Loy, Frederick William (1907-1985)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

FREDERICK WILLIAM LOY: born at Sheffield on 14th November 1907. Called to preach at the age of seventeen, he later trained for the ministry at Hartley College. He served in the following circuits: Cardiff, Penge, Hay, Luton Hightown Beccles, King’s Lynn, Leicester Hinckley Road, Cromer and Sheringham and Norwich St. Peter’s. After ordination in 1936 he married Beryl, a member of the Penge Church, who lovingly and actively supported his ministry for almost fifty years. They had three children, Jennifer, Judith and Roger.

A good preacher, a scholarly exponent of the Old Testament his sermons held the attention of the congregation by their insight, interest and lovely dry sense of humour. Though forceful and arresting his preaching avoided emotionally or highly-charged content. He was a good pastor and friend of his people, a family man who could make himself at home with the families he visited. A keen supporter of all church organisations and a great encourager of young people he seemed to be aware of all that was happening in church and circuit. While taking a clear and definite position when faced by problems he never forced his opinion on others. 

He exercised a pastoral ministry far beyond the confines of the church, during the war as Air Raid Warden and A.R.P. Instructor and organising meals and shelter for the homeless. Later he did some part-time teaching at the Norwich City College and chaplaincy work at prison and university. He was a friend of the first Viscount Mackintosh, a member of his church, and on one celebrated occasion appealed for his congregation to sign a petition against premium bonds. Viscount Mackintosh regretted he could not sign but the two exchanged understanding smiles as they shook hands. 

He held District office as Property Secretary and Local Preachers Ministerial Secretary. He was a Rotarian and also proud to be a Freemason, something he found in no way incompatible with his ministry. Ill-health enforced early retirement but he continued to preach so long as he was able and ever remained the friend and encourager of other preachers. 

He died on 26th December 1985 in the seventy-ninth year of his age and the fifty-fourth year of his ministry.

Family

Frederick was born on 14 November 1907 at Sheffield, Yorkshire, to parents John William, a crucible steel pot maker (1911), and Lily. He was baptised on 11 December 1907 at Andover Street Chapel, Burngreave, Sheffield.

He married Beryl Eveline Horlock (1906-1990) in the summer of 1936 in the Bromley Registration District, Kent. Birth records identify three children.

• Jennifer M (b1938)
• Judith V (b1941)
• Roger Jeremy (b1944)

Frederick died on 26 December 1985 at Cromer, Norfolk.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1932 Cardiff
• 1933 Penge &c
• 1936 Hay
• 1937 Luton Hightown
• 1945 Leicester Hinckley
• 1949 Cromer &c
• 1955 Norwich St P
• 1963 Norwich St P (S)

References

Methodist Minutes 1986/74

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers