Louth Circuit, and quickly made wide and varied contacts by his genius for friendship. His influence as a pastor was exceptionally marked, for this side of his work was undertaken with characteristic thoroughness. He was a bachelor, and always acknowledged his debt to a devoted sister. 

He died on January 15, 1944, after a ministry of twenty-one years, his death bringing a real sense of personal loss to many people, in town and country, Methodist and non-Methodist.

Family

Leonard was born on 10 October 1892 at Birkenhead, Cheshire, to parents Edward, a furniture remover (1901), and Hannah.

The 1911 census records Leonard working as a shop assistant for a grocer and provision dealer.

The 1939 Register records his sister Dorothy acting as his housekeeper.

Leonard died on 15 January 1944 at Louth, Lincolnshire.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1922 Clitheroe
• 1925 Halifax I
• 1932 Otley
• 1938 Louth

References

Methodist Minutes 1944/131

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers