Maurice Barnett was born in Coppenhall, Crewe, Cheshire, on 21 March 1917, the son of Edwin Percy Barnett (1887-1968) and Beatrice Barnett, nee Cawley (1888-1958). He was educated at Crewe Grammar School, and studied at Cliff College before training for the Methodist ministry at Hartley Victoria College Manchester and the University of Manchester. In 1960 he was awarded a Ph.D. by the University of Sheffield for a thesis on 'Holiness and its Social Implications'. He was a talented organist and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the London College of Music in 1973.

From 1941 to 1943 Maurice was a minister at the East Ham Mission, working in a heavily bombed area of London, Under the leadership of the Rev. Dr Colin A. Roberts Maurice became involved with the Christian Commando Campaigns. His next appointment was on a housing estate at Eden Grove, Bristol. In 1946 Maurice became a lecturer at Cliff College, moving a year later to the Eastbrook Hall, Bradford. In a 17 year ministry his evangelical preaching created and sustained one of the largest Methodist congregations in the country. In January 1956 he founded the first club in Britain for Teddy-boys and Teddy-girls, which they governed themselves. Maurice also pioneered work amongst the growing immigrant community in Bradford.

In 1964 Maurice became the Superintendent Minister of Westminster Central Hall. In partnership with Lord Rank he devised a scheme which cleared the £60,000 debt on the premises and he led a much needed refurbishing of the Hall. An enthusiastic ecumenist, he quickly developed good relations with Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral clergy and people. He also built important links with the Houses of Parliament and many Government departments. His ministry and preaching drew large congregations. He was in constant demand as a preacher, including Bible studies at the Derwent Convention, Cliff College Anniversary weekends, and preaching missions in the U.S.A., Fiji, and Australia. He led many ‘missions of renewal’ in Britain. A prolific writer, his publications ranged from The Living Flame: Being a study of The Gift of the Spirit in the New Testament (1953) to a regular column in the Westminster and Pimlico newspaper.

Maurice Barnett suffered a heart attack while planning a mission in Tavistock in spring 1980 and he died in Cromer following a second heart attack on 9 April 1980.

Entry written by: DHR
Category: Person
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