Kelley, Thomas Albert (1876-1947)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1929

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1929

Early years

Thomas was born on 3 December 1876 at Manchester, Lancashire, to parents William Henry Kelley and Frances Kirkland. William was a master painter.

His family was long associated with the Moss Lane PM Church in Manchester. Thomas was baptised there on 7 January 1877.

Thomas lost his father when he was eight, which necessitated his going into business when he was thirteen. He made his decision for Christ when he was fourteen, became a Sunday School teacher at sixteen and a local preacher before he was eighteen. He was recommended for the ministry on his twenty-third birthday.

Ministry

Thomas served his districts as Equalisation Fund, Building (twice) and Missionary Secretary.

His obituary records that from the beginning he evidenced exceptional business aptitude and loyalty to duty, and circuit after circuit was indebted to him for his wise administration coupled with a selfless devotion to his calling.

As a preacher his work was marked by careful study and passionate earnestness. As a pastor he showed in un-numbered ways there was nothing too hard to do for his peoples good.

Family

Thomas married Adeliza Langford (1881-1969) in the summer of 1905 at Ludlow, Shropshire.

• Nesta Anthony (b1910) – married Alan Bolton in 1935

Thomas died on 2 January 1947 at Blackheath, Worcestershire.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1901 Ludlow
• 1905 Dudley
• 1908 Leominster
• 1912 Birmingham III
• 1916 Bishops Castle
• 1920 Whitchurch
• 1924 Halesowen
• 1929 Blackheath
• 1931 Oldbury
• 1935 Shrewsbury
• 1940 Blackheath (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1929/622

Methodist Minutes 1947/138

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers