Rev Frederick Pearn 1882-1960

Reverend Frederick Pearn of 184 Park Road , Sittingbourne died in 1960 aged 78, he had been a Methodist minister for over fifty years

He had a life-long interest in education especially the work of Methodist schools and colleges and was governor of several including Southlands Training College.

By birth he was a Cornishman and spent his childhood at Launceston. His ministry began in 1905 with the Bible Christians. He first worked in the Scilly Isles

After his marriage in the autumn of 1911 he worked at Sheerness and then after several moves to different parts of England he moved to Medway in 1930.

He was synod secretary of the Methodist union for 14 years until 1946 when he became chairman.

From 1936 until 1945 he was minister of Sittingbourne Methodist church and so it was he who was minister there when the church was reduced to  gutted shell by enemy action in January 1944.

He held the congregation together whilst services were held in the Methodist schoolroom and plans to rebuild the church were made.

In 1950 Frederick Pearn retired though he returned to ministry in Sittingbourne in 1956 to fill an unexpected vacancy.

He had a distinguished ministry many interests and great gifts. He never lost his interest in philosophy and theology. In his retirement he taught himself Greek and translated the gospels. He and his wife had three daughters

His funeral took place at Sittingbourne Methodist church.

East Kent Gazette 1960 April 4