Reavley, Joseph Edgar (1884-1940)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

EDGAR REAVLEY: born at Leeds in 1884, the son of Rev.Joseph Reavley. Our first impulse is to exclaim “O Splendid Soul!” He had charm, humility, and a true dignity. He was generous in judgment, gracious in bearing, and self-effacing in service. Strength of character was finely tempered by winsomeness of spirit—a blend that won for him the confidence and admiration of all. 

After his training at Hartley College, he entered the Primitive Methodist Ministry in 1906. His circuits included Scarborough (Jubilee), Nottingham (Canaan), Kiveton Park, Leigh, Brinkworth, and Retford. His thirty years of active ministry were filled with most devoted service. In the homes of his people his presence was a benediction.

Every soul who sought his help found strength and healing. Eyerywhere young people rallied round him and found him a true friend and a wise counsellor. He had a keen intellect and a well-stored mind. His preaching was of the highest order. He never failed to give his hearers messages which had vital meaning. His arresting presentation of truth, together with the magnetism of his personality, made men listen. Through his eyes shone the light of a deep sincerity. For a while he served on the Ministerial Candidates Examining Committee. 

In recent years his health became impaired, yet despite much suffering he maintained his high qualities of spirit and was a conspicuous example of Christian patience and fortitude. Physical disability necessitated his superannuation in 1936. After settling in Scarborough he continued, whenever possible, to serve the churches. To every pulpit he was warmly welcomed. Edgar Reavley was one of the most faithful ministers Methodism has known. He gloried in his work and that only— “For Christ’s Sake.” His passing, on July 13, 1940, leaves us with a memory we shall cherish through all coming days.

Family

Edgar was born on 1 March 1884 at Leeds, Yorkshire, to parents Joseph Reavley, a PM minister, and Everil Ann Wandless

He married Jane Maynard (1881-1971) in the summer of 1911 at Scarborough, Yorkshire.

Edgar died on 13 July 1940 at Scarborough, Yorkshire.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1906 Weymouth
• 1908 Woburn Sands
• 1910 Bilston
• 1911 Normanton
• 1914 Thirsk
• 1916 Scarborough II
• 1920 Nottingham I
• 1924 Kiveton Park
• 1927 Leigh
• 1932 Brinkworth
• 1934 Hull Fountain Rd
• 1935 Hull (S)
• 1935 Retford (Ac)
• 1937 Scarborough (S)

References

Methodist Minutes 1940/185

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers