BURKITT, Walter Ewart

Born at Dalton-in-Furness in 1895. A son of the manse, he was trained for the Ministry at Hartley College.

In the first World War he served with the Field Ambulance and Royal Air Force, and in I940 he undertook chaplaincy duty at home and abroad. He travelled in the following circuits : Harrogate, Rotherham (with his father, the Rev. Joseph Burkitt, as his superintendent minister), Middlesbrough, Southport, Halifax, Lancaster. Colne and Stokesley.

In all these circuits he fulfilled a ministry which was splendid in fidelity, meticulous in administration, gracious in influence and large-hearted in pastoral sympathy.

At Middlesbrough he won and shepherded a host of young people into an experience of redeeming friendship with God.

In the North Lancashire District he was Church Membership Secretary for seven years.

As a preacher he was always fresh and sometimes unusual ; and frequently he would let fall some wise saying which needy souls would pick up and cherish to their lasting enrichment.

All his churches owed much to his inspiring and energetic leadership, for he was intensely practical and his deep spiritual insight was linked with a robust faith and indomitable courage.

His war service in North Africa left its mark on him in suffering, but through Christ he was ” more than conqueror”.

He loved to help people, and always went the second mile with a gaiety of heart that was entrancing. This triumph of spirit and disregard of self came from a humble faith in God and a steady obedience to His will. His dedicated personality made a deep impression on men and women and he won a unique place in their affection.

He died on 7 September 1961 aged sixty-six years, in the forty-sixth year of his ministry.

Minutes of Conference 1962, Page 205, Section XVI

MINISTERS WHO HAVE DIED, 1961-62

©Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 2014