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Rev Dr William Edward Farndale
FAR00576
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President of the Methodist Conference in 1947 and Moderator of the Free Church Council from 1949 to 1951
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Dates are in red.
Hyperlinks to other pages are in dark blue.
Headlines are in brown.
References and citations are in turquoise.
Context and local history are in purple.
Geographical context is in green.
The
York Years
1881
William Edward Farndale, son of William Farndale, railway goods porter and a town missionary, of 25, Newbiggin Street, York and Mary Jane Farndale formerly Peacock (FAR00435) was born on 24 September 1881 at 25 Newbiggin Street, St Maurice, York.
His birth was registered on 3 November 1881 at York by Mary Jane Farndale,
mother (GRO
Vol 9d page 43).
Overview
William Edward Farndale DD
was born at York in 1881. He entered the Primitive Methodist ministry in 1904
after training at Hartley College. He travelled in the following circuits:
Forest Hill (London), Oldham II, Chester-le-Street,
Birkenhead Il and Grimsby II. In 1933 after the coming
of Union he was appointed District Missionary and Chairman of the Lincoln and
Grimsby District, a task which occupied the remaining nineteen years of his
active ministry. As President of the Conference in 1947 he sounded the Call of
the Countryside and launched a “Back to the Soil” campaign. The whole Church
then saw the secret of his authoritative leadership in the Lincolnshire area,
where his administrative gifts were matched by pastoral care and a love for
country Methodism and the farming community.
He always came to grips with
contemporary affairs and applied the gospel to them. His ministry at Birkenhead
during the decade following the end of the First World War illustrated this
vividly. His incisive preaching both within the churches and in the open air
was a counter to post-war disillusion and, later, to the demoralising effects
of unemployment, During his Presidency he attended the Methodist Ecumenical
Conference in Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.A., and went as a visiting
preacher to the United Church of Canada, during which time he received from
Victoria University, Toronto, the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. He was
a convinced Free-churchman, as his published writings
testify, and was in his element in 1950-51 as the Moderator of the Free Church
Council.
On his retirement from the
active ministry in 1952 he became a tutor at Cliff College, where his biblical
scholarship was placed at the service of many grateful students. Then came the
years of physical infirmity which only served to throw into greater relief his
indomitable spirit. He remained an omnivorous reader and kept abreast of
current affairs, always (to quote his own words) ‘‘seeking recourse to the Head of the Church
through prayer”, and was ever ready with his characteristic friendly counsel to
assist and encourage ministers and laymen alike. His spare figure and twinkling
but penetrating glance will long be remembered by many who found wisdom and
grace in his presence. His mind was clear and active and his spirit buoyant
until the time of his death on 4 February 1966, in the eighty-fourth year of
his age and the sixty-first of his ministry.
(Transcription of obituary
published in the Minutes of Conference)
William E Farndale. Dr
Farndale was born in York and spent the greater part of his early life in
Manchester, where he trained for the legal profession by a firm of Manchester
solicitors. He entered the ministry in 1904 after completing his theological training
in Hartley college, Manchester. During World War One, he was minister in
Chester le Street, but later moved to Birkenhead and Grimsby. Dr Farndale has a
wide knowledge of the social and religious problems of Rural England,
and is especially interested in education.
Primitive Methodism
The Primitive Methodists
were a major offshoot of the principal stream of Methodism in the nineteenth
century.
Also known as ‘Ranters’, for their enthusiastic preaching, ‘Primitive’
Methodists were so called because they wanted a return to an earlier, purer
form of Methodism, as founded by John Wesley, based on the early church. In
1932 Primitive Methodists joined with Wesleyan and United Methodists to form
the Methodist Church.
In the early decades of
the nineteenth century there was a growing body of opinion among the Wesleyans
that their religion was moving in directions which were a distortion, even a
betrayal, of what John Wesley’s teachings.
A Methodist preacher
called Hugh Bourne became the catalyst for a breakaway, to form the Primitive
Methodists. Their badge of 'primitive' was used to stress their belief that
they were the true guardians of the original, or primitive, form of Methodism.
The
nineteenth century working class movement known as Primitive Methodism,
originated in the Potteries, where an open air ‘camp’ meeting was held at Mow
Cop in 1807, igniting a passion for the ‘love of God’ which quickly spread
across the Midlands. By the end of the century there were over 200,000 members.
The sorts of issues which divided
the Primitives and the Wesleyans might be summarised:
Methodists |
Primitive Methodists |
Developed a high
doctrine of the Pastoral Office to justify leadership being in the hands of
the ministers. |
Focused attention on the
role of lay people. |
Were open to cultural
enrichment from the Anglican tradition and more ornate buildings. |
Stressed simplicity in
their chapels and their worship. |
Were involved with more
affluent and influential urban classes. |
Concentrated their mission
on the rural poor. |
Were nervous of direct
political engagement. |
Stressed the political
implications of their Christian discipleship. |
In
the context of the growing democratisation and sense of dislocation caused by
the Industrial Revolution, Primitive Methodism appealed primarily to miners and
mill hands, farm labourers, and workers in developing factory towns. In rural
areas, Primitive Methodists often came into conflict with the Squire and
Anglican clergy, who saw them as a threat to the established order.
The
conviction that God’s love was for all, led to a concern for social justice,
and many Primitive Methodists became involved in politics, as trade unionist
leaders, Chartists, and later as Labour MPs.
George
Edwards, who championed the cause of farm labourers in Norfolk, is typical of
the early trade union leaders who developed their passion and leadership skills
through the Primitive Methodist Chapels. He started his working life at the age
of six, he was illiterate until he became involved in Primitive Methodism and he embarked on a journey of self-education, as
he recounts in From Crow Scaring to Parliament.
By the end of the 19th
century these two streams of Methodism realised they had more in common than
they might have supposed. So conversations began which
led to their being the two principal partners in the union to form the
present-day Methodist Church in 1932.
The
Macclesfield Years
1891
1891 Census
William, a scholar aged 9, son
of William Farndale, then town missionary, and Mary Jane, with siblings Joseph
and Ellen, at 59 New Hall Street, Macclesfield.
South
of Manchester (Chorlton-cum-Hardy and Disbury)
1901
1901 Census
William aged 19 living with
parents at 18 Cavendish Road, Chorlton, Withington, Lancashire, a clerk
1904
Manchester Evening News,
16 July 1904: P
M Church, Burton Road, Withington … Farewell Address by Rev W E Farndale.
Lewisham Borough News, 1
September 1904:
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, FOREST HILL. The harvest festival in connection
with the Primitive Methodist Church, Stanstead Road, Forest Hill, was held on
Sunday, when interesting sermons were preached by the pastor, Rev E J T
Bagnall.... The proceedings were continued on Monday when the chair was taken
by... and the following gentleman addressed the meeting... W E Farndale...
Forest Hill and Sydenham
Examiner, 2 September 1904: THE HARVEST FESTIVAL was held on Sunday at the Primitive
Methodist Church, Forest Hill... On Monday... addresses were given by... W E
Farndale... the total collections amounting to £10.
South London Chronicle, 9
December 1904:
DULWICH PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. A BAZAAR TO RAISE £500. In
order to further reduce the debt of £2,060 resting on the Building Fund
at the Primitive Methodist Church and schools in the Crystal Palace Road, East
Dulwich, a fancy bazaar was held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the
Lecture Hall, and attracted a large number of visitors; It was thoroughly
anticipated that at least £500 would be raised by this effort. The ministers
of the church, the Revs E J T Bagnall and W E Farndale, were upon the scene to
help...
South London Press, 10
December 1904: EAST
DULWICH BAZAAR. In the unavoidable absence of Mrs Matthew Wallace, a bazaar in
aid of the fund for reducing the debt on the Primitive Methodist Church,
Crystal Palace Road, was opened on Tuesday in the schoolroom by Mrs David
Williamson... The side shows included living pictures (managers, Rev W E
Farndale...) …
1905
Norwich Mercury, 14
January 1905: MARRIAGE
OF THE REV T H CHAMPION. The Rev Thomas Henry Champion, the minister of the
Scott Memorial Church, Thorpe, Norwich, was on Tuesday afternoon married to
Miss Bertha M W Pinhorn,... the Revs E J T Bagnall
and W E Farndale, circuit ministers, officiated...
Leeds Mercury 16 June 1905: Primitive Methodists.
Further Conference Sittings at Scarborough.
The pledges of the following probationers having been received by the General
Committee were accepted by the Conference, to date, from the Conference of 1904
… W E Farndale …
Norwood News, 18 November
1905: THIRTY
YEARS PASTORSHIP. WEST NORWOOD TABERNACLE. On Sunday and Monday
the esteemed pastor, the Rev Walter Hobbs, of West Norwood Tabernacle, and his
flock, held Thanksgiving Services in acknowledgment of the completion by him of
30 years ministerial work in Norwood ... The Rev W E Farndale and... added
their testimonies, and a vote of thanks to all who had helped in the
celebration of the event...
1906
At the Primitive Methodist
Conference.
Norfolk News, 23 June 1906: The Probationers’
Examining Board Committee’s report was satisfactory. Out of a total of 162
probationers 151 presented themselves for the annual examination last March. Of
the 11 who were absent four were ill, two were in Africa, one had resigned from
the ministry, and four others had offered reasons for absence which the
committee could not accept. Four of the examinees failed to obtain the minimum
number of marks. The following are deserving of special mention, as they
secured 90% of the maximum:... W E Farndale...
Middlesex Gazette, 14 July
1906: The
first anniversary of the Sunday School of Emmanuel Primitive Methodist Church
at Bush Hill Park will be held on Sunday next, July 15th. Sermons will be
preached by the Rev W E Farndale of Forest Hill; and a Young People’s
Service will be held at three o’clock, conducted by Mr J W Morgan...
Middlesex Gazette, 21 July
1906: The
morning and evening services were conducted by the Rev W E Farndale, of Forest
Hill. The text for the morning sermon was selected from Genesis
xliii, 8, 9. Mr J W Morgan conducted the children's service in the afternoon, and gave the children a short but interesting
address based on the story of Martha and Mary. He urged the children to follow
all that which is noblest, highest and best. At the
evening service the Rev W E Farndale chose for his text 2 Peter ii, 15 and
Revelations ii, 14 and in the course of his sermon he
gave some good advice for the guidance of Sunday school teachers.
Daily News (London), 13
October 1906 and
many similar
service announcements follow: PRIMITIVE METHODISM. HAMILTON ROAD. West Norwood. Rev W
E Farndale, 11; Mr A Emmett, 6.30.
1907
Bromley Chronicle, 25
April 1907: FOUNDATION
STONE LAYING CEREMONY. THE MAYOR AND CORPORATION TO ATTEND THE FUNCTION. In
delightfully fine, though rather windy weather, and with befitting ceremonial,
the foundation stones were laid on Saturday of the new Primitive Methodist
Chapel and classrooms which are being erected on a commanding site facing the
main road at Bromley Common... His Worship wearing his robe and chain of office
was accompanied by... Rev W E Farndale (West Norwood) ...
South London Press, 18 May
1907: PRIMITIVE
METHODISTS. BAZAAR AT EAST DULWICH. In aid of the effort for reducing the debt
remaining on the building the Mayor and Mayoress of Camberwell attended the
opening of a bazaar on Wednesday at the Primitive Methodist Church, Crystal
Palace Road... The Mayoress declared the bazaar open, and a vote of thanks to
the civic visitors was moved in cordial terms by... seconded by the Rev W E
Farndale...
1908
Eastern Daily Press, 25 June
1908: PRIMITIVE
METHODIST CONFERENCE. FROM AN EAST ANGLIAN REPRESENTATIVE. There were this year
three vacancies to fill on the deed poll, two owing to death and one (Rev J B
Bellingham), to resignation.... The general examining committee reported that
not one of the probationers who sat for their annual examination in March last
failed to reach the minimum number of marks. The following passed with
honours: first year... third year... W E Farndale, who secured 92%...
1909
William Edward Farndale’s
father, William Farndale (FAR00435)
by then a grocer and active town missionary, committed suicide:
Hartlepool Northern Daily
Mail, 20 February 1909: Before hanging himself in the cellar of his grocer’s shop in
Didsbury, William Farndale wrote a note in which he said he was past living.
“My mind has gone, and the hope of life has died out. I have tried and failed.
Misfortune has seemed to follow me.”
This must have had a
profound effect on William Edward Farndale, who was then 28 years old, and who
appears to have left home very shortly afterwards.
The
Oldham Years
1910
Lowestoft Journal, 2 July
1910: PRIMITIVE
METHODIST CHANGES IN EAST ANGLIA. THE MINISTERIAL EXODUS. Wednesday in next
week will witness the changes of residence of a vast number of Primitive
Methodist ministers... On the Norwich First (Queen’s Road) Circuit the Rev J
Wardman Venables severed his connection with the circuit after four years
residential ministry. He has accepted the invitation of the Oldham Second
(Lees Road) Circuit, in succession to the Rev W E Farndale, who removes
elsewhere...
William Edward Farndale married Florence May Price (1877-1964) in
the spring of 1910 at Sydenham, London (Lewisham District) (MR). They had two
children.
1911
1911 Census: William (aged 29), a Primitive
Methodist Minister, lived with Florence (aged 33) at 19 Woodstock Street,
Oldham
1912
Enid Florence (1912-1973) (FAR00779) was born in Oldham
on 17 February 1912.
Western Daily Mercury, 6
April 1912: “THE
HOLBORN REVIEW”. Although “the Holborn Review” is cheaper than the above, yet
it contains nearly 260 pages of excellent matter written by some of the most
prominent thinkers of the day... There is a well informed article on “Keswick”, by W E Farndale,
which traces the development of the movement not only in its outward growth,
but also in its inward spirit. “Disestablishment and Disendowment in Wales” is
the result of wide reading and of deep and strong convictions...
The
Chester le Street Years
1913
Chester le Street Chronicle
and District Advertiser, 7 March 1913: PM ANNUAL MEETING. CHESTER LE STREET CIRCUIT.
On Saturday the quarterly meeting of the Chester le Street Primitive Methodist
circuit was held at the central church, Chester le Street, when the Rev J S
Nightingale, Superintendent, presided... Arrangements were made for the
forthcoming demonstrations and reception of the new second minister, the Rev
W A (sic) Farndale, who will succeed the Rev J G Salsby
in July, when he takes up the position of Superintendent of the Seaton Delavai circuit.
Heywood Advertiser, 2 May
1913: CITIZENS
AND THE CHURCH. “The obligations of the citizens to the church” was the topic
introduced by the Rev... Addresses on the same topic were also given by the
Rev W E Farndale, Oldham.
Heywood Advertiser, 9 May
1913: SUNDAY
SERVICES. There were special services throughout the town and district in
connection with the Synod meetings on Sunday …there was also an evangelical
service in the schoolroom conducted by the Rev W J Kirkland, assisted by... W
E Farndale, Oldham...
Chester le Street
Chronicle and District Advertiser 12 September 1913: CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY. The
members of the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Pelton Fell, held their anniversary
during the weekend. Proceedings commenced with a public meeting on Saturday at
which... spoke. The meeting was followed by a public hearing and coffee supper.
On Sunday sermons were preached by Rev W E Farndale in the morning and
evening. Collections were taken in aid of the Trust Fund.
Sunderland Daily Echo, 11
October 1913: WILLIAMSON
TERRACE PM CHAPEL, MONKWEARMOUTH. 74TH ANNIVERSARY. SUNDAY, OCTOBER
12TH, 1913. Preacher, morning and evening:...
Sunday 19th October, Sermons at 10:30 and 6:00 PM by Rev W E farndale,
Birtley. Collections on behalf of Trust Funds.
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 5 December 1913: PM QUARTERLEY MEETING. The Quarterly meeting of the Chester
le Street Primitive Methodist Church was held in the Central Church, Chester le
Street on Saturday. The Rev J S Nightingale presided and the Rev W E
Farndale acted as secretary...
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 19 December 1913: BROTHERHOOD SOCIAL. On Friday night an inaugural social in
connection with the recently formed Bible League in connection with the
Birtley brotherhood was held in the Wesleyan schoolroom, Birtley... CENTRE TO
CIRCUMFERENCE. The Rev W E Farndale said they had had the inspiration and he
believed that that meeting meant business, and that there would be an outcome.
There was a challenge involved in the idea of having a meeting at eight o’clock
on a Sunday morning. The idea was that they should take up some definite
portion of Scripture, and they meant to begin with Mark. It was intended to
work out from the centre of the circumference. They would start with a survey
of the life of Christ, than which he believed there
was nothing more imperative....
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 19 December 1913: The Birtley Brotherhood has embarked upon a task that is
almost herculean. They have started a Bible league, and
have fixed eight o’clock on Sunday mornings as the time for it to meet.
This is certainly a test of men's loyalty to an ideal, and one that few people
would care to make. The League will be under the care of a leader who is not
only enthusiastic but is very keen Bible student and brilliant expositor, and if
it can be made a success, the Rev W E Farndale is likely to carry it through.
1914
Chester le Street Chronicle, 3 April 1914: BIRTLEY BIBLE LEAGUE.
VISIT OF MR W WARD. Leagues may come and Leagues may go, but the Birtley
Brotherhood Bible league will go on forever, or so it seems, judging from the
animation which greeted the “Chronicle” representative when he visited that
special meeting on Sunday morning last at the seemingly unearthly hour of 8
o’clock. Perhaps it may be that one of the reasons of its unique success is the
unusual time of the meeting... The Rev W E Farndale, presiding,
introduced Mr Ward as the founder of the Bible League, for it was his
suggestion, on the occasion of the inaugural gatherings of the second season of
the Birtley Brotherhood, last November, that the Bible League was subsequently
formed... Mr Farndale suggested that as Mr Ward had not quoted the words
of Job 24, almost every member of the congregation would be anxious to turn up
that and the other chapters mentioned by the speaker before the day was over...
Newcastle Journal, 14
April 1914: SUNDAY
SCHOOL FEDERATION. CONFERENCE OF WORKERS AT GATESHEAD. Under the presidency of
Rev James Gilmour BD, a large number of Sunday school teachers attended the
52nd annual conference of the Sunday School workers, promoted by the Tyne and
Wear Federation of Sunday School Unions, which was held at Durham Road Baptist
Church, Gateshead, yesterday... the Chairman welcomed the representatives to
Gateshead, and remarked that it was six years since the Conference was held in
that Borough. The Rev W E Farndale of Birtley, gave an address upon “The
Teacher’s Devotional Life.”
Florence Farndale, William’s
wife, was president of the North Eastern Federation of
Suffragettes. Birtley
is just north of Chester le Street:
Common Cause, 24 April
1914: NORTH EASTERN FEDERATION. On March 23rd a very
successful social evening was held at the Suffrage Rooms, Birtley. Mrs
Farndale presided. Miss Beaver and Miss Sheard gave two very interesting
speeches on the Suffrage Movement. Miss H Auton and Miss Elliott provided a
splendid musical programme, and the Rev F D Brooks also assisted by giving two
humorous recitations, which were much enjoyed. There was a very large
attendance. A plentiful supply of refreshments, which were provided by the
committee, were served during the evening. 20 new members were enrolled. On
April 16th, a members meeting was held at the suffrage rooms Birtley
at which Mrs C M Gordon spoke.
Common Cause, 24 April
1914: Birtley.
Cooperative Hall. Speakers, Miss G cook, Miss C M Gordon, Chair, the Rev
Farndale.
Newcastle Daily Chronicle,
27 April 1914: WHY
WOMEN NEED THE VOTE. A meeting was held in the Cooperative Hall, Birtley, on
Friday night, under the auspices of the local non militant Women's Suffrage
Society. The Rev W E Farndale presided over a good attendance. Miss
Geraldine Cook, London, gave an address. She pointed out the evils of sweating,
which was so prevalent amongst women. This was largely due to their low status,
which would be raised if they were given the vote. The burden of much present day social reform fell upon the shoulders of the
mothers of the nation, because politicians were content to tinker with effects
rather than causes. Where women had been granted the parliamentary franchise,
the result had been an improvement in the conditions of the workers, better
protection for the young, the emptying of prisons and workhouses, the raising
of the age of consent, and the lessening of the drink evil.
Newcastle Journal, 27 June
1914: PRIMITIVE
METHODISM, MINSTERS STATIONS FOR 1914-15. As fixed by the primitive Methodist
conference, the following are the stations for 1914 to 1915 of the preachers in
the districts named … Chester le Street: James S Nightingale, William E
Farndale...
Erdington News, 27 June
1914: BIRTLEY
(YORKS) BROTHERHOOD BIBLE LEAGUE. The Secretary of this League, which was
started in December 1913, writes me a most interesting account of its progress.
The members meet at 8 o’clock every Sunday morning, to the number of 40 to 60,
and Mr Farnish says “it is a
grand sight to see so many men interested in the Word of God.” He attributes
their success largely to their leader, Rev W E Farndale, one of the greatest
bible students of the day, who is with them every Sunday, “prepared with
the lesson”. Would that we could get similar Bible Study Leagues formed at our
brotherhoods and PSA's. We certainly need something of this kind to supplement
the afternoon meeting.
Banbury Advertiser, 9 July
1914: Ratcliffe
– Stevenson – July 7 At the primitive Methodist
Church, Lees Road, Oldham, by the Rev T Bullock, assisted by the Rev W E
Farndale...
World War 1 broke out on
28 July 1914.
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 2 October 1914: FREE CHURCH MINISTERS’ FRATERNAL. On Friday last, the
ministers of the Congregational, Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist churches, in
Chester le Street, and district met together and decided to form a Free
Church Ministers Fraternal for the neighbourhood. It was felt that this
would meet a real need and besides providing opportunity for social
intercourse, would secure interchange of views and united action on any matter
of common interest to the Free Churches of the locality. The Rev E Hall was
appointed president for the ensuing year and the Rev W E Farndale, secretary.
Interesting important business was discussed and
arrangements made for the monthly gatherings.
Chester le Street
Advertiser, 6 November 1914: PRIMITIVE METHODIST MISSIONS. In connection with the
Primitive Methodist circuit, the missionary anniversary was held at the
Birtley, Harraton, Fatfield and Portobello Churches
on Sunday last. The special preachers included … Rev W E Farndale...
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 25 December 1914: CHILDREN NOT FORGOTTEN. On Thursday evening last a pleasant
Christmas service was held in the Birtley PM church, when a Christmas tree was
the centre of interest. The Rev W E Farndale presided, and the children
themselves took the toys to place on the tree. These toys were of all kinds,
just such as they would have enjoyed themselves, instead of being from the
children of the St George’s Hall PM mission, Old Kent Road, London. Mrs Race,
president of the Junior Endeavour Society, and Mrs Farndale and Mrs Hughes,
vice presidents.... the toys will adorn the London poor children's
Christmas tree. The idea originated from the fact that in the multiplicity of
appeals at the present time these children at home might be overlooked.
Chester Le Street
Chronicle, 25 December 1914: THE COMING OF THE TYNESIDE IRISH TO BIRTLEY. Considerable
preparations for the visit of the section of the “Tyneside Irish battalion” to
their quarters in Birtley are in progress, not the least being those promoted
by the Primitive Methodists. A meeting to organise and cater for the social
needs of the troops during the hours of leisure was held in their schoolroom,
almost a month ago, and committees were appointed to attend to the several
schemes for their entertainment and benefit. The schoolroom
which is in close proximity to the rink, will be opened every evening from 6
o’clock, to which any of the soldiers were invited, and where writing material
will be provided free. Games, literature, music and
light refreshments at nominal charges are also part of the good things to be
dispensed. It is quite evidenced that the soldiers are in for a good time
during the winter evenings, and will do well to avail
themselves of this generous invitation, notices of which will be published in
due course. The president is Rev W E Farndale, the Avenue, and the
secretary...
1915
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 1 January 1915: NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER. The members of the Chester le Street Non Conformist Ministers Fraternal
have arranged to hold a week of united prayer beginning on Sunday, January 3rd,
which is the day desired by King George to be set apart as the national day of
prayer. Beginning on that day a united intercession service will be held in the
Chester le Street Congregational Church, at 8 pm, at which the ministers of the
various churches will be present.... Birtley has arranged to have an
exchange of pulpits between the Primitive Methodists and Wesleyans, on January
10th, when the Rev J W Faraday will preach at the Primitive Church and Mr
Farndale at the Wesleyan church.
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 8 January 1915: DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI. To die for one's country
is sweet and befitting. This uttermost sacrifices our
soldiers, sailors and airmen, are gallantly making and winning lasting renown
for arms. All honour to them! But in this grave hour we too need to heed the
summons: PRO PATRIA VIVERE: We must live for our country, live strenuously,
energetically. Many will emulate the patriotic fervour of those in the homeland
who willingly surrendered the loved ones that have heard the King’s call. And eternly and uncompromisingly to remove from the soldiers’
path every flaunting temptation to drink, gamble and
vice, to arrange for social entertainment and spiritual administration to the
men in khaki at our doors; to resolve that the disabled and their dependants
shall not, as afterwards in other days, be reduced to beggary. These and
cognate tasks also demand the earnest devices and self denying labours of all true lovers of their
country. May the New Year prove rich in patriots of this kind who will live for
the State's best welfare and that of its heroic defenders. Rev W E Farndale.
Primitive Methodist Minister, Birtley.
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 15 January 1915: SECT OF COMMUNITY. LIVELY MEETING AT BIRTLEY. ALL’S WELL THAT
ENDS WELL. On Friday night a public meeting called by the central committee of
the Tyneside Irish brigade was held at the Cooperative Hall, Birtley, for the
purpose of endeavouring to make some arrangements for the welfare and comfort
of the men of the 2nd Battalion who are to be stationed there for some time. Mr
N Grattan Doyle, joint committee chairman of the central committee presided,
and he was supported by... Rev W E Farndale...
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 12 February 1915: HARRATON C E RALLY. On Saturday, the members of the Christian
Endeavour of the Primitive Methodist Church, Harraton,
held their rally. In the afternoon a most eloquent sermon was preached by... In
the evening a meeting was held when the speakers were the Rev W E Farndale
…
North Star (Darlington),
10 March 1915: CHESTER
LE STREET METHODISTS. The quarterly meeting of the Chester le Street Primitive
Methodist Circuit was held at the Central Church, Chester le Street, when the
Rev J S Nightingale presided, and the Rev W E Farndale acted as secretary. It
was decided to report an increase of 10 members to conference, this being a
total of 700 …
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 12 March 1915: OUSTON SISTERHOOD. The sister hood at the Ouston Primitive
Methodist Church was visited on Wednesday week, by Mrs Farndale, the wife of
the Primitive Methodist minister of Birtley. She gave an interesting
address on “The Ministry of Women”. A solo was rendered in splendid
style by Miss Fenwick of Ouston. After a very satisfactory report had been
given by Mrs Cook of the good work that has been done by the Select Committee,
a cup of tea was served round which brought a very pleasant hour to a close.
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 27 August 1915: OLD PEOPLE’S TEA. The old people’s tea was held at the
cricket field, kindly lent for the occasion and the weather being happily fine,
the dear old folk came up in good numbers, although ninety teas were sent out
for those who were ill and unable to come. However
many are quite able, especially the younger ones who sent for their teas, which
is quite contrary to the principle of the tea. Well
they had a good time... Votes of thanks to the donors after being read out,
was given and a very timely address was given by Rev Farndale. The
National Anthem as usual brought a very enjoyable afternoon to a close...
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 31 December 1915: THE BROTHERHOOD. On Sunday afternoon last the Chester le
Street Brotherhood held their annual meeting to elect a president, vice
presidents, and offices for the year 1916. After the retiring president, Mr.
John Hall, had tendered to the members his thanks for the loyal way in which
they had supported him during his year of office, he vacated the chair... the
following were elected to hold office during the coming year... vice
presidents …Rev Farndale …
1916
William Arthur James
Farndale (1916-2004)(FAR00829) was born on
24 January 1916.
Florence, William’s wife,
continued to be involved in women’s’ suffrage and related issues.
The Common Cause, 17 March
1916: THE NATIONAL
UNION OF WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE SOCIETIES. NOTES FROM HEADQUARTERS. OUT MATERNITY
UNIT FOR REFUGEES IN RUSSIA. A cable has just been received announcing that our
maternity hospital in Petrograd was opened on Monday by the grand Duchess
Cyril, Sir George and Lady Georgina Buchanan, and Madame Sazonoff
being present at the ceremony.... 11th list of donations... Mrs Florence
Farndale, 2s 6d … Total £3,108 6s 10d.
The younger brother of
Florence Farndale, William’s wife, was a World War One pilot, killed in action.
See also Lieutenant
Graham Price.
North Star (Darlington),
22 March 1916:
FALLEN HEROES.
The four sons
of Mr and Mrs R Morrison, 31 Cooperative Street, Chester le Street, Private
Robert, 11th DLI, Private John, 12 DLI, Private Joseph and Seaman James, RND,
have all been wounded.
Lieutenant Graham price, the
young airman who has just been killed at the front was the youngest brother
of Mrs Farndale, The Avenue, Birtley, wife of the Rev W E Farndale, the
second minister of the Chester le Street circuit. He went out to Flanders in September, 1914, as a despatch rider, and did a lot of
excellent work. Near the end of last year he
transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, and his promotion there was very
rapid, and he had already reached the rank of pilot. He held the record of
his squadron for the number of air duels he had fought, 15. He was
killed in the last fight, when he received a bullet in the heart. He was at
the time engaged in observing for the artillery over the enemy lines.
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 24 March 1916: Private Joseph Barton, 8th DLI. The Latter went out
to Flanders with the 8th DLI in April last and was reported missing on April
26th. Official notification has just been received to the effect that he was
killed.… There was a good attendance and the
service was conducted by the Rev W E Farndale. Private Barton was just 18
years of age.
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 9 June 1916: CHESTER LE STREET. PRIMITIVE METHODIST CIRCUIT. The quarterly
meeting was held on Saturday at Pelton Fell. The Rev J S Nightingale presided,
and the Rev W E Farndale, acted as secretary....
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 21 July 1916: PRIMITIVE METHODISTS. CHESTER LE STREET DEMONSTRATION. The
Primitive Methodists have just celebrated their forty first circuit
demonstration with very gratifying results. On Saturday afternoon a patriotic
operatic entitled, “Britannia and Her Allies,” was given by nearly 200 children
in the Cooperative Hall. The Rev W E Farndale... where the leaders, and
a very pleasing programme was submitted by the children to a large gathering...
The streets were missioned, and although the weather prevented these services
being held on the Burn Green, large companies gathered in the Central Church,
when addresses were given by … W E Farndale...
Chester le Streety
Chronicle, 28 July 1916: BIRTLEY PARCELS. SUCCESSFUL CONCERT. A concert was held in
the Primitive Methodist Church, Birtley, on Wednesday night, in aid of the
Soldiers Parcels Fund. It was given by the Chester le Street Choral Union,
with one or two items by the male portion. The proceedings were opened by
the Rev W E Farndale, with a few remarks referring to the object of the
concert, and also to the Church’s roll of honour. In
introducing Mr R E Hale, the chairman, Mr Farndale said that he had great
pleasure in welcoming Mr Hale for the first time on the platform and hoped
that it would not be the last. Mr Hale spoke of the good cause that the concert
was in aid of, and urged all present to remember the lads who had left home to
defend their country...
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 11 August 1916: The members of the Pelton Fell
Primitive Methodist, Wesleyan and United Methodist churches are holding joint
open air meetings on Sunday evenings at the Bridge. On Sunday evening last,
the speakers were... W E Farndale. The meetings are having such much
success.
Sunderland Daily Echo, 23
October 1916: PM
CONFERENCE. NEWCASTLE MEETINGS. The annual conference held under the auspices
of the Sunderland and Newcastle District at the Primitive Methodist Church
commenced in the Central PM Church, Northumberland Road, Newcastle on Saturday.
The President, Rev A T Guttery, was unable to be present owing to a breakdown
in health. The Convention delegates were officially received on Friday in the
Grand Assembly Rooms... the Convention opens today with a devotional meeting,
and an address was given by the Rev W E Farndale of Birtley....
1917
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 26 January 1917: BIRTLEY WOMEN’S GUILD. The members of the Women's Guild in
connection with the Birtley Primitive Church, held their anniversary services.
On Sunday Mrs Burrel of Hebburn was the special speaker in the morning and
evening and the soloists were... In the afternoon they gave a musical service.
Mrs Nightingale of Chester le Street presided and the
programme was sustained by … Mrs W A Farndale played the piano... a
public meeting was held in the evening. Mrs Farndale presided
and addresses were given by...
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 2 March 1917: PROHIBITION FAVOURED. On Thursday night a public temperance
meeting organised by the local British Women's Temperance Association, Good
Templars, Rechabites and members of the Primitive Methodist and Wesleyan
Churches was held at Birtley, in favour of prohibition during the war and
for six months afterwards. This is the first united gathering of all the
local temperance organisations that has taken place in Birtley, certainly
during recent years. The Rev W E Farndale presided and said in these
days it was imperative that what at best was a only a
luxury, and at worse a curse should absolutely cease to be produced, and that no
intoxicating liquor should be sold during the war. We could not afford it.
The waste of corn and sugar involved in its manufacture was criminal, and the
use of shipping for its importation was a sin against humanity.
Governments are supposed to lead but they cannot move very far in advance of
public opinion and it was the bounden duty of such organisations
as those represented to create that volume of conviction of strong commanding
appeal which would give a backing and they pushed to those in authority....
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 9 March 1917: REV
W E FARNDALE LEAVING. The members of the Chester le Street Primitive Methodist
Church regret to learn that the Rev W E Farndale will leave the circuit in
1918, to become Superintendent of the Birkenhead Second Circuit. In
the meantime Mr Farndale has been released from the
whole of his week day duties to undertake national service, either for the
duration of the war, or until he leaves the circuit.
The Common Cause, 9 March
1917: NOTES
FROM HEADQUARTERS. THE NATIONAL UNION OF WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE SOCIETIES. THE 1917
FRANCHISE FUND. … Mrs Farndale 2s ..
North Star (Darlington),
12 March 1917: RELEASED
FOR SERVICE. At the quarterly meeting of the Chester le Street Primitive
Methodist circuit, it was reported that the second minister, the Rev W E
Farndale, of Birtley, had accepted an invitation to succeed the Rev J Harriman
Taylor, MA, as Superintendent of the Birkenhead Second Circuit, in 1918. Mr
Farndale was given permission to take up national service for the remainder of
the war, all while he remains in circuit, and was released from all week day duties. He will preach on Sundays as usual.
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 30 March 1917: CHESTER LE STREET BROTHERHOOD. On Sunday, April 1st, in the
Congregational Church at 3:00, Speaker: Rev W E Farndale, Birtley....
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 20 July 1917: THREE SONS KILLED, BIRTLEY FAMILY’S GREAT SACRIFICE. On the
Sunday morning last a memorial service in connection with the late Private
Grimshaw, 13th DLI, was held in the Primitive Methodist Church, Birtley. A
good number assembled to show their sympathy with the family and their
affliction, and a detachment of the Anti-aircraft company were also present. In the course of the special sermon based on 2
Sam 23, 17, “These things did the three mighty men”, the Rev W E Farndale
said: “Strangely parallel with the narrative of our text is the cause which
has led to the special service this morning. They for who David made the great
hazard were three in number. Today Mr and Mrs Grimshaw mourned the loss of
the third of their sons in the Great War. The first to die was Private
Peter Grimshaw, of the 6th Yorks, who succumbed to his wounds on 17th September
1916. His brother, Private Fred Grimshaw, of the 11th DLI was killed on the 13th December 1916. And now private Robert Grimshaw, of the
13th DLI, is officially reported killed in action on 3rd June 1917. So far as
I'm aware this is the only family in Birtley which has paid such a toll in life
and our hearts’ sympathy goes out to each mourning relative. Concerning R E
Grimshaw, the Chaplain wrote on June 5th, saying, “He was killed in action by a
shell in the trenches here, shortly before the recent advance. He did his duty.
Let us commend him to God's mercy and pray that he will accept the service of
his life laid down for his country, a service rendered to him
and may he give to you who mourn for him the same courage to bear your sorrow
as he has given to our brave boys who are doing such splendid work out here....
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 19 October 1917: SPLENDID WEEKEND EFFORT. The anniversary services in connection
with the Birtley Primitive
Methodist Church were held during last weekend. On Sunday, the Rev J Jopling,
Gateshead, preached in the morning and evening.... on Monday evening, the
annual church meeting was held. Mr T Telford, Chester le Street presided and the speakers were the Rev W E Farndale,
Birtley, and...
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 2 November 1917: SUDDEN DEATH OF PELTON LADY. The funeral took place at
Birtley on Saturday afternoon, of Mrs Mary Young, who died on the previous
Tuesday under tragic circumstances, at the age of 77 years. … on Tuesday week
she attended a missionary meeting which was being conducted by the Rev W E
Farndale...
Blyth News, 27 December
1917: On New
Year’s Day, Special Visit of REV W E FARNDALE, of Birtley. Afternoon at
2.30. Evening, 6 o’clock.
1918
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 1 February 1918: BIRTLEY FELLOWSHIP. ADDRESS ON DIVORCE BILL. A meeting under
the auspices of the Birtley fellowship was held at the Cooperative Hall, on
Monday night. This is an organisation composed of members of the Anglican,
Roman Catholic, Primitive Methodist and Wesleyan
formed to discuss social problems.... Mrs Hazelwood, wife of the vicar of
Pelton, gave an interesting address on “The new Divorce Bill”. She said she was
glad to see such a large audience. That was the first time she had ever
addressed a meeting which numbered men in the audience, so that if she leaned
more on the side of women they would have to excuse
her, as this question affected them so closely... The church in certain
exceptional causes might annul marriage and it allowed separation, but it
refused to countenance either party to a marriage re marrying while a partner
was alive, it was not true that divorce resulted in an increased birth rate. A
resolution pledging those present to oppose the Bill was unanimously
carried by the motion of Father Hall, seconded by the Rev W E Farndale,
the latter stating that whatever might be their views on divorce in general the
proposed bill was inopportune and without the backing of a general mandate....
Newcastle Journal, 11
March 1918: PRIMITIVE
METHODIST CHURCH. Special services were held in the Prince Concert Road
Primitive Methodist Church, in connection with the debt extinction celebration.
The pulpit was occupied by the Rev W E Farndale morning and evening...
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 3 May 1918: No
odds could best you; no words can thank you. Your sacrificial stand and that if
your lost comrades, whom we deeply mourn, have stirred renewed confidence in
ultimate triumph. God defend you and vindicate the right. Rev W E Farndale,
the Avenue, Birtley.
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 17 May 1918: AN
APPEAL. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CHESTER LE STREET CHRONICLE. Dear Sir. Permit us,
through the Chronicle, to appeal to the members of the Free Evangelical
Churches of Chester le Street and all who are seriously interested in the men
and our various fighting forces. From the advertisement in your columns, it
will be seen that a united service is to be held at the Wesleyan Church under
the regular services on Sunday night, at 7:45 PM. We must earnestly and
affectionately plead with the members of our churches to come and unite in
prayer for those who are fighting for us in this World War and for our
country.... William E Farndale...
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 14 June 1918:
SUCCESSFUL MINISTER. REV W E
FARNDALE.
After a ministry of five
years at the Primitive Methodist Church in Birtley, the Rev W E Farndale is
leaving shortly for Birkenhead. He has had charge of the church, with Rev J S
Nightingale of Chester le Street as Superintendent and colleagues. During this
time, both in the town and in the circuit, he has laboured successfully.
Before war broke out he instituted the Bible League for men, who met on
Sundays at 8 am, and which was attended by some who came a distance of three or
four miles and often there were between 40 and 50 present throughout the winter
months. One of the most recent institutions is the Boys Life Brigade, of which
Mr Farndale is the honorary chaplain. He is also leader of the British Women's
Guild, and Mrs Farndale occupies the position of President. Mr Farndale has
taken interest in the work amongst young people in connection with the senior
and junior Christian Endeavour societies, and on two occasions he has conducted
special mission services himself in Birtley church. As a result
accessions to membership were made and very impressive were the two sacramental
services on the Sunday morning succeeding when the right hand of fellowship was
held out to the young members.
Mr Farndale is secretary of
the Birtley Fellowship, which is composed of representatives of the four places
of worship in the town, and seeks to unite men and
women of the churches in dealing with social problems of the locality from the
religious and ethical standpoint. In connection with this fellowship. Meetings
have already been held dealing with the “Great Scourge”. Arrangements are also
in hand for infant welfare work, and it is proposed to hold a town meeting to
consider the establishing of a British Nursing Association.
During his stay in the
circuit, Mr Farndale has founded a Sisterhood at Ouston, which has been
responsible for a large amount of good, lending its aid, and sending many
comforts to philanthropic causes. A few months ago he
also founded a Sisterhood at Fatfield, which is rendering very beneficial
services to the women in that district.
Mr Farndale is also
president of the British Women's Temperance Association, and
has from time to time arranged united meetings and also public gatherings on
the temperance question. He is due in July to superintend the Birkenhead Second
Circuit, of which the Rev J Harryman Taylor, MA, is the present minister.
It is interesting to note,
that for some three years, a special children's cantata has been given on the
Saturday of the annual demonstration, when a choir of 150 juvenile voices
gathered from the Sunday schools at the 12 places in the circuit at the Chester
le Street Cooperative Hall. Mr Farndale was the organiser of the scheme and
carried it through most successfully.
We cannot leave this brief
sketch of the Rev Farndale without referring to his literary work. From his pen
have come contributions to “the Holborn Quarterly Review,” “the Aldersgate
Magazine”, “the Primitive Methodist Leader”, and he is now writing for “The
Preachers Magazine and Bible Society” and also for “the Christian Messenger” on
the subject of “Modern Problems for Christian Citizens.” and the latter
magazine an appreciative sketch appears in the current issue from the
connexional editor, Rev JG Boreham, better known by his pen name, “Ramsay
Guthrie.”
Mrs Farndale takes an active
part in her husband's ministerial labours, and being an effective speaker, has
rendered most valuable service among amongst the women throughout the circuit.
As an ardent missionary enthusiastic, she was a member of the first Women's
Missionary Auxiliary of the Connexion, which was held in London, and it has
been her privilege to see a branch commenced at Birtley. In connection with the
Birtley fellowship, she has taken a very active part.
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 5 July 1918: BIRTLEY FELLOWSHIP. On Friday a meeting of the Birtley
Fellowship was held, when the financial statement was presented by the retiring
honorary secretary, Rev W E Farndale, who was thanked for past services. The
vicar, Rev L L Barclay, … representatives at the
several churches, comprising the fellowship, made feeling allusion to the
excellent work done by Mr Farndale, and their regret at his departure...
Chester le Street
Chronicle, 5 July 1918: MINISTER’S FAREWELL. PRESENTATION AT CHETSER LE STREET. On
Saturday evening a large representative circuit gathering was held in the
central Primitive Methodist Church, Chester le Street, to bid farewell
to Rev and Mrs J S Nightingale and to Rev and Mrs W E Farndale of Birtley.
The meeting was also called to enable the circuit to give some tangible
expression to their high appreciation of the long and faithful services
rendered during periods of nine and five years respectively. These took
the form of presentations of a handsome gold watch to Rev J S Nightingale, and volumes
of books to Rev W E Farndale, while each of the ladies received gold
wristlet watches and other presents... Mr. J Hall, Ouston, said they had
experienced a happy time with the ministry of the Rev Nightingale and Rev
Farndale throughout the circuit, and it was with great reluctance that they
had met that evening to bid farewell to both of them...
Representation of the
People Act 1918
In 1918 the Representation
of the People Act was passed which allowed women over the age of 30 who met a
property qualification to vote. Although 8.5 million women met this criteria, it was only about two-thirds of the total
population of women in the UK.
The same Act abolished
property and other restrictions for men, and extended
the vote to virtually all men over the age of 21. Additionally, men in the
armed forces could vote from the age of 19. The electorate increased from eight
to 21 million, but there was still huge inequality between women and men.
The
Birkenhead Years
And so
the family moved to Birkenhead, across the River Mersey from Liverpool.
Birkenhead News, 10 August
1918: MOUNT
TABOR PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. HOLT ROAD, HIGHER TRANMERE. Tomorrow, Sunday.
10:45 and 6:30. Rev W E Farndale.
Wigan Observer and
District Advertiser, 27 August 1918: Rev W E Farndale (Birkenhead), in a vigorous speech, said
when he received the invitation to come to that meeting
he found that 27,275 soldiers were discharged disabled during 1916 and to this
had to be added the disabled sailors. There also had to be added the number of
casualties since 1916, and those who may have come back with disease not
apparent to the eye. The object of this association was to make those
matters fully known to the public and to see that the discharged men, whether
from wounds or disease, got their full rights, and that other noble lads or
their dependants did not suffer. He strongly objected to women with children in
their arms having to go before a committee to get to know what they could have.
He said they would have nothing less as an association than that the
government should fix up in plain language what they were entitled to. The
women had now the vote, and they could apply the screw, and make them do what
they wanted, or send them about their business. He strongly commended the
association which strove to help the men and women to get their full rights for
the noble work they had done for us. Applause.
Liverpool Echo, 27
September 1918:
MARRIAGES. DEAN-RANDALL. September 26, at Mount Tabor, Higher Tranmere, by
the Rev W E Farndale...
Liverpool Daily Post, 5
October 1918: PRIMITIVE
METHODIST. The Rev W E Farndale has been invited to superintend Birkenhead
Second until 1923...
Birkenhead News, 30
November 1918: THURSDAY,
DECEMBER 5TH, GRAND CONCERT. Consisting of CANTATA, “The Galilean”
and a MISCELLANEOUS PROGRAMME. ... Readers: Rev W E Farndale...
1919
Birkenhead News, 8
February 1919: MOUNT
TABOR PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. HOLT ROAD, HIGHER TRANMERE. TOMORROW
(SUNDAY). REV W E FARNDALE. 10.43 … Basal Beliefs I God… 6.30
.. II Sin …
Birkenhead News, 26
February 1919: THE
NEW AMERICA. DR GUTTERY’S VIVID IMPRESSIONS. Mount Tabor Primitive Methodist
Church, always enterprising, secured the first public appearance of the Rev A T
Guttery DD, on this side of the Mersey since his return from his war visit to
America... the Rev W E Farndale, minister, voiced the thanks of the meeting
to the chairman and the lecturer.
Birkenhead News, 30 April
1919: THANKS
TO MOUNT TABOR. Various notes of thanks accorded at the close included one to
the Rev W E Farndale, and officers of the Mount Tabor Chapel for the excellence
and heartiness of the arrangements made for the Senate, and Mr Farndale, in
response, assured the Senate at the enthusiastic interest with which the
church entered the work.
Birkenhead News, 23 August
1919: MOUNT
TABOR PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. HOLT ROAD, HIGHER TRANMERE. TOMORROW
(SUNDAY). MINISTER’S ANNVERSARY. SPECIAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AS FOLLOWS. …
10:45 AM. Divine Worship. Preacher: Rev W E Farndale. Topic: the Benediction as Bestowal.
Birkenhead News, 17
September 1919:
EMOTION OF A MULTITUDE. The great multitude brought to the theatre, with its
lights and decorations and red plush, that sense of solemnity and devotion
induced by the dimness and grey atone of old churches.... Mr Farndale
allotted a short prayer of thanks for the courage and devotion and splendid self sacrifice of the dead, and of appeal to make the
living worthy of that sacrifice …
Birkenhead News, 4 October
1919: MOUNT
TABOR. Harvest Thanksgiving Services were held at Mount Tabor PM church on
Sunday... Kind words were spoken by Rev W E Farndale... for the Sunday
school...
1920
Birkenhead News, 10
January 1920: WE
GIVE YOU A CORDIAL INVITATION. BIRKENHEAD BROTHERHOOD OF EX SERVICEMEN
IN GRANGE ROAD PRIMITIVE METHODUIST CHURCH. TOMORROW (SUNDAY) 3 TO 4 pm.
Speaker: Rev W E Farndale. Subject code on “The courage of Christ.”...
Birkenhead News, 31
January 1920:
BIRKENHEAD FREE CHURCH COUNCIL. President: REV W E FARNDALE.
Blackburn Times, 13 March
1920: CHURCH
SERVICES & MEETINGS. PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. MONTAGUE ST, BLACKBURN.
CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY SERVICES will be preached by Rev W E Farndale of Birkenhead.
Morning 10.30. Evening 6.30. Special music at each service.... today, Saturday,
at 7:00, the Rev W E Farndale will deliver his popular lecture entitled
“The Future life in Modern Thought.” …
Blackburn Times, 20 March
1920: MONTAGUE
STREET PRIMITIVE METHODIST ANNIVERSARY. Anniversary services in connection with
the Primitive Methodist Church, Montague Street, held on Sunday, were of a
successful character. The preacher was the Rev W E Farndale of Birkenhead, and
there were large congregations at each service … on Saturday evening Mr
Farndale gave a lecture entitled “The future life in Modern Thought”...
Birkenhead News, 24 April
1920: MOUNT
TABOR PRIMITIVE METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL, Anniversary services on … Monday April
26, A musical “at home” arranged by the Adult’s Bible Class in the schoolroom.
Host and hostess: Rev W E and Mrs Farndale....
Liverpool Daily Post, 26
June 1920: PRIMITIVE
METHODIST STATIONS. The following ministerial appointments have been sanctioned
by the primitive Methodist conference... Birkenhead... Mount Tabor: William
E Farndale. …
Birkenhead News, 14 August
1920: MOUNT TABOR PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, HOLT ROAD,
HIGHER TRANMERE. TOMORROW (SUNDAY). 10:45 AM. Rev W E Farndale.
Subject: “The Scars of the Saviour.”...
Birkenhead News, 21 August
1920: MOUNT
TABOR PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, HOLT ROAD, HIGHER TRANMERE. TOMORROW
(SUNDAY). Rev W E Farndale. 10.45 “The Inward Intercessor.” 6.30.
“Christian Conversation”....
Birkenhead News, 24 July
1920: UNDER
THE AUSPICES OF BIRKENHEAD FREE CHURCH COUNCIL. President: Rev W E Farndale.
A garden party and musical festival by the Birkenhead Philharmonic choir....
Birkenhead News, 4
September 1920:
MOUNT TABOR PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, HOLT ROAD, HIGHER TRANMERE.
“MAYFLOWER” TERCENTENARY”. REV W E FARNDALE will preach two special sermons:. 10.45:
“The Faith of the Pilgrim Fathers.” 6.30. The Venture of the “Mayflower” …
1921
Lancashire Evening Post,
30 April 1921: PRIMITIVE
METHODISTS. LIVERPOOL DISTRICT SYNOD AT PRESTON. In connection with the
Liverpool District Primitive Methodist Synod, at Preston, a reception was held,
last evening by the Mayoress … at the Town Hall ... The Rev W E Farndale, in
reply, said that we were living in days fraught with great moral and spiritual
issues, and it was the duty of the churches to seize the opportunity for a
great forward movement for the extension of the Kingdom of Christ. Applause.
1921 Census – Birkenhead, Cheshire
William Edward Farndale, 39,
Primitive Methodist Minister
Florence May Farndale, 41
Enid Florence Farndale, 9,
born Oldham Lancashire, in full time education
William Arthur James
Farndale, 5, born Britlay, Durham
Chester Chronicle, 21 May
1921: WHITBY.
ANNIVERARY SERVICES. On Sunday the Primitive Methodist Church held their
anniversary services, when the preacher was the Rev W E Farndale, Birkenhead,
whose eloquent and inspiring sermons were enjoyed by large congregations....
1922
Newcastle Evening
Chronicle, 12 June 1922: PRIMITIVE METHODISM. 103RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN
LEEDS. The 103rd annual conference of the Primitive Methodist Church will be
opened at Woodhouse Lane United Methodist Church, Leeds, on Wednesday. The
delegates number 200, in the proportion of two laymen to each minister... At
the conference the Rev German Hunt will complete his five years term as General
Sunday School Secretary, and he will be succeeded... For the position of vice secretary the following ministers have been nominated... William
E Farndale...
1924
In 1924, Rev William Edward
Farndale was preaching at Preston. Lancashire Evening Post, 4 July 1924: PRIMITIVE METHODIST
CHURCH, FLYDE ROAD, PRESTON. SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY. SUNDAY NEXT, 6TH
JULY, 1924, when the Rev W E FARNDALE, of
Birkenhead, will preach at 10.30 and 6.30 …
1925
Runcorn Weekly News, 15
May 1925: TRINITY
PRIMITIVE METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL, WATERLOO ROAD, WIDNES. The anniversary
services of the above school will be held on Sunday and Monday next. May 17th
and 18th. On Sunday, at 10:30 and 6:00, services will be conducted by the Rev
W E Farndale of Birkenhead...
1927
Chester Chronicle, 6
August 1927: MATTHEWS-BOSWORTH.
July 30, at Mount Tabor church, Birkenhead, by the Revs W E Farndale and
J H W Haswell BA...
1928
Ellesmere Port Pioneer, 13
January 1928: WHITBY
PM CHURCH. Speaker: Mrs Farndale, Birkenhead.
The
Grimsby Years
Grimsby News, 27 April
1928: The
Rev W E Farndale, at present minister of Mount Tabor Primitive Methodist
Church, Higher Tranmere, Birkenhead, is coming to take up ministerial duties
at the Ebenezer church in Grimsby, in July. Mr Farndale has been at
his present church since 1918 and comes here with a high reputation.
Grimsby News, 11 May 1928: The Rev W E
Farndale, who is coming to Ebenezer Church must have very special qualities,
for he has just completed a ten years pastorate at
Birkenhead. Educated at Hartley college, he had seen service in London, Oldham and Birkenhead.
Gloucester Citizen, 9 June
1928: REVISED
PRYER BOOK. FREE CHURCH OPPOISITION. Southport, Saturday. A resolution
declaring that parliament on its second consideration of the Revised Prayer
Book should, as on the first occasion, refuse its approval,
was proposed by Professor A L Humphries at the Primitive Methodist Conference
at Southport today. The Rev W E Farndale, of Liverpool, second seconded the
resolution, which was carried unanimously.
Manchester Evening News,
14 June 1928: MONSTER
CRUSADE. PRIMITIVE METHODISTS ON MILITANCY OF ROME. FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.
A resolution was passed at the Primitive Methodist Conference at Southport
today urging the need of systematic introduction of all members of
congregations and of scholars in underscoring the principles of Protestantism
in view “of the recrudence of Romanish
teaching and practise in our land.” The Rev W E Farndale, Liverpool
district, moving the resolution, said the time had come for them to
assert fearlessly their Protestant testimony. For some generations the
public had been lulled into a false sense of security. During an era
of religious tolerance and political emancipation, Roman Catholics in the
country had carried out an intensive campaign to such an extent and with such
success that the handbook to the Whit Friday procession declared: “We are no
longer orphans in a strange land. We are soldiers and conquerors looking forward
to greater victory.” Against such militancy they must launch a counter
crusade. The Papal Encyclical of 1891 bordered on the blasphemous and
dethroned Christ from that primacy which was his due....
The Scotsman, 15 June 1928: ROMAN CATHOLIC SUNDAY.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CRITICISM. “The Roman Catholic conception of the Sabbath
is one against which we must resolutely set our face,” said the Rev W E
Farndale, Liverpool, at the Primitive Methodist Conference in Southport
yesterday, in an outspoken criticism of the Church of Rome. “It is
considered that attendance at early morning mass can give the right to spend
the rest of the day in pleasure in sport. Such a facile bargain making spirit
must be emphatically condemned. Sunday must be restored to its joyful privilege
as a date totally and entirely dedicated to the worship and service of God in
our efforts to win the nation back to complete religious observance of the
day.”
Chester Chronicle, 16 June
1928: METHODISTS
AND ROMAN CATHOLIC TEACHING. The Primitive Methodist conference, which ended at
Southport on Thursday, adopted the following resolution: “In view of the recrudence of Roman Catholic teaching and practise in our
land, we reaffirm our deep sense of the imperishable importance of the great
spiritual value of the Protestant Reformation, and earnestly urge the serious
need, especially at the present juncture, of the systematic instruction of all
members of congregations and scholars in our Sunday schools in the abiding
principles of Protestantism.” The Rev W E Farndale, Liverpool, the mover,
said they must launch a counter crusade.
Nottingham and Midland
Catholic News, 23 June 1928: “MARIOLATRY”. The little sect of “primitive Methodists”, one
of the multitudinous petty factions into which the non conformities split up, have had a conference
recently, and at the final sitting, we're told, “very plain speaking about the
Roman Catholic Church was indulged in.” The Rev W E Farndale, Liverpool, set
his lance in rest to tilt at the Catholic Church. He was as eloquent on the
subject and as ignorant as any Hyde Park tub orator. “The time has come
to fearlessly assert Protestant testimony” he said....... And what
qualifications, mental or moral, has Mr Farndale, Liverpool, to judge them?...
John Bull, 30 June 1928: Speaking at the
Primitive Methodist Conference at Southport, the Rev W E Farndale condemned the
Roman Catholic conception of the Sabbath - early mass, sport
and pleasure - as “bargain making”. What an impudent statement in a free
country where everyone is permitted to hold and voices own opinions!
Grimsby News, 7 September
1928: FROM
LINCOLN. EBENEZER PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, CLEETHORPE ROAD. Harvest Festival. Sunday, September 9th,
1928. Preacher, 10.45 and 6.0: The Rev W E Farndale (the Newly Appointed
Minister) …
Grimsby News, 14 September
1928: HARVEST
FESTIVALS. EBENEZER PM CHURCH. The harvest festival was celebrated with an
excellent display of seasonable produce at Ebenezer PM Church last weekend....
Sunday saw Ebenezer's newly appointed minister in the pulpit. The Rev W E
farndale has come to this charge from Birkenhead, where he has been ministering
for 10 years....
Grimsby News, 12 October
1928: WOMEN’S
MEETING ANNIVERSARY. The twenty second anniversary of the Women's Meeting in
connection with the Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Church was celebrated by a
special effort last weekend. … in the afternoon an address was given to a
good gathering by the new minister of the church, the Rev W E Farndale, Mrs
H L Taylor presiding. …
Grimsby News, 16 November
1928: CHRISTIAN
ENDEAVOUR RALLY. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MINISTER. The annual convention of the
Grimsby and North Lincolnshire Christian Endeavour Union was held on Tuesday in
Flottergate Primitive Methodist Church. … the
retiring president, Miss D Huntsman took the chair and Rev W E Farndale
participated in the meeting....
Grimsby Daily Telegraph, 4
December 1928: THE
LATE COUNCILLOR J W HOUGHTON. CLEETHORPES FUNERAL SERVICE TRIBUTE. A sparkling
tribute to the sterling character of the late councillor J W Houghton, who, he
said, was “The friend of all and the enemy of none”, was paid by the Rev W
Farndale, when he spoke yesterday afternoon at the funeral service in Ebenezer
church which preceded to the internment at the Cleethorpes cemetery.... The
service which was of a simple but very impressive
nature, was conducted by the Rev W E Farndale who had the assistance of the Rev
H Davidson.... In the course of a fine address, the
Rev Farndale touched on the various aspects of the deceased's life. They all
thought that day, he said, of the catholicity of his interests. There was
nothing narrow in his outlook. He was the true public spirit, and he ever
showed supreme thoughtfulness for others. “He had a true catholicity of
spirit”, concluded the Rev Farndale. “He was a friend of all, and the enemy of
none, of sound convictions, who knew his own mind, yet could see the points of
others who differed with him on any subject. All this activity was the footage
of a vital religion.” There was a large congregation at the ceremony. The Rev
Farndale will conduct a memorial service at the Ebenezer church next Sunday
evening.
Grimsby News, 14 December
1928: MEMORIAL
SERVICE. There was a large congregation at the memorial service for the late
councillor J W Houghton at Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Church on Sunday
evening, which was conducted by the Rev W E Farndale …
Grimsby News, 7 December
1928:
GRIMSBY SECOND CIRCUIT. The quarterly meeting of the Grimsby second Primitive
Methodist Circuit (Ebenezer) was held in the Wellington Street Church at the
weekend. The Rev W E Farndale occupied the chair, and the Rev H A
Davidson acted as secretary. ... The Rev W E Farndale, minister of the
church, had a most satisfactory financial statement to give. He said that
during the past 12 months they had raised the handsome sum of more than £165
for missionary work. Of this the Women's Auxiliary were responsible for the
splendid contribution of £100. The Sunday School contributed £26
and the remainder came from the boxes. This result was an increase of £10 on
the amount reported 12 months ago. The Rev Mr Farndale said this was a
remarkably fine result and an expression of real generosity...
Grimsby News, 7 December
1928: PRAYERS
FOR THE KING. In view of the widespread anxiety in connection with the King's
illness, the National Anthem was sung and intercessionary
prayers were offered for the his recovery by the Rev W
E Farndale at Garibaldi Street Primitive Methodist Church on Sunday. Prayers
for the King were also offered by the Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Church by
the Rev C Crabtree, a missionary deputation. References have been made in nearly
all the places of worship.
Grimsby News, 14 December
1928: WASTE
ON ALCOHOL. An enthusiastic temperance demonstration was held on Monday
afternoon at the Ebenezer church, under the auspices of … A striking address
on “Is alcohol waste?” was given by the Rev W E Farndale, minister of the
Ebenezer Church. The speaker contended that the expenditure of £1,000,000 per
working day in this country on alcoholic beverages was wasteful. This
expenditure, he continued, was equal to one twelfth of the national income, and
during the last seven years we had spent on strong drink enough money to build
3 million houses at £600 each. Of this expenditure two thirds was contributed by the working classes and they could ill
afford it. If the money were floated into a national fund
it would provide a pension for everyone at the age of 65 of 30s a week. Since
1914 the profits of the Brewers had increased by 150% and now it was actually proposed to relieve these needy people of their
rates to the amount of £400,000 annually.
Grimsby News, 21 December
1928: DISCIPLESHIP
CAMPAIGN. At the Ebenezer PM church on Monday the Rev W E Farndale outlined to
a meeting of workers a very interesting plan for a mission campaign on novel
lines to be conducted by himself and the church members at the end of January
next, January 27th to Sunday 3rd February inclusive. Full details will be
forthcoming in due course.
1929
Grimsby News, 4 January
1929: The coming of age of this church was
celebrated on New Year's Day by a special gathering. A well
attended service of commemoration was held in the church at which Mr. J
Carr presided. After prayer by the Rev W H Farndale, the following took
part, representing the various departments of activity …
Grimsby News, 25 January
1929: LADIES
MISSIONARY AUXILIARY. “Forward be our watchword” was the clarion call with
which Mrs Farndale concluded her address at the meeting held on Wednesday
afternoon in the Primitive Methodist Church. The address throughout was very
interesting and greatly enjoyed. Mrs Abbott presided over the meeting...
Grimsby News, 22 February
1929: On
Monday evening a most interesting lantern lecture was given by the Rev F A
Speight on “Beauties of Switzerland”. Having an intimate acquaintance with this
subject, Mr Speight showed his selection of beautiful slides in connection with
the various tours around Lucerne, Grindelwald and
Interlaken. The chair was taken by Mr Albert Cox whose happy introduction was a
delight to the audience. The Rev W E Farndale voiced the thanks of the
gathering to the lanternist, Mr Dobson, the lecturer,
and the chairman.
Grimsby News, 24 May 1929: GRIMSBY BWTA. The May
monthly meeting of the Grimsby Branch of the British Women’s Total Abstinence
Union was held at the Heneage Road Wesleyan Church. Mrs Thompson presided and
the Rev W E Farndale spoke on “Democracy and drink.” …
Grimsby News, 14 June 1929: “THE MADDEST MODERN
CRAZE”. The Rev W E Farndale will be preaching at the Ebenezer PM Church on
Sunday evening next on the subject of “The maddest modern craze.” The reference
of the title is to gambling, which has attained
such enormous dimensions and is the cause of such widespread deterioration of
character. Before a Select Committee of the House of Commons
evidence was given which does but corroborate what every keen observer
must have noticed. Police authorities testified that betting and gambling gave
rise to more crime than anything else. The custom has now assumed such
tremendous proportions that it is incumbent upon all who are concerned with the
moral and religious condition of the land to consider the matter very seriously.
On Sunday evening Mr Farndale will give illustrations of the widespread
ramifications of the habit.
Grimsby News, 18 October
1929:
EBENEZER’S WOMEN’S AUXILIARY. Large and appreciative congregations assembled
on Sunday at the Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Church where divine worship was
conducted by... Mrs Wilkinson, who was unable to preside, had sent a kindly
letter of greeting to the women's meeting of which she had been the founder. Mrs
Farndale presided, and a varied and interesting programme of instrumental
and vocal music was given to the great enjoyment of all who had met together...
The Laceby PM harvest festival has again proved most
successful... The Rev W E Farndale addressed the meeting on “The harvest of beauty”...
Grimsby News, 8 November
1929: SUNDAY
CLOSING. The British Women's Total Abstinence Union are making a special effort
to secure the signatures of a million women to a petition addressed to the
Prime Minister asking for national Sunday closing for England. A Bill to secure
Sunday closing has already been drafted at the request of a very large and
representative conference. Every denomination in the land is concerned in this
important temperance measure. On Sunday evening at the Ebenezer church, the
Rev W E Farndale will make special reference to this movement in the sermon on
the relation between the Christian Sabbath and Sunday closing.
Grimsby News, 8 November
1929: PEACE
COMMEMORATION. On Sunday morning, at the Ebenezer church, a peace commemoration
service will be conducted by the Rev W E Farndale. Stress will be laid not so
much on the horror of the past war or the devastating havoc of any future war,
as on the fostering of a spirit in national and international affairs which
alone can secure fraternity and prosperity. A cordial invitation is given to
the public to attend this gathering of worshipful dedication to the cause of
worldwide peace.
Grimsby News, 6 December
1929: CHURCH
NEWS AND NOTES. The preacher at Welholme
Congregational Church on Sunday next is the Rev Dr Sidney Berry, who is one of
the most distinguished preachers of the denomination... last Sunday was
observed as a day of prayer for missions. At the Ebenezer Church the Women's
Auxiliary arranged for a special intercession service on Sunday evening. This
was conducted by Mrs Farndale. A large number gathered for this purpose and
ardent petitions were offered for the progress of the evangel abroad... The
Primitive Methodist Church at Irby on Sunday and Monday held its annual
missionary meetings... The Rev W E Farndale gave the financial statement
which showed the amount raised...
Sydenham, Forest Hill
& Penge Gazette, 6 December 1929: CENTRAL CHURCH, FOREST HILL. VISIT OF THE REV W E FARNDALE,
OF GRIMSBY. Much interest is being displayed by members of the church and
friends alike in anticipation of the opportunity which this weekend will offer
for renewal of old friendships with a former minister of the church. Twenty five years ago Rev W E Farndale commenced a
successful term as one of the ministers of the Forest Hill Circuit. An “At
home” is to be held in the church hall tomorrow, Saturday, at 7:30 PM, when Mr
W B Wood will take the chair... Many friends of the church living in the
neighbourhood will have happy recollections of Rev W E Farndale’s stay in
Forest Hill and will no doubt take the opportunity of meeting him once again...
Grimsby News 28 December
1929: CHRISTMAS
CAROL SERVICE. On Sunday at the Ebenezer Church the Rev W E Farndale
conducted A Christmas Carol service... at the close of the service the Rev
W E Farndale announced that...
1930
Grimsby News, 10 January
1930: GIFT
OF A CHURCH. The Rev W E Farndale on Sunday morning last told a remarkable
story from the pulpit of the Garibaldi street
church. He stated that 70 years ago there was born in a Derbyshire village a
child who, as a youth, came into touch with Primitive Methodism. He had to
begin work in a coal mine at 11, and when he was 22 he
emigrated to America. There he had a remarkable career and became a wealthy
man. Desiring to show gratitude for helpful influences in his early days, he
bought the land on which his old home had stood, together with the ground
adjacent, and, at great cost, erected a very handsome church. This church has a
tower with a peal of twelve bells of the latest mechanism. An organ is also installed and a manse erected and furnished nearby. A park
was made and laid out opposite the church. Altogether the cost must have
amounted to about £40,000. The church and manse were then presented to the
Primitive Methodist denomination. Mr Robert Watehorn
is still alive, hale and hearty, and at the opening service expressed his
devout gratitude for a godly mother and for the religious influence of his
early life.
Hull Daily Mail, 27 June
1930: APPOINTMENTS
TO HULL AND NORTH LINCS DISTRICTS. The following stations were allotted at the
Primitive Methodist conference in Bradford, on Thursday, to the ministers and
lay agents … Grimsby and Lincoln district … Ebenezer – W E Farndale...
Grimsby News, 17 October
1930: GRIMSBY
WOMEN LIBERALS. A very successful meeting was held at the Grimsby Liberal Club
yesterday, when the Women's Liberal Association opens there when winter
session... Mrs Farndale also spoke, and the new secretary, Mrs Sharp,
was welcomed by the members...
1931
Grimsby Daily Telegraph,
19 January 1931:
FORWARD MOVEMENT INITIATED. A widespread and earnest desire has been
expressed for the establishment of a vigorous Free Church Council for
Grimsby, Cleethorpes, and the district. Steps have therefore been taken for the
energetic organisation of a body that will would worthily represent all the non conformist places of worship
in the locality. The Rev F Y Leggat MA, has been appointed president, with the Rev
W E Farndale... as secretaries...
BRIGHOWGATE HOMES. CHILDREN
ENTERTAINED AS GUESTS. At the recently formed Ebenezer Men's League, the happy
idea was suggested of inviting children of the Brighowgate
Homes to spend a Sunday as guests sharing the hospitality of various families
for dinner and tea and round the fireside... The Rev W E Farndale in the
service at night expressed his pleasure that all had felt in having the
privilege of entertaining children that were such a credit to the homes, and
how delighted too they had been to hear their voices so sweetly blending in the
worship song of the sanctuary....
Grimsby Daily Telegraph, 6
February 1931:
A CALL TO YOUTH. By the REV W E FARNDALE. (Minister of Ebenezer Primitive
Methodist Church), Honorary Secretary of the Grimsby Free Church Council. This
is an appeal to young men and women. Have you considered what a golden age this
is for youth? What enormous strides have been made for the equipment of the
present generation! Physical fitness is a widespread boom. School drill,
gymnastic exercise and provision for sport, child welfare and clinics, such
organisations as Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, scouts, guides, rambling clubs and summer camps: all these and the like have
developed healthy physique in a most marked degree. The youth of today is also
better educated than at any time in our history. The passing of the Education
Act of 1870 and the granting of the “eighties” of free education began a new
epoch and now, with the growth of secondary education and increased facilities
for university education, the standard of learning has been still further
raised. And was ever youth better cared for religiously than today?...
Sheffield Independent, 4
May 1931: LINCOLNSHIRE
SYNOD. GREAT HOPES FROM METHODIST UNION. Nearly 8,000 Primitive Methodists
throughout Lincolnshire are represented at the district synod which opened at
Skegness during the weekend... Ministerial delegates to the conference at Derby
in 1932 are ... additional delegates include... W Farndale, Cleethorpes...
Hull Daily Mail 26 June
1931: New
Ministers. Primitive Methodist Appointments. Northern List. Grimsby and
Lincoln. Grimsby (Victoria Street) … WE Farndale …
Grimsby Daily Telegraph,
12 November 1931:
CHALLENGE OF THE WORLD CRISIS. CONFERENCE OF THE C E UNION AT GRIMSBY.
Grimsby and North Lincolnshire Christian Endeavour Union held its annual
conference in the Hainton Avenue PM Church
yesterday... At night a rally of societies was addressed by... H Wilkinson, the
retiring president, introduced his successor, the Rev W E farndale, who said
that the present world crisis was a challenge to Christians and an opportunity
for all Endeavours...
1932
Lincolnshire Echo 22
August 1932: LINCOLN
HONOUR. The doors will be unlocked by Miss Lena Wallis and honour will thus be paid
to one of the most the foremost women in British Methodism... A public meeting
at night will be presided over by Alderman CT Parker, one of the leading layman of Primitive Methodism in this country. The
speakers will be the Rev S W Hughes and Rev W E Farndale, who has been
appointed chairman of the new Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist district, which
embraces the area from the Humber to the Wash.
Lincolnshire Echo, 28
September 1932:
BISHOP GREETS METHODISTS. FIRST LINCOLN SYNOD SINCE UNION. COMPLIMENTS.
Methodists from all parts of the county met in Lincoln today for the September
Synod of the Lincoln and Grimsby district, which was held at the Wesley Chapel,
Clasketgate … the Rev W E Farndale, chairman of
the district, who presided and welcome the guests, asked the Bishop of
Grantham to convey their fraternal greetings to the Bishop of Lincoln.
Nottingham Evening Post,
19 October 1932:
BOSTON METHODIST RALLY. “A MIGHTY CONFLICT IS WAITING TO BE WAGED.” “The
great purpose for which Methodists have been made one is that we may put up
a more resolute fight than for generations. A mighty conflict is waiting to
be waged.” These were the words of the Rev W E Farndale, the newly
appointed chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby district of the Methodist Church
at the great Methodists Union Rally at the Centenary Church, Boston, when Mr Raymond
W Hastings of Spalding took the chair. Mr Farndale continuing his address from
which the opening quotation was taken said, “The first emergence of Methodism
inaugurated a wondrous crusade, and the rebirth of methodism is to witness Methodism
armed and in battle array against a world of evil. The church of God is
being gathered for a greater struggle than it has ever yet faced.”
Lincolnshire Standard and
Boston Guardian 22 October 1932: DISTRICT CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS. The Rev W E Farndale, the
recently appointed chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby district of the
Methodist Church, said “It was for all of us a very great moment when we were
privileged to break bread and drink wine as a sign of the Divine Mercy in our
newly found unity. Please God that spirit may ever be here.... A lengthy
address is reproduced in this article.
1933
Grimsby Daily Telegraph, 7
January 1933: The
annual New Year Gathering of the members of the Ebenezer women's meeting was
held on Monday last in the schoolroom. About 100 people sat down to an
excellent tea and a social evening followed. Mrs farndale presided and
gave a few words of New Year's greetings …
Grimsby Daily Telegraph,
28 January 1933:
The members of Clee branch of the British Women’s Temperance Association
held their monthly meeting in the school room of the Ebenezer Church on Monday.
Afterwards the Rev W E Farndale gave an address on tote clubs...
Speaking of the amazing rise and spread of this movement, he pointed out how
matters had now come to a head through the recent legal actions culminating in
the ruling of Lord Hewitt and his fellow judges....
Grimsby Daily Telegraph, 1
April 1933: In
connection with the Women's Missionary Auxiliary of the Grimsby Ebenezer
circuit, American tea was held in the Ebenezer schoolroom on Thursday
afternoon. Mrs Farndale presided, and solos were given by... the Rev
W E Farndale in a short address pointed out that this was the last effort
before the funds of the Primitive Methodist Missionary Society was wound up. A
very enjoying enjoyable afternoon was spent.... a very interesting address on “Understanding”
was given by the Rev A I Young... Under the presidency of the Rev W E Farndale...
Lincolnshire Echo, 25
April 1933: WOMEN’S
DAY. The second annual women's day was held at in the Union Street Methodist
Chapel, Market Rasen, when Mrs Farndale, of Grimsby, was the special
preacher...
Grimsby Daily Telegraph,
11 May 1933: PROPOSED
DISTRICT MISSIONARY. HARRASSED, OVERWORKED MINISTERS. ... a further
recommendation was that the Rev W E Farndale be appointed to the position
for at least three years.... Urging the candidature of the Rev W E Farndale
he said that they had learned to love and admire him...
Lincolnshire Standard and
Boston Guardian, 13 May 1933: DISTRICT MISSIONARY APPOINTED. On the motion of Mr RW
Hastings, of Spalding, seconded by the Rev FB Hudson, Grimsby, the Synod
appointed the chairman of the district, the Rev W E Farndale, of Grimsby,
to a new post, that of district missionary, as recommended by a
subcommittee, who reported that the duties of the dual appointment of circuit
superintendents and chairman of the district were too onerous. Mr Farndale’s
new appointment is for three years, and he will, presumably, shortly,
relinquish the duties of circuit Superintendent at Grimsby, continuing as
district chairman.
1934
Grimsby Daily Telegraph,
14 April 1934: On
Wednesday a meeting was held at the ex Wesleyan
Church at Sleaford when Mr Butler presided and addresses
were given by the Rev W E Farndale …
The
Lincoln Years
Grimsby Daily Telegraph, 4
August 1934: A
LOSS TO GRIMSBY. The Rev W E Farndale, chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby
district of the Methodist Church, have now left Grimsby and taken up residence
in Lincoln. This change of residence has been imminent ever since his
appointment as chairman of the district when the three Methodist churches
amalgamated. For some time past he has been without
pastoral duties to enable him to devote his time to this high office. Both he
and Mrs Farndale had made many friends during their stay in Grimsby, and their
departure to Lincoln will be deeply regretted. In recent months the Rev W E Farndale
have had to spend a very large proportion of his time travelling in order to fulfil engagements in his very large district.
Lincoln is more centrally located for his duties, and it is for this reason
that Mr and Mrs Farndale have finally decided to leave Grimsby.
Boston Guardian, 22
September 1934:
MISSIONARY WORK. LINCOLN AND GRIMNSBY DISTRICT MEETINGS. There were large
attendances at the West Street Methodist Church, Boston, yesterday... A
business session followed at which the chairman was Mrs W E Farndale (president
of the district.) Among the places from which delegates were present were
Lincoln, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Bartley, Louth, Alford, Skegness, and the three
Methodist circuits of Boston.
Lincolnshire Standard and
Boston Guardian, 27 October 1934: NEW BOSTON CHURCH OPENED.
An exclusive “standard” photograph of the scene at the opening of the
new Zion Methodist Church Brothertoft Road, Boston,
last week. Left to right: the Rev A Fenton (Superintendent Minister of the Centenary
Methodist Circuit); Mrs Fenton (the Opener); Mr G W Whitton (the well known Methodist layman of
Lincoln who presided); The Rev W E Farndale (Chairman of the Lincoln and
Grimsby Methodist District; and the Rev J Oliver Hornibrook (Secretary of the
Methodist Chapel Committee).
Lincolnshire Echo, 18
December 1934: LINCOLN
CHURCHES. CATHEDRAL SERVICES. ... A branch of the women's department of the Methodist
Overseas Mission has been started at Bailgate Methodist Church, with Mrs
W E Farndale as president and Mrs Gill as secretary. Mrs Farndale is the
wife of Rev W E Farndale, chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby district, who has
recently come to live in Lincoln and has become a member of Bailgate Church.
1935
Western Daily Press, 27
July 1935: Methodist
Conference. Methodists’ Ministerial Session. The Rev William E Farndale chairman
of the Lincoln and Grimsby District, whose subject was “Is this experience for
all?” … The Rev W E Farndale said that while some churches appealed
constantly to the Fathers of the early church, they must go still further back.
It was the New Testament teaching that was nominative.
1936
Spalding Guardian, 14
March 1936: PROBLEMS IN EDUCATION. Mr Taylor, in answer
to another question, stated that there were also grants available for
children’s libraries, about 20 per cent he thought. The Rev W E Farndale
(Chairman of the District) observed, with regard to children's
libraries in these days, it is so necessary there should be guided reading.
Mr Farndale urged that pressure be brought to bear on the local authority
concerned, in order to secure a proper library facilities
for the district as early as possible. ... Mr Farndale, at the beginning of
the conference, welcomed to the representatives of the various Sunday Schools.
He spoke of the application of theory in education,
and declared that one of the problems they had to face was to know how to
develop education now being given, not only in their Sunday school work, but
also in the elementary and secondary schools. It was and indeed a growing
problem...
Spalding Guardian, 31 July
1936: SPECIAL
PREACHER. The special preacher at the St Thomas Road Methodist Church on
Sunday was the Rev W E Farndale, who preached both morning and evening.
There were large congregations all day, and in the evening and musical service
was held. Members of the choir rendered anthems, solos
and choruses. Mr Farndale occupied the chair, and
spoke on “Singing is not an act but an influence.”
1937
Boston Guardian, 15
January 1937: LOCAL
PREACHER’S CONFERENCE, WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY? ADDRESS BY LONDON MINISTER. ... Mr
Farndale remarked that there were many problems confronting the preachers,
one of the most difficult of which was the number of empty pews, and the
more can't conscientious the preacher, the more he might feel the difficulty...
Boston Guardian, 9 July
1937: YESTERDAY’S
GARDEN PARTY. EFFORT FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. There was a large attendance at the
annual Centenary Circuit Missionary Garden party, held in the grounds of Standish
house … Mrs R W Page presided... she expressed her sorry that Mrs Farndale
was unable to be present, owing to illness. An address was given by the
Rev W E Farndale, who urged them to continue with their missionary work....
Stamford Mercury, 1
October 1937: PAGAN
POPULATION. There was no difference in the duty of the active layman and the
minister.... the Rev W E Farndale commented that that day they thought
for most of the children for whom the new schoolroom was built. Children
used to be sent to Sunday school, but now they had to be fetched, and there
is a great work waiting to be done. He was sorry to say that only last year the
Methodists lost 65,000 scholars in this country. There was a grave danger of
the of a pagan population growing up and it was their duty to bring the
children into the church...
Spalding Guardian, 3
December 1937: RELIGIOUS
TEACHING IN COUNTY SENIOR SCHOOLS. HOLLAND EDUCATION COMMITTEE HEAR FRE CHURCH
VIEWS. ARE BUTTERWICK, MOULTON AND DINIGNTON SCHOOLS ANGLICAN? OBJECTION TO
DIOCESAN SYLABUS FOR RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION. THE REV W E FARNDALE HEADS
REPRESENTATIVE DEPUTATION. A very lengthy article on religious teaching in
senior schools.
1938
Louth Standard, 14 May
1938: NORTH
SOMERCOTES. METHODISM. In connection with the Bright Hour and Fellowship
classes, services were held at the Trinity Methodist Church on Sunday and
Monday. The Rev Farndale, chairman of the district, gave addresses...
Lincolnshire Standard and
Boston Guardian, 14 May 1938: CHAIRMAN RE-ELECTED. The secretary announced that the
Synod had unanimously nominated the Rev W E Farndale chairman of the district,
the announcement being greeted with applause….
Spalding Guardian, 14
October 1938: “This
surely is the time, above all others, when sectarian barriers should go down”, concluded
Mr Farndale.
Boston Guardian, 9
November 1938: ALFORD
REMEMBERS. IMPRESSIVE ARMISTICE TIDE OBSERVANCES. ... ex
servicemen, counsellors and others were also among the large
congregation present in the evening at a peace service in the West Street Methodist
Chapel, at which the preacher was the Rev W E Farndale, chairman of the
district...
1939
Spalding Guardian, 6
January 1939: APPROVAL.
Mr J R McKnight, Director of Education, on behalf of the Education Committee,
supported the proposal saying that the authority could not overlook the long
educational history of the school nor could the tradition of the foundation,
extending back for over 400 years, be ruthlessly cast aside.... the Rev W E Farndale,
chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist district, led the contrary
argument, and at the inquiry the Free Churches were represented by Mr WL Kitching.
Grimsby Daily Telegraph, 3
February 1939: GROWTH
OF METHODISM. The Rev W E Farndale said that it was heartening in these
times that in British Methodists there were more than a million children
attending Sunday school....
Grimsby Daily Telegraph, 3
February 1939: SCARTHOE
CEREMONY. Foundation stones were laid yesterday of the Methodist new Sunday
school at Scarthoe. Among those taking part in the
ceremony were, left to right, Rev W E Farndale, Rev A J Shields, Rev C E ward, Councillor
E S Rudkin, and Mr G Turner, the architect.
Lincolnshire Free Press,
20 February 1939:
VISIT OF REV W E FARNDALE. The Rev W E Farndale, chairman of the
Lincoln and Grimsby District of the Methodist Church, was the preacher
at the Crescent Methodist Church on Sunday, when the offertories were for Home Missions.
There were good congregations in the and at the evening service Mr Farndale
took as his subject, “Prepare for the King”... In
an excellent service sermon, Mr Farndale said that if they were to prepare the
way for Christ, their King, the valleys must be exalted, there must be
rejoicing and no drooping spirits...
Lincolnshire Echo, 15 June
1939: MOVEMENTS
THAT AROSE OUT OF WARS. ... Yesterday the Rev W E Farndale, chairman of
the Lincoln district gave an address...
Louth Standard, 2
September 1939:
METHODISTS’ WORK FOR RISING GENERATION. ANOTHER £50 RAISED FOR NEW SUNDAY
SCHOOL. … the congregation then adjourned to the Chapel, where a service was
conducted by the Rev W E Farndale, chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby
district...
Lincolnshire Echo, 13
September 1939:
METHODIST SYNOD AT LINCOLN. Chief officers at the Lincoln and Grimsby District
Methodist Synod, which was held at Wesley Chapel, Clasketgate,
Lincoln today. Left right: Rev W A Underwood,
secretary, Rev W E Farndale, chairman, and Rev J T Hughes, assistant
secretary.
Boston Guardian, 20
September 1939:
METHODISM AND THE WAR. PROBLEMS TO BE FACED. SYNOD MEETS AT LINCOLN. . War problems were discussed at the September
Senate of the Lincoln and Grimsby District of the Methodist Church
at Lincoln, on Wednesday. The Senate was to have been held at Holbeach, but owing
to the outbreak of war, was transferred to Lincoln... the Rev W E Farndale,
chairman of the district, presided and there was an attendance of ministers
and laymen representing 600 congregations in the county....
Grantham Journal, 30
September 1939:
OSBOURNBY METHODIST CHAPEL, REOPENED AFTER RENOVATIONS COSTING £100. ...
Following a tea which was served by... Mr Farndale addressed the gathering...
Boston Guardian, 11
October 1939: CELEBRATIONS
CONTINUED. On Monday afternoon the Rev W E Farndale, chairman of the Lincoln
and Grimsby district, gave an address, there were good congregations at all
services...
Lincolnshire Standard and
Boston Guardian, 14 October 1939: “MEIN KAMPF AND THE BIBLE”. MR BUTCHER’S MESSAGE TO
METHODISTS. THANKSGIVING SERVICE AT CENTENARY. The centenary celebrations of
Boston centenary Methodist Church were continued on Monday with a meeting in
the afternoon and a Thanksgiving service in the evening.... The Rev W E Farndale
opened his address by congratulating those Methodists who had succeeded in
raising such a fine church and such a sincere faith... At the afternoon
service, the Rev W E Farndale gave an address on “The moral value of church
worship.”
1939 Register: William, a
Methodist minister (chairman of district) living with Florence at 10
Mainwaring Road, Lincoln
Lincolnshire Echo, 8
November 1939: CLERGY’S
WORK IN AIR RAIDS. ORGANISATION IN THE LINCOLN DISTRICT. SPECIAL ARMLETS. In
the event of air raids, Church of England clergy in the Lincoln diocese and Free
Church ministers in the Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist Church, will take
their part in helping any homeless or injured or any members of the public in
need of assistance. As in other parts of the country, clergymen here have
been issued with an armlet of Air Force blue, bearing the letters ARP, in
red, above a white cross.... the Rev W E Farndale, chairman of the
Lincoln Methodist district said that the Methodist churches had kept its close
contact with their London headquarters in the matter, and headquarters had been
in touch with the ministry of home defence. In the Lincoln district, which is
equivalent to the whole of Lincolnshire, said Mr Farndale, the ministers would
wear armlets and be otherwise equipped in the case of an air raid. ..
Scunthorpe Evening
Telegraph, 18 November 1939: TOYNTON SUNDAY SCHOOL. the Rev W E Farndale, chairman
of the Grimsby and Lincoln Methodist district, addressed a large meeting... in
time of war, he said, there was need for Sunday school work to increase.
The effects of their labours in the Sunday schools were reaped through the
years and had a profound influence on the nation...
Lincolnshire Echo, 6 December
1939: TOTAL
ABSTINENCE UNION MEETING AT LINCOLN. Lincoln branch of the National British Women's
Total Abstinence Union held their December meeting yesterday at Clasketgate schoolroom. Mrs W Sindell
presided and Mrs F W Farndale gave a talk on Finland and its
prohibition laws....
1940
Lincolnshire Echo, 9
January 1940: COVENANT
SERVICE. … the service was presided over by the chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby
Methodist District, Rev W E Farndale, and the superintended ministers of
the full circuits took part...
Lincolnshire Echo, 7 March
1940: COUNTY
NBWTA UNION. MRS W E FARNDALE AGAIN ELECTED PRESIDENT. Mrs W E Farndale,
of Lincoln, was today re elected
president of the Lincolnshire County Union of the national British Women's
Total Abstinence Union, at the annual meeting of the Union at Westgate Parade
Methodist Church, Lincoln.
Lincolnshire Echo, 10 May
1940: METHODIST
MEMBERSHIP DOWN. The Chairman of the district, the Rev W E Farndale,
said the Skegness and Wainfleet Circuit was one of the few in the country to
show an increased membership since Methodist union...
Sleaford Gazette, 31 May
1940: ANNIVERSARY.
... in the evening the Rev W E Farndale gave a lecture entitled “The Church of Good
Hope”...
Skegness Standard, 28
August 1940: METHODIST
SYMPATHY. The pulpit of at the Algitha Road
Methodist Church was on Sunday twice occupied by the Rev W E Farndale,
chairman of the district. In the course of his morning
sermon the preacher said that Methodists throughout the connexional district
were fully cognizant of the handicaps and anxieties of Skegness as a coastal
town in these trying days, and their sincere sympathy was extended to
Methodists and others in their experience.
Lincolnshire Echo, 21
November 1940: LINCOLN
NBWTAU. A well attended meeting of the National
British Women's Total Abstinence Union, Lincoln branch, was held by invitation
of councillor and Mrs J W Lawson, at Greylands Place,
Lee Road, Lincoln. Mrs W Sindell (president) presided and an address was given by the Rev W E Farndale
on temperance work from the time of the Napoleonic works wars to the present.
Mrs Farndale, County Union President, told of the county branches
efforts to raise funds for a mobile canteen for Lincolnshire...
1941
Lincolnshire Echo, 11
January 1941: The
Rev W E Farndale, in a short speech said that religion must be regarded never
as a dope but ever as a dynamic...
Boston Guardian, 22
January 1941: ZION.
The Methodist Guild anniversary was held on Saturday and Sunday. The
preacher for the week end was the Rev W E Farndale,
chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby district....
Lincolnshire Echo, 14
February 1941: NO
WINE LICENCE FOR COOP SHOPS. LINCOLN BENCH DIVISION. Another point put
forward by Mr Farndale was that wine selling was a luxury trade and it
should not be encouraged in wartime...
Lincolnshire Echo, 15
February 1941: The
Rev W E Farndale, chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist
District, said yesterday “Methodists are fully alive to the importance of constant
and careful fire watching in respect of their churches and school premises...
Lincolnshire Standard and
Boston Guardian, 21 June 1941: THE QUARTERLY MEETING of the Square Methodist Circuit was
held at East Heckington on Thursday. The chairman of
the district, the Rev W E Farndale, presided... The Rev W E Farndale
gave a striking address. The circuit minister voiced thanks to the Rev W E Farndale
for his visit.
Lincolnshire Echo, 28 June
1941: GARDEN
MEETING. In connection with the Lincoln branch of the National British Women's Total
Abstinence Union, a successful garden meeting was held on Wednesday
afternoon at the home of the Rev and Mrs W Farndale...
Lincolnshire Echo, 11 November
1941: REMEMBRANCE
DAY. A Remembrance Day service was conducted on Sunday morning at the Wesley Church,
Clasketgate, by the Rev W E Farndale, who
spoke on the subject of vindicating their
faith. The outbreak of the last war, he said, was marked by intense
confidence in the righteousness of the cause of freeing Belgium from the
invader. Signing of the Armistice brought a resurgence of that idealism and
hopes for a better world. The faith of those men who won the last war needed to
be vindicated in these days by a still deeper faith, faith which allied itself
to God as the supreme right ruler of the nations....
1942
Lincolnshire Echo, 31
January 1942: PREACHERS
FOR SUNDAY. Holgate Methodist Church. 1030. Mrs F Farndale...
1943
Torbay Express and South
Devon Echo, 15 July 1943: SINGLE SCHOOLS STRANGLEHOLD. Suggestions that Free Churches
had “sold the past” with regard to Free Church
education was vigorously denied at the Methodist Church conference which
was resumed in Birmingham today. Rev W E Farndale, of Lincoln District,
maintained that it was very important that every child should have the fullest
possible opportunity of the modern educational facilities...
Newcastle Journal, 16 July
1943: “SOLD
THE PASS”. The Rev W E Farndale at the Lincoln district of the Lincoln
district, said that if the churches did not raise their voices about the
stranglehold caused by the effects of the denominational “single school”
system, then other voices would be raised...
1944
Lincolnshire Echo, 4
January 1944: COMMANDOS
PREPARE. Arrangements are now fast approaching completion for the Christian Commando
Campaign in Lincoln. The proceedings will be opened by a Mayorial
reception at Portland Place Church on Monday January 24 at 6:15 pm ... this
will precede the inaugural public meeting in the same church at 7:15 PM, when
the Rev W E Farndale, chairman of the district, will preside and
short testimonies will be given by members of the commando team, led by the Rev
Colin Roberts, of London...
Lincolnshire Echo, 31
January 1944: POST
WAR YEARS. Councillor E S Everett was elected a manager of the bank and Mr F B
Clark, a member of the Finance Committee. Proposing these appointments, the
Rev W E Farndale hoped that this year would see an even more decisive
defeat of a dictator in Europe than befell Napoleon in it in 1815, the year
of the foundation of the Lincoln Trustee Savings Bank...
Grimsby Daily Telegraph,
22 May 1944: METHODIST
SYNOD. At the Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist District Synod in Lincoln on
Friday, the Rev W E Farndale, formerly of Grimsby, was re-elected
chairman of the district...
Boston
Guardian, 9 August 1944: MORE THAN LIKKELY. Methodists of Boston District will
have noted with interest that within a few years the chairman of the Lincoln
district, the Rev W E Farndale, is more than likely to become president of the
Methodist conference, the highest honour which can be accorded him by his
church. He secured over 40 votes in this year's election, which is a high
figure at “the first time of asking”. Mr Farndale has very many friends in
and around Boston. His charming personality and his forcefulness as a
preacher have won him many friends. Should he be elected at some future
date, it will be a high honour confirmed upon Lincolnshire Methodism.
Skegness
Standard, 9 August 1944: The Rev W E Farndale, Chairman of the Lincoln and
Grimsby District, a frequent visitor to Spalding, is second on the list
to the Rev Dr a W Harrison MC BA BSc, the President Designate of the
Methodist Conference for 1945.
1945
Liverpool Echo 1 January
1945: Rev
W E Farndale officiated at the silver wedding of McDonald – Price.
Lincolnshire
Echo, 23 January 1945: NBWTAU. “The need for Christian teaching in the home”
was the subject of an address by Mrs W E Farndale at the local branch of
the national British Women's Total Abstinence Union at West parade Methodist
Church last week....
Lincolnshire Standard and
Boston Guardian, 24 February 1945: Rev W E Farndale, Chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby District, has been inducted
to the presidency of Lincoln Free Church Federal Council, in succession
to...
Lincolnshire
Echo, 19 July 1945: NOMINATED FOR THE METHODIST PRESIDENCY. The Rev W E Farndale,
chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist district, was nominated for
the Presidency of the Methodist Conference during yesterday's session of
the conference at Nottingham. Three rounds of voting were necessary before the
conference elected Dr Newton Flew, president of the National Federal Free Church
Council, as President of the Conference for 1946, with Mr Farndale
second in a heavy poll. There were several nominations, but the number was
reduced to four for the second voting, and this was further reduced to two for
the final vote. A friend of Mr Farndale, who was present at the
conference, told the Echo: “A number of us felt we would like to put our
chairman's name forward for the presidency next year, and it was very
gratifying to us to find the voting and supported Mr Farndale increasing each
time. We are naturally sorry that he was not successful, but the close
voting encourages us to hope that next year we may have the satisfaction of
seeing him elected president for 1947.”
Lincolnshire Echo, 8
December 1945: TEMPERANCE
MEETING. The monthly meeting of the National British Women's Temperance Association
was held in the Wesley Chapel, Clasketgate on
Wednesday, in conjunction with Well Lane and Baggeholme
Sisterhood. Mrs Boucher presided and Mrs Walter
Edwards gave an interesting address. Thanks to all who had taken part in the
meeting were expressed by Mrs W E Farndale.
1946
Lincolnshire Echo, 1
January 1946: NEW
YEAR messages for 1946 have been received from church leaders in the city. The Rev
W E Farndale, chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist District: What
is the master problem of 1946? In this, the crucial year, for our
reconstruction at home and peace keeping for the world, there will be many
difficulties to overcome, political , social and
economic. But the master problem, the root trouble, lies far deeper, it is to
be found in human nature. When man is equal to his task, he the will to find a
way to his goal, despite every obstacle. This year, however, to a supreme
degree, are needed high qualities of goodwill, patience, adaptability
and generous outlook. Christian citizenship will be at a premium. The mind must
therefore be cleansed of prejudice, and the heart purified from selfish faints.
The driving force in all our planning must be not mere expediency, but high toned moral energy. So to
change, human nature has to be capable of this high work, possible only through
supernatural force, and nothing short of this will suffice for the months
ahead. The New Year’s call, therefore, to every believer is to unite to
intercession for spiritual rebirth throughout the land, the conversion of
England for the salvation of the world.
Louth Standard 20 July
1946: METHODISTS
NEXT PRESIDENT. Rev W E Farndale, chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby
district, has been nominated as President-Elect at the Methodist Conference.
He will take up his presidential duties in July next year. Mr Farndale is now
stationed in the Lincoln Circuit, and prior to going to the capital city was in
charge of one of the circuit in Grimsby. A keen
educationalist, Mr Farndale has rendered valuable service on the Lindsay Education
Committee. It will be recalled that Mr Farndale came out second in the voting
for the president last year, after a second vote. It was not a surprise,
therefore, that the Methodist Church have decided to confer on him its highest
honour.
Stamford Mercury, 20
September 1946:
METHODISTS AND WAR DAMAGE. LINCOLN CIRCUIT RAISES £20,541. Two hundred
ministers and laymen of the Lincoln and Grimsby District Synod attended the
September synod at Gainsborough on Thursday, under the chairmanship of Rev W
E Farndale, President-Elect of the Methodist Conference for 1947 to 1948….
The final report of the joint re-building war damage appeal presented by the
district treasurer, Mr Darby, showed that 17 grants had exceeded their targets
by £2,903, whilst nine had been unable to do so. The district total was £20,541
4s 11d against the target of £20,000, the first district in Methodism to reach
its target.. An open air
meeting was held in the marketplace, after which the Synod preceded to the
assembly rooms, where lunch was provided by the Gainsborough circuit stewards,
Messrs Whitton and Revell, to whom Mr Farndale rendered thanks...
Newark Advertiser, 25
September 1946:
LEADERSHIP. Speaking regarding religious leadership, the Rev W E Farndale,
President Elect of the Methodist Conference, said it seemed to him that in
approaching youth they needed to stress leadership. In recent years there have
been those who had disgraced and degraded to the term “leader”, Mussolini and Hitler for example...
Louth Standard 21 December
1946: GIFT
OF PEACE. The Rev W E Farndale, of Lincoln, President-Elect of the
Methodist conference, writes “It is a pleasure to respond to the suggestion of
sending a message to all readers of the Standard, and especially to
fellow Methodists in the widespread area of the Louth circuit. For Christmas
tide may I send best wishes for all the joys of peace in each homestead and in
every heart. We are learning how difficult it is to lay agreed foundations
for international security. Peace among nations is no pale, anaemic
negative, but full blood, robust, positive and like Jacob’s blessing, only to
be won after much wrestling. But whilst the great Powers have still to bend
their energy to this mighty task, we may well seek encouragement from this
sacred season to find anew the secret of personal tranquilly. John Masefield
relates that as a youth he experimented in this search. Each night, before
turning into his hammock on the training ship Conway, he would empty his mind
of worry. Every morning, before leaving to face the problems of the day, he
would attain quietude within. The method he adopted was to read a page of
thoughtful prose, followed by the repetition of one or more memorised poems,
and the silent singing of two or three songs. In this way he won through to
mastery of his circumstances, and could then calmly
sort out the events of the day. The hint is salutary. It is a pointer on the
right road. The battles of life are won within, in the heart of man. And the
anthem of the angels over Bethlehem’s plains that comes ringing down the grooves
of time to us is still one of individual peace gained through the Christ, who
is the only sure peacekeeper for mankind. He it is who grants to the believing
soul the peace of God that passes all understanding.
1947
Louth Standard, 4 January
1947: COMPULSION.
The Rev W E Farndale, President-Elect of the Methodist Conference, urged
that they had to consider the question of educational efficiency, and in
his view there was a good deal to be said for the
establishment of schools in the larger rural areas...
Stamford
Mercury, 17 January 1947: LADY SOCIAL WORKER wanted, total abstainer,
for organising work in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. Apply in first place
to Mrs Farndale, 10, Mainwaring Road, Lincoln.
President of the Methodist
Church
Lincolnshire Echo, 12 July
1947: INSTALLATION
of the Rev W E Farndale, first Lincoln minister to be president of the
Methodist Church when resident in the city, will take place at
Newcastle City Hall on Tuesday afternoon. In accordance with tradition, the
Rev Farndale will be robed in a special presidential gown and will then be
presented with a Bible which formerly belonged to John Wesley. Following
his address, the vice president, Professor Victor Murray, will speak, and
afterwards there will be a civic reception given by the Lord Mayor. A week on
Sunday Mr Farndale will broadcast at 10 am in the Empire service, later
delivering his official conference sermon.
Staffordshire Sentinel, 15
July 1947: METHODISTS
START NEW MOVEMENT. IN THE COUNTRYSIDE. A new “forward” movement in the
Methodist Church “to Evangelise and Christianise Rural England” was launched
today by the Church’s president, the Rev William Farndale, who told the
conference at Newcastle on Tyne that the last great forward movement was on
behalf of the great cities and led to the establishment of mission centres amid
crowded populations. This time it was to be in the countryside, with the
slogan: “On to victory, victory in the villages.” “There is an acute
feeling,” said the president, “that the state and the churches have been out of
close touch with the realities and intimacies of village life. Policies and
programmes which may have first class relevancy to conditions in towns, have
been superimposed on the countryside, where circumstances have been of a quite
different order. The President said it would be the height of folly to ignore
the new developments under the recent Acts, which were providing a far higher
standard of education in the villages. The many activities of the service of
youth have had effects that will prove cumulative, he said, and must be
reckoned with any church anxious now to fulfil its mission in the villages.
Here is a new mission field, needy, urgent, but promising, opening out before
us....
Halifax Evening Courier,
15 July 1947: “VICTORY
IN VILLAGES” CALL TO METHODISTS. A new “forward” movement in Methodist Church,
“to evangelise and Christianise Rural England” was launched today by the Church’s
President, the Rev William Farndale. He told the conference at Newcastle
on Tyne that the last great forward movement was on behalf of the great
cities...
West Briton and Cornwall
Advertiser, 17 July 1947: METHODISM IN VILLAGES. NEW MOVEMENT LAUNCHED AT CONFERENCE. A
new forward movement in the Methodist Church, “to evangelise and Christianise
Rural England” was launched at the Methodist Conference at Newcastle on Tyne on
Tuesday by the president, the Rev William Farndale...
Wishaw Press, 25 July 1947: The Methodist
Conference Assembled at the City Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne, on Tuesday, 15th
July, when the Rev William E Farndale was installed as president and Professor
A Victor Murray MA, B Litt BD, Chestnut College, Cambridge, as vice president.
William E Farndale travelled
from Southampton to New York in 1947, aged 70.
New York Times 22
September 1947:
CHRISTIANS URGED TO TAKE OFFENSIVE; ' Thinking Man Is Greatest Foe of
Satan,' English Methodist Leader Declares Here. The "high explosive"
for the Christian is to avoid the defensive and take the offensive, the Rev.
Dr. William E. Farndale, president of the
Conference of the Methodist Church in England, declared yesterday morning in a
sermon at Christ Church, Methodist, 520 Park Avenue
Associated Press story during his visit to
USA: FARNDALE, Rev Dr William E. Pres of Methodist Church in England says religious
situation in Soviet influenced eastern Europe good. RELIGION, MISCL. Sep
17.47.
Rev W E Farndale became an
honorary doctor at the University of Toronto in 1947.
Staffordshire Sentinel, 17
October 1947: POTTERIES
REUNIONS IN CANADA. BY THE REV W RUSSELL SHEARER. After the Ecumenical Conference
in Springfield, a few of us have come for a brief visit to Canada. In
this connection the University of Toronto confirmed honorary degrees
upon four leading Methodists .. the British
recipient was the President of our Conference, the Rev W E Farndale,
who was also chosen to give the address of the evening. Dr Farndale did
full justice to the occasion. North Staffordshire Methodists will eagerly
anticipate his visit to Mow Cop next May, when he will unveil a carved stone
tablet marking the site of the earliest camp meeting....
Dover Express, 28 November
1947: DOVER
METHODIST CIRCUIT, VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONFERENCE (DR W E FARNDALE).
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4TH.
1948
DR FARNDALE AT HARBORO’ When
the Rev Dr W E Farndale was elected President of the Methodist
conference, head of the largest Protestant church in the world, he said that he
would fulfil the heavy round of preaching engagements, provided that one in
every four such appointments was to a country circuit. Since then Dr Farndale has travelled throughout England and
America, speaking in the large towns and cities, but never forgetting the
villages. Market Harborough Circuit was chosen as representative country
circuit in the Leicester and Northampton district and on Thursday last Dr Farndale,
as we briefly reported last week, conducted services in the Market Harborough
Methodist Church which were attended by members of the from the village
churches of the circuit...
PRESIDENT WELCOMED. This
picture was taken when the president of the Methodist conference visited
harbour.
Louth Standard, 24 January
1948: METHODISTS
AGGREGATE MEETINGS. Methodist Circuit Aggregate meetings were held in the Centenary
Church, Eastgate, at the weekend, the preacher being Rev W E Farndale of
Lincoln, this year’s President, who is accompanied by Dr D O Soper... Mr Farndale
in the course of his sermon on Sunday said that during his many wanderings
as President he had been able to tell in many places the loyalty which
Lincolnshire people had for Methodism... In the evening a public meeting was
addressed by Rev W E Farndale... Mr Farndale had advocated village evangelism
and said that it must have a scriptural background...
North Devon Journal, 29
January 1948: METHODIST
PRESIDENT’S VISIT. “You do not need to visit Blackpool, with all its gaity, ease, fun and amusements, to recover from the
tolls and turmoils of life”, said Dr W E Farndale, President
of the Methodist Conference, at Torrington on Monday. Saying that more
people were taking interest in the countryside of England now than for many
years, Dr Farndale added that some were interesting themselves in it from the
standpoint of would be legislators...
Banbury Advertiser, 11
February 1948: METHODIST
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE TO BANBURY RALLY. The President of the Methodist conference,
the Rev Dr W E Farndale, addressing Methodists of Banbury and other
adjoining circuits at Marlborough Church on Thursday, recalled “the spiritual
favour and self sacrificing
labours of those who laid the foundations of the monument.” A “Methodist” said
Dr Farndale, “is one who loves the Lord his God with all his heart...
Sunderland Daily Echo and
Shipping Gazette, 13 February 1948: METHODIST PRESIDENT’S VISIT. Sunderland's 5000 Methodists are
eagerly looking forward to next week's visit to Sunderland of the President of
the Methodist conference, Dr William E Farndale. Dr Farndale was born in
York and spent the greater part of his early life in Manchester, where he was
trained for the legal profession by a firm of Manchester solicitors. He entered
the ministry in 1904 after completing his theological training and
Hartley College, Manchester. During World War I, he was minister in Chester
le Street, but later moved to Birkenhead and Grimsby. Dr Farndale has a wide
knowledge of the social and religious problems of rural England and is especially
interested in education.
West Briton and Cornwall
Advertiser, 11 March 1948: COUNTY NOTES. Nowhere in his itinerary among “the people
called Methodists” is the President of the Conference accorded a warmer welcome
than when he comes to Cornwall. Dr Farndale has doubtless felt this as he has
moved about the county this week among his fellow Methodists …
Nottingham Journal, 14
April 1948: DAY
TO DAY. CALL FOR REVIVAL OF RURAL METHODISM. When Dr W E Farndale, the President
of the Methodist Conference, told Methodists in Bingham and District last night
that he thought the time had come for another great forward movement in that
church, with special emphasis upon the rural areas, he was giving his fellow
Methodists as strong and valuable hint...
Staffordshire Sentinel 17
May 1948. Unveiling
of Mow Cop Memorial by Methodist President. Between 2,000 and 3,000 people
gathered on the Cheshire side of Mow Cop Castle on Saturday afternoon to
witness the unveiling of a stone obelisk bearing an inscription recoding
that it marks the site of the first Camp Meeting in 1807 from which arose the
religious revival linked with the founding of Primitive Methodism. The
commemorative block of Kerridge stone, erected by public subscription, was unveiled
by the President of the Methodist Conference (the Rev W E Farndale DD). …
After performing the unveiling ceremony, the Rev WE Farndale gave an address
on “The power of prayer” which he said, was the source whence the early
pioneers obtained their inspiration and strength.
Western Morning News 21
May 1948: PRESIDENT’S
APPEAL TO METHODISM. Dr W E Farndale, President of the Methodist Conference,
has issued a request to all who preaching the Methodist Churches of Britain
next Sunday, to read their congregations the “Message of the Ecumenical
Methodist Conference to World Methodism.” The message states “We invite you
to enter with us into a new covenant with God, that in this day of unparalleled
need and unprecedented opportunity we shall gird our loins and determine to
take our religion and our church membership far more seriously than we have
ever done in the past.”
Belfast Telegraph 9 June
1948: The
Methodist Conference. The Tipperary College. … “On behalf of the British
Methodists I would like to say that we have been set a wonderful example by our
Irish brethren..” said Rev Dr WE Farndale at
the opening of the conference. Dr Farndale said that the opening of the
Agricultural Training College in County Tipperary by the Irish Methodist
Church was pioneer work and it would have been work at
the heart of John Wesley.
Western Daily Press, 7
July 1948: NO
MORE TICKETS. Already all tickets for the public have been exhausted for the
inaugural conference session on Tuesday afternoon when Dr W E Farndale will
hand over John Wesley's Bible, symbol of the Presidency, to Rev E Benson Perkins....
Western Daily Press 07
July 1948:
METHODIST CONFERENCE IN BRISTOL. The method is dancer to the challenge of our
times. Make a note of these public meetings.... Dr W E Farndale, retiring President...
Western Daily Press, 14
July 1948: ROBE
FOR THE PRESIDENT. After his formal induction as President of the Methodist
conference in the central hall yesterday, the Rev Ian Benson Perkins was
presented with a robe of office... so last year, Newcastle gave Dr Farndale a
new robe...
Lincolnshire Standard and
Boston Guardian, 17 July 1948: Having served the Methodist Church in the Boston area for the
past 20 months, Pastor William John Maslen will leave the town at the end of
August to work in the Sleaford Westgate Circuit, under the superintendency of
the Rev W E Farndale DD....
Louth Standard, 9 October
1948: REFORM
STREET Methodist harvest festival was held on Saturday and Sunday, the Rev W
E Farndale paying a return visit … Dr Farndale spoke of his experiences
while in America. He was also the preacher on Sunday morning and evening...
Skegness News, 8 December
1948: METHODISTS
FIGHT COMMUNISM. NEED FOR MORE WORKERS. EAST LINCS RALLY. At East Lincolnshire Youth
Rally held at Spilsby on Wednesday, the urgent need for more Methodist workers,
both clergy and laity was stressed. Dr W E Farndale,
of Lincoln, former President of the Methodist Conference, presided... Dr Farndale
pointed out that compared with 1938 there were 200 fewer representatives of the
church working overseas. They could not sit down tamely to that at a
time when China, India and Africa were being invaded by the emissaries of
communism... They must not allow such shrinkage in overseas work when more
than at any time they needed to combat the foes of Christianity …
1949
Stamford Mercury, 21
January 1949: CHURCH’S
UNITY IS GROWING SAYS PRESIDENT OF THE CONFERENCE. DEPENDENT ON THE ORDINARY
FOLK. Despite times when the divisions of the world were acute, the unity of
the church was growing … the proceedings opened with a luncheon in the Corn
Exchange at which... Supported by... Rev W E Farndale...
Lincolnshire Echo, 19
January 1949: At
the civic reception for the United Methodist Rally, the mayor and mayoress of
Lincoln all seen chatting with Rev E Benson Perkins, President, Methodist
conference, and, right, Rev W E Farndale, ex president,
at the Wesley Chapel yesterday.
Spalding Guardian, 28 January
1949: METHODIST
RALLY. Dr W E Farndale, ex president of the
conference and chairman of the district, gave inspiring addresses at a
circuit rally in the Wesley Methodist Church on Saturday...
Bristol Evening Post, 11
February 1949: MODERATOR
COMING. On May 12, a month after taking office as Moderator of the Free Church
Council, the Rev W E Farndale, in his 60s, will attend a meeting of Bristol
Free Church Council at Eastville Methodist Church, Lower Stapleton Road. Dr
Farndale has been a keen student of theology all his life, and his gained
admiration in his work all over the world. As President of the Methodist conference he visited America last year, and created an
excellent impression by his cultured speeches and clear, logical thinking.
He is also interested in general education and has for many years
advocated the present schooling system.
Nottingham Evening Post,
16 March 1949: “SHACKLED”
RELIGION. CONDITIONS IN CENTRAL EUROPE. Dr W E Farndale, of Lincoln, ex president of the Methodist conference, and now Moderator
of the Free Church Federal Council, today called for a stand against the
“shackling of religious freedom in central Europe.” He was speaking at the
resumed Congress of the Council of London. “The state must allow liberty of
worship and freedom to tell the gospel. This is not some measure founded on
political theory, but results from the urge of the spirit within us.
Western Mail, 16 March
1949. THE
CHURCHES. Principal the Rev Joseph Jones of Brecon was elected Vice Moderator
of the Free Church Federal Council at yesterday's meeting of the council held
at Bloomsbury central Baptist Church. He will succeed the Rev E Farndale as
Moderator next year...
Lincolnshire Echo, 17
March 1949: LINCS
GIRL OF 12 LAUNCHED BOOST FOR CHAPEL GOING. Story of a
girl whose efforts increased a congregation from 10 to 72 was told in London
today by the new Moderator of the Congress of the Free Church Federal Council,
the Rev W E Farndale, of Lincoln...
Hartlepool Northern Daily
Mail, 17 March 1949: CHURCH & IN THE STREET. The story of a girl whose
efforts increased a congregation from 10 to 72 was told by the moderator, Rev W
E Farndale. In a Lincolnshire village, he said, there was little girl of 12
who had become concerned that the people in the village did not attend chapel.
She wrote out “Please come to our Chapel? Our minister is preaching”, and then
handed them to people at every cottage asking “You
will come, won't you?” She went into public houses. In one, she gave the man
behind the bar the notice, it was probably the first time he had ever been
asked to attend a service. In the other there was a woman behind the bar. The
girl said “You will come won't you?” “The woman smiled
back and said “Yes dearie I will”. She said the
publicans both came....
Grimsby Daily Telegraph,
17 March 1949: NEW
HONOUR FOR DR W E FARNDALE. Dr W E Farndale of Lincoln has been made Moderator
of the Free Church Federation Council of England and Wales. He was inducted
this week at Bloomsbury Baptist Church, London. Dr Farndale is chairman of the
Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist district.
Taunton Courier and
Western Advertiser, 19 March 1949: PASTORS’ PERSECUTION. CALL FOR TAUNTON PROTEST MEETING. TO
THE EDITOR OF THE SOMERSET COUNTY HERALD. Sir, I see that the Free Church Federal
Council, meeting in London this week, has joined in the protests
against the persecution of Protestant pastors in Bulgaria,
and that its newly elected moderator, Dr Farndale, declared they took a
decisive stand with their suffering Free Church brethren in Bulgaria …
Louth Standard, 26 March
1949: NBWTA....
the 43rd annual meeting at Eastgate methodist church... Secretary, Mrs W E Farndale,
Lincoln...
Lincolnshire Echo, 2 April
1949: QUIET
DAY. First quiet day organised by the Wesley Circuit Women's Fellowship was
held at Wesley Chapel … communion service in the morning was conducted by ...
in the afternoon a rally was presided over by Mrs W E Farndale, wife of
the President of the Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist District...
Lincolnshire Echo, 5 April
1949: NEW
PRESIDENT. When the Lincoln Free Church Federal Council celebrates its
anniversary next week at Newland Congregational Church, the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor
J W Lawson, a Methodist, will be inducted as President by the Rev Dr W E
Farndale, moderator for 1949 to 1950...
Western Daily Press, 28
April 1949: MODERATOR
AT FREE CHURCH RALLY. CIVIC WELCOME: INDUCTION OF PRESIDENT. In connection with
Bristol Free Church Council, on May 12, the Moderator of the Free Church Federal
Council, Dr W E Farndale, will attend a meeting concerned with the annual
rally at Eastville Methodist Church...
Grimsby Daily Telegraph, 6
May 1949:
DINNER DRINKING AMAZES LINCS MAYOR. The Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor J W
Lawson, speaking at the Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist Synod... the Rev W E Farndale
who presided, said that a man did not have to ignore his convictions when he
was elected mayor...
Hartlepool Northern Daily
Mail, 19 May 1949:
THREE FUNDAMENTALS OF CELEBRATING. HART ROAD CHUCRH ADDRESS. Addressing a
large congregation in Hart Road Methodist Church, W Hartlepool, yesterday
afternoon, the Rev W E Farndale said there were three fundamentals in
celebrating a jubilee. The first was to remember everything which God had done
for us. The second was to make most of the talents which God had given us, in
the service of God. Finally we should be joyful when
we remember that not only would He watch over us and help us for 50 years, but
forever, even after death...
Sydenham, Forest Hill
& Penge Gazette, 3 June 1949: NO MONOPOLY. It was by no means a modern contention. Even
Paul had to defend this title against those detractors who questioned the
validity of his orders. Dr Farndale related a homely incident illustrative of
the groundless patron claim to the monopoly of the “keys”...
Huddersfield Daily
Examiner, 29 September 1949: TORIES TO DEBATE LIVING STANDARDS AND EMPLOYMENT. More than
100 resolutions are on the agenda at the three day Conservative Party Conference,
opening at Earls Court, London, on October 12 … the conference will open
with a religious service conducted by the Bishop of London, Dr J C Wand,
and the Moderator of the Free Church Federal Council (Dr W E Farndale) …..
Western Morning News, 29
November 1949:
“RECALL TO INSPIRED EMOTION”. VIEW EXPRESSED IN PLYMOUTH. Dr W Farndale,
the Moderator of the Free Church National Federal Council, speaking in at a
district rally of Free Churches in Plymouth last night, said that people, who
would be surprised if at a football match the crowd was frigid and unemotional,
were desperately afraid of emotionalism, in the sphere of religion...
1950
Lincolnshire Echo, 21
January 1950: Dr
W E Farndale spoke on the plan for class leaders and the meeting
then split into twelve groups for discussing given questions and then reporting
to them...
Lincolnshire Echo, 25
April 1950: PRESIDENT
REELECTED. Mrs W Sindell was re
elected President of the annual meeting of the Lincoln branch of the
British Women's Total Abstinence Union... Mrs Farndale was elected delegate
to the world convention to be held at Hastings in June...
Lincolnshire Echo, 12 June
1950: After
a journey from Pietermaritzburg to England, back to South Africa, and then back
to this country again, a package addressed to “Secretary, NBWTAU, Lincoln,
England “” is now in the hands of an officer of that organisation. Posted at
Christmas, it was returned to the sender marked “unknown”, but
has been brought back to England by a Pietermaritzburg delegate to the
convention of the world's women's Christian Temperance Union of at Hastings, and
handed to Mrs F M Farndale, who is representing the Lincoln branch of the National
British Women's Total Abstinence Union, of which she is the treasurer.
Lincolnshire Echo, 30 June
1950: CONFERENCE
LECTURER. Chairman of Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist District, Dr W E Farndale,
is to give the Wesley historical lecture at the Bradford conference of the
Methodist Church next month. The subject, “Secret of Mow Cop” deals with the
beginning of the Primitive Methodist Church with which he was associated before
Methodist union...
The Yorkshire Observer, 20
July 1950: METHODIST
URGES THE VALUE OF PRAYER. The tremendous value of prayer in the life and work
of the church with emphasised by Dr William E Farndale …
Louth Standard, 8 July
1950: METHODISTS’
NEW STATIONS. The new stations of the
Methodist ministers include the following changes.....
Lincoln and Grimsby district. Chairman of the District: W E Farndale.
Secretary of the District Synod: F O Le Sueur. District Missionary: W E Farndale...
Lincolnshire Echo, 4
September 1950:
“IT’S MURDER” LINCOLN CLERIC TO DR BARNES. Dr W E Farndale Chairman of the Lincoln
Methodist District comments: “Dr Barnes brings in eugenics as an answer to the
possible rearing of a polluted race....”
VIEWS ON POPULATION CONTROL. Would it not be wrong to put someone to
death because they have an incurable disease, and then find that shortly after
a new drug or treatment was discovered which would have brought a complete
cure? It is a positive approach we want, added Dr Farndale...
Louth Standard, 23
September 1950:
SYNOD DISCUSSION ON COMMUNISM. ... Dr Farndale said that in the Russian
zone of Berlin more new testaments were being printed them for some years,
and the country that produced Tolstoy might yet produce the great evangelists.
The Belfast News-Letter,
9 October 1950:
US TROOPS CROSS THE 38TH PARALLEL. EMPIRE FORCES GROUP FOR ADVANCE.
SOUTH KOREANS ENTER WONSAN. United States troops have crossed the 38th
parallel into North Korea and are advancing along the main highway to
Pyongyang, the communist capital.... CALL TO PRAYER. CHURCH CHIEFS JOIN IN PLEA
FOR PEACE. Dr William E Farndale, Moderator of the Free Church Federal Council,
has commended the proposal for a day of prayer for peace on Sunday, October 29.
In a message to the United Nations Association, Dr Farndale says: “There
have been coming expressions from many Free Churchmen of a desire for such a call....
Courier and Advertiser, 9
October 1950: DAY
OF PRAYER FOR UNO. An appeal for a day of prayer was also made by … William E Farndale,
Moderator of the Free Church Federal Council...
The Scotsman, 9 October 1950: PRAYER FOR UNITED
NATIONS. THE CHURCHES’ APPEAL.... Dr William E Farndale, Moderator of the Free
Church Federal Council, has commended the proposal for a day of prayer. “The
task of the Christian Church,” he says, “must increasingly be to seek from on
high that power which multiplies in all nations citizens who exemplify and
demand justice, fidelity and concorde.”
Nottingham Guardian, 9
October 1950: ARCHBISHOPS
CALL FOR DAY OF PRAYER. Dr William E Farndale, Moderator of the Free Church
Federal Council, has commended the Archbishop's
proposal...
The Halifax Daily Courier
& Guardian, 1 November 1950: THE POPE PROCLAIMS NEW DOGMA. People from all over the world
packed into the great square of St Peters, Vatican City, today, welcomed Pope
Pius XII as he was carried shoulder high to an open air throne to proclaim the
new dogma of “the bodily assumption of the blessed Virgin Mary into heaven”.... FREE
CHURTCHMEN “GRAVELY DISTURBED”. Commenting at Lincoln today, on the Pope's proclamation,
Dr William E Farndale, Moderator of the Free Church Federal Council said,
“Fundamentally, we are gravely disturbed, not because this action
erects, as it does, a formidable barrier to any future church reunion, but because
it may have a lamentable deterrent effect now upon any seeker after the way of
salvation.”
Lincolnshire Echo, 6
November 1950: DOGMNA
OF ASSUMPTION. Sir, one wonders how many people care whether
or not the Rev Dr W E Farndale’s congregation are gravely disturbed
because His Holiness the Pope has proclaimed as an article of faith what has
been the unwavering belief of the Christian world down our ages... That on her
death Our Blessed Lady’s body was assumed into heaven …
Lincolnshire Echo, 4
November 1950: SATURDAY
PULPIT. LOOKING AT LIFE THROUGH A CHRISTIAN’S EYES. From the early days of the
Christian faith until now, claims have been made and evidence is submitted and
supported both the reality and efficacy of prayer. Some of them, like those
which appear in the Act of the Apostles, appear impossible. Others like those
in periods of the Church’s history, appear unthinkable. Yet they are there for
all to read and ponder. What to make of them and how to interpret them is the
responsibility of the modern mind. At least this must be said, that, based on
the information we have, prayer is a power to be reckoned with. Prayer is not
just a standing still and bearing at the head when they prayer bell is heard,
or the brief interval when, in the midst of daily
work, we acknowledge God and our dependence on Him. Prayer does something which
with the universe and affects the stuff of life. Recently, Dr W E Farndale,
well known throughout Lincolnshire as the ex
President of the Methodist Conference and ex Moderator of the Free
Church Federal Council, delivered a lecture which had a great deal to do
with the subject of prayer. The lecture was about Mow Cop, the place in
Staffordshire where Primitive Methodism, the branch of methodism to which Dr Farndale
belonged before becoming of the Methodist Union, had its beginning. Here
the claim is made not only that the Church came into being through prayer, but
also that it owed its power and success to it...
Louth Standard, 18
November 1950: 100TH
ANNIVERSARY OF NORTHGATE CHURCH. GROWTH OF PRIMITIVE METHODIST FOUNDATION
RECALLED. ... Tributes to the pioneers of Primitive Methodism in the
Midlands were paid by Dr W E Farndale of Lincoln, when he addressed the
meeting held in the Northgate church on Monday. Dr Farndale traced in an entrancing
manner the history of the Church from the time of the camp meetings in the
early years of the 19th century. Dr Farndale wondered if the members of the
Church had lost that mobility which was possessed by the pioneers liked like
Sarah Kirkland and Thomas King...
1951
Lincolnshire Free Press,
Boston and Spalding, South Holland and Eastern Counties Advertiser, 30 January
1951: DR
SANGSTER AT SPALDING. HIS CHALLENGE TO CHRISTIAN SERVICE. Dr W E Sangster, President
of the Methodist Conference, addressed Spalding Methodist Circuit Rally on
Wednesday as the guest of Counsellor W A Stuart JP. For the inspiring evening
meeting... and Dr W E Farndale of Lincoln, and ex President,
brought greetings from the district...
Lincolnshire Echo, 12
February 1951: Lincoln
Sunday School decided to hold a music festival... details of a day of prayer
next Sunday for students are given in a letter circulated among churches and
local preachers in Lincolnshire under the signatures of Dr W E Farndale, acting
Moderator of the Free Federal Council...
Grimsby Daily Telegraph,
10 March 1951: NEW
HONOUR FOR RESORT’S UNION. Cleethorpes branch members of the British Women’s
Total Abstinence Union … Mrs F Graves, of Grimsby, was re
elected county president and... Secretary
elected was Mrs W E Farndale.
Lincolnshire Echo, 21 May
1951: RADIO
SERVICE. For Dr W E Farndale, Chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby
Methodist District, who was on air yesterday from Trinity Methodist Church,
Cleethorpes, broadcasting is no new experience. In the early days of
religious broadcasting, Dr Farndale took part in a radio service from
Merseyside, and during his year as president the Methodist Conference he
broadcast from Newcastle upon Tyne and from city road London. Dr Farndale
tells me that as far as he knows, yesterday was the first broadcast of her
communion service from Lincolnshire. Taking part with Dr Farndale was the
minister of the church, Rev Frank Baker, who is secretary of the Wesley
Historical Society.
Lincolnshire Echo, 3 July
1951: VISITING
SCHEME FOR LINCOLN’S OLD FOLK. Lincoln Standing Conference of Women's Organisations
are preparing a list of an estimated number of 900 old folk in Lincoln who will
receive an initial visit from members of local women's organisations under a
voluntary visiting scheme... New committee members selected were... Mrs W E Farndale,
representing the Methodist Women's Fellowship...
Dr W E Farndale, 70 years
old, new leader of the Christian Commando Campaign in Northampton.
Mercury & Herald, 14
September 1951: News of a change in the leadership of the Northampton
Christian Commando Campaign was announced on Wednesday. Dr William
Edward Farndale, of Lincoln, President of the Methodist Conference in 1947
and Moderator of the Free Church Council from 1949 to 1951 is to succeed the
Rev G Arnold West of Hastings.
The Commando Campaigns:
Colin A. Roberts,
Secretary of the Home Mission Department in 1939, was concerned about the shape
post-war society would assume. In 1940 Conference adopted a Forward Movement
Report recommending plans for evangelistic work over a period, in co-operation
with other Free Churches and the CofE where possible. Out of this grew the
Commando Campaigns, which adopted the military idea of trained people making
forays into places where the gospel was not normally heard - works canteens,
cinemas, clubs, pubs, schools, colleges etc. Their theme was 'New Men for a New
World'. Roberts provided the Team Leaders and Team Members, but arrangements
for campaigns in the larger urban areas were made locally. They reached a
climax in Greater London in 1947, with an inaugural rally in the Royal Albert
Hall on 14 April. Those who participated in the Campaigns found that it
profoundly changed the nature of their ministry.
Lincolnshire Echo, 28 September
1951: PRE ELECTION ‘SCARE’ TIME. Leaders
and officials who attended the Methodist Women's One Day school at Clasketgate Chapel, Lincoln.
1952
Saffron Walden Weekly News, 25 January 1952: KEEN
DEVOTION. Dr W E Farndale, President of the Methodist conference, 1947 to
1948, has signified his intention to give up the chairmanship of the Lincoln
and Grimsby district, which he has held since 1933. This is a long tenure
of an individual chairmanship, and Dr Farndale has won a great place for
himself in the affections of the Lincolnshire people, not least because of his
keen devotion to the interests of rural Methodism. He was Moderator of the Free
Church Federal Council from 1949 to 1951. In 1947 he was a delegate to the
Methodist Occumenical Conference in the United States, and Visiting Preacher to the United Church of Canada
in Toronto. Dr Farndale has not yet indicated what his future course will be,
beyond letting it be known that he means to be active.
On the King’s Death:
Lincolnshire Echo, 11 February 1952: UNITED
SERVICE. As announced on Saturday a memorial service will be held in Lincoln Cathedral
at 3:30 pm on Friday. After wards there will be a muffled peal on the Cathedral
bells. Dr W E Farndale, chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist District,
will give an address at a United Free Church memorial service to be held
at Newland Congregational Church on Friday at 2:30 pm.
Lincolnshire Echo, 16 February 1952: Free
Churches in Lincoln united in a service of memorial to King George VI
yesterday when sombre clad men and women and young folk filled the floor of
Newland Congregational Church, overflowing into the balcony. Many were in the
church for two minutes silence, praying for the late King. Before the service
began, Mr H W Hillman gave an organ recital of solemn music.... Dr W E Farndale,
chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist District, who gave the address, said
of the King, “he was a leader in that he gave by his character and home life a
worthy standard for every citizen in these realms.”...
The Lincoln, Rutland and Stamford Mercury,
21 March 1952: The Rev W E Farndale, of 10 Mainwaring Road,
Lincoln, has intimated that he will be relinquishing the chair of the
Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist District at the end of the summer. Dr Farndale
has been in the district since 1928 and chairman for 20 years. He was President
of Methodist Conference in 1947 and Moderator of the Free Church Federal Council
in 1949 to 1950.
The Louth and North Lincolnshire Advertiser, 22 March 1952: LEAVING
THE COUNTRY. The Rev Dr W E Farndale, of 10 Mainwaring Road, Lincoln,
has intimated that he will be relinquishing the chair of the Lincoln and
Grimsby Methodist District at the end of the summer. Dr Farndale has been in
the district since 1928 and chairman for 20 years. He was President of
Methodist Conference in 1947 and Moderator of the Free Church Federal Council
in 1949 to 1950.
Grimsby Daily Telegraph, 29 March 1952: Mrs
Bertram Woods, of London, is to be the speaker at the annual rally of the Grimsby,
Cleethorpes and District methodist Women's Fellowship
to be held at the Mill Road Methodist Church, Cleethorpes, next Thursday. Mrs
W E Farndale, of Lincoln, will preside, and will be supported by...
Lincolnshire Echo, 31 March 1952: WOMEN AT LINCS T T MEETING. Lincolnshire County Union of National Women's Total
Abstinence Union concluded their 46th annual conference in Skegness this
weekend. The secretary, Mrs F E Farndale, stated that senior members of
the 16 branches now numbered 1,111, with 198 in the junior section. This was an
increase....
Louth Standard, 29 March 1952: BADLY BURNED. Mrs Farndale,
wife of the Rev W E Farndale, Chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby District
of the Methodist Church, is recovering from shock received when her
nightgown caught fire, and she was badly burned on Saturday. Mrs Farndale,
who was ill, was awaiting the arrival of the doctor at the time.
Lincolnshire Free Press, Boston and Spalding, South Holland and
Eastern Counties Advertiser, 1 April 1952: MINISTER’S WIFE BRUNED. Mrs
Farndale, wife of the Rev W E Farndale, Chairman of the Lincoln and
Grimsby Methodist District, is recovering from shock received when her
nightgown caught fire and she was badly burnt. At the time, Mrs Farndale,
who was ill, was awaiting the arrival of the doctor.
Grimsby Daily Telegraph, 5 April 1952: Mrs
E Collinson, of Beckham Thorpe Methodist Church, presided in place of Mrs W E
Farndale, who is ill.
Lincolnshire Echo, 9 May 1952: PRESENTATION. During the
Synod a wireless set and a cheque was presented to the Chairman, the Rev Dr
W E farndale, of Lincoln. He retires in August after 20 years as chairman
and district missionary in Lincolnshire. His retirement ends 48 years
activity in the ministry. Dr Farndale is succeeded by the Rev F O Le Sueuer...
The Louth and North Lincolnshire Advertiser, 17 May 1952: PRESENTATION.
During the Synod a wireless set and a cheque was presented to the chairman, the
Rev Dr W E Farndale. He retires in August after 20 years as Chairman and District
Missionary in Lincolnshire. Prior to his appointment in 1932 he served as
circuit minister in Grimsby. His retirement ends 48 years activity in the
ministry.
The Louth and North
Lincolnshire Advertiser, 17 May 1952: 650 AFFECTED. Dr Farndale said that according to an
official circular published by headquarters there are 650 senior retired
ministers whose pension from the church for a lifetime of service is about £2
a week. In order to supplement that amount the
Methodist Church had set up an auxiliary fund...
Grimsby Daily Telegraph,
17 June 1952: METHODISTS’
CHANGE. Chairman of the Grimsby and Lincoln District of the Methodist Church
for the past 20 years, the Rev W E Farndale is leaving Lincolnshire for
Derbyshire in August. In a farewell visit to Market Rasen Methodists, he
thanked them for their fine work in the area.
The Lincoln, Rutland and
Stamford Mercury and Boston Guardian, 18 June 1952: DR FARNDALE RETIRING.
20 YEARS’ WORK FOR METHODISM. Dr W E Farndale attended for the last time
the Sleaford Methodist Circuit meeting, which was held at the Littlehale
Chapel, the second oldest chapel in the circuit, on Wednesday. A circuit steward,
Councillor a Buttler, intimated that this would be the last quarterly
meeting Dr Farndale would be attending, as he was becoming a superannuary minister after serving the district as
chairman for 20 years. He had served them admirably and they had had
happy fellowship, Mr Buttler said. Another steward, Mr R Cooling, also paid
tribute to Dr Farndale who thanked the two circuit stewards for their kind
words.
Lincolnshire Echo, 19 June
1952: RURAL
METHODISM. District missionary and Chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby District
of the Methodist Church for the past 20 years, Dr W E Farndale spoke of the
happy memories which he will always retain of Lincolnshire when he paid a
farewell visit to the centenary church at Market Rasen. Dr Farndale, who is to
leave Lincoln for Cliff College, Derbyshire, in August, is planning to
visit a number of circuits during the next few
months...
Lincolnshire Echo, 16
August 1952:
WESLEY CHAPEL, Sunday August 17th … .6 PM: Rev Dr W E Farndale. Farewell
service before leaving Lincoln.
The
Cliff College (near Sheffield) Years
Lincolnshire Echo, 21
August 1952:
ENDS 20 YEARS AS CHAIRMAN OF
LINCS METHODISTS.
The Rev Dr W E Farndale,
of 10, Mainwaring Rd, Lincoln, chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby District of
the Methodist Church for the past 20 years, is leaving Lincoln on Monday to
live in Derbyshire.
Dr Farndale is a former
president of the Methodist Conference and, for two consecutive years, in 1948
and 1949, was elected Moderator of the National Free Church Federal Council.
When, in 1947, he was
elected president of the Methodist Conference, Dr Farndale attended a World
Methodist conference at Springfield, Massachusetts, and during that visit he
preached in New York and elsewhere in the states.
Afterwards, under the
auspices of the United Church of Canada, he preached in Toronto, and the
honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him at Victoria
university, Toronto.
Freed from district
responsibilities, Dr Farndale will be engaged in other activities, including lecturing
at Cliff College and preaching.
He continues his membership
of several denominational committees including the Connexional education
committee.
The conference recently held
at Preston appointed him on the newly formed committee on evangelism which is
to direct a nationwide campaign during the coming year.
Dr Farndale came to
Lincolnshire in 1928 following a 10 year ministry in
Birkenhead. He was appointed chairman of the district in 1932,
and is the only district chairman to have continued in such a
position continuously from Methodist Union until the present day.
Since 1934 he has been a
member of the Lindsey Education Committee, and before that took a
prominent part in preparing the first agreed religious syllabus for the
country.
Mrs Farndale has taken an
active part in the work of the Methodist Women's Fellowship, the county and
local branch of the British Women's Temperance Association, and the District Women's
Missionary work.
The Lincoln, Rutland and
Stamford Mercury, 29 August 1952: DR FARNDALE LEAVES LINCOLN. A former President of the
Methodist Conference, the Rev Dr W E Farndale, of Mainwaring Road, Lincoln, who
for the past 20 years has been the Chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby District
of the Methodist Church, left Lincoln on Monday to live in Derbyshire... Dr
Farndale is to lecture at Cliff College.
Grantham journal, 29
August 1952: DR
FARNDALE LEAVES LINCS. One of the best known
figures in Methodism in Lincoln, the Rev Dr W E Farndale, chairman of the
Lincoln and Grimsby District for the past 20 years, left on Monday to live
in Derbyshire ... Freed from district responsibilities, Dr Farndale will
be engaged in other activities, including lecturing at Cliff College and
preaching.
The Louth and North
Lincolnshire Advertiser, 30 August 1952: LINCOLN MINISTER LEAVES. A former president of the Methodist Conference,
the Rev Dr W E Farndale, of Mainwaring Road, Liincoln,
well known in Louth and district, who for the past 20 years has been the Chairman
of the Lincoln and Grimsby District of the Methodist Church, has left Lincoln
to live in Derbyshire...
Lincolnshire Echo, 6
October 1952: Paying
a return visit to Lincoln this weekend the Rev Dr W E Farndale... When in the
USA, for the World Methodist Conference he conferred with bishops, ministers
and leading layman of the Methodist Church in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Chicago, where he had opportunities at
first hand contacts with Bishop McGee who organises the Crusade for Christ
which added a million members to the American Methodist Church...
Staffordshire Sentinel, 17
October 1952: GREAT
PILGIMAGE TO MOW COP. HUGH BOURNE CENTENARY. Before the weathered commemorative
stone on Mow Cop, with the castle ruins dominating the scene, Methodists from
many parts of Staffordshire and Cheshire twice gathered at the weekend to
provide the most impressive scenes in the programme marking the centenary of
the death of Hugh Bourne, chief founder of the primitive Methodist Church....
Another speaker was Dr W E Farndale, a former President of the Conference
who unveiled to the Mow Cop commemorative stone in 1948. He said that Hugh Bourne's
camp meetings were a reaffirmation of the right of the individual to worship,
according to his conscience. The camp meetings were also a vindication of the
need for a progressive church.
1953
Hull Daily Mail, 3 March
1953: LAST
TRIBUTES TO LOUTH DOYEN OF METHODISM. Methodists from many parts of North
Lincolnshire attended the funeral at Louth Centenary Methodist Church of Mr
William Edward Emery Pridmore... Dr W
E Farndale, former president of the Lincoln and Grimsby district...
The Crewe chronicle, 21
March 1953: TRINITY
METHODIST CHURCH TEA. Ministers and congregation at the Trinity Methodist
Church tea, held as part of the trust anniversary celebrations last weekend.
Afterwards a service was held presided over by Mr R Brandon, of Buerton,
at which the address was given by Dr W E Farndale, of Cliff College.
Despite the ‘Miss’, this
must have been a reference to Florence (it could not have been their daughter
Enid as she was Mrs Cartwright by then). Derby Daily Telegraph, 24 March 1953: NBWTA. By invitation of
the Derby branch the annual council and election meetings of the Derbyshire County
Union were held in the Temperance House, when 60 delegates from all over the
county were welcomed by... and Miss Farndale, Cliff College, Acting Vice
President …
Rugby Advertiser, 24 April
1953: INSIDUOUS
SPIRIT OF THE AGE. AN EVIL THE CHURCH HAS TO FACE. METHODIST RALLY AT RUGBY....
The rally, which was held in the afternoon and evening it the Marketplace Methodist
Church, started with a service conducted by Dr Farndale...
Birmingham Daily Post, 13
July 1953: SOUTHLANDS
COLLEGE FUND. A report on the progress of a fund for the extension of Southlands
College for women teachers was given by the Rev W E Farndale, organising
secretary of the fund. The accommodation at this College in Wimbledon was
originally for 150 students, he said. There are now 250 students on the two year course. The college was so popular that they were
having to turn away as many students as they accepted. Mr Farndale told the
Birmingham post: “Since I came to this conference there has been received from one
layman a cheque for £500.
Lincolnshire Echo, 13
August 1953: CROWDED
MEETING. The daughters of the late Mr G W Taylor, who bequeathed the site for
the new premises, each laid a stone... the Rev W E Farndale, former chairman
of the district, now of Cliff College, was the preacher...
The Northern Daily Mail and
South Durham Herald, 12 September 1953: THE HARTLEPOOLS FREE CHURCH FEDERAL COUNCIL. Special visit of
Rev Dr W E Farndale, a former president of the Methodist Conference and Moderator
of the National Free Church Federal Council....
1954
The reference to Mrs “J” is
an error: Derby
Daily Telegraph, 29 March 1954: DERBYSHIRE PROTEST AT TV DRINKS. Concern about the use of
intoxicating drinks in plays and features on television was expressed at
the annual council meeting of the Derbyshire County Union of the National
British Women's Total Abstinence Union, in the Baptist school, Charnwood Street,
Derby. Members were urged to write individually to the BBC protesting about the
matter. The new President, Mrs. J Farndale, Calver, who has made 36 new
members during the year, presented flowers to the retiring president...
Derby Daily Telegraph, 7
July 1954: WORLD
OF WOMEN. National British Women's Total Abstinence Union. Members from Derby
and Little Eaton went to Buxton by bus for the summer rally of the Derbyshire County
Union. Mrs W Farndale, of Calver, presided in the morning...
1955
The Ashbourne Telegraph, 8
April 1955: BEULAN
CHURCH CELEBRATES ITRS DIAMOND JUBILEE. ... At the civic service on Wednesday
afternoon the vice chairman…. welcomed the Rev W E Farndale...
Peterborough Standard, 2
December 1955: COBDEN
STREET ANNIVERSARY. Members of Cobden Street Methodist Church celebrated their
church anniversary at the weekend when the special preacher was Dr W E Farndale,
a past president of the Methodist conference, who is now chairman of the
Lincolnshire District of the Methodist churches. The majority of Dr Farndale’s
work has been confined to country methodism and at a public meeting on Saturday
at which the chairman was Mr P J Sanders, Dr Farndale took as his subject, “Churches
in the villages”...
1956
Staffordshire Sentinel, 8
March 1956: FORMER
METHODIST PRESIDENT. The Rev W E Farndale of Sheffield, a former
president of the Methodist Conference, will visit the Bourne Methodist Church, Longton,
this weekend. He will speak at a meeting on Saturday evening,
and preach at the morning and evening services on Sunday.
Lincolnshire Echo, 10
September 1956:
GOOD TEMPLARS AT RALLY. Delegates from Nottingham, Lincoln, Bedford and local friends, gathered at Rippingale
on Saturday to celebrate the 8th anniversary of the local lodge, international
order of good templars. The proceedings opened with 80 in the village hall
followed by a Tea-table conference, at which the company was addressed by
the Rev W E Farndale, ex President of the
Methodist Conference, formerly of Lincoln.... The Rev Dr Farndale also preached
to a large congregation at Bourne Methodist Church and Rippingale
Chapel on Sunday.
1957
Derby Daily Telegraph, 18
February 1957: Among
160 guests attending a tea reception at the House of Commons for the National
British Women's Total Abstinence Union were three from Derbyshire... and Mrs
W Farndale, Calver...
Stapleford & Sandiacre News, 23 February 1957: ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY
FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. NEW HEATING INSTALLED AT WESLEY CHAPEL. The Rev Dr W E Farndale,
of Cliff College, was welcomed to Wesley Place, Stapleford, by the local
Methodist minister …
Nottingham Guardian, 13
July 1957: KEEP
CHURCHES OPEN. ... A past president of the Conference, Dr W A Farndale,
of Sheffield, asked the conference to approve a resolution “registering
its concerned lest chapels in rural areas be too readily declared redundant
and asking the Commission on rural methodism to investigate the problem and
bring before next year's conference practical advice on ways of preventing
unnecessary condemnation of country chapels.” Dr Farndale said that the
problem of the closure of country chapels was one illustration of the fact that
a re examination of ministerial staffing in rural
circuits was long overdue... Dr Farndale’s resolution was carried by an
overwhelming majority...
Staffordshire Sentinel, 21
November 1957: THE
LESSON OF THE MOW COP MEETING. The history and lesson of the famous Mow Cop
camp meeting of 1807 are vividly put forward by Dr E W farndale in “Mow Cop:
after 150 years,” a handbook published by the Epworth Press. Dr Farndale
deals with Mow Cop itself, Hugh Bourne, founder of the movement who held the
camp meeting, the opposition to the movement, and finally the spiritual
significance of the meeting. He writes “The prayers of the pioneers of the Mow
Cop movement were strenuous in longing and vehement in appropriating faith.” Dr
Farndale asks “Do we not need to put more than ever into active operation the
force of concentrated, united and believing prayer,
accounting it in rank as of even higher supernatural, dynamic efficacy than
preaching vital as that is? Do not certain modern movements underline this for
us?” The handbook costs 9d.
1959
The Birmingham Post &
Birmingham Gazette, 1 October 1959: FRICTION ON EDUCATION GRANTS EXPECTED. ... In a debate on
educational policy, Dr W E Farndale of Trowbridge, Wiltshire, former President
of the Methodist Church, said that of the recent government increase in
building grants from 50 to 75%, “This action seems likely to lead sooner or
later to friction between the Government, Anglicans, Roman Catholics
and Free Churchman...
1960
Somerset Guardian and
Radstock Observer, 9 September 1960: METHODIST RALLY. …
1964
Florence May Price, who died
at Trowbridge age 86 (ie born in or about 1878) in
the third quarter of 1964.
1966
William E Farndale, died age
84. Died at Trowbridge District 4 February 1966 (DR). Willian died on 4 February 1966 at
Waterhouse, Limpley Stoke, Wiltshire.
Circuits
Hartley
1904 Forest Hill
1909 Oldham II
1913 Chester le Street
1918 Birkenhead II
1928 Grimsby II
1933 Lincoln District
Missionary
1952 Cliff College (S)
William Farndale DD,
(1866-1966) was born at York and became a student at Hartley in 1902. He was a
very able student who gained top marks in examinations. He served in the
following circuits: Forest Hill, Oldham II, Chester le St, Birkenhead II,
Grimsby II, and then from 1933 he was Lincoln District Missionary and Chairman
of the Lincoln and Grimsby District. He was president of Conference in 1947 and
initiated the call of the countryside and a “back to the soil” campaign. His
administrative gifts were matched by his love for rural methodism and the
farming community. During his presidency he attended to the Methodist Ecumenical
Conference in Massachusetts and went as visiting preacher to the United Church
of Canada. In 1950 to 1951 he was Moderator of the Free Church Council. On his
retirement he became a tutor at Cliff College, where his biblical scholarship
assisted many students. Minutes of conference 1966, Leary, primitive Methodist
ministers.
Lincolnshire Echo, 10
February 1966:
TRIBUTE TO AN EXPERT IN
RURAL METHODISM.
Memories of the first
Methodist District chairman to come to Lincoln following the Methodist Union of
1932 have been stirred with the news of the death at the age of 85 of doctor William Edward Farndale.
He was chairman of the
Lincoln and Grimsby District from 1933 to 1952 and lived in the same house, 10 Mainwaring
Road, Lincoln, as the present chairman of the Lincoln Methodist District, Rev G
Thackray Eddie. The change in title followed to the changing boundaries a few
years ago.
Dr Farndale was president of
the Methodist Conference in 1947, and was a one time Moderator of the Free Church Federal Council. A
native of York, he entered the former Primitive Methodist ministry in 1904
and Lincolnshire Methodists remembered him well for his particular interest in
rural areas.
Even on his retirement in
1952 he did not give up work, but joined the staff of Cliff College, Sheffield.
This is what a former vice
president of the Methodist Conference, Mr Philip Race, of Lincoln, had to say
about him: “When Dr Farndale was appointed Chairman of the Lincoln and Grimsby
district in 1933, he was the district's first “separated” chairman, that is a full time chairman without a pastoral charge in a circuit.
It was a controversial appointment for this reason, but during the following 19
years he abundantly justified the decision which had been made. His gift of
warm, personal friendliness was matched by a fine mind and very
high administrative ability. These gifts were employed with selfless
devotion in the development of methodism in Lincolnshire and the strong
district sense which grew during his ministry as chairman was largely his
personal achievement. He made himself expert in rural methodism and it
was the recognition of this in Methodism throughout the country which was
largely the reason for his election as President of the Methodist Conference in
1947. We Methodists in Lincolnshire are proud that he was made President, but
we remember him as a pastor and friend, and as chairman of the half yearly synod
he always made these proceedings alive and worthwhile.”
Another tribute came from Rev
Gilbert Wallace, now of Barton on Humber, who was in Lincoln at West Parade
Methodist Church under Dr Farndale’s chairmanship, “He was chairman when I came
to the district. I was immediately most impressed with his personal interest
in the ministers and the people of the district. He continued his interest
in the district and when I met him six or seven years after he had left here he still asked after families by name. He was an
excellent organiser and administrator.”
Another prominent layman in
the district in Mr Farndale's time was Mr RW Hastings, now living in Spalding.
He told the Echo on hearing of the doctor's death, “His appointment gave him
full opportunity to display his gifts of leadership and administration and
the chance to tackle the difficult problems which arose after union, the
amalgamation of circuits and the reorganisation of Methodists throughout the
district. He was most interested in rural methodism and did everything
in his power both as Chairman of the District and later as President of the
Methodist Conference to further these interests. I think I would like to add
that he was a delightful man and it was always
a pleasure to be associated with him.”
Yet another tribute came
from Mr. James Fowler, a former president of the local Preachers’ Mutual Aid Association
and the President of its Lincoln district, “He became district chairman in a
district where the three former sections had their strongholds. He brought
them together in a true Christian fellowship. He and I travelled together
on many journeys up and down the country. He was never known to say no to
the smallest churches in the district and the way he spent himself for
rural methodism was recognised by the church at large when he became President
of the Methodist Conference. But the work in which I came to know him best was
in the service he gave to the local preachers of the district. He made the
first approach to the late Dean Mitchell over the local preacher's first
service in Lincoln Cathedral when the pulpit at the Cathedral was open for the
first time to a Methodist local preacher. Also, we remember with gratitude the
great interest he took year by year in the preachers
weekend fellowship at Skegness which, under his guidance, was a source of
inspiration to local preachers from all over the Lincoln and Grimsby district.
He honoured the LPMA when he became President of the Methodist Conference by
becoming an honorary member of the association.”
Lincolnshire Echo, 4
February 1966: EX
LINCS MINISTER DIES, 85. Dr W E Farndale, former chairman of the Lincoln and
Grimsby District of the Methodist Church from 1932 to 1952, died today at his
home in Bath, Somerset. He was 85. A former President of the Methodist Conference
and a one time Moderator of
the Free Church Council, he entered the ministry in 1904. Dr Farndale took a
particular interest in Methodist work in rural areas. He retired from
active work in 1952, but for a time served on the tutorial staff at Cliff College,
Sheffield.
Evening Post and News, 4
February 1966: METHODIST
VETERAN. Dr William Edward Farndale, 85, a former President of the Methodist Conference,
and one time Moderator of the of the Free Church Federal Council, died at
his home in Bath today. A native of York, he entered the former Primitive
Methodist ministry in 1904. For many years he was Chairman at the Lincoln and
Grimsby Circuit and took a particular interest in Methodist work in rural
areas. He retired from active work in 1952, but for a time served on the
tutorial staff of Cliff College, Sheffield.
From the Brandon Sun (Brandon, Manitoba, Canada)
– the same obituary appeared in the Anniston Star (Alabama) under the heading “Church Leader Dies” and in the Cumberland News (Cumberland, Maryland) and
in the
Derrick (Oil
City, Pennsylvania) and in the Express News (San Antonio, Texas) and a large number of other newspapers:
Dr
William E Farndale. Bath, England (AP). Doctor William E Farndale, 85, former
president of the Methodist Council and Moderator of the Protestant Free Church Council,
died Friday.
DR
FARNDALE DIES; METHODIST CHURCHMAN. Both, England.
Doctor William E fondle, former president of the Methodist council and one time
moderator of the Protestant free church council, died Friday. He was 85.
Probate: FARNDALE William
Edward of 11 Springfield Park Trowbridge Wiltshire died 4 February 1966 at
Waterhouse Limpley Stoke Wiltshire Probate Winchester
7 March to William Arthur James Farndale lecturer. £7436.
Publications
FARNDALE, William E., The
Secret of Mow Cop: A New Appraisal of the Origins of Primitive Methodism,-WHS
Lecture No. 16 (1950)
Mow Cop After One Hundred
and Fifty Years (1957)
The Secret of Mow Cop: A New
Appraisal of the Origins of Primitive Methodism is a book written by three
authors: Ernest Benson Perkins, Griffith T. Roberts, and William Edward
Farndale. The book was published in 1950 by the Epworth Press and is based on
the Wesley Historical Society lecture delivered by Farndale in 1949. The book
explores the historical and theological background of the Primitive Methodist
movement, which emerged from a camp meeting held at Mow Cop, a hill in
Staffordshire, England, on 31 May 1807. The book also examines the role of Hugh
Bourne and William Clowes, the two founders of Primitive Methodism, and their
relationship with John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. The book is considered
a valuable contribution to the study of Methodism and its origins.
Bibliographic information
The Secret of Mow Cop. A new
appraisal of the origins of Primitive Methodism (Wesley Historical Society
Lectures. no. 16.)
Title |
The Secret of Mow Cop: A New Appraisal of the Origins of
Primitive Methodism, Issues 16-18 |
Authors |
Ernest Benson
Perkins, Griffith T.
Roberts, William Edward
Farndale |
Publisher |
Epworth Press, 1950 |
Length |
87 pages |
The Psalms in new light.
Author: W E Farndale
(William Edward), 1881-
Print Book [1956]
London, Epworth Press [1956]
An anthology of religious
poetry -- A book of sacred song -- A book of prayers -- A pagan pattern
purified -- Characteristics of the Psalms: Migration and festival -- Jubilation
-- National lamentation -- Imprecatory Psalms -- How magic incantations were
met -- Yearning for eternal life -- Coronation -- Psalms in relation to Jesus
and his followers: Jesus used the Psalms -- He held the Psalter to be inspired
-- Some Psalms he superseded -- He saw in the Psalms revelations that must be fulfulled -- He substituted for symbols of coronation his
tokens of dominion -- He hallowed the Psalter by his deepest redeeming sorrow
and his highest filial trust -- He turned sighs for heaven into assurances of
life everlasting -- This book of Psalms has inspired Christ's followers to
noblest worship, testimony, and song -- Further reading -- Index to Psalms
referred to.
Sun-lit years
: a series of devotional studies and a treasury of moral and spiritual
encouragement for the elderly by the Reverend William Edward Farndale and contributors ; edited
by his son and daughter [James Farndale and Enid Cartwright].
Author: William Edward
Farndale
Print Book 1968
Beckenham
:
White's, 1968.
Mow Cop after 150 years : its spiritual significance
Author: W E Farndale
(William Edward), 1881-
Print Book 1957
London : Epworth Press, 1957.
References: Primitive
Methodist Magazine 1932/394 - Methodist Minutes 1966/205 - R Newman Wycherley,
The Pageantry of Methodist Union, 1932, p341 - W Leary, Directory of Primitive
Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990 - Census Returns and Births, Marriages
& Deaths Registers
Part Author of above: Geoff
Dickinson, 28/11/2019
Spalding Guardian, 18
October 1968: BOOK
BY A METHODIST. Many Methodists in this area will recall the late Rev Dr
William Edward Farndale, president of the Methodist conference in 1947 and a Moderator
of the National Free Church Federal Council. Now Whites, publishers, of 203
Croydon Road, Beckenham, Kent, have produced a book mainly written by and also about Dr Farndale. Some of his final
manuscripts have been edited by his son and daughter. Called “Sunlit
years” it is available direct from the publishers, price 10s 6d.
Lincolnshire Echo, 24
October 1968: BOOK
TO INTEREST THOSE WHO KNEW LINCS METHODIST.
Chairman of Lincoln Methodist district for more than 20 years, the Rev
Dr William Edward Farndale was well known in the county and those who knew him
will be interested in a recently published book, “Sunlit years”. The
book is written by and about the late Dr Farndale, who died in 1966. It
consists of some of his final manuscripts, edited by his son and daughter,
but also includes an interesting religious broadcast talk, given by a country doctor
on a very similar theme, the elderly. At the time of writing his
contribution to the book, Dr Farndale was over 80 years old. The book
should prove a challenge to many other octogenarians. He explains how he dealt
with the tremendous problem of advancing years and failing health, with the
help of the Bible. Dr Farndale became chairman of the Lincoln district in 1933.
In those earlier years, following Methodist Union, the few chairmen who were
separated from the circuit work were known as district missionaries.