ARTHUR SMITH

DEATH OF MR. ARTHUR SMITH A PROMINENT PRIMITIVE METHODIST
By the death, which occurred on Monday evening, of Mr. Arthur Smith, of Enborne-road, Newbury, there has passed away one of the oldest inhabitants of Newbury. Deceased was an active man and familiar figure in the streets and neighbourhood of Newbury till his illness.
Born on April 23' 1854 in the village of Monxton, near Andover, as a youth he became interested in religious work and possessed aptitude for harmonium playing and conducting the musical part of services at various chapels adjacent to his home. At 20 he removed to Deal in Kent, where within a few weeks he was given the post of player at the Primitive Methodist Chapel in the town, which up to his coming, had not possessed any kind of instrument. A year or two later, he accepted a position in a London business house, and then became Choirmaster at a Mission Chapel in the Borough of Southwark, this in its turn opening a position as Assistant Organist at the old Surrey Chapel, built by Roland Hill, in the Blackfriars-road, in which he remained till his coming to Newbury and opening a small business as a tailor in Northbrook-street.
Although he had on several occasions been requested to consider the matter of becoming a candidate for municipal honours, he preferred to spend whatever spare time he had in the interests of music and philanthropic institutions, as well as in the Sunday School and Temperance work, having upon several occasions conducted united choir performances, including the United Sunday School Choir in the Corn Exchange on June 22nd 1902.
He was twice married, his first wife having been the daughter of the late Charles Tocock, of Donnington Mill, who pre-deceased him in 1914. He had three sons and one daughter, who, with the exception of one son predeceased him. In 1924 he married a daughter of the late Edmund Leonard, of Swindon, who still survives him.
Mr. Smith took great interesting visiting the patients in the hospital, and was a successful canvasser and collector of the Hospital Contributory Scheme.
Undoubtedly the outstanding feature of Mr. Smith's life was his long and useful connection with the Newbury Primitive Methodist Church in Bartholomew-street from the time when as a young man he came to the town. For many years he was as diligent teacher and secretary of the Sunday School and Band of Hope conductor, also serving on the board of trustees, but the position he most valued was that of honorary organist, which he held for 34 years. It was through his untiring efforts that the organ in the Primitive Methodist Church was erected in the year 1898. In 1901 the choir and church members presented him with an illuminated address and a handsome music cabinet as a mark of appreciation and esteem.
He was also connected with the P.S.A. Fellowship as one of the vice-presidents, and inaugurated the first men's choir of that society; in the year 1913 receiving acknowledgement of his services by a presentation copy of hymn and tune book.
The funeral takes place today (Thursday) at 2.15 p.m. at the Primitive Methodist Church.

Newbury Weekly News 25 October 1928

Mrs. P. p.43 WA15

Arthur Smith aged 74 buried 25 Oct. 1928