Ellerton, Thomas (1892-1966)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

THOMAS ELLERTON: born at Stoke-on-Trent in 1892, was early in life called to preach, and, blessed with excellent health, gave his strength and vigour to his Master’s service. After training at Hartley College, he began his ministry in 1916 and served in the following circuits: Market Rasen, Scotter, Clayton West, Dewsbury, Bradford (Dudley Hill), Bournemouth (Curzon Road), Scunthorpe, Halifax and Ilkeston, and for him, so it seemed, every circuit was better than the one before.

There is evidence of most careful and methodical sermon preparation—every sermon written out in full. He is remembered for his preaching—simple language, a direct and convincing presentation of the Gospel, exerting a lasting influence upon those who heard him and leading so many of them to Christ. He had very few interests and enthusiasms outside his work as preacher and pastor—that work absorbed his whole life, and this dedication made its own appeal to his people. Characteristic kindness and helpfulness in pastoral work are recalled by many persons in his different circuits. Throughout the long years he maintained a close association with F.K., bringing to the groups his own quiet unpretentious loyalty and taking from them so much of fellowship and spiritual stimulus. 

On retirement from the active work, he moved from Ilkeston to Bournemouth in 1959, and in 1964 moved again to Margate. Still enjoying excellent health, he continued to preach right to the last, proving himself an unobtrusive, gracious and kind colleague, always ready to help out whenever needed—a good man, a good minister, a beloved brother and friend.

He died suddenly on 21 March 1966, in his seventy-fourth year and the fiftieth of his ministry.

Family

Thomas was born on 28 June 1892 at Fegg Hayes, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, to parents William Henry Ellerton, a coal miner, and Anna Barrow.

Thomas worked as a coal miner before entering the ministry.

He married Ellen Horton Langford (1889-1980) in the summer of 1921 in the Leek Registration District, Staffordshire. Birth records identify three children.

• John Robert (1922-1993)
• Robert John (1922-2011)
• Donald Arthur (1926-2017)

Thomas died on 21 March 1966 at Margate, Kent.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1916 Supply
• 1917 Market Rasen
• 1921 Scotter
• 1925 Clayton West
• 1928 Dewsbury
• 1933 Bradford Dud Hl
• 1937 Bournemouth Curzon Rd
• 1944 Scunthorpe Ty
• 1948 Halifax Fair’d
• 1959 Bournemouth (S)

References

Methodist Minutes 1966/209

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers