Mexborough and Swinton Times May 24, 1919
A Wombwell Churchman – Mr W Thorpe
The death took place of Mr William Thorpe, 63, Cemetery Road one or salesman to the Mitchell Main Colliery Company.
There followed a seizure, which took place on Thursday at midnight. Mr Thorpe entered the employment of the Mitchell Main Colliery Company at the age of 13. He enjoyed the esteem alike of the management and workmen.
But it is at the Parish Church, Wombwell, where is loss will be most keenly felt. Here he has laboured incessantly in many years, devoting himself church work generally and the well-being of the young men of the church. He became a Sunday school superintendent 30 years ago, succeeded the late Mr Turner.
In 1900 he formed a Church Lads Brigade at Wombwell, and was appointed captain.
Under his leadership the brigade attained a very high standard of efficiency. In 1913 he relinquished the captaincy, but during the war be again took up the duties.
He was an honorary Lieut.-Col. of the 1st Yorks’ C.L.B. Cadet Battalion. (K.R.R)
He was people’s warden for three years and Rectors’ warden for a similar period. At the Easter Vestry he was chosen Rector’s warden for a further period.
The interment took place at the Wombwell Cemetery on Monday, the funeral being numerously attended. The coffin was borne by ex-members of the Church Lads’ Brigade to the Parish Church, where a service was conducted by the Rev. James Cropper. The Dead March in “Saul” was played by Mr. A. B. Linford, and special Psalms were sung by the choir.
In a brief address, the Rector paid a glowing tribute to deceased’s work and example, especially among, the young men of the church. No one had laid more firmly hold on the certainty of life to come than had William Thorpe. In all phases of life, in his home, in his business, and in his relation to the church, he felt everyone’s verdict would be that he had been faithful and true.