ENTWHISTLE, Thomas 1880 - 1961

Born in Bolton in 1880. Hearing the call of God to the Ministry and receiving a providential gift towards his training, he entered Ranmoor College in the United Methodist Church.

From 1905 he served for 41 years in circuits in Lancashire and the West Riding of Yorkshire : Stockport, Manchester, Blackpool, Batley, Huddersfield, Bradford, Halifax, Hurst and Hyde.

On becoming a supernumerary he first lived in Audenshaw and then moved to Ainsdale in 1954.

His last years were lived under the constant burden of pain.

He spoke of himself as a weak man, but those who had been near to him marvelled at his strength and courage.

The clarity of his mind was unaffected by all that hampered his body, and he was often discussing the deepest problems of life and death.

During his active work he was noted in his circuits and districts for a directness that was expressed in every part of his ministry. He would not tolerate what was trivial and petty. He sought only the regard of his Lord.

Those to whom he ministered remembered especially his compassion in times of distress and the help that he brought. His humble and thankful spirit was revealed in the gratitude he used to express for the slightest service he received.

He was a modest man who served his Lord with great devotion.

He died on 18 July 1961, in the eighty-second year of his age and the fifty-sixth of his ministry.

©Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 1962