CROSBY, Benjamin (B) 1868 - 1949

Born at Fulbeck in Lincolnshire in 1868. He belonged to an old Methodist family, which included his great-uncle Benjamin Crosby, one of the first missionaries to Sierra Leone. He was accepted as a candidate for the Ministry at the early age of nineteen. Trained at Richmond College, he entered the active work in 1890.

His circuit record gives evidence of his hold upon the affection of his people and of their appreciation of his work. In most varied spheres of service, in both town and country circuits, he fulfilled a very gracious ministry. His six years at Redditch were particularly blessed, resulting in three young men entering the Ministry. Two were also accepted during his ministry at Bilston. This was but one result of his especial interest in the training of young local preachers.

He was an indefatigable worker, a forceful preacher, fearless in the proclamation of the truth as he saw it. His claim to Viking descent was justified by the warrior spirit of his ministry, as well as by his appearance. But his was a spirit devoted to the Gospel of Christ’s love, and beneath his stem demeanour was a tender and sympathetic heart.

He was loyal to his Church, and even when physically handicapped through accident and prolonged sickness, he persisted in his work and was greatly used of God. Instead of retiring completely during the war he continued to serve as an active Supernumerary at Gresley, where for seven years he worked heroically.

Since 1944 he lived at Mount Sorrel, Leicestershire, where he died on 24th August 1949, in the fifty-ninth year of his ministry. The good that he did will live long after him.

©Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 1950