Wallis, Theophilus (1846-1927)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1907

Early years

Theophilus was born on 26 July 1846 at Banbury to George Wallis and Harriet Maslin. George was a PM Minister. His brother, Frederick, also became a PM Minister.

Theophilus was educated at private schools at Faringdon and Swindon, under the tutorship of two Baptist ministers. He made his public commitment to Christ when twelve years old. Twelve months later he became a Sunday School teacher, and subsequently superintendent. Theophilus graduated as a local preacher under the tutelage of Rev George Fowler at Leamington and studied at Sunderland before entering circuit ministry.

Ministry

His obituary records that Theophilus had able preaching gifts, good business abilities, a genius for friendship, with an abundant humour, and a great gift of tact. His library, his conversation, and his public efforts alike testified to the keenness of his mind and his catholic tastes. He had gripped and assimulated evangelical teaching and delighted in its declaration.

Theophilus served on the Ministerial Candidates Examination Board.

Theophilus suffered from impaired health, and after thirty four years active ministry was compelled to superannuate. He finally settled in Horsham, where he suffered family losses, and gradually became blind.

Family

Theophilus married Sarah Ann Cousens (1851-1919) in the summer of 1874 at Highwood, Wiltshire. Census returns identify four children.

• Gertrude Cousens (1875-1970)
• Florence Emily (b1877) – a school mistress (1901)
• Arthur Maslin (1882-1906)
• Ernest Leonard (b1888)

Theophilus died on 20 May 1927 at Horsham, Sussex.

Circuits

• Sunderland
• 1870 North Cave
• 1872 Mexborough
• 1873 Alford
• 1874 Driffield
• 1876 Barton on Humber
• 1878 Winterton
• 1881 Brigg
• 1884 Northampton
• 1887 Retford
• 1889 Chesterfield III
• 1892 Wellingborough
• 1895 Saffron Walden
• 1899 Baldock
• 1901 Hull VI
• 1902 Halstead
• 1904 Horsham (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1907/297; 1928/182

PM Minutes 1927/276

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers