Hobkinson, Charles (1849-1898)

Transcription of Obituary In the Christian Messenger

CHARLES HOBKINSON, the eldest son of Daniel and Ann Hobkinson, was born at New Bridge, Birstwith, in the parish of Ripley, Yorkshire, on the 25th of May, 1849. His parents were members of the Wesleyan Methodist society in the Pateley Bridge Circuit, hence Charles was brought up under religious influence, and his early days were spent amid pious surroundings. But when he was twelve years of age he sustained a great loss by the death of his mother. Shortly after this he went to farm service for some two years, with Mr. G. Lumley, of Bishop Thornton, who had a great regard for him ever after. When between fourteen and fifteen years of age he left his native place and associations and came to Rotherham, followed by the earnest prayers of his bereaved father and sisters. Here he was apprenticed to the brass twining business at the firm of Messrs. Guest and Chrimes, in whose employ he continued till the time of his death.

Shortly after he came to Rotherham he began to attend our Wellgate chapel; and during the ministry of the Rev. T. Baron, he was led to Christ, and joined our church, and continued to adorn the doctrine of God his Saviour in all things to the last. He soon became an active member, and his name was put upon the plan as a local preacher; and he otherwise engaged in work for the Master who had saved him, and tor the good of others around him. He was a most exemplary Christian and consistent member of our church for more than 30 years; and for a considerable portion of that time was a faithful local preacher, a devout class leader, an earnest Sunday school teacher, and the secretary for the trustees of the chapel, of which he was one. He was a most generous supporter of the various funds of the circuit, and the connexion, a true lover and student of the Bible, the connexional periodicals, and other good books. He was a constant and most appreciative hearer of the Word, esteeming highly the ministry for its work’s sake. He was, too, a truly devoted husband, and a really faithful but unostentatious friend; therefore, he was very much esteemed by all who knew him, especially by the young men in his class in the Sunday school.

His last illness was painful and protracted, but he endured his affliction most patiently, believing that it was working for him ‘more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory.’ He now rests from his labours and his works follow him. Much loved and deeply lamented, as shown by the large concourse attending his funeral. —S.B.R. (Samuel Bartholomew Reynolds)