Middleton, John Clifford (1909-1991)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

JOHN CLIFFORD MIDDLETON: born in Nelson, Lancashire, on 25th January 1909, he was the son of a Primitive Methodist minister. He served in the following circuits: Market Rasen, London (Balham), Rhosmedre and Chirk, Holyhead, Sedburgh, Preston (Fylde Road  and Moor Lane), Dudley, Selby, Brighouse, Halifax (West), Maryport, Haltwhistle, and Sherburn. His supernumerary years were spent in the picturesque village of Armathwaite in the Carlisle Circuit. 

Jack was a man with a great sense of humour which he learnt to use to great effect in his work, notably in quarterly meetings. A gentle, sensitive man who enjoyed his ministry, especially visiting, he preached with great feeling, illustrating and earthing his sermons with stories that were usually very funny. Within his ministry he was very talented in the art of delegation and where this gift was appreciated many of his innovations continue to this day. 

He enjoyed sport, playing tennis and cricket in his younger days as well as watching football. Throughout his life he remained a loyal supporter of Manchester City Football Club. He also enjoyed reading, particularly poetry. 

Jack married Winifred in 1936 and she shared his life and ministry until his death on 19th October 1991 in the eighty-third year of his age and the sixty-first year of his ministry.

Family

John was born on 25 January 1909 at Nelson, Lancashire, to parents James Henry Middleton, a PM minister, and Elizabeth Martha Peplow.

He married Winifred Florence Wilkins (1911-2003) in the summer of 1936 in the Wandsworth Registration District, London.

John died on 19 October 1991 at Penrith, Cumbria.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1932 Market Rasen
• 1933 London Balham
• 1934 Rhosymedre
• 1936 Holyhead
• 1938 Sedbergh
• 1944 Preston Fylde
• 1947 Dudley
• 1951 Selby
• 1954 Brighouse
• 1957 Halifax West
• 1960 Maryport
• 1965 Berwick
• 1970 Sherborne
• 1974 Carlisle (Sup)

References

Methodist Minutes 1992/59

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers