Fawcett, George Thomas (1863-1923)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1922
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1922

Early years

George was born in 1863 at Reading, Berkshire, to parents Samuel and Annie. Samuel, a brick-maker and farmer, was a local preacher.  George’s brother Arthur also became a PM Minister.

George was associated with the London Street Society, Reading, from infancy. He was recommended for the ministry in 1892. Heading the list in the candidates’ examination, the Conference of that year appointed him to Newport and Cowes where he spent the whole of his probation.

Ministry

George held secretariats of District, District Missionary, District orphanage and District Sunday School Committees. For five years he was secretary of the Scholars’ Scripture Examinations, and joint author of the text-book.  For five years he served as C.E. Holiday Tour Secretary and spent nineteen years as a member of the General Sunday School Committee.

His obituary records that George’s ministry had certain well marked features. There always existed between him and his people a genial and tender relationship. His cheerful bearing in the home and his interest in the light and shade of his people’s experiences made him a pastor beloved. In the best sense of the sometimes misapplied phrase, he was a young people’s man. So approachable. He could readily see their point of view and could so easily adapt himself to their society.

He was a master-soul in the conduct of divine worship. From entering the pulpit until leaving it, every movement was marked by the spirit of reverence. In preaching, he appealed directly to the hearts of the people and no one with an ear for a spiritual message could be unblest while he spoke.

As an administrator and organiser he was exceptionally strong. His leadership was energetic and clear visioned.

Family

George married Grace Rhoda Clark (1876-1952) in the summer of 1897 at North Sunderland, Northumberland. Grace was a daughter of Rev George Clark. Census returns identify four of five children.

  • Phyllis May (1900-1985)
  • Sidney George (b1901) – a mechanical engineer; emigrated to Australia in 1950
  • Gwendolen Helena (1904-1987) – married Melville E Jolliffe in 1936
  • Eileen Grace (1906-1981) – married Stewart W Robinson in 1940

George died on 23 December 1923 at South Shields, Co Durham.

Circuits

  • 1892 Newport & Cowes
  • 1896 Aldershot
  • 1898 Derby I
  • 1901 Derby III
  • 1904 Hucknall
  • 1908 Ashby de la Zouch
  • 1913 Scarborough
  • 1918 S Shields

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1922/150

PM Minutes 1924/269

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

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