Barker, Samuel (1850-1926)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1901

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1921

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

Early years

Samuel was born in 1850 at Whittington Moor, Derbyshire to parents Charles and Sarah. Samuel’s family were loyal Primitive Methodists. His father was an active official and local preacher for nearly fifty years and his mother’s membership extended over fifty years. Charles worked as a grocer.

In early manhood, Samuel went into business, and was successful. Having married, his way seemed decided, but officials in the Chesterfield circuit called him into ministry in his home circuit.

Ministry

Samuel’s pulpit message was practical, and he aimed to strengthen believers, to comfort the distressed, and earnestly to proclaim the evangel of redeeming love. A special feature of his ministry was the discovery and training of young people for Church Service and official life. One outstanding case was to call Rev James Flanagan to the work of the evangel and ministry of the church – see article in 1901 Primitive Methodist Magazine.

Samuel served as District Missionary Committee Secretary for several years. He was a member of the Connexional General Missionary Committee and also served on the Centenary and Candidates’ Examining Committees.

Samuel was a keen politician. He was president of the Staveley Liberal Association. He was an ardent Free Churchman; he fought manfully for religious and educational equality and was a Passive Resister.

Family

Samuel married Sarah Hardy (1844-1921) in the summer of 1873 in the Chesterfield Registration District, Derbyshire. Census returns identify one child.

• Charles (b1874) – a chemist

Samuel died on 28 January 1926 at Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Circuits

• 1874 Chesterfield
• 1876 Ilkeston
• 1877 Lincoln I
• 1878 Melton Mowbray
• 1881 Chesterfield
• 1884 Middlesborough
• 1888 Bishop Auckland
• 1894 Clay Cross
• 1902 Chesterfield III
• 1906 Staveley
• 1910 Sheffield V
• 1919 Sheffield V (Sup)
• 1922 Chesterfield

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1901/846; 1910/213; 1921/464

PM Minutes 1926/253

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers