[From The Manx Quarterly, #23]

Memorial notices.

REV. HENRY WILLIAMS

Died February 5th, 1920.

Tho Rev. H. Williams died at South Shields, on Thursday, February 5th, 1920. Mr Williams was Wesleyan Superintendent Minister in Douglas for five years, covering the troublesome period of the war, and left the Circuit in August of last year He passed away at the age of 66. He was a native of Cornwall;, and entered the ministry in 1879. On leaving Richmond College he took work in the foreign field, and was in Sierra Leone, West Africa, for five years. He subsequently " travelled" in Marazion (Cornwall), St. Agnes' (Cornwall), Helston, Tavistock, Gainsborough, Lincoln, Hull, Grimsby and Liverpool. A remarkable proof of his "wearing" qualities is to be found in the fact that on several occasions -for one period of about 15 years in particular the changed from one circuit to another circuit directly adjoining. During his stay in the Isle of Man, he took an active interest in matters connected with temperance and social welfare, and he was for several years chairman of the Manx Temperance Federation. He was also an ex-President of the Manx Free Church Council. He was a director of the Manx Industries Association, and was most assiduous in his attention to the interests of that concern. Mr Williams was a man of much force of intellect and character, and had an affable personality, and his sudden demise is the source of much regret to Methodists in the Isle of Man.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT VICTORIA STREET.

On Sunday evening, February 8th, at Victoria-street Wesleyan Church, the Rev. G. Osborn Gregory preached a memorial sermon for the Rev, Henry Williams, late superintendent minister of the Douglas Circuit, and chairman of the Isle of Man District. The text was Acts of the Apostles xi, 24-"For he was a good man." The preacher said: When a completed life is taken and an endeavour is made to extricate from it all that is merely secondary and incidental, it is remarkable how little remains except that which concerns "character. " All the attainments, the incidents, and adventures, and experiences that bulked so largely in the story of life, while it was being worked out, fall into their place, and are seem in true perspective. They had their value, they exercised their influence in the making of the finished product, but, at the end of it all, "character" remains; and the last question that is to be resolved about s life when it is finished is this--not what he did, but rather-What was he? Tonight as we meet here in the fresh and fragrant memory of one who a little over six short months ago was superintendent of this circuit, one who occupied this pulpit scores of times in a ministry of five years, who walked about freely and intimately amongst you, I don't want to talk about so much what he did, about the long record of his honourable career; I want rather to speak of what he was; and I think of all the words he would have been most proud and glad to hear spoken of him, these words--spoken of one of the most gracious and lovable of New Testament characters-would have pleased him most; not words that spoke of any ability, or gift, or his undoubted powers, but rather that spoke of his character, and simply said, " He was a good man." In the last judgment of souls, the wade verdict depends on the answer to the question-

" Was he a good or a bad man?" Of Henry Williams we may say, with sure confidence, he was a good man. And goodness is always attractive, if it be true goodness. I do not say he was always right; the man who is always right is detested, but the man who is always good is loved. He knew children-swarms of them-and they would all run to him; they loved him just because he was good. There is a goodness that gets hold of the heart of people-that character, by giving itself away in the interest of love, wants love back in return. In his youth on the foreign field, and later in the home service, preaching the gospel and doing the work of a Methodist ,preacher, going on, still under physical difficulties, still with the same unconquerable hope, still with the same devotion, broad-mindedness and large-heartedness, still with the same powers of personal attraction. I think there is a call to every one of us, on the side of personal goodness, to emulate him. I see him now with his kind, shrewd eyes that used to break into a slow, good-humoured smile. I have seen him troubled a little, but never irritable or angry; he was a level man. We thank God for men like him, who have done their work faithfully and well, and served their day and generation. There were certain qualities of Christian goodness which were very brightly illustrated in his character. I want you to notice in him the optimism of goodness. Only a good man can be consistently and triumphantly optimistic; a bad man has no real basis of optimism for a hopeful outlook with regard to the government of the universe and the goodness of humanityonly the man who has himself begotten again to -a diving hope, the man who himself is good has a supreme and unshakeable faith in. the goodness of God and in the goodness of his follows. The five years which Mr Williams laboured here, most of them, years of war very difficult times for all-not less difficult for him who had two sons at the was; district and circuit affairs often caused perplexity and anxiety; there were times of depression and unusual unique strain, but in it all his belief in God, and the good government of the universe, and the ultimate triumph never- wavered, and he went on preaching what he called the gospel of hope. As he said, " I have to try to keep up people's hearts and hopes just now." I have heard, not one, but scores of testimonials of the strength and cheer which -people got in dreary days, as they heard the strong, confident message of hope which came from our friend's lips week by week, year after year. He knew that God was in his heaven, and the judge of all the earth was bound do might, and the end of it must be rich About a year ago, when the was laid art by sickness, was the only time I saw ' depressed. He was greatly troubled for a little time, and he remarked to me. How strange it would be if after trying to keep up the hope of people all these years, I should give up hope myself." But then he straightened himself and said', " Well, I will never do that." He had the optimism of a good man that trusted in the goodness of his God. He had great faith in humanity. The atmosphere of suspicion end distrust was foreign to him. He was a man without guile himself, and believed others the same. He truly loved the Manx people. As a colleague he was very frank and hopeful; he never spoke a word which could be twisted into condemnation or unkind criticism. He loved and his love gave him understanding, and he believed in you all. He believed people, were trying to do the right thing. His life's work was in Methodism, and he wanted to see the Methodist Church prosper, but he was eminently broad-minded and susceptible of impressions from all directions. He was wonderfully elastic, and plastic; the kept in touch with modern movements and thought; he was intensely interested in his time; he loved to support good causes here or these; he was a great lover of music. He told me how much he enjoyed the musical festival, how he delighted in our choir and in the musical services. He had a wonderful number of broad and varied interests. He was interested in all sorts of people; he was approachable; he was interested in their interests, and took part in their life. He had the type of mind of the old Methodist minister, which is disappearing too fast from our midst; he never sought self advancement or worldly comfort. He was true to the call of God, and kept steadily to his post for 41 years in the Christian ministry, looking to the favour of God as his only reward, answering the call that God gave him, and he died in harness.

The choir sang the anthem, "Blest am the departed " (Spohr), and at the close of the service " The Hallelujah chorus" (Handel).

WILLIAM CLUCAS KINLEY

Died February 17th, 1920.

Many of our readers were very grieved to hear of the death at Brockley, London, of Mr William Clucas Kinley. He was a son of the late Mr Robert Kinley, tailor, of Strand-street, Douglas, and was 53 years old. He endeared himself to the lovers of Manx literature by his little play "Ellie's Stranger" which was published in " Mannin." The following account is taken from "The Kentish Mercury," of which paper his brother-in-law, Mr Stanley Kay Bawden is editor:-After an illness of less than a week, Mr William Clucas Kinley passed away at 40 Upper Brockley-road, on February 17th,. He has been for many years a regular contributor to "The Kentish Mercury," and for four years a member of its editorial staff, in which capacity he proved that in journalism he had found his métier. It would, indeed, have been surprising had it been otherwise, for his career had provided him with an equipment almost ideal. In his 53 years he had travelled far and read much; he united to a gift of literary expression a sound judgment and a keen sense of humour; he had been for more than a quarter of a century in close contact both some of the leaders of the Labour movement, find had an extensive knowledge of industrial problems. Then, too, he was on enthusiastic Nature student, possessed a marvellous store of general information, and had a good knowledge of the drama-he had written a comedy of Manx life which, we believe, is to be put into rehearsal shortly for production in his native Isle of Man. Above all, his was a kindly and gentle nature, which bound expression in all his actions. When the war broke out Mr Kinley was one of the first to volunteer for the dangerous work of minesweeping, and it was a bitter disappointment to him to have his services rejected on the ground of chronic bronchitis, which on several occasions had prevented the taking of opportunities which promised high distinction. It handicapped him heavily, too, in the illness which resulted in his death, to the great loss of "The Kentish Mercury," and. we think we may claim, to that of the community in which it circulates. It was in the Borough of Deptford that he was best known, locally, and measure of the esteem in which he was held by many there is afforded by the following appreciation by one of the most prominent officials of that borough:-"The death of Mr Kinley, after so short an illness, has filled me with a pronounced sense of loss. The public life of the Borough of Deptfort is so much the poorer to-day by the removal of this genial and versatile journalist, with whom it was my pleasure to be brought intimately in contact. My frequent association with him In both the official and social life of the borough gave me full opportunity accurately to judge the value of his work, and his personal charm of manner was worthy of the best traditions of English journalism. I feel that I am truly, although briefly and inadequately, expressing the feelings or the public men of all shades of opinion in this borough who knew him. His personality will. long be a fragrant memory to us all." The Mayor of Deptford, Sir William Wayland, has also sent expression of regret. " Since 1914" he writes, "I have come, in constant contact both Mr Kinley who attended most of our tribunal and Food Control proceedings, and was much interested in our National Kitchen work. I remember how on two occasions he continued his Professional work with apparent unconcern whilst bombs were dropping in the neighbourhood of the Town Hall. He was an exceedingly able man, patriotic and fearless; he has a big heart, and, outside his professional work, was intensely interested in his country's and the borough's welfare. In his passing away the borough has lost one of its best citizens." At the meeting of the Deptford Profiteering Sub-Committee on Wednesday evening the members passed a resolution expressing sincere and heartfelt sympathy with Mrs Kinley in her bereavement, and with the Editor and staff of "The Kentsh Mercury' in the loss they had sustained. The funeral was at Brockley Cemetery on February 21st.

ALFRED PETER KENNISH

Died, March 3rd, 1920.

The death took place on Wednesday, March 3rd, at 134 Rawlinson-street, Bar-row, of Mr Alfred Peter Kennish, foreman painter and decorator, aged 54 years. Mr Kennish was the son of the late J. W. Kennish, for many years foreman printer in the printing department of the "Ramsey Courier" office. Mr Kennish served his apprenticeship with Messrs Lavery Bros., plumbers, painters, and decorators, Parliament-street, Ramsey. About 25 years ago, the deceased came to Barrow, and was for several years in the employ of Messrs Gell, Bros., decorators, subsequently entering the employ of Mr Ward, of. Dalton-road, where he rapidly acquired promotion, being appointed fore-man, the position which he held until his death. Mr Kennish, although somewhat of a retiring nature was much esteemed by all who knew him, he was a member of the Barrow Manx Society since its inception, and for a period was chairman of committee, on retiring from the chairmanship he was elected hon. auditor, and retained the office up to his demise. The deceased held other important offices, namely :-treasurer of the Painters' Union, vice-chairman of the House Committee North Lonsdale Hospital, and a member of the Hospital Building Committee. He was highly appreciated for the excellent advice on matters pertaining to the decorative art, and his sound judgment could be relied upon, he was a member of the Ramsey branch of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, and had passed through most of the degrees of that order. Mr Kennish leaves a widow and two daughters to mourn his loss, to whom much sympathy is extended. The funeral place on Saturday, and was largely attended. The first part of the service was held in St. George's Church, where a number of the general public assembled to pay their last tributes of respect to the deceased. The service at the graveside was most impressive. The Rev. Chava vicar of St. George's, officiating. principal mourners were, widow, Miss Eva Kennish (daughter), Mr and Mrs Wilkie Kennish (brother and sister-in-law), Liverpool, Mr Charles Kennish (brother), Chester, Mr and Mrs Hodgson (daughter and son-in-law), Miss Lily Kennish (sister) Ramsey, Mr J. T. Rodgers, Mr Lowey Thornton , Mr and Mrs Capon, Mrs Stowell, Mr Harry Gildart. The Painters' Union was represented by Mr Broomer (secretary) Mr J. Carlow (president). Mr A. Ward, Mr Wm. Stowell, Mr J. Norris. Barrow Manx Society was represented by Mr H. F. C. Lace (hon. secretary), Mr T Morrison (hon. treasurer), Mr W. Quayle and R. Collister (trustees), Messrs Killip, T. Crellin, J. Knight, A. Clucas H. Corkish, J. E. Quayle, J. J. Kelly Mrs Moughtin, Mrs Mylrea, Mr and Redditt, Misses Quayle (Ramsey), Mrs C. F. Lace, Miss Muriel Lace. . Wreaths were sent by widow and daughter; Louie, Harry, and grandchildren; Wilkie, Polly and family; Charlie, Lily, and Magggie Henshaw and family; National Union of Painters; Barrow Manx Society; fellow workmen; Mr J. G. E. Ward; Mr Capon and family; Lilly Garstang; Mrs Gilmour and family; Mrs Stowell and sisters; Mrs Hutchinson; Mrs Coradus; Mrs Jones, Edie, Lena, and Mrs Sowerbank, Ulverston.

WILLIAM LOWEY

Died April 19th, 1920.

After being in failing health for about two years, Mr Wm. Lowey, of the Sound Farm, Rushen, passed away on Monday April 19th, in his 80th year. Deceased originally belonged to Ballasalla. As a young man he served on the City of Liverpool Police Force. Returning to the Island in later life, he took up farming and for generations past has successfully carried on business at the Sound. He a loyal churchman, and a zealous worshipper at St. Peter's, Cregneish, where his handsome presence will be greatly missed.

ROBERT HENRY COOIL

Died March 3rd. 1910.

The death took place at Hale, Cheshire, on March 3rd, of Mr Robert Henry Cecil, of Parville, Arbory. Deceased had been in indifferent health for some time. He was the principal partner in the well-known drapery firm of Marshall and Aston, of Manchester, and he was an ex-president of the Manchester Manx Society. During the last few years the deceased gentleman was actively associated with the affa:rs of the parish of Arbory, and he was charitably disposed and was ever ready with his kindly assistances towards any deserving institution. A son of the late Mr John Cooil, of Ballagawne, Arbory, the deceased gentleman was 59 years old. His widow is a daughter of the late Mr J. J. Goldsmith, H.K., of Douglas, ard there also survive two sons. The eldest son, Henry Stuart Cooil, held a commission as lieutenant in the King's Own York and Lancaster Regiment, and was killed in action in France on the 10th September, 1918, aged 29 years, after having been previously wounded in 1916. Deceased was a brother of Mr J. T. Cooil, C.P., Arbory, and of Mr H, A. Cooil, Ballacreggan, Port St Mary. Genuine sympathy is felt for the family in their sorrow.

The remains of the late Mr Robert Henry Cooil (head of the wholesale drapery ware-house of Marshall and Aston, Manchester), who passed away at Hale, Cheshire, on the previous Wednesday, were conveyed to the Island for interment at Arbory Churchyard on Saturday. The church was well-filled with relatives and sympathisers, testifying to the high regard in which the deceased was held here. The Rev F. W. Stubbs read the last rites, and the hymns, " O God our help" and "'There is a land of pure delight" were feelingly sung. Funeral music was played on the organ by Mills Stubbs. .