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Wesleyan / Methodist ministers at Hay (to 1901)
[The photographs of ministers on this web-page are from The Methodist Jubilee Conference Album 1855-1905, published c. 1905; information regarding ministerial appointments was adapted from marriage celebrant lists published annually (to 1942) in the New South Wales Government Gazette.]
Rev. Charles JONES
Rev. Charles Jones Ministerial Appointments (adapted from marriage celebrant records)
1871 to early 1872 Deniliquin, NSW; also preached at Hay
early 1872 to early 1874 Queanbeyan, NSW
early 1874 to early 1877 Crookwell, NSW
early 1877 to early 1880 Deniliquin, NSW
early 1880 to early 1881 no record in NSW
early 1881 to early 1882 Hay, NSW (? see also Rev. Ebenezer Fox)
early 1882 to early 1885 Adelong, NSW
early 1885 to early 1887 Terara, NSW (Nowra district)
early 1887 to early 1888 Nowra, NSW
early 1888 to early 1889 Redfern, NSW
early 1889 to early 1891 Cleveland-street, Sydney
early 1891 to early 1894 Rockdale, NSW
early 1894 to early 1897 West Maitland, NSW
early 1897 to early 1900 Wagga Wagga, NSW
early 1900 to early 1903 Orange, NSW
early 1903 to early 1906 Kiama, NSW
early 1906 to early 1909 Goulburn, NSW
early 1909 to early 1913 Penrith, NSW
early 1913 to early 1920 Parramatta, NSW
early 1920 to 1925 Harris Park, NSW (Parramatta district)
1926 on no record; possibly deceased

From about early 1871 Rev. Charles Jones, who had been appointed to the Deniliquin circuit, began to visit Hay every "two or three months".  Rev. Jones had been invited at the instigation of Joseph Ede Pearce, Police Magistrate at Hay since May 1870.  
The minister appointed to Deniliquin, the Rev. Charles Jones, having been invited to visit the town, came at intervals of two or three months, and generally preached to a congregation of about eighty persons.  In September last [1871], the Conference was petitioned for a minister, and efforts were put forth to raise funds for the erection of a church.  In December [1871], the Rev. Charles Jones laid the foundation stone of the Church, and when the station-sheet was published in January, the Hay Methodists were made acquainted with the fact that the Rev. William Weston had been appointed to the circuit.  [The Christian Advocate and Wesleyan Record, 3 August 1872, p. 724]
 
Rev. Charles Jones appears as a marriage celebrant at Hay for 1882 [NSW Government Gazettes (1882)]; however, this appears to be an error as it coincides with the period that Rev. Ebenezer Fox was at Hay.  Local sources (e.g., Riverine Grazier newspaper) indicate Rev. Fox was the Wesleyan minister at Hay during this period.
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Rev. William WESTON
Rev. William Weston Ministerial Appointments (adapted from marriage celebrant records)
1861 to early 1872 Victoria: Ballarat (1861); Steiglitz (1871)
April 1872 to March 1875 Hay, NSW
early 1875 to early 1878 Adelong, NSW
early 1878 to early 1879 Murrurundi, NSW
early 1879 to early 1881 Gunnedah, NSW
early 1881 to early 1882 Ryde (or Parramatta), NSW
early 1882 to early 1885 Deniliquin, NSW
early 1885 to early 1888 Albury, NSW
early 1888 to early 1891 Wagga Wagga, NSW
early 1891 to early 1894 Orange, NSW
early 1894 to early 1897 Yass, NSW
early 1897 to early 1903 Crookwell, NSW
early 1903 to 1918 Young, NSW  (supernumerary from 1906)
1919 to 1931 Randwick, NSW  (supernumerary)

William Weston was born in about 1841 in London, England, the son of George Weston and --- (née Cousens).  Rev. William Weston recorded these recollections of his childhood during a trip to England in late 1918 and early 1919:
My idea turned out to be correct, that I could find my way about London without help; I might only have been away a few months instead of so many years.  I found the house where I was born, and another close by where my mother died; they were both somewhat altered, but the surroundings were the same.  The old school and church of my young days have been burnt down, but noble structures stand in their stead.  I went to Regents Park, where I used to bowl my hoop, and walked to Primrose Hill and looked down upon the great city, seeing the great dome of St. Paul's looming in the clouds four miles away. [The Methodist, 18 January 1919, p. 8]
 
William Weston served as a Wesleyan minister in the colony of Victoria from 1861 to early 1872.  He "began his ministry in 1861 in Ballarat". [Obituary: 'Death of Rev. William Weston', The Methodist, 30 May 1931, p. 9] 
 
William Weston and Marianne Fulton were married in 1871 in Victoria.  Marianne Fulton was born in Melbourne, the daughter of James and Mary A. Fulton.
 
Rev. William Weston was the first Wesleyan minister to be appointed to the Hay circuit.
The Rev W. Weston, of Steiglitz, Victoria, is appointed to Hay – he is married, and is said to be an able preacher and faithful minister. [Hay Standard (quoting Pastoral Times), 7 February 1872, 2(4)]
When he arrived the Wesleyan church at Hay was still being built, so Rev. Weston held services in the Court-house during the first months of his ministry there.  The new church, with seating for 150 people, was opened on Sunday, 7 July 1872.  The building cost £657 11s 2d, which included seats, lighting and additions to the Minister's residence.  [Hay Standard, 10 July 1872, 2(6)]
The Wesleyan church, also just completed, is a nice little building of brick, with pine ceiling, and galvanized iron roof.  Its dimensions are 40 feet long, and 24 feet wide, beside entrance porch, 7 feet by 7 feet.  There are ten windows in the church, four on each side, and a nice pulpit or reading desk on a raised platform… The Rev. W. Weston is the minister. [ ‘A Tour to the South’, Town & Country Journal, 7 September 1872, p. 306]
 
After leaving Hay in March 1875 Rev. Weston was appointed to Adelong.  Rev. Weston's pattern of appointments over the succeeding years favoured country circuits.
Mr. Weston was deeply experienced in spiritual things, and his ministry in the circuits bore fruit in conversions among his people, and in churches devoted to the evangelistic ideals of Methodism.  His lot was cast almost entirely in country circuits, and the people loved him for his own, and his work's sake.  He was a faithful minister of Christ and the Methodist Church. [Obituary]     
Rev. William Weston’s last active ministry was at Young, NSW, from 1903.  When he retired in early 1906 Rev. and Mrs. Weston remained at Young.
When he became a supernumerary, he resided in Young, his last circuit in the active work, and his presence at worship on Sundays, and his unabated interest in all the church's activities, were very helpful to his fellow churchmen.  [Obituary]
Marianne Weston died in 1918 at Young, NSW.  In late 1918 Rev. William Weston travelled to England via the USA.  In England he stayed with his sister at Croxley Green, near London.
My home is a quiet village, "Croxley Green," twenty miles north-east from London… I have a lovely home here, with the remnant of my family, and it is a great joy for me to be with my only sister after being parted so long.  [The Methodist, 18 January 1919, p. 8]
During his trip Rev. Weston visited significant sites associated with John Wesley.
My travel over John Wesley's circuit is now complete.  I have heard of all the different spots in England which mark his work, and seem to retain the echo of his voice. [The Methodist, 22 February 1919, p. 10]
The Great War ended during Weston’s stay in England.
It was my joy to be in England when victory was proclaimed.  It was wonderful to see the banners flying, to hear the bells ringing, and the guns firing, and to watch the children marching, waving their flags.  I attended a thanksgiving service at night in a crowded church.  It was pathetic to see the wounded soldiers wheeled into the aisle, but it was a grand occasion, every heart being filled with joy. [The Methodist, 22 February 1919, p. 10]
A number of articles written by Rev. Weston, describing his travels abroad, were published in The Methodist in the period November 1918 to February 1919.
 
After his return from overseas Rev. Weston lived at Randwick for the remainder of his life, at the home of his niece, Mrs. H.R. Walden.  The Hay Methodist Church celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1922.  At the age of eighty-one years Rev. William Weston returned to Hay for the occasion to preach at the service. [The Witcombe Heritage by Caroline Merrylees & Derek Woolcott (1993)]
 
Towards the end of his life Rev. Weston was unable to undertake ministerial duties.
On account of his age, [Rev. Weston] was not able, for many years past, to undertake any ministerial duty, but as he frequently said to his brethren, in private and at Conference, he had deep joy in praying continually for those who were doing the work.  His radiant personality and his manifest piety attracted old and young, and he has passed hence in the esteem and love of a great number.  Kneeling beside his bed a week since, he sang, for the last time, a favourite hymn, "O for a thousand tongues to sing."  [Obituary]
William Weston died on 26 May 1931 at Randwick, aged 89 years.
The Rev William Weston, after a ministry of 54 years, passed away on Tuesday last at the ripe age of 89… The funeral services at church and graveside were attended by reverent companies.  He will be long remembered by folk of earlier days in the country circuits, and by those who knew him in the supernumerary days at Young and Randwick.  His name stood third in the chronological list of ministers.
Rev. Weston was buried the next day.
The service at the church on Wednesday was conducted by Rev. D. C. Hughes, Mrs. Hughes presiding at the organ.  The chairman of the district, Rev. Wallace Deane, M.A., B.D., and Rev. Dr. Carruthers took part in the service.  The address was delivered by the ex-President, Rev. W. H. Jones.  At the graveside, Rev. A. Collins conducted the service, and the ex-President and Rev. W. Pearson took part.  The Rev. W. Deane delivered the address.  [Obituary: 'Death of Rev. William Weston', The Methodist, 30 May 1931, p. 9]
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Rev. Kirton Abraham CORNER
Rev. Kirton Corner Ministerial Appointments (adapted from marriage celebrant records)
1864-5 to early 1866 Murrurundi (Newcastle circuit) / Newington House
early 1866 to early 1868 Narrabri, NSW (Wee Waa district)
early 1868 to early 1869 Dungog, NSW (Dungog & Stroud district)
early 1869 to early 1871 Tenterfield, NSW
early 1871 to early 1874 Wagga Wagga, NSW
early 1874 to early 1876 Adelong, NSW (Gundagai district)
April 1875 to late 1877 Hay, NSW
early 1878 to early 1881 Shoalhaven, NSW
early 1881 to early 1883 Bathurst, NSW
early 1883 to early 1886 Paddington, NSW
early 1886 to early 1889 Morpeth, NSW
early 1889 to early 1892 Bowral, NSW
early 1892 to early 1895 Berry, NSW
early 1895 to early 1898 Cootamundra, NSW
early 1898 to early 1903 Balmoral, NSW (Picton district)  (supernumerary)
early 1903 to early 1904 Auburn, NSW (Granville district)  (supernumerary)
early 1904 to early 1906 Paddington, NSW  (supernumerary)
early 1906 to March 1912 Auburn, NSW (Granville district)  (supernumerary)

Kirton Abraham Corner was born in about 1844-5 at Wagga Wagga, NSW, the son of William Corner and Eliza (née Matchett).
 
In about 1864-5 Kirton A. Corner began his training as a Wesleyan minister at the Theological Institution, at Newington House on the Parramatta River.  Newington was a Wesleyan school for boys, established in 1863.
Kirton A. Corner entered the Methodist Ministry from the Newcastle Circuit.  He was a candidate at the early age of 20, and was received for training at the Theological Institution, then conducted at old Newington, on the Parramatta River, under the principalship of the Rev. J.H. Fletcher.  His simplicity of character and winsomeness of disposition made him a special favourite with the staff, the boys, and especially with the members of Mr. Fletcher's household. [Obituary ‘The Late Rev. K.A. Corner’, The Methodist, 30 March 1912, p. 6]
Kirton A. Corner spent two years at Newington.  After completing his training Rev. Corner was appointed (in about early 1866) as first Wesleyan minister to the Narrabri and Wee Waa Circuit.
After two years at Newington, he was appointed as first minister to the so-called Narrabri and Wee Waa Circuit.  We say so-called because the great north-western country constituted a vast bush mission area, and from the centre all round to the sea on its northern and western horizons there was no one to dispute the position of the Methodist pioneer as sole occupant of the field.  Mr. Corner did brave pioneering work, and his travels extended from Narrabri to Tamworth in one direction, and to Walgett, Moree, Mungundi, and Bingara in other directions.  He was in perils oft by flood and field, and left that district carrying with him the respect and esteem of everyone with whom he came in contact.  [Obituary]
 
Kirton Abraham Corner and Eliza Matilda Robinson were married in 1870 at Mudgee, NSW.  Like her husband, Eliza Matilda Robinson was also born at Wagga Wagga (in 1842).  The couple had the following children: Fanny A. (born in 1871 at Wagga Wagga); William (born in 1873 at Wagga Wagga); Norman Jones (born in 1879, registered at Shoalhaven); Mary K. (born in 1882, registered at Bathurst). 
 
At the circuits with significant pastoral holdings to which he was appointed – such as Tenterfield, Wagga Wagga, and Hay – Rev. Corner "gave a good account of himself and his ministry among the station holders, with whom he seemed to have a special faculty of getting on well".  During his appointment to the Bowral circuit during 1889-92 Rev. Kirton A. Corner "occupied the position of Chairman of the Goulburn District, and fulfilled its duties in a spirit of great brotherliness and courtesy".  [Obituary]
 
Rev. Corner "retired at a comparatively early age from active work" due to ill-health.  He became a supernumerary in about the late 1890s.
[Rev. Corner] resided as Supernumerary, first at Balmoral, near Bowral, and later at Auburn, where he died… [Obituary]
Rev. Kirton Abraham Corner died on 24 March 1912 at Auburn, Sydney, aged 67 years.
After a prolonged illness, borne with much patience, the Rev. K.A. Corner peacefully entered into rest at Auburn, Homebush Circuit, on Sunday last, aged 67.  His last hours were characterised by an expression of much peace and of calm confidence and Christian victory… The funeral, on Monday last, was attended by Mrs. Corner and her eldest son, Rev. W. Corner (C.E.), by Rev. J. Egan Moulton, and Mrs. Moulton (daughter), Miss Corner, Mr. Jones G. Corner (brother), and a number of old friends… A tender and beautiful address was delivered by the Rev. J.E. Rodd, a friend of 41 years' standing, and reference was made to Mr. Corner's tenderness of mind, love of reading, and fondness of nature.  His end was as peaceful and triumphant as became such a life.  The deepest sympathy will be felt for Mrs. Corner and her family in their bereavement. [Obituary ‘The Late Rev. K.A. Corner’, The Methodist, 30 March 1912, p. 6]
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Rev. Henry WILES
Rev. Henry Wiles Ministerial Appointments (adapted from marriage celebrant records)
1867 to early 1868 Goulburn, NSW
early 1868 to early 1871 Wagga Wagga, NSW
early 1871 to early 1872 Ashfield, NSW (Concord district)
early 1872 to early 1875 Inverell, NSW
early 1875 to early 1878 Macleay River, NSW (Kempsey ?)
early 1878 to March 1881 Hay, NSW
April 1881 to early 1884 Fortitude Valley circuit, Brisbane, Qld
early 1884 to early 1886 Brisbane, Queensland
early 1886 to early 1889 Orange, NSW
early 1889 to early 1892 Singleton, NSW
early 1892 to early 1895 Morpeth, NSW
early 1895 to early 1898 Tamworth, NSW
early 1898 to early 1901 Paddington, NSW
early 1901 to early 1904 Bathurst, NSW
early 1904 to early 1907 Ultimo, NSW (Sydney district)
early 1907 to early 1910 Botany, NSW (Waterloo district)
early 1910 to early 1913 Glebe, NSW
early 1913 to July 1919 Sutherland, NSW

Henry Wiles was born on 7 November 1841 in Wood Street, Westminster, City of London, England, the son of William and Anne Wiles. 
 
Henry Wiles was converted to Methodism by "the fervent preaching" of the evangelist Rev. John Watsford (described as the "grand old man and missionary of Australian Methodism"). 
It is significant and suggestive that he might not have heard John Watsford but for the invitation of one of the officials of the church where the services was held.  Mr. Wiles was passing the Bourke Street Church and paused to listen to the singing.  Mr. Roberts, one of the church stewards, at once approached him and invited him to enter.  There was no room on the ground floor of the building, but he found a seat in the gallery, and afterwards found the Saviour, and peace with God through Him. [‘A Tribute to his Memory by Rev. G.O. Cocks’, The Methodist, 2 August 1919, p. 3]
Henry's brother, Charles Wiles, also became a Wesleyan minister.
 
Rev. Henry Wiles and Elizabeth Octavia Williams were married on 28 March 1873 in the home of the bride's father, Rev. Vincent George Williams, at Chilcotts Creek, near Murrurundi, NSW.  [Elizabeth Octavia Williams was born on 12 December 1847 at Camperdown, NSW, the daughter of Rev. Williams and Anne Selina (née Townsend)].  The couple had the following children: Clara Emmeline, born in 1874 at Inverell; Florence M., born on 1 July 1875 at Kempsey; Henry Wesley, born in April 1877 at Kempsey; Effie Townsend, born in 1878 at Hay; Ethel Harriet, born in 1880 at Hay; and Edith (probably born in Queensland).
 
Rev. Henry Wiles was the Wesleyan minister at Hay during early 1878 to March 1881.  Soon after Rev. Wiles and his family arrived at Hay the youngest child, Henry Wesley Wiles, became ill and died on 26 May 1878, aged 13 months.  The cause of death was recorded as "teething diarrhoea, followed by inflammation of the bowels".  He was buried at the Hay cemetery, with rites performed by the Anglican minister, Rev. Samuel Robinson. [Death registration – Henry Wesley Wiles (Hay 1878)]
 
On leaving Hay Rev. Henry Wiles was appointed to the Fortitude Valley circuit in Brisbane, Queensland, which was then administered by the New South Wales Wesleyan Church.  Wiles and his family travelled to Brisbane by steamer, in company with other newly-appointed Wesleyan ministers.  
[Rev. Henry Wiles] was my first superintendent, and we traveled together to the circuit to which the conference of 1881 had appointed us, viz., Brisbane (Valley).  I notice by the Queensland Minutes there are at least six circuits that were once covered by the Valley Circuit.  The Rev. R.H. Rickard also received an appointment that year to the northern State, which was then part of the New South Wales Conference, and we traveled together by the same steamer.  We were cordially welcomed at a public meeting in the Valley Church, the late Rev. Dr. Sellors, who was then Chairman of the Queensland District, being present.  I at once took up my residence at German Station, now called Nundah, Mr. Wiles being resident at the Valley parsonage.  I found him a man of deep spirituality, with a strong disposition to the evangelistic note in his preaching… [‘A Tribute to his Memory by Rev. G.O. Cocks’, The Methodist, 2 August 1919, p. 3]
Rev. Wiles and his family lived at the parsonage in Bowen Terrace, Brisbane, from where he served from April 1881 until early 1884.
 
Elizabeth Octavia Wiles died on 10 September 1883, aged 36 years, at the Wesleyan Parsonage, Bowen Terrace, Brisbane, Queensland. ['The Williams Family of Australia' web-site]
 
It was said of Rev. Henry Wiles that "he carried with him through all the years of his ministry the smell of the fires of revivalism".
Henry Wiles was a product of a period of church life among us when evangelism was a more distinct force than it is now, and when Christian fellowship sought and found expression in the means of grace that have largely fallen into disuse. ['Appreciation by Rev. Dr. Carruthers', The Methodist, 2 August 1919, p. 3]
 
The industrial turmoil in the 1890s "severely tested" the Wesleyan Church's "attitude to the workers".  Wright and Clancy claim that editorial comment in the Wesleyan journal, The Weekly Advocate, usually favoured the interests of capital.
In 1890, the editor of The Weekly Advocate, Rev. Paul Clipsham, apportioned blame for industrial turmoil between employer and employee, stating that the causes of such disruption were 'about equally attributable to the inconsiderateness and greed of employers, and to the envy and aggressiveness of employees'.  The community was the loser in strikes and he accused the unions of using 'tyranny'.  Taken as a whole, his editorial leant heavily against the working man and his equal apportionment of blame to both parties seemed to be little more than a not particularly skilful attempt to avoid accusations of unfairness.  Other ministers, Rainsford Bavin and Henry Wiles among them, made it clear that their sympathies were not with the workers.  [The Methodists: A History of Methodism in New South Wales by Don Wright & Eric G. Clancy (1993: Allen & Unwin); (citing) The Weekly Advocate, 16 & 30 August 1890]
 
Henry Wiles died on 28 July 1919 at his residence in Sutherland, south-east Sydney, aged 77 years.
After a few weeks of severe suffering, the Rev. Henry Wiles entered into rest on Monday, 28th July, at his late residence, Sutherland.  Mr. Wiles was in the 78th year of his life and 54th of his ministry.  He held the record of 50 years of continuous service in circuit work, and up to the last few weeks took appointments regularly almost every Sunday.  The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, at Woronora Cemetery, Sutherland.  The President of the conference was assisted by the Revs. A. Collins, J.A. Waddell, and other ministers.  At the cemetery, the Rev. Dr. Carruthers delivered an appreciative address.  ['The Late Rev. Henry Wiles', The Methodist, 2 August 1919, p. 3]
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Rev. Ebenezer FOX
Rev. Ebenezer Fox Ministerial Appointments (adapted from marriage celebrant records)
1878-9 to early 1881 Molong, NSW
April 1881 to late 1883 Hay, NSW
early 1884 to early 1887 Kempsey, NSW
early 1887 to early 1889 Cootamundra, NSW
early 1889 to early 1890 Ryde, NSW
early 1890 to early 1891 Granville, NSW
early 1891 to early 1893 Liverpool, NSW (Granville district)
early 1893 to early 1896 Queanbeyan, NSW
early 1896 to early 1899 Balmain East, NSW
early 1899 to early 1902 Hamilton, NSW
early 1902 to early 1903 The Avenue (Newtown)
early 1903 to early 1904 Zetland (Waterloo district)
early 1904 to early 1907 Newtown, NSW

No biographical details known.
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Rev. Francis James CURWOOD
No image available Ministerial Appointments (adapted from marriage celebrant records)
1880-81 to early 1883 Glen Innes, NSW
early 1883 to early 1884 Lismore, NSW
early 1884 to 1885 Hay, NSW
(poss. 1886); 1887 to early 1888 Tarana, NSW (Bathurst district)
early 1888 to early 1890 Oberon, NSW
early 1890 to early 1893 Gunnedah, NSW
early 1893 to early 1896 Young, NSW
early 1896 to early 1897 Taree, NSW
early 1897 to early 1899 Kempsey, NSW
early 1899 to early 1902 Lithgow, NSW
1903 to 1908 no listing NSW
1909 to early 1911 Dubbo, NSW
early 1911 to early 1914 Bega, NSW
early 1914 to early 1917 Nowra, NSW
early 1917 to early 1920 Grafton, NSW
early 1920 to early 1922 East Maitland, NSW
early 1922 to early 1923 Kurri Kurri, NSW
early 1923 to 1931 Ryde, NSW (probably as a supernumary)

Francis James Curwood was born on 31 December 1855 on the island of Tonga, Pacific Islands, the son of Nicholas Curwood and Emily Jane (née Guy).  His father was a Merchant on Tonga.  Francis Curwood's mother died in 1858 (possibly in childbirth) when Francis was aged about two years.  About two years later Francis' father re-married – Nicholas Curwood and Mary Ann Frewin were married on 2 October 1860 at St. James church in Sydney.
 
By 1881 Francis J. Curwood was the Wesleyan minister at Glen Innes, NSW.
 
In 1884 Rev. Francis J. Curwood and Elizabeth Jane Pain were married at Goulburn.  The couple had the following children: Lizzie Gwendoline (born in 1886 at Hay); Elsie May (born on 11 April 1888, registered at Goulburn); and, Alwyn Wesley (born in 1892, registered at Goulburn).  [Rootsweb Worldconnect file & other family history sources]
 
Francis' step-mother, Mary Ann Curwood, died of dysentery on 1 June 1894 at "Long View", Ryde, NSW. 
 
Francis James Curwood died on 14 September 1931 (reg.: Ryde).
 
Elizabeth Jane Curwood died in 1947 (reg.: Ryde).
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Rev. Thomas NORTHCOTT
No image available Ministerial Appointments (adapted from marriage celebrant records)
1880 Balranald, NSW
1881 to early 1882 Wentworth, NSW
early 1882 to early 1883 Corowa, NSW
early 1883 to early 1885 Yass, NSW
early 1885 to early 1888 Deniliquin, NSW  (preached at Hay during 1886)
early 1888 to early 1891 Crookwell, NSW
early 1891 to early 1894 Albury, NSW
early 1894 to early 1897 Bega, NSW
early 1897 to early 1900 Ballina, NSW
early 1900 to early 1903 Taree, NSW
early 1903 to 1906 Parkes, NSW
1907-12 no listing NSW
1913 Portland, NSW
1914 Milton, NSW

Thomas Northcott was born in 1854 (or 1859) in NSW, the son of Henry and Mary A. Northcott.
 
Thomas Northcott and Eliza --- were married (date and place not known).  They had the following children: Hilda Edith (born in 1884 at Yass); Wentworth B. (born in 1885 at Deniliquin); Charles H. (born in 1887 at Deniliquin); Arthur N. (born in 1888 at Crookwell).
 
Rev. Thomas Northcott died in 1914 (registered at Nowra).
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Rev. Gustavus THOMPSON
Rev. Gustavus Thompson Ministerial Appointments (adapted from marriage celebrant records)
1878 to early 1879 Jindalee, NSW (Young district)
early 1879 to early 1880 Surry Hills, NSW
early 1880 to early 1881 no listing NSW
early 1881 to early 1884 Blayney, NSW
early 1884 to early 1887 Dubbo, NSW
early 1887 to early 1890 Hay, NSW
early 1890 to early 1893 Penrith, NSW
early 1893 to early 1896 Robertson, NSW
early 1896 to early 1899 Young, NSW
early 1899 to early 1902 Camden, NSW
early 1902 to early 1906 Hamilton, NSW
early 1906 to early 1909 Manly, NSW
early 1909 to early 1912 Windsor, NSW
early 1912 to early 1914 Double Bay, NSW (Woollahra district)
early 1914 to 1933 Woodward-avenue, Strathfield, NSW

Gustavus Thompson and Miriam Ellen ("Minnie") Ward (the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Ward) were married in 1881 at Cootamundra, NSW.  The couple had the following children: Ethel Constance, born in 1882 (reg.: Carcoar); Cecil Eustace, born in 1883 (reg.: Carcoar); Vivian Ward, born in 1885 (reg.: Dubbo); Clarence R., born in 1889 (reg.: Hay).
 
In about 1908 Rev. Gustavus Thompson was running a Methodist School in Pittwater Road, Manly.  In that locality the Manly Methodists and local radical Protestant Orangemen had "combined to house a variety of anti-Catholic, educational and 'friendly' lodges and schools in the old Wesleyan Hall in Pittwater Road". 
From Raglan to Denison Streets on the western side, were a corner store and four houses, then the Methodist Parsonage; the Loyal Eureka Lodge no. 100 Oddfellows; the Loyal Native Rose Lodge MUIOOF; the Rocklily Lodge, IOOF; Miss C. J. Squire’s Belgrave Grammar School; followed by the Salvation Army Barracks; then a Methodist School, run by Reverend Gustavus Thompson.  Three more Federation houses – Hirondelle, Orlando and Woodlands, completed the block.  The three "loyal" Protestant lodges – so named to contrast with the allegedly "disloyal" or "Fenian" Irish Catholics, may have operated from the Wesleyan or Methodist Hall alongside Miss Squires' Day School, or from the stone parsonage (now no. 15) opened by Mayor Farmer in June 1894.  Manly was a lively centre of loyal Orangemen at this time.  Sands' 1910 lists the Jubilee Loyal Orange [Lodge], no 224 operating at the same address, while one of Sydney's most extreme Protestants, the Presbyterian leader, Reverend Dr. W. M. Dill-Macky was living at "Hazeldean", 17 George Street, Manly, in the same year. ['Pittwater Road, Manly: 1855-2003']
 
In February 1912 it was recorded that "Rev. Gustavus Thompson, of Windsor, has decided to ask Conference to allow him a year's rest".  It was added: "Mr. Thompson is acting partly on health grounds"  [The Methodist, 17 February 1912, 7(1)].
 
Rev. Gustavus Thompson possibly died in 1933.
 
Miriam Ellen Thompson died in 1937 (reg.: Burwood).
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Rev. John CALVERT
Rev. John Calvert Ministerial Appointments (adapted from marriage celebrant records)
1884-5 Petersham (or Ashfield), NSW
early 1885 to early 1886 Rylstone, NSW
early 1886 to early 1887 Greta, NSW
early 1887 to early 1888 Narrabri, NSW
early 1888 to early 1891 Deniliquin, NSW
early 1891 to early 1892 Hay, NSW
early 1892 to early 1895 Cootamundra, NSW
early 1895 to early 1900 Queensland - Roma & Townsville
early 1900 to early 1902 Hillgrove, NSW
early 1902 to early 1905 Adamstown, NSW
early 1905 to early 1907 Crookwell, NSW
early 1907 to early 1908 Ashfield, NSW
early 1908 to early 1911 Bega, NSW
early 1911 to early 1914 Bondi, NSW (Waverley district)
early 1914 to early 1917 Lismore, NSW
early 1917 to early 1920 Tenterfield, NSW
early 1920 to early 1923 Botany, NSW (Redfern district)
early 1923 to early 1926 Waratah, NSW
early 1926 to early 1931 Camden, NSW
early 1931 to at least 1942 Hornsby, NSW (supernumerary)

"Mr. Calvert was accepted as a candidate for the Wesleyan Methodist Ministry by the British Conference of 1883, and was afterwards transferred to the New South Wales and Queensland Conference."  ['The Rev. John Calvert: An Appreciation', The Methodist, 18 April 1931, p. 13, quoting from the Minutes of the 1931 Conference.]
 
John Calvert and Fanny R. Hall (the daughter of Reuban and Mary A. Hall) were married in 1888 (reg.: Ashfield).  The couple had the following children: Francis J., born in 1889 (reg.: Deniliquin); John O., born in 1890 (reg.: Deniliquin); Mary, born in 1892 (reg.: Cootamundra).
 
In 1884 to early 1885 Rev. John Calvert was the Wesleyan minister at Petersham (or Ashfield), in suburban Sydney.
 
Rev. John Calvert was the Wesleyan minister at Hay from about mid-way through 1890 to early 1892.  For approximately the first year of this period Rev. Calvert was probably living at Deniliquin, with regular visits to Hay to preach and minister.  From about April 1891 for one year he was assigned to the Hay circuit, before his appointment to the Cootamundra circuit.
 
During his ministry at Lismore from 1914 to 1917 Rev. John Calvert was "chairman of the North Coast District, and gave strict attention to the many duties attached to that office".  ['The Rev. John Calvert: An Appreciation', op. cit.]
 
Rev. John Calvert "worthily represented our Conference at the British Columbia and the Toronto Conferences in Canada as the first delegate appointed by an Australian Conference".  ['The Rev. John Calvert: An Appreciation', op. cit.]
 
Fanny R. Calvert died in 1923 (reg.: Redfern and St. Leonards).  Rev. John Calvert apparently re-married in 1924.  His second wife was either Sadie K. Cochrane (reg.: Sydney) or Ada M. Willis (reg.: Crookwell).  Rev. Calvert and his second wife had at least one child, Edith.
 
At the conclusion of his ministry at Camden in early 1931 Rev. Calvert requested that he be made a supernumerary.
In acceding to the request of Rev. John Calvert to be made a supernumerary, this Conference places on record its appreciation of a faithful and efficient ministry of 48 years in the active work.  ['The Rev. John Calvert: An Appreciation', op. cit.]
A farewell ceremony was held for Rev. and Mrs. Calvert on Easter Tuesday at the Camden School Hall.
The valedictory of the Rev. John Calvert was a fitting climax to a successful five years' term of ministry… The senior circuit steward (Mr. F. C. Coleman) occupied the chair, and kept the meeting well up to the business of the evening.  He spoke in eulogistic terms of the departing minister and his wife who, in their several spheres, had done good work which was much appreciated… Mr. P. C. Furner spoke on behalf of the trusts of the circuit, which, he said, had never been in such good order as at the present, a condition attributable to the minister's business management, and for this all the trusts wished to thank him and bid him Godspeed.  [Rev. John Calvert, Camden – Valedictory', The Methodist, 2 May 1931, p. 11]
The following tribute was published in The Methodist:
Few of our greatest preachers can claim a greater triumph in their last days of active service in ministerial life than Rev. John Calvert, who has just terminated his ministry in the Camden Circuit.  Not only have previous records been eclipsed financially, but the work in the pulpit, in the public schools and in the young people's organisations connected with the church, have been a means of kindling the flame in the hearts of the people in a way that Camden Methodism has not known for a long time.  The writer can bear testimony to this fact, by saying that Mr. Calvert's ministry has given his life the impetus it has not before known.  Many others could express the same with regard to themselves, were they called to do so.  It has been a unique ministry, in that Mr. Calvert, as pastor and friend, became far more popular as his ministry drew to a close than when it commenced.  That in itself is something to say, but we who worked with him and knew him more intimately than the average church member, could never fail to see that desire to win souls for Christ, or to help the humble local preacher whose knowledge of how to present the truth was limited.  ['The Rev. John Calvert: An Appreciation (By One Who has Profited)', The Methodist, 18 April 1931, p. 13]
 
During 1931 to at least 1942 Rev. John Calvert was living at Hornsby, NSW.
Mrs. Edith Northcott, daughter of Rev. Calvert, read from her father's records that he came to lead worship in this area [Umina] from 1932.  As a retired minister, living in Hornsby, he would catch the steam train to the Coast and for three Sundays he would take it in turn to preach at Ocean Beach, Ettalong and Woy Woy and the on the fourth Sunday he would drive to Berowra to preach.  In those days, the Peninsula Methodist Churches were part of the Gosford Parish… The Methodist Church was opened in 1935 [November 20], situated somewhere near the present Bi-Lo store in West Street, Umina.  It was opened by Mrs. Stevens, wife of the then Premier.  The wooden and fibro building served the area for many years…  ['Church celebrates 70 years' (press release), 23 November 2005, Ms. Annette Strong, the Umina Uniting Church Secretary, published by the Peninsula Community Access News]
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Rev. Joseph BRYANT
No image available Ministerial Appointments (adapted from marriage celebrant records)
1883 to early 1884 Kempsey, NSW
early 1884 to early 1885 St. Leonards, NSW
early 1885 to early 1887 Petersham, NSW
early 1887 to early 1888 Tamworth, NSW
1889 no listing in NSW
1890 to late 1892 Jamberoo, NSW (Kiama district)
late 1892 to early 1895 Hay, NSW
early 1895 to early 1898 Moruya, NSW
early 1898 to early 1901 Singleton, NSW
early 1901 to early 1903 Cootamundra, NSW
early 1903 to early 1904 Tenterfield, NSW
early 1904 to early 1905 Sydney, NSW
early 1905 to early 1909 Ashfield, NSW
early 1909 to early 1914 Homebush, NSW (Burwood district)
early 1914 to early 1918 Burwood, NSW
early 1918 to early 1923 Ashfield, NSW
early 1923 to early 1924 Wesley College, University (Newtown)
early 1924 to early 1930 Cheltenham, NSW (Ryde district)
early 1930 to 1940 Wollstonecraft, NSW (North Sydney district)
about 1940 to at least 1942 Mosman, NSW

Joseph Bryant and Minnie Kate --- were married (date and place not known).  They had the following children: Ronald A., born in 1890 (reg.: Kiama); Mary, born in 1897 (reg.: Moruya).
 
Minnie Kate Bryant died in 1956 (reg.: Mosman).
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Rev. John HULME
Rev. John Hulme Ministerial Appointments (adapted from marriage celebrant records)
1882-3 Rocky Point, NSW
early 1883 to early 1884 Cleveland-street (Sydney district)
early 1884 to early 1885 Hamilton, NSW (Newcastle district)
early 1885 to early 1888 Toowong, Qld (Oxley district)
early 1888 to early 1891 Tenterfield, NSW
early 1891 to early 1892 Parkes, NSW
early 1892 to early 1895 Oberon, NSW
April 1895 to early 1898 Hay, NSW
early 1898 to early 1901 Waverley, NSW
early 1901 to early 1904 Tamworth, NSW
early 1904 to early 1909 Bathurst, NSW
early 1909 to early 1913 Ashfield, NSW
early 1913 to early 1915 139 Castlereagh-street, Sydney
early 1915 to early 1918 Bowral, NSW
early 1918 to early 1923 Burwood, NSW
early 1923 to early 1926 Turramurra, NSW (Hornsby district)
early 1926 to 1941 Cronulla, NSW (Sutherland district)
1942 no record in NSW; possibly died in 1941  

In about May 1912 Rev. and Mrs. Hulme left on a trip to England.
On the eve of the departure of Rev. J. and Mrs. Hulme for England, a Farewell Social and presentations were tendered by the members and adherents of the Ashfield Circuit… Mr. F. Reed presided, and said that during Mr. Hulme's ministry the Church membership had increased during the first year from 207 to 283; second year to 413, and third year to 459.  Two new churches had been erected in the Circuit, Ashfield Church enlarged, land purchased for Church purposes at Campsie and Belmore, and a parsonage built at Croydon Park.  As a preacher, Mr. Hulme appealed to both the spiritual and mental in man.  Mrs. Hulme had made herself beloved by the ladies of their congregations; and her quiet, unostentatious manner and persistent efforts in the interests of Church life, largely contributed to the progress of the Master's work.  Ald. Crane, Mayor of Ashfield, said that on behalf of the citizens of Ashfield and Temperance organisations he thanked Mr. and Mrs. Hulme for the good work accomplished, and wished them a happy holiday and safe return.  He urged all present to emulate Mr. Hulme in fighting strong drink.  Mr. Charles Clark said that Mr. Hulme was an optimist.  His policy had been one of courageous daring, but the result thoroughly vindicated that policy.  Mr. Robson, M.L.A., said their guests would be sorely missed, but would leave memorials of splendid work… The Chairman then presented Mr. Hulme with a gold watch suitably inscribed, and also a chain, both subscribed for by the adherents of the Lakemba Church.  Mr. Cull handed to Mr. Hulme a purse containing £31 as a gift from Church members and friends.  Miss [.…]d, on behalf of the young ladies of E[…….]d College, presented Mr. Hulme with a gold fountain pen and pocket book.  She read a carefully prepared address, expressing their delight, in having the opportunity of thus acknowledging the great kindness shown by the guests of the evening towards the teachers and pupils of the College.  Miss Roma Tickell handed Mrs. Hulme a bouquet.  Mr. Hulme responded, and said the work of the past three years had been strenuous, but it was a work of [….] great schemes were initiated with every prospect of success.  He had been well supported by Church officers, and he would have very happy remembrances of the Ashfield Circuit.  He thanked them for their great kindness to Mrs. Hulme and himself.  They hoped to return to New South Wales to continue working for God in the Methodist Church.  During the evening musical items were rendered, under the able control of Mr. Andrews.  [The Methodist, 11 May 1912, 9(1)]
 
Rev. John Hulme was appointed Secretary of the Australian Methodist Centenary Commemoration Fund (probably after his return from England in about the beginning of 1914), working at 139 Castlereagh Street in Sydney.  By June 1915, however, Rev. J. Hulme was listed as the Assistant Secretary of the Centenary Commemoration Fund (C.C.F.).  Hulme may have resigned as Secretary; by that stage fund-raising was well short of the projected target.  The following letter addressed "to Rev. J. Hulme, late Secretary, C.C.F.", published in The Methodist, addresses this matter:
Dear Sir,— The fine service rendered by you to the movement last year is sufficient reason why I should give myself the pleasure of addressing you.  In that work you displayed qualities that only a few credited you with… The fact is, in spite of your calm exterior, you are built on the lines of the bull-dog breed; you hold on to your object with unrelaxing teeth, and never know when you are beaten.  It is this last quality that we need very specially at work just now.  If we are to complete the £50,000 – and we must do it – we have to do it in the face of serious odds.  Had matters pursued their normal course, had the Organising Secretary's health continued unbroken, had no drought come to distress many loyal friends of the Church, and above all had no colossal war come to absorb our interest and divert our energies, the movement might have been steadily worked up to its hoped-for climax… It will be a humiliating confession if we have to hand down to the next generation the fact that the Methodist people of New South Wales could not, on a historic occasion, find £50,000 in five years… [The Methodist, 12 June 1915, p. 2]

From early 1926 to 1936 Rev. John Hulme was the Methodist minister at Cronulla, south-eastern Sydney (Sutherland registry district); during this period he was probably a supernumerary.
 
[probable record] John Hulme died in 1941 (reg.: St Peters).
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Rev. James COLWELL
Rev. James Colwell Ministerial Appointments (adapted from marriage celebrant records)
1885-6 Narrabri, NSW
early 1886 to early 1887 Moruya, NSW
early 1887 to early 1888 Bourke, NSW
early 1888 to early 1889 Muswellbrook, NSW
early 1889 to early 1891 Manly, NSW
early 1891 to early 1892 Robertson, NSW
early 1892 to early 1893 Narrandera, NSW
early 1893 to early 1894 Princes-street, Sydney
early 1894 to early 1895 Pyrmont Bridge Road, Sydney
early 1895 to 1898 Berry, NSW
late 1898 to early 1901 Hay, NSW
early 1901 to early 1904 Sackville, NSW (Windsor district) 
early 1904 to early 1906 North Sydney, NSW (St. Leonards district)
early 1906 to early 1909 Windsor, NSW
early 1909 to April 1912 Tamworth, NSW
May 1912 to early 1915 Bowral, NSW
early 1915 to early 1918 North Sydney, NSW (St. Leonards district)
early 1918 to early 1924 Rozelle, NSW (Balmain South district)
early 1924 to early 1927 Darling Point, NSW (Woollahra district)
early 1927 to 1930 Rose Bay, NSW (Woollahra district)

James Colwell was the son of Richard and Jane Colwell.  James’ brother, Frederick, was also a Wesleyan minister.
 
James Colwell and Grace Elizabeth Kelynack were married in 1895 at Burwood, NSW.  Grace Kelynack was the daughter of the Wesleyan minister, Rev. William Kelynack and his wife Lucy; Grace was born in 1869 in Sydney.  The couple had the following children: Alan R., born in 1897 (reg.: Berry); Lucy J., born in 1900 (reg.: Newtown).
 
Rev. James Colwell was a prolific writer.  His writings included the following publications: 
In April 1912 Rev. James Colwell and his wife were farewelled from Tamworth [details in The Methodist, 11 May 1912, p. 9].
 
Rev. James Colwell died in 1930 (reg.: Woollahra).
 
Grace Elizabeth Colwell died in 1957 (reg.: Marrickville).
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