Tempest, Thomas (1851-1909)

zoom

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by W. Fidoe

It is with deepest sorrow that we record the death of the Rev. T. Tempest, the esteemed superintendent minister of the Tadcaster Circuit, which occurred at the Nottingham Hospital on January 22nd. He was born at Spennymoor in the county of Durham, on September 22nd, 1851. His parents were respectable, industrious people. When he was very young the family removed to Coxhoe, where our departed friend resided for many years. His facilities for education were limited, for at ten years of age he left school, commenced work and contributed his mite towards the support of the home. In his boyhood he was profoundly impressed by the earnest ministrations of the Rev. J. Spoor, for whom he had a high regard.

Our brother was converted under the ministry of the Rev. John Magee at Coxhoe Chapel. The reality of his conversion was evidenced in his spiritual growth and devoted work. As a Sunday School teacher he rendered excellent service. He was an enthusiastic Temperance worker, and became a Good Templar. The leaders recognising his gifts and graces recommended him as a suitable person for the plan. For more than two years he laboured in the Thornley Circuit with increasing acceptance as a local preacher. Receiving a call to the ministry he spent a year at the Theological Institute, Sunderland, and entered upon the great work of his life. Our brother laboured with considerable success for nearly thirty-five years on the following stations: Wirksworth, Burton, Sleaford, Bedford, Aylsham, Soham, King’s Lynn, Harwich, Thirsk, Newark, Mansfield, Keighley Il., and Tadcaster.

His ministry was effective and fruitful, His sermons were instructive, evangelical and practical. As preacher, administrator, and pastor he laboured to promote the varied interests of his circuits. As a colleague he was loyal, considerate, and brotherly; an example of manly piety, untiring industry and unfailing courtesy. The interment took place at Kimberly Cemetery on January 26th. There was a large representative gathering. The service was held in our chapel, conducted by the Rev. J.H. Hemshall, who delivered a touching address in which reference was made to the character and service of the deceased.

The Revs. J.K. Elliott, S.S. Henshaw, E. Hancox, W.M. Kelley, J.T. Gooderidge, and D. M. Bowman took part. The committal service was read by the Rev. J.H. Hemshall, and prayer offered by the Rev. J.W. Gregory. The writer conducted an impressive memorial service at Tadcaster on February 14th.

We commend the bereaved widow and family to the comforting and sustaining grace of our Heavenly Father.

“Soldier of Christ, well done!
Praise be thy new employ;
And while eternal ages run,
Rest in thy Saviour’s joy.”

Family

Thomas was born on 22 September 1851 at Spennymoor, Co. Durham, to parents William Tempest, a coal miner, and Mary Owen. He was baptised on 25 April 1854 at Durham.

Thomas also worked as a coal miner before entering the ministry.

He married Mary Elizabeth Northwood (1858-1941) in the summer of 1880 at the PM Chapel, Ilkeston, Derbyshire.  Census returns identify seven children.

• Annie Maud (1881-1957) – a music teacher (1911)
• Frederick William (1882-1969) – an architect & surveyor (1911)
• Ida Henrietta Mary (1884-1968) – a postal clerk (1911); married Thomas G Raban in 1918
• Evelyn Mabel (1889-1956) – a library assistant (1939)
• Thomas George R (1890-1962) – a colliery clerk (1911); depot manager motor and engineers (1939)
• Spencer Robert (1893-1919) – a student in civil service (1911)
• Dorothy May (1898-1990) – a headmistress (1939)

Thomas died on 22 January 1909 at Nottingham, Nottinghamshire.

Circuits

• Sunderland
• 1874 Wirksworth
• 1875 Belper
• 1877 Burton on Trent
• 1878 Ilkeston
• 1880 Sleaford
• 1882 Bedford
• 1884 Aylsham
• 1886 Soham
• 1889 Harwich
• 1891 Lynn
• 1895 Thirsk
• 1898 Newark
• 1901 Mansfield
• 1904 Keighley
• 1907 Tadcaster

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/410

PM Minutes 1909/22

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers