Vol 2, pages 1-100 - My Primitive Methodist Ancestors

70 PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.
or circumstances determine their direction and procedure. It is intimated by Mr. George
Allen that they had no predilection for the plan, but were quite willing on invitation to
take the pulpits of those who were planned, and that misunderstandings and collisions
were the natural result. Being called to account for irregular movements associated
with officiousness, they took offence and, parading their grievances, made a division.
A chapel was ultimately built by the separatists in Leyland, which became known as
Ann Carr's Chapel. This interest was sustained with varying success for a long period.
At length signs of physical and mental failure began to show themselves in the once
vigorous woman, and a short time before her death Ann Carr went back to her first
love and reunited with the Wesleyans, who purchased her chapel. A " Life " of her
was published, peculiar in this that it is almost silent as to
her former connection with
our Church. Any one unacquainted with her career would never suspect on reading
the book that she was at one time so prominent a Primitive Methodist. The memoirs
in God's book are written with greater impartiality.
When the clouds rolled by, John Reynard was found at his post.
Born in 1800, Mr.
Reynard was converted through hearing Gideon Ousley (the famous Irish evangelist),
on one of his visits to Leeds. He iinited with the Wesleyans and remained with them
until 1820, when he was invited by S. Smith (whose sister he married) to attend the
preaching service then held in a house in Hill-house Bank.
" He acceded to the invitation and was edified and blessed ;
so much so that he
'
said to his friend : I shall walk into the country this afternoon, and if the society
be as lively there as it is in Leeds I shall join you.' The two walked to Armley for
the afternoon service. Mr. J. Flockton preached, and the same Divine influence
attended the Word as had been felt during the morning service in Leeds. Mr.
Reynard, therefore, decided to cast in his lot with our people, and on May 16th,
1820, he joined Mr. J. Button's class. When Mr. Button was taken out to travel
he was appointed to take charge of the class, and continued its leader for many
years." Memoir in Magazine, 1855, pp. 193-4.
MR.
JOHN REYNARD,
OF LEEDS.
The estimate of Mr. Reynard's character, as given by Mr.
Petty in his "History," needs no revision. It
is just and discriminating,
and hence worthy to be handed down as a carefully
written judgment based on personal knowledge.
" Mr. Reynard, says Mr. Petty, soon became a useful and
distinguished member. Possessing promising talents, he
was speedily called to exercise his gifts in public speaking,
in which he proved to be more than ordinarily
acceptable and useful. He had a sound judgment, clear
views of evangelical truth, a retentive memory, a ready
command of language, a distinct utterance, and considerable
power over an audience. His pulpit and platform
efforts were highly estimated everywhere, and were
frequently in requisition, both in his own circuit, and
in numerous other stations. For thirty-four years he
devoted his energies to the work of a local preacher, and reaped a large
.measure of success. He was an enlightened and ardent friend of the community