FIELDING, John William 1873 - 1951

Born at Swinton in 1873. He received his education at the Wesleyan Day School and at Owen’s College, Manchester.

Entering into business, and showing good promise he was given tempting offers to stay, but the call to preach dominated every other interest.
After three years at Didsbury he entered the Ministry in 1897.
A man of strong physique, a fine presence and a good voice, he exercised a powerful ministry.

Always most careful in his preparation for the pulpit, he was recognised as a preacher of ability and power. Possessing a shepherd’s heart, he visited his people with devotion and faithfulness.

He gave the same care to the business side of the Church and circuit life. Young and old alike were blessed by his ministry.

After his retirement in 1935 he went for a trip round the world, preaching in many lands and making many friends.

On returning to this country in 1937 he continued to preach with vigour, and was in much demand for week-day meetings and Sunday services both in his own beloved Church and in other denominations.

After several weeks of increasing weakness he passed peacefully to his rest in God on 23rd August 1951 in his seventy-eighth year, after a ministry of fifty-four years.

©Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 1952