'Story of a Ist World War Chaplain'

On Tuesday 18-08-2015 the Rotary Club of Nantwich held its lunchtime meeting at the Civic Hall, Nantwich. The speaker after lunch was Club member Rtn. Michael Parrott who is a retired Methodist minister. He told us of his connection with the Primitive Methodist Church at Englesea  Brook, near Barthomley. He explained that the Methodist Movement has four museums and that the Englesea Brook Church was the place for the Primitive Methodist group which was particularly strong in the Cheshire and Staffordshire area despite its international involvement. This arose from the Methodist Rallies that were held at Mow Cop, famous for its connections with Wesley, the founder of the Wesleyan Methodist movement.  Michael’s talk was based on a parcel of letters deposited with the Englesea brook museum by the daughter of a well-respected Methodist minister, Wilfred Callin, who served as a chaplain in the First World War. Wilfred was born in the Isle of Man and had become a chaplain in the army. Michael told us that 150,000 Methodists served in the forces of which 15,000 perished. Of those who served most were fighting men although some opted for non-combative roles such as stretcher bearers etc. Michael then gave excerpts from the letters sent home by Wilfred, stressing that there were a large number of letters and that in time available only a few quotes were possible, such as the one explaining that he went to sleep after one shell landed and woke up to a similar shell exploding, having managed to sleep in between. Wilfred’s work in the trenches included pastoral work, education classes and sport during down-time and writing many letters home, giving comfort to bereaved families of lost loved ones. One of the letters quoted was to the men in the trenches from a commander in chief which was full of brave words and encouragement and went on at length. On the 11^th November 1918 he wrote to his mother expressing joy and thankfulness at the cessation of hostilities and high-lighting the co-operation of the allied forces and the joy of a new day and of a new peace. Wilfred did not return home immediately and spent Christmas in Paris. His career in Methodism continued where he became the equivalent of a bishop as chair of a district in Lincolnshire. Michael answered a number of questions, explaining that the museum at Englesea Brook was well worth a visit with parties visiting Mow Cop and the museum. The interesting talk was well received with thanks from President Rodney.

Gerald Emerton