Woolston, James (1828-1899)

Transcription of Obituary In the Christian Messenger

MR. JAMES WOOLSTON, of Hickling, in the Martham Circuit. — James Woolston exchanged mortality for life on October 3rd, aged 71 years. In the early part of his life Brother Woolston, indulged freely in the pleasures and follies of the world, but found in them no solid satisfaction. When about 27 years of age he was brought to realise his lost and ruined state through sin, and with weeping and supplication he sought the Lord. At length light broke in upon his mind. He was led to see that salvation could only be obtained through faith in Christ; and no sooner did he exercise that faith than peace and joy filled his soul. The change wrought in him by the Holy Spirit was so great that he never for a moment doubted the reality of his conversion. Old things had indeed passed away, and all things had become new. His heart glowed with love to the Saviour and burned with an ardent desire for the salvation of men. In 1861 his name appeared as an accredited local preacher on the plan of the Great Yarmouth Circuit (of which Martham station then formed a part) and he laboured in that capacity with great diligence and much acceptance till the time of his death.

Brother Woolston was a genuine Christian. He lived in the sunlight of Heaven, and enjoyed unbroken fellowship with Christ. He was straightforward in his business transactions, regular in his attendance at both the public and private means of grace, and liberally supported the cause of God. His, for many years, was the home of the preachers both travelling and local. When Martham and the surrounding villages were separated from the parent circuit he was appointed the station steward, which office he retained till the last. He interested himself in everything that pertained to the welfare of the circuit. His loss, therefore, will be greatly felt. For some few weeks before his departure his health began to fail. On October 3rd, 1899, while sitting in his chair and attending to some business accounts, his head dropped, his pen fell from his hand, his heart ceased to beat, and his spirit passed away to
‘The land of perfect, lasting bliss,
The peaceful home of all who know the Lord.’
It may be truly said of him, ‘ he walked with God and he was not, for God took him.’ His remains were interred in Hickling church-yard the writer of?ciating, and the funeral was attended by a large number of persons from different parts of the circuit. On October 22nd, the writer conducted a memorial service in our chapel when the large building was filled in every part and a rich influence rested on the people. May the sorrowing widow of our departed brother meet him in that world where partings my unknown. Amen.

M.S. CUSHING

Family and other information

James was baptised on 21 September 1828 at Hickling, Norfolk. His parents were John Davie Woolston and Sarah.

Census returns identify the following occupations for James.

• 1851 farm labourer
• 1861 agricultural labourer
• 1871 butcher
• 1881 butcher
• 1891 farmer.

James married Eliza Addy (abt1834-1926) on 25 December 1853 at Hickling, Norfolk. Following the death of James, Eliza married Josiah Chapman (abt 1847-1920), a farmer, in late 1901.

References

Christian Messenger 1900/31

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers