Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference
BENJAMIN BROOKS FARLOW: born in Dawley, Shropshire, in 1880. He was a man of virile mind, considerable administrative ability, and possessed of a keen sense of humour. He was a mining engineer before offering for the Primitive Methodist Ministry, and following his training at Hartley College he commenced his ministry in 1905 and served in the following circuits: Barrow-in-Furness, Cannock, Castleford, Bolton, Scarborough, Bishop Auckland, Darwen, Nottingham (Second), Nottingham (Hockley), Nottingham (Central), Torquay, Chippenham, New Mills, and St Ives. He became a supernumerary in 1947, returning to Torquay to reside there until 1959 when he sailed for Canada on a visit to his son which was extended to seven years.
He finally returned to Torquay in September 1966. His preaching was always of a high character, vigorous and thoughtful, and his pastoral work faithfully and methodically undertaken. He was generous in the friendship he extended to his colleagues, many of whom cherish the most grateful memories of him.
He did not take kindly to Methodist Union, and was sometimes very out-spoken, but nevertheless he continued to serve the Church with that faithfulness which always characterized his work. He was well beloved in Torquay and the Paignton Circuit, especially by the members of Market Street Church where his work had been chiefly concentrated. During his last illness they demonstrated the warmth of their affection by visiting him regularly in hospital and attending to his various needs. A true shepherd of his flock, his rich Christian influence, complete sincerity and wise counsel proved helpful to many, and justified the high esteem and lasting affection in which he was held.
He died on 6 June 1967, in the eighty-seventh year of his age and the sixty-second of his ministry.
Family
Benjamin was born on 1 February 1880 at Dawley, Shropshire, to parents Benjamin, a coal miner, and Jemima, a dressmaker. He was baptised on 10 March 1881 at Dawley in the Telford South Methodist Circuit.
Before entering the ministry Benjamin worked as a coal miner.
He married Ethel Johnson (1882-1950) in the summer of 1910 at Barrow in Furness, Lancashire. Birth records identify three children.
- Herbert P (1911-1911)
- Kenneth B (abt1915-1915)
- Stuart Johnson (1917-2003) – a student pharmacist (1939); emigrated in 1945
Benjamin died on 6 June 1967 at Torquay, Devon.
Circuits
- Hartley
- 1905 Barrow in Furness
- 1909 Bloxwich
- 1913 Castleford
- 1918 Bolton II
- 1920 Scarborough II
- 1924 Bishop Auckland
- 1930 Darwen
- 1932 Nottingham II
- 1934 Nottingham Cent
- 1935 Torquay & Paignton
- 1940 Chippenham
- 1943 New Mills
- 1946 St Ives (P)
- 1947 Torquay (S)
References
Methodist Minutes 1967/204
W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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