Price, Wesley Ralph (1893-1954)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

WESLEY RALPH PRICE: born at Old Hill, Staffs, in 1893. He came of a Methodist family that was closely and actively associated with our Reddal Hill Methodist Church. He received his early education at Corngraves Council School and Dudley Technical School. He was early called to preach, was accepted for the Primitive Methodist Ministry, and had his ministerial training at Hartley College.

Leaving college in 1916 he went as a probationer to the Enfield Circuit. He subsequently served in the following circuits: Ludlow, Dawley and Madeley, Barton-on-Humber, Llanymynech, Bolsover, Clay Cross, and Winsford. 

He brought to his pulpit ministrations the fruits of a well-stored mind, for he was widely read and his presentation of the Christian message was enriched with illustrations and ideas drawn from many fields. His pulpit work has left inspiring and gracious memories wherever he has worked. A man of charming, friendly and kindly disposition, he found a ready welcome to the homes of all. His one desire was to do the Will of God and be of service unto others. He proved himself, to be an able and conscientious administrator, methodical and careful over detail. He served the Ex-P.M. Shrewsbury District as Synod Secretary and General Committee Delegate. 

After seven years of devoted service in the Winsford Circuit he had a serious breakdown in health which led to his early retirement. After a partial recovery he undertook the work of an active supernumerary in the Huddersfield (Gledholt) Circuit, but the sudden death of his wife again led to his retirement from the work he loved. From that shock he never recovered and he was called to higher service on 12th June 1954, at the age of sixty and in the thirty-eighth year of his ministry.

Family

Wesley was born on 22 October 1893 at Old Hill, Staffordshire, to parents Thomas, a chain maker, and Daisy. His brother Sydney was also a PM minister.

Wesley also worked as a chain maker before entering the ministry.

He married Charlotte Harrison (1899-1953) in late 1921 in the Dudley Registration District, Staffordshire.

Wesley died on 12 June 1954 at Chester, Cheshire..

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1916 Enfield
• 1918 Ludlow
• 1920 Dawley &c
• 1923 Barton on Humber
• 1926 Llanymynech
• 1933 Bolsover
• 1938 Clay Cross
• 1942 Winsford
• 1949 Huddersfield (S)

References

Methodist Minutes 1954/143

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers