South Yorkshire Times, December 11th 1943
Presentation To Oldest Preacher
Wath Methodist Circuit Ceremony
The Rev. C. W. Harpur presided at the quarterly meeting of Wath Methodist Circuit Local Preachers last Thursday, when a presentation was made to Mr. A. G. Law, of Bolton-on-Dearne, the oldest preacher on the plan who during the quarter, had reached his ninetieth birthday.
Mr. D. V. E. Dodsworth, of Mexborough, himself over 80, handed to Mr. Law a copy Dr. Moffat’s translation of the Bible as a token of their regard. He said Mr. Law had a well-deserved place in the affections of the local preachers. For more than 64 years he and Mr. Law had worked side by side. They hoped that his eventide would be peaceful and made bright by the knowledge that his colleagues and friends held him in fraternal remembrance. In reply, Mr. Law thanked his colleagues, and gave an interesting resume of some of his experiences, He said the years had brought many changes.
At the close of the afternoon session those present were the guests at tea of Miss F. Law, Mr. Law’s daughter, and complimentary references to the happy event were made by the Rev. C. W. Harpur and Mr. W. H. Carter (Sprotborough), a former secretary of the Local Preachers’ meeting.
A report by Mr. F. N. Willey intimated the finances to be sound. After meeting all liabilities and after making grants to the Connexional Local Preachers’ Committee and the Wath trustees, there was a credit balance of £11 15s. 11d.
It was regretted that Mr. Willey found it necessary to resign, and the secretary was asked to convey to him the preachers’ regret. Mr. H. Cox (West Melton) was appointed as treasurer to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Willey’s resignation. The Chairman reported that Mr. E. H. Enion, of Mexborough, had removed to the Ilford circuit. The work of the preachers’ training committee was considered, and the Rev. J. Isherwood and Mr. I. J. Liversidge (chairman and secretary respectively) were asked to report on future administration. Messrs. L. B. Somers and F. Taylor (Wombwell), Miss M. Harvey, and Miss G. E. B. West were continued on trial, and the two former were asked to take the oral examination at the next meeting in March.
The Chairman stated that Mr. H. Hilton (West Melton) and Mr. J. E. Walton would probably serve the Circuit as auxiliary preachers. On the proposal of the Rev. J. Isherwood, Mrs. Askew (Wombwell) was authorised to receive the Superintendent’s note to preach. Arrangements were made for a recognition service to welcome the four preachers received on the full plan last quarter. These were Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Watkinson (Hoyland and Messrs. E. Farthing and W. Haigh (Wath), It was stated that four members were in the Forces and the treasurer was authorised to send them greetings and a book gift at Christmas. At the evening session the Chairman gave an address on “Evangelism,” which was followed by discussion. It was agreed to hold the next meeting at Wath during the first week in March.