CONNON, John 1812 - 1900

John Connon: born at Aberdeen, October 15, 1812.

He was a Methodist of the third generation, his grandfather and grandmother being members of the Society in Wesley’s time.

He thankfully acknowledged that the religious training he received in an eminently bright and godly home was a lifelong inspiration and blessing. He definitely decided for Christ when he was eighteen years of age. The thoroughness of his conversion soon became manifest in the whole-hearted manner in which, regardless of weather or long journeys, he threw himself into all kinds of Christian work.

Educated at the ancient university of Aberdeen, a diligent student of the Bible from childhood, possessing much force of character and a passionate desire to be useful, he was well equipped for his life’s work. He entered the Ministry in the year 1835, and laboured hard and well for forty-four years, and for the most part in Circuits that made heavy demands upon both his physical and mental powers.

As a Circuit Minister and Superintendent he was highly successful, very soon winning, and never failing to retain, the confidence and affection of the people to whom he ministered, and also of his colleagues.

His sermons ? mainly on doctrinal and ex- perimental themes ? were well thought out and effectively delivered. As a pastor he was diligent and coscientious.

His natural buoyancy of temperament and ready sympathy made his visits specially welcome and helpful. Outside his own particular sphere he was a keen observer of all move- ments, whether intellectual, moral, or social; and he kept himself well abreast of present-day thought and literature.

At the Conference of 1879 he retired from Circuit work and settled at Swadlincote. For some years he preached twice every Sunday ; and the good work he did in raising money for religious purposes and in other ways will never be forgotten.

During his later years he was unable to preach, yet up to the very last he occasionally took part in public meetings, and, considering his great age, spoke with wonderful pathos and power. His old age was exceedingly attractive. Young in heart, alert, enthusiastic, he was revered and loved by all who knew him.

His death was somewhat sudden, but he was prepared. This venerable servant of God ” entered into life” on March 2, 1900, in the eighty-eighth year of his age and the sixty-fifth of his ministry.