Newns, William (1850-1929)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911

Early years

William was born on 15 December 1850 at Crudgington, Shropshire to parents George and Mary. George was a shoemaker.

William was led to accept Christ as his Saviour on 31 July 1864 at a camp meeting conducted by Rev. Thomas Bramall. He immediately became an active worker in the Church and was placed on the plan in 1866. On moving to Preston Brockhurst in 1868, William met Rev Joseph Ferguson, who greatly assisted him with his studies.

Ministry

During his ministry, some remarkable revivals broke out; especially at Marshfield in the Chippenham circuit and in Cornwall. As a preacher he was strongly evangelical, forceful and practical, aiming always at producing in his hearers the fruits of the Spirit. His strong common-sense kept him in vital touch with the daily life of men and women, but he never allowed them to rest with a low spiritual experience.

William served as District Committee Secretary and District Sunday School Secretary. Whilst at Douglas, William was selected by the Free Church Council to be their representative at the Annual Assembly in Swansea.

Family

William married Louisa Duck (1850-1930) in the summer of 1879 at Chippenham, Wiltshire. Census returns identify four of five children.

  • William George (1880-1941) – an assistant schoolmaster (1911)
  • Henry Albert (abt1882-1949) – a timekeeper (1911)
  • Samuel John (b1886) – a teacher; emigrated to South Africa
  • Louisa (b abt1889) – married Frank J White in 1926

William died on 11 January 1929 at Yardley, Warwickshire.

Circuits

  • 1875 Chippenham
  • 1876 Seend Cleve
  • 1878 Aberavon
  • 1880 Redruth
  • 1882 Brynmawr
  • 1885 Calne
  • 1888 Tredegar
  • 1891 Bristol V
  • 1896 Rhosymedre
  • 1899 Macclesfield
  • 1903 Bolton
  • 1907 Douglas
  • 1910 Halifax
  • 1913 Wigan
  • 1917 Newark (Sup)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911/295

PM Minutes 1929/279

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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