Hi Listers Obituary of Rev. John WILSON John WILSON (B), who was born in London about the year 1820, and died at Cala, South Africa, July 1891. His parents were devoted Christians and true Methodists, connected with City Road Chapel. His mother dedicated him to the Lord from his earliest infancy. When about sixteen years of age he was converted to God, and some four years later he offered himself as a candidate for the ministry, and was accepted by the Conference and sent to the Theological Institution, first at Abney Park and then at Richmond. After completing a three years' course of study he sailed for South Africa, where he arrived in 1845, his first appointment being at Graham's Town, where he remained for three years. He subsequently laboured in the Circuits of King William's Town, Bathurst and Fort Beaufort (twice), Port Elizabeth, Cradock, Somerset East and Graaff-Reinet. In all these places he and his devoted Christian wife were greatly esteemed and beloved, and their influence and work were productive of much good. In the year 1884 he became a Supernumerary, and shortly afterwards took up his resident at Cala, where he did good service Christ and Methodism, and won the esteem and love of the people. For the last two or three years his health declined, so that he was unable to visit the country parts of the Circuit, but he continued to conduct the services in Cala to the last. His death was sudden. On the Sunday previous he preached twice, and the following two days visited some of the people. The next day he appeared in his usual health, but soon after retiring for the night he passed away without a struggle, his dying word being "Jesus". He was a man of a bright and genial disposition, full of kindness and sympathy. His character as Christian was most exemplary, whilst as a Minister, he was devoted and faithful, a diligent pastor, a useful preacher, whose aim was ever to be doing good. From: Wesleyan Methodist Conference Minutes 1892 More to follow..... Transcribed by Darryl Allwright P O Box 166 Grahamstown 6140 Cell: 076-091-2764