Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference
ABRAHAM HILL: born at Wigan in 1880. Accepted as a candidate for the ministry by the Primitive Methodist Church, after training at Hartley College, he began his work at Chelmsford in 1904. Subsequently, with one brief exception, the whole of his ministry was exercised in East Anglia. He was one of those men who gave of his best to his Church and people, with the result that everywhere he was regarded with deep affection.
Two of his terms were outstanding. One was at Acle, where he spent in all twelve years. During one of his ministries in this circuit, a revival broke out in one of the villages (Freethorpe), when several young men and women were brought into membership with the Church. Other places caught the flame and fine evangelistic work was accomplished. Fragrant memories of his service in that area are still cherished.
The other outstanding ministry was at Aylsham, where he stayed nine years. He knew his Lord and experienced the faith which is born of that knowledge. He did not aspire to District office, though when persuaded to serve in that capacity he revealed all necessary gifts. It was as a circuit minister that he excelled.
He was a very able and cultured preacher. Deeply versed in Scripture and well read in literature, with a rich choice of language, his pulpit work was made interesting and effective. He passionately loved preaching.
Sympathetic and understanding by nature, he was a welcome visitor in the homes of his people. Young people were attracted to him and were never hesitant to seek his help and guidance. In 1949 he retired from active work and went to reside at Martham, where earlier he had spent a very happy ministry of five years. He continued to preach as health and opportunity afforded. Though not altogether unexpected, the end came somewhat suddenly. He passed to his reward on July 30, 1952, in the seventy-second year of his age and the forty-eighth of his ministry.
Family
Abraham was born on 7 June 1880 at Aspull, Wigan, Lancashire, to parents Abraham, a coal miner, and Hannah. He was baptised on 15 June 1880 at Whelley PM Chapel, Aspull, Wigan.
The 1901 census return records Abraham in Guernsey described as a PM minister.
He married Lilian Mary Bennett (1885-1973), daughter of Rev. Henry Bennett, in the summer of 1908 at Ipswich,Suffolk. Census returns identify one child, although the 1933 Methodist Who’s Who identifies they also had a daughter.
- Clifford Lionel (1909-1969) – a ship and boat builder (1939)
Abraham died on 30 July 1952 at Acle, Norfolk.
Circuits
- Hartley
- 1904 Chelmsford
- 1905 Ipswich & Hadleigh
- 1907 Sherringham & Holt
- 1908 Acle
- 1914 Bury St Edmunds
- 1916 Colchester
- 1920 Haslingden
- 1923 Wangford
- 1924 Acle
- 1930 Martham
- 1935 Aylsham &c
- 1944 Fakenham &c
- 1949 Martham (S)
References
Methodist Minutes 1953/121
W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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