Bilbrough, William Basil Wilberforce (1879-1943)
Early years
William was born in 1879 at Leeds, Yorkshire, to parents James and Annie. James was an assistant building inspector (1881) and bricklayer (1891).
William’s parents were associated with the Belle Vue PM Church. William entered the ministry as a result of the counsel of Rev G Bennett.
Ministry
His obituary records that William travelled successfully, was much loved by his people, and circuits prospered under his care. He sought no kind of distinction in District or Connexional Office, had no ambition save that of being a preacher of the Eternal Gospel, to which he gave himself completely, his outstanding note being that of sincerity. He delighted in the Study Circle, and loved thus to meet his brethren when, in serious thought and frank exchange, old views were re-examined or new ones considered.
Though not demonstrative, he was essentially a friendly man, approachable and loyal.
Family
William married Miriam Handley Parker (abt1883-1949) in the summer of 1908 at Lincoln, Lincolnshire.
- Philip Leslie (1909-1974) – a bank cashier (1949)
- Joan (1915-1982) – married John McNamara in 1949
- Hugh (1916-1991) – a schoolmaster
William died on 19 July 1943 at Ashton under Lyne, Lancashire.
Circuits
- Hartley
- 1902 Nottingham I
- 1904 Lincoln I
- 1906 St Day
- 1908 Barton on Humber
- 1911 Swinefleet
- 1914 Otley
- 1920 Hull VII
- 1923 Stockport I
- 1927 Scunthorpe
- 1931 St Helens
- 1936 Leigh
- 1938 Wigan Station Rd
- 1942 Ashton Under Lyne
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1930/312
Methodist Minutes 1944/119
W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
Note: The surname is incorrectly spelt in the 1930 sketch.
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