Thompson, Thomas (1887-1958)

Christian Messenger 1914

Early years

Thomas was born in 1887 at Old Hill, Rowley Regis, Staffordshire.

Ministry

Thomas settled on his retirement at Walton-on-the-Naze, in the Clacton-on-Sea circuit, for three years, until his health failed, he continued to preach and in other ways to serve the churches.

He loved preaching, and prepared for it with meticulous care. He had a splendid command of language, and was well versed in English literature. His thoughtful sermons were choicely phrased and aptly illustrated. He had a deep concern for the welfare of young people; everywhere he won their respect and brought many of them into full membership. He held office as District Secretary for Sunday-schools and for the Christian Endeavour movement; he was a doughty fighter for Temperance and Social Welfare; and he also gave valuable service to local Free Church Councils and Brotherhood Federations.

As a pastor he was faithful and understanding; as an administrator, resourceful and efficient. He was instrumental in starting the first Sunday-school in what is now the new town of Peterlee, and conducted the first Methodist service to be held in that area. The church at Bowthorpe Road, Norwich, owes much to his foresight in beginning work on that new estate, and the replacement of the old church at East Bergholt, in the Ipswich circuit, was largely due to him.

Family

His probate record identifies that Thomas was married to Minnie Alice.

Thomas died on 13 October 1958 at Walton on Naze, Essex.

Circuits

  • Hartley
  • 1913 Canterbury
  • 1914 Abergavenney
  • 1915 Wickhambrook
  • 1917 Ely
  • 1920 Colchester
  • 1926 Chelmsford
  • 1928 Swansea
  • 1933 Talke
  • 1936 Ipswich Rope
  • 1940 Norwich Dereham
  • 1945 E Dereham
  • 1949 Tipton Bell St
  • 1952 Durham Coast
  • 1954 Walton on Naze (S)

References

Methodist Minutes 1959/180

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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