YOUNG, Harry Edward 1896 - 1949

Obituary from the Minutes of the Methodist Conference 1950, page 135

Born in London in 1896. He entered the United Methodist Ministry in 1923 and after training at Victoria Park, Manchester, served for twenty-five years. He was the founder, and for many years the organizing secretary, of the ‘ Overseas Friendship League ’ through which he promoted pen- friendships with people of different nationalities, especially amongst young Methodists.

He was the friend of many coloured men and women. His outstanding success, however, was as a circuit minister. He understood the importance of the ordinary routine of a circuit, and brought to it the power of a consecrated life. Every department had his interest, and he ministered to young and old alike.

As a pastor he was diligent and systematic. His instinctive sympathy, knowledge of psychology, and his ready help aided many a troubled soul. As an organizer he was painstaking and possessed initiative. He brought to his work the equipment of a cultured mind, was a painstaking student, and prepared conscientiously for his pulpit utterances. His sermons were thoughtful and forceful, and marked by freshness and light. There was much of the mystic about him, yet he did not withdraw from life. He gathered people together in prayer-circles so that they could share in the service of prayer.

His last circuit was Sheffield (Norfolk), where he was soon overtaken by illness. With singular courage he endured disappointment and intense suffering, rallying himself again and again in an effort to serve, but growing weaker and weaker until, after much pain, he ceased from his labours on the 22nd December 1949, in the fifty- third year of his life, leaving behind a great and treasured memory.

©Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 1950

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.