Todd, William Fothergill (1877-1932)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

WILLIAM F. TODD: born at Coundon, near Shildon, Co. Durham, November 24, 1877. He was fortunate in his parentage, being of the third generation of Primitive Methodists. From his earliest days he was reared in a gracious Christian atmosphere. When he was quite young he suffered an irreparable loss through the death of his father, a local preacher, who was killed in the mine, and his mother was left with four children to provide for. This early bereavement played its part in fitting him to be a true comforter to those who mourn. He had to leave school at the age of thirteen to help to support the family. In 1903 he entered the Ministry.

Always thoughtful, his sermons bore the marks of careful preparation, and were delivered with a quiet passion that carried conviction to the hearer. He laboured assiduously to improve his talents, sparing neither time nor expense to equip himself for the work of the Ministry. His Bible was his daily companion, His last sermons were his best. He had a growing mind. He was a loyal colleague, a diligent pastor, and a welcome visitor in the homes of his people. His gentle manner, radiant smile, and gracious personality brought sunshine and cheer into many a darkened home. Young and old loved and trusted him as a friend and counsellor. He was held in very high regard by his brethren in the Ministry, and in various official positions revealed the painstaking qualities which characterised all his work. His quiet strength, sweet Christian character, firm friendship, and loyal devotion as a minister of Jesus Christ will long be remembered. 

He died on October 4, 1932.

Family

William was born on 24 November 1877 at Coundon, Co. Durham, to parents John Todd, a coal miner (1881), and Sarah Fothergill.

Before entering the ministry William was a commercial clerk (1901).

He married Edith May Wick (b1878) in the summer of 1907 in the Auckland Registration District, Co. Durham.                    

William died on 4 October 1932 at Blyth, Northumberland.

Circuits

• 1903 Seaton Delaval
• 1909 Brotton
• 1913 Haskell
• 1918 S Shields
• 1924 Sunderland
• 1930 Blyth

References

Methodist Minutes 1933/241

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers