Rev Dr William Edward Farndale 24 September 1881 to 4 February 1966 The Whitby 5 Line The William Line FAR00576

President of the Methodist Conference in 1947 and Moderator of the Free Church Council from 1949 to 1951

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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. 74^TH ANNIVERSARY. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12^TH, 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 16^th, 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, 8^th 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 5^TH, 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. 103^RD 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, 6^TH 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 9^th, 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 4^TH.

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 38^TH 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: 100^TH 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 Issues 16-18 of Howell Harris, Griffith T. Roberts Issues 16-18 of Methodist Preaching Houses and the Law: The Story of the Model Deed, Ernest Benson Perkins The Secret of Mow Cop: A New Appraisal of the Origins of Primitive Methodism, William Edward Farndale The Wesley Historical Society Lecture
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.