Laycock, Michael (1847-1912)

Ministry

A transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference is attached. The writer records that as a preacher, Mr. Laycock possessed marked pulpit gifts, and throughout his ministry of 39 years ‘he gave diligence to present himself approved unto God; a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.’ His expositions were luminous and inspiring. A friend writing, says: ‘I shall never forget his preaching; I loved my Bible before I sat under his ministry, but I loved it better after I had known him. It became a new book to me; he helped to give it a charm and a power it had never possessed before to me.’ 

As a pastor he was sympathetic, sharing both the joys and sorrows of his people. His tender heart won their affections, and his genial disposition made him a general favourite with the children. He was a true minister of Jesus Christ, and attached considerable importance to his engagements, never neglecting a congregation, however small the number, or long the distance he had to travel.

Family

Michael was born in 1848 at Windhill, Shipley, Yorkshire, to parents William, a wool comber (1851), and Ann.

Before entering the ministry Michael was a weaver (1871).

He married Mary Foulds (b1852) in the summer of 1876 at Bingley, Yorkshire. Census returns identify two of four children.

• Lydia Ann (1881-1932) – a pianoforte teacher (1901)
• Harry Brooksbank (1883-1916) – an architect surveyor (1911)

Michael died on 22 June 1911 at Croydon, Surrey.

Circuits

• Sunderland
• 1872 Maidenhead
• 1873 Wickhambrook
• 1875 Saffron Walden
• 1876 London IV
• 1878 Bedford
• 1879 Newport Pagnell
• 1880 Buckingham
• 1881 Pembroke Dock
• 1883 Pateley Bridge
• 1886 Bedale
• 1889 Filey
• 1892 Middleham
• 1893 Manchester I
• 1894 North Bow
• 1895 Guernsey
• 1899 Manchester I
• 1902 Mansfield
• 1905 Brigg
• 1906 Dawley
• 1908 Hadnall

References

PM Minutes 1912/24

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers