Mexborough and Swinton Times December 20, 1929

A Wombwell Tragedy

Pneumonia Ravages Family

Churches Loss

The chapter of calamity that open for the little Methodist Church in Cemetery Road, Wombwell, a fortnight ago, was complemented on Saturday when the death occurred of Mr Edward Lawrence (61), of 72 Barnsley Rd, Wombwell.

By a tragic coincidence they died the same morning his son, Mr Ernest Lawrence (36), of 63 Barnsley Rd, Wombwell. Both were victims of pneumonia, from which complaint a brother and brother-in-law Lawrence senior died, one in the same week and the other the previous week. All had been associated with the United Methodists1nd.

If not a native of Wombwell, Mr Lawrence came to the town at a very early age. As a scholar he attended the United Methodist Sunday School in rooms in Bond Street and other parts of the town, and eventually, on the opening of the church in Cemetery Road, he became a Sunday School teacher. Thirty-five years ago he was appointed assistant superintendent under his father, upon whose death he was appointed superintendent and also accepted other offices.

Mr. Lawrence was of a musical turn of mind, and with his other duties he combined that of choirmaster, his brother filling the role of organist. In the preparation of special singing for anniversaries and such like occasions, he took a special delight and often helped in the singing at , other places of worship.

He will be very much missed in nonconformist circles generally.