HEPPELL, Thomas 1876 - 1949

Obituary from the Minutes of the Methodist Conference 1950, page 126

Born at Corbridge-on-Tyne in 1876. Reacting favourably to the influences of a godly home, he began in early days to walk in the ways of God and started to preach while yet a youth.

Entering Westminster Training College for Teachers, he so distinguished himself as a student that he was called to be a member of the staff. But another call prevailed, and in 1899 he offered and was accepted as a candidate for the Ministry, Because of his exceptional educational attainments, he was sent without further training to commence his ministerial career at Falkirk.

From then onward he served always with distinction, three times answering the call of the Liverpool (Bootle) Circuit to minister there, and for two years was the Chairman of the Leicester and Northampton District. He was a preacher of outstanding quality, his sermons being aglow with illustrations chosen and used with unique skill.

As a pastor he excelled, both in his contacts with individuals and in the fellowship of the class meeting, where his gifts of spiritual leadership were very marked. In spite of his many gifts, he will be remembered and loved more for the man of God that he was. He possessed a distinctive charm of personality and grace of bearing which made him generally beloved, and was esteemed by all who were privileged to know him as a true Christian gentleman.

His active ministry was brought to a sudden ending in the year 1939 ; but he continued by his quiet but graciously effective influence to bring blessing to many, until, on the 5th October 1949, God called him home, in the seventy-third year of his life and after fifty years in the ministry.

©Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 1950

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