Edward Hindley (1858-1935)

Eulogy -

A LIFE WELL LIVED
The Rev. H. R. Barry, in the course of a warm tribute, said that in the course of his life he had associated with many men and with men of various types, and he could sincerely say that he had met no man who had won his respect and affection so quickly and so surely as had Edward Hindley. Although he did not come into contact with Mr Hindley until physical infirmity had diminished his public activities, in the fist years of their acquaintanceship Mr Hindley’s mind retained its essential qualities and a growing intimacy and mutual sympathy brought insight into his character and life.

On this occasion he could do no more than offer a brief, but none the less heartfelt tribute to the passing of a good man , and if he spoke sparingly of some aspects of his career it was partly because they lay outside his own personal knowledge and partly because he believed that Mr Hindley himself would have desired it. Mr Hindley had the humility which was born of a right judgment of values. In the span of life allotted to him he had a full and in some respects an adventurous career. What success he won by his energy and initiative he used for the public good, for nothing was more conspicuous to him than his sense of stewardship. In the fullness of his powers he gave himself to the service of the community, and on the Bench , in the County Council, in the field of education, and in many forms of social activity he displayed those qualities which were the fine flowers of British public life.

Edward Hindley loved his village; through all the changes of his life he never forsook it, but lived in an unbroken and intimate fellowship with the friends of his youth. It was no small thing for a man of his growing powers and opportunity to live under the close scrutiny of a small community without losing the affection of those who composed it. Edward Hindley enriched the life of the village throughout the years of his unremitting service. And yet there was nothing narrowly parochial in his outlook; he was a citizen of the world and his life ranged over the wide interests of humanity. He enlarged the scope of his mind by the reading of great literature, and in his conversation and the drift of his purpose he revealed a great breadth of vision.
Of him it was true to say that the secret of his life was to be found in his religious experience. His knowledge of God was real and abiding, and he represented what was best in Nonconformist life. His faith and assurance were not won without a struggle, but he was an eloquent witness of the truth that they that seek shall find. That church owed much to the succession of men of real spiritual worth, and Edward Hindley was an outstanding figure in that succession. True to what was best in their evangelical traditions, he believed in the growth of the spirit, he sought to obtain mastery of the Bible truth, and he was able to guide many into the paths which he himself trod. It was in that church that perhaps he did his greatest work.
His gifts enabled him to carry administrative responsibility lightly and brought him honour within the Connexion but he (the speaker) thought that their old friend would care most to be remembered for his soul’s striving and his soul’s winning. As they thought of all he achieved in the various fields of human
activity, and all he was to those who knew him most, they thanked God for a life well lived. His memory and influence would always remain with the people of Barnton and with those among whom he worked.

Amongst others, wreaths were sent by: Edward and May; Mr. Hindley and family, Frodsham; Tom and Emily (Wyandotte, Michigan, USA); Eda, Alfred and Dearie; Doris and Albert; Peter, Clara and family; Beatrice and family; Edward Hindley (Macclesfield); Jack and Douglas; Sam, Bertha, Marjorie, John and Addie; Mr and Mrs William Hindley.
Funeral arrangements were carried out by the Exors of Samuel Appleton, Winnington.

The Local Paper -

GREAT LOSS TO NORTHWICH DISTRICT - IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL AT BARNTON.
Flags which had flown at the mast head in celebration of the Royal Silver Jubilee were lowered to half mast in Barnton and district on Saturday morning when the funeral took place of Mr Edward Hindley JP, of The Poplars, Runcorn Road, whose death occurred on Wednesday 8th May 1935.
Mr Hindley ranked high among men who have rendered public service in the Northwich. He worked on behalf of village organisations, and on a higher plane as a magistrate, while for many years he represented the township on the Northwich Rural Council and was a liberal supporter of the various voluntary organisations in the Northwich district. Mr Hindley, who was 76, was a native of Barnton, and during his active business career he was the principal of the Weaver Refining Company at Acton Bridge and a director of the British Glues and Chemicals Limited. He had a lifelong association with the Oakwood Lane Methodist Church, Barnton, and he gave unsparingly of his time and the advantage of his long commercial experience in the administration of the church and of the old United Methodist Free Church Circuit, of which he was a former steward. In connection with the Oakwood Lane Church he conducted a highly successful Bible Class which was not only numerically strong, but had members of mature years, and it was in this phase of religious activity that Mr Hindley rendered his most monumental work and wielded a remarkable influence for good.
Mr Hindley was a man of wide interests and among the least known was that which he manifested in the Barnton Silver Band, of which he was the founder. He was it’s president, and at band practice on Thursday night, as a mark of respect to their benefactor, the members played Handel’s Dead March.

The funeral service was conducted in Oakwood Lane Methodist Church and the interment was in Barnton Cemetery, the Rev H R Barry, minister of the Northwich Central Circuit, officiating, assisted by the Rev Alfred Booth. Mr T C Goodier was at the organ , and as the remains were borne into church he played “O Rest in the Lord”, and, at the conclusion of the service, “I know that my Redeemer liveth”.
Amongst the mourners were: Mr and Mrs Samuel Hindley, Mr and Mrs Peter Hindley, Mr Fred Hindley, and Mr and Mrs Edward Hindley, sons and daughters-in-law; the Rev Alfred and Mrs Booth, son-in-law and daughter; Mrs F Hindley, daughter-in-law; Miss Winnie Hindley, Miss Clarice Hindley, Master Gilbert Hindley, Miss Joan Hindley, Miss Marjorie Hindley, Master John Hindley and Mr and Mrs Albert Turner, grandchildren; Mr and Mrs John Powell, nephew and niece; ex-Supt E Hindley, cousin; Mr Douglas Powell, Mr Geo P Austin, JP, Mr G Platt, and Mr Geo Hormbrey. Mr Wm Gibson (rep Cheshire County Council); Messrs Frank Simpson and Edgar Hickson (personal servants to Mr Hindley).

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