Mexborough and Swinton Times August 16, 1937
Methodist Minister Farewell Gathering at Wath
The Rev CH Sheldrake and Mrs Sheldrake (centre) bidding farewell to officials at the West Street Message Church, Wath on Wednesday
Representatives from all the district in the Hoyland Mrs Circuit Canada West St, Church, Wath, on Wednesday to bid farewell to their departing minister and his wife, the Rev CH and Mrs Sheldrake. The Circuit Steward, Mrs P Wilkinson and W Poppingwell presided
Mr. Wilkinson said that he would like to express his appreciation of the services Mr. and Mrs Sheldrake had performed in the circuit during the past three years, and said that he wished they could have stayed longer. He hoped they would have great happiness in their new sphere.
Representatives of the Wath, Broomhill, Hoylsnd Common, Wombwell, Winterwell, Gore Hill and Hoyland districts said how sorry they were that Mr. and Mrs. Sheldrake were leaving, just when they were getting to know them. They thought that Mr. Sheldrake had done a lot of good in the Circuit, both spiritually and morally. Mr. Sheldrake had been a hard worker and good visitor. They wished him happiness in the “new portion of the vineyard” to which he was going.
Mr. W. Popplewell said: “I feel that when we, as Circuit Stewards, chose Mr. Sheldrake as our new minister three years ago we made an excellent choice. Mr. and Mrs. Sheldrake have done very good work, and I am very proud to have worked with them. I have, found him a minister who has been particularly helpful in our spiritual welfare. He has been a faithful and devout man and a man of integrity and he has clearly pointed to us that we are united for a particular object.
He has also endeavoured to promote peace and harmony, increase and general prosperity on the station —and I am pleased to say that she has accomplished the things.
Three years is not long and I think it is a shame that ministers should have to leave us so early. We as a Church, must decide to keep our ministers longer.”
Making a presentation of a substantial cheque from all the districts in the circuit for Mr. Sheldrake, Mr. T. E. Woolley, the Circuit Secretary, summed up the feeling of everyone, saying Mr Sheldrake has always been a minister in this Circuit who has done his work, and done it well. I hope that he and Mrs Sheldrake enjoy a long period of happiness in their new spheres.
Mr. Sheldrake said since he came to this district he had always been fortunate in his fellow-workers.
Mr. Popplewell and Mr, Woolley had always worked well together, and when such co-operati©n existed the basis,of the Church was always sound. He had with him men whom he respected, and he would go away feeling thankful for their sympathy and service.
“It has been hard but happy work here. This is the hardest Circuit I have been in, for to work nine churches with all their problems needs a tremendous the amount of work, and I am afraid I have not been able to do a lot of things I would have liked to have done. The problems of the Circuit are acute, and they we get worse. In Wombwell there are six ministers, not one of us is doing the work we would like to do. I feel that the Methodist churches in this direction will have to amalgamate before the Circuit can be organised perfectly. If I hear that some sensible scheme of amalgamation has been drawn up I shall feel doubly happy.
The company were afterwards entertained to a light supper by the ladies of the West Street Church.