Stead, John Arthur
1883-1961

Vice-President of the Conference in 1949, he was born on 3 February 1883 at Horsforth, Leeds, of MNC stock. He set up a factory in Sheffield, making razor blades and from 1919 disposable Songster gramophone needles, steel pins used in textile and kindred trades, and, later, cheap screwdrivers. The business went into liquidation c.1983/4 and was bought by Richard H. Green.

During his years at Carver Street, Sheffield, 1927-1938, he employed a Wesley deaconess, Sister Mabel Ashton, as one of the earliest welfare officers. Alocal preacher from 1910, from about 1912 until his retirement he lived at Hathersage in the Sheffield District and was a Circuit Steward in the North Derbyshire Mission Circuit for over 18 years. He served on the connexional Home Mission Committee and the Cliff College Committee. He was a member of Bakewell Rural District Council, but repeatedly declined to stand for Parliament. He died on 9 January 1961.

Sources
  • Conference Handbook, 1949
  • Methodist Recorder, 7 July 1949