Difference between revisions of "John Monypenny"

Latest revision as of 05:40, 31 October 2019

Family History

John Monypenny was born about 1870 in Belfast, Ireland to William (1832-1915) and Mary Ann Flavelle (1839-1909) Monypenny. His father was born in Ireland. His mother was born in Edgbaston, Birmingham, England to William (b. 1806) and Mary Ann (b. 1805) Flavell. His parents were married June 20, 1862 in Fairfield, Lancashire, England, which is near Liverpool. Early in their marriage they settled in Portadown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. By 1891, they were living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada where they both died.

John had at least five siblings:

• James Monypenny (1863-1948)
• William Flavelle Moneypenny (1866-1912)
• Thomas Flavelle Moneypenny (1868-1948)
• Minnie F. Moneypenny Harding (1874-1963)
• Louis Forde Moneypenny (1877-1971)

There are a number of variants on John's name... in Brethren literature it's generally spelled "Monypenny", on Ancestry.com, it's "Monypeny" for John but as will be noted, "Moneypenny" for his siblings.

Marriage and Family

In 1900, for the first time in fifteen years, William McClure returned to Ireland, partly to be a guest at the wedding of Mr. Monypenny to Miss Wright, of Temore, Ireland.

A 1944 Light and Liberty issue references Monypenny doing evangelistic work in Cyre, Egypt with his daughter Persis Macdonald Monypenny, born in 1904. Persis was a schoolteacher who apparently never married, but had a dedicated heart among other women, and younger people in Egypt. She took a brief furlough in July of 1972 to visit friends in New Jersey, and indicated her later return was partly in honor of her father's desire to continue there as the Lord helped her. She lived in the Cairo district for a number of years, and died there on August 2, 1980.

Fruit of Influence

These are quoted (with minor edits) testimonies of some of the folks who accepted Christ while under John Monypenny's preaching. JM is shorthand in reference.

?: Ballymena, N.I.

• Robert J. McDowell of the Wellington Street Gospel Hall in Ballymena, passed into the presence of the Lord on April 12, 1975, after several months illness. He was saved at the age of 14 at meetings conducted by John Monypenny (JM), and received into the assembly soon afterwards. He served for thirty years as a Sunday School superintendent, and maintained a consistent interest in many missionaries and their work. He was noted as a quiet brother who loved the Lord and His word.

• Windsor, ON: On Sept. 26, 1971, our esteemed sister, Mrs. Hannah Ferguson passed into the presence of the Lord whom she greatly loved, at the age of 91. Born in Ballymena, N. Ireland around 1881, and saved there under the preaching of JM in the Wellington Street Gospel Hall; She moved to Detroit, Michigan, and then to Windsor, Ontario, where she was in fellowship with the saints there for over thirty years. She was a beloved sister in Christ, quiet, godly, and a succour for many. For a number of years, her home was the lodging place for those who labored in the work of the Lord. The funeral was shared by W.J. Hynes and James Blackwood.

1892: Hamilton, ON

• Mrs. Mary Jane Stewart (1866-1943) was saved for fifty years thru the preaching of brethren JM and Kay, and in fellowship with the saints at MacNab Street Gospel Hall, Hamilton, ON.

1893: Pomona, CA

• Miss Ella G. Clothier (1847-1943) born near Somerset, England on April 2, 1847. Saved at 12 years of age and lived a very consistent Christian life. Introduced to the assemblies thru tent meetings in 1893 in Pomona, CA, taught by McClure, Fraser and JM, which followed by failing health with no close relatives or means of support except trust in the Lord. Herb Harris taught and Lycurgus Holditch gave testimony at the funeral.

1896: Petersburg, VA

• Sam McEwen (1877-1944) in an obituary in Light and Liberty indicated that after much of his family was saved in tent meetings in Petersburg, Virginia in the early 1890's by William Beverege and Alex Lamb, followed by Benjamin Bradford and James Hamilton, JM visited around 1896 and provided some of Sam's earliest discipleship.

1898?: Walhalla, ND

• On Sept. 16, 1963, Mrs. Jessie D. Styles of Lynden, WA was called home for "Immanuel's Land" of which she loved so much to sing. When 16 years of age, around 1896, she accepted her Savior near Walhalla, North Dakota, and was spiritually enriched with the ministry of such pioneer stalwarts as Donald Ross, Donald Munro, William J. McClure, JM and others who visited the assembly there. Later on with her husband and family she moved to a farm on the Canadian prairies of Asquith, SK, and bore witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. Many gathered in their home to hear the Gospel. Pre-deceased by her husband, Charles, since moving to the northwest in 1921 she lived to see (in answer to her prayers) all 12 of her children saved. She was associated with assemblies all her life, latterly at Abbotsford, BC, Lynden and Bellingham, WA. The numbers who attended her funeral services bore witness to the esteem in which she was held. Stephen Hoy and John Hunt shared the services. Truly the "memory of the just is blessed".

1898: Beaulieu, ND

• On Dec. 23, 1942, Mr. William H. Brown departed to be with Christ, in his 66th year. Saved in Beaulieu, North Dakota in 1898 during meetings being held by A.J. Goff and JM. A prince and a great one has been taken from the ranks of the people of God. He was a beloved brother and a faithful minister of the Word. Connected with the assembly at Langley Prairie, British Columbia, Canada from its commencement in 1913, his great concern was the welfare of the saints and the furtherance of the Gospel. The high esteem in which our brother was held by saved and unsaved was shown by the large company which gathered in the Gospel Hall at Langley Prairie which were conducted by John E. Rae and Hector Alves.

1902: Hamilton, ON

• Mrs. Alexander Payson was called home at the age of 65 on December 16, 1948, having been saved 49 years before through the ministry of brother JM and the late Dr. Martin. She enjoyed the fellowship of the Lord's people in McNab Street Gospel Hall. Bro. Robert McCrory had the privilege of ministering the Word at her funeral service.

1904: Lurgan, N.I.

• Our dear sister, Mrs. Annie Allen, wife of Mr. E. Allen, Evangelist, was called home suddenly on December 11, 1966. Saved in 1904 through the labors of the late JM and spent her entire Christian life in the Lurgan assembly. A humble minded, God-fearing woman who served the Lord and His own for more than 60 years. Her home was a home away from home for many of the Lord's servants and His people. Her hospitality was unstinted.

• Mrs. Ferris called home on April 3, 1981, aged 92, at the Eventide Home. Born around 1889, saved at 14 years of age when JM was conducting meetings in Lurgan. All her long life associated with assembly and deeply interested in Divine things. A good testimony to all around, who esteemed her a Christian lady.

1905: Toronto, ON

• Our brother, William Hamilton, who for many years was a "pillar" in the Highfield Road assembly, was called home on January 21, 1955, at the age of 74. Though a quiet brother he will be greatly missed in the assembly. The esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the fact that 650 visited the funeral parlor, and the firm where he worked closed down for half a day to enable fellow workmen to attend the funeral. Bro. Hamilton was saved fifty years ago in the Broadview Avenue hall during meetings held by JM, and since that time, has gone on well, saw his family all saved, and has ended well. At the funeral, the building was packed, with people standing to the door. F.G. Watson and A.W. Joyce preached the Word to saved and unsaved.

1907: Armagh, N.I.

• There was a tribute article by Cecil Wilson for John A. Wilson (1888-1969), entitled "My Father", published in Sept. 1978 of The Believer's Magazine, that references John born in January of 1888 and raised Presybterian, but responded to the Gospel and accepted Christ in his late teens while in a hardware apprenticeship in Armagh under the preaching of JM. After finishing the post, he took a job in Dublin in the building supply business. In 1915 he married Norah Bollard in Merrion Hall. He wrote his parents that "pen and ink could not describe her beauty". He was then transferred to Ballina, Co. Mayo, in western Ireland to manage a branch business.

Prior to 1916, the assembly at Ballina was largely attended by the "landed gentry", which returned home to England after a political upheaval, and by the early 1920's, John was the only male resident in the fellowship, and served as caretaker, teacher, shepherd, evangelist and chauffeur. When his wife died in 1932, he moved in 1933 to Strabane, Co. Tyrone and started a business, but returned to Ballina in 1934 and married Miss Ethyl Catherwood, and remained there another thirty years before retiring to Antrim. For over forty years, he evangelized biweekly by bicycle in Newtownwhite, and monthly in Stonewall.

1908: Tassagh, N.I.

• Mrs. Mary Jane Coote, aged 92 years, passed peacefully into the Lord's presence on May 26, 1974 from the Faith House, a Gospel Hall retirement home in Belfast. She was saved in 1908 under the preaching of the late JM. She was in fellowship at Tassagh until she was married, then for thirty years in the Stonewall assembly, then in the Keady assembly before entering the "Faith House". She bore a consistent testimony, and had a good knowledge of the word of God, and maintained mental alertness and ability to discuss spiritual things til the end.

1908-1910: Banbridge, N.I.

• William Barr, formerly of Stark Road, Livonia, Michigan, died on August 27, 1987 in Florida, age 94. He was born in Banbridge, Northern Ireland and was saved on January 8, 1908 under the preaching of JM. In 1922, he immigrated to Canada and later moved to Michigan. He and his wife Beth were in happy fellowship for many years in Chicago Blvd Gospel Hall and continued in the fellowship when the assembly moved to Stark Road in Livonia. His wife predeceased him in 1966. Due to age and declining health, our brother moved to Florida to be near his oldest son William.

• Moses Barr was called home on April 22, 1980, in his 89th year. Saved as a boy of 16 around 1908 under the preaching of JM, and received into the Banbridge assembly. Moses was later in fellowship at Cregah Street, Knockbracken and Kingbridge, Belfast, and for the last several years at the Central Hall assembly in Bangor. A true shepherd, guide, leader and overseer whose timely ministry and wise counsel was appreciated. A wife survived.

• Miss E. Cupples, Banbridge, died on January 23, 1973, in the hospital, at the age of 82. She was saved in early life when JM had Gospel meetings in Banbridge, in happy fellowship ever since. A good, quiet, consistent woman who feared God and loved His ways. Was very practical in her interest in the work of the Lord at home and abroad. Leaves a brother who is almost 90, who has been for many years a pillar in the assembly.

• Mrs. Margaret Dale, Banbridge, died on Nov. 14, 1978 at the age of 85. God saved her 67 years prior when the late JM was preaching the gospel in the district. Soon afterwards she was received into the Banbridge assembly where she remained until called home. She was an example of simple trust in the Lord, pleasant to have known and to remember.

1910: Belfast, N.I.

• Miss Rebecca Rainey was called home on Jan. 16th, 1961. She was saved in Belfast under the preaching of the late JM at Apsley Street Hall, and for over 50 years was in happy fellowship, first in the Matchet Street assembly, and, since 1913 until her death, in Bridgeport, CT. Our sister was given to hospitality, it was said that she "entertained the Lord's own, though never in the best of health. She was also "of deep spirituality, kindly disposition, and good judgment". She "bore a bright testimony for her Lord", and "loved by all who knew her". "She was a servant of the Church and a succourer of many". Greatly missed, especially by her brother Sam, who in 1961 was correspondent of the assembly in Bridgeport, and her three sisters, also in that assembly. A large number attended the funeral which was taken by William Agnew and Robert McClurkin.

1920: Toronto, ON

• Lorne E. McBain (1900-1977) was born near Galt, Ontario, his grandparents were Presbyterian and saved in the 1870's thru evangelists. His father was saved near 1900, but his mother was Roman Catholic and forbade Lorne and his brother from attending Sunday School or Gospel meetings, although seeds of the gospel were still planted thru his father and grandparents, particularly thru his mother's death. While working as an auditor in Toronto, he was invited to Massey Hall for the Easter conference of 1920, and sitting in the balcony he realized, "These people are going to Heaven, and I am going to Hell." That afternoon Lorne's uncle introduced him to JM who spoke to him kindly. While John 5:24 was being quoted, the young man grasped the truth that Christ had died for his sins and trusted the Lord Jesus as his Savior.

The next Lord's day found Lorne in the back seat at Huntsville Gospel Hall, and soon baptized and accepted into fellowship at Central Hall in Toronto. Four years later, this assembly commended him to the Lord's work laboring various places including the West Indies where in 1926, he married Kathleen Hooper, who had commended by the same assembly in Toronto. He is noted to have been a "forceful Gospel preacher and a true winner of souls". Elaboration will be forthcoming in a separate article. Br. Oswald MacLeod and Herbert Dobson took the funeral.

1921: Lurgan, N.I.

• William Allen of Carrickfergus, N. Ireland, on Aug. 13, age 74. Our brother was saved in Lurgan during a long series of meetings by JM in March, 1921. He was received into the Bleary assembly soon after. In 1951, he went to live in the Whitehead district and was in happy fellowship with the Carrickfergus assembly. In both assemblies he was a real blessing and his ability to teach and counsel was highly appreciated. Few men could handle the Word in local Bible readings as he could. His son, Jim, has been in Malaysia for some years. Many heard the gospel and words of comfort from J. Wells and J.G. Hutchinson at the funeral.

• William Gracey of Lurgan, N. Ireland, was promoted to glory on Dec. 4, 1980, at the age of 78. Our dear brother was saved in April 1921 through the preaching of the late JM and the late James Geddis. Shortly afterward he was received into the Lurgan assembly where he remained in happy fellowship until his home call. Throughout his long years in the assembly he was ever seeking its welfare and upholding the truth. He had a deep understanding of the Scriptures and his advice was sought by many in their difficulties. His home was extensively used in showing hospitality. Being the oldest brother and the longest in the assembly he will be greatly missed by all. The funeral services were shared by J. Lennox and A. McShane.

1922: Dungannon, N.I.

• William R. Doran of Windsor, Ontario, died on January 15, 1982. He was born in Dungannon, Northern Ireland in 1901 and saved there over sixty years before his death, under the preaching of JM. William emigrated to Canada in 1939 and was for a number of years in the Windsor assembly. Then he moved to Milton where he spent twelve years before moving back to Windsor in 1977. He loved the assembly and the Lord's people, and his presence was forecasted to be greatly missed. Survived by one sister, Mrs. Margaret Condy of Dungannon. The funeral service was taken by R. Wylie and J. Beattie.

1926: Saginaw, MI

• David G. Nicol, Sr. of Saginaw, MI was promoted to glory on July 21, 1980, at the age of 76. Our beloved brother was saved while in the hospital following a visit from the late JM on October 3, 1926. David went on for the Lord consistently and was faithful in his attendance at the meetings. Some of his grandchildren were saved around the time of his homecall. The funeral services were conducted by John Norris.

1932: Armagh, N.I.

• Nigel W. Johnston (1921?-1990) of Bangor, Northern Ireland, died on August 29, 1990. Our dear brother was saved as a boy of eleven at meetings by JM in 1932. Showing by his life and development the reality of his profession, he was received into fellowship at Armagh, where he manifested a keen interest in the assembly and the gospel. Moving to Bangor in 1949, he quickly gained the confidence of the saints and was a brother greatly beloved and a true shepherd in the Ebenezer assembly. A very large funeral drawn from the business world and assemblies reflected the esteem in which our brother was held.

1936: Lurgan, N.I.

• George Marshall of Lurgan, Northern Ireland, died on December 13, 1987, at the age of 67. Our dear brother was saved 51 years prior at meetings held by the late JM. Soon after conversion he was received into fellowship in Lurgan where he earned the respect and confidence of his brethren. He was a Sunday School teacher, wise overseer, and acceptable gospel preacher.

From early days George had a great burden about the lost which caused him to carry the gospel all over the province. Although engaged in secular work, he conducted many series of gospel meetings in which he saw many saved and gathered outside the camp unto the Lord. He was preaching nightly for eight weeks at the Clonroot Gospel Hall and went home after the meeting on Friday night, took ill, and was called home the following morning.

The very large funeral of 450 was held in the Lurgan Gospel Hall, and taken by Br. Albert McShane, assisted by Wilfred McConville and Alan Davidson sharing. His wife, Nora, and two daughters are in the assembly, and also a surviving son, for whom "prayer is valued". Our brother was a nephew of the late James Marshall, a well known servant of Christ in both N.I. and the U.S.A.

Itinerant work

This is a record of some of John Monypenny's evangelistic and ministry work throughout the globe, as reported in various periodicals and books.

California

1894 June-Sept: Los Angeles

JM was commended around 1892 to two years of Gospel work in Ontario, Canada. Early in March, 1894, became exercised about joining William John McClure in California, and wrote stating his interest, which inspired McClure to raise funds from Andrew Fraser and others to purchase a gospel tent from Baker & Lockwood, in Kansas City, Missouri. Andrew Fraser encouraged Monypenny to "come with all speed" to Los Angeles, and enclosed his fare.

He arrived June 8th, and tent meetings began on the 17th with initially fair attendance, but they soon started some creative methods to increase attendance. They put up pictures of the Tabernacle, and advertising boards around the area with the subject matter, and McClure spoke at the tent on the subject, with Monypenny following with the Gospel. They had discovered that due to various Los Angeles missions preaching holiness teachings, and "unintelligent Gospel preaching", according to Dickson, there was an over-abundance of "Gospel Meeting" advertisements, and this fresh strategy was helpful, and subsequently filled the tent.

McClure soon wrote to C.W. Ross commenting on the fresh fruit, and he had responded with a recollection of "God allowing Israel to use a strategem. They had been beaten by the enemy, so God said, 'Make an ambush.' He could have given the victory in plain open warfare, but He chose to let them use strategy."

The tent meetings went on for three months, and "God wrought wonderfully as night after night the Gospel was proclaimed in simplicity and power, and a "goodly number" was added to the West Jefferson assembly. In the biography of McClure, a notable conversion was in "an old Irish lady, Mrs. Barr", 81, who "was awakened and saved at that season of blessing. She bore a clear testimony to the end of her days at the ripe old age" of 103. Her daughter was also "gathered out" and continued in fellowship until the age of 89 when she was called home in 1941. The tent was taken down September 12.

1894 Sept-Dec: Pomona

After the tent was taken down in Los Angeles, it was shipped directly to Pomona, with a campaign opened September 16, with nightly meetings thru December. When the tent was first pitched, there were three meeting in a home in Pomona to break bread, but by the time the tent was removed, there were eighteen, and the McComa's Hall was rented, and a testimony established.

1894 Dec - 1895-Jan: Oakland & San Francisco

While the tent was stored away, McClure (and presumably JM) ministered to the assemblies at Oakland and San Francisco. Then in January 1895, while being nursed in the home of A. Foster with the help of McClure and JM, Andrew Fraser passed away at the young age of 39. After his memorial, McClure returned again to Oakland and San Francisco for more ministry.

1895 May: Pomona

The tent was pitched again in May 1895 in Pomona with blessing for eleven weeks. The Witness, reporting in April of 1896 on this campaign indicated that the day before leaving, they baptized three men and seven women, and said they have a nice assembly in a good location, and it numbered between twenty and thirty.

1895 Aug-Oct: Los Angeles

In August, the tent was moved back to Los Angeles and pitched on Washington Street thru October. "Once more the hand of God was seen in power, and a harvest was gathered in." About this time, an old assembly on Temple Street had to move, and opportunity arose for a merger with West Jefferson, creating an assembly with over 60 in fellowship. JM gave the Gospel, and McClure gave Tabernacle Talks. Three years ago the assembly numbered a dozen, and by 1896 about 50, as estimated in a report to the Witness.

1896 Spring: Los Angeles

• May Witness: "William L. Faulkner has been preaching with JM at Los Angeles, Monte Vista, and Pomona, in Southern California. Our readers will be glad to know that our brother is now enjoying good health."

1896 Summer: Los Angeles

• John Dickson's biography of William McClure: In 1896, McClure accompanied Mr. Ross on a trip out East, but returned in time to assist JM with a tent they pitched in Los Angeles on Grand Avenue. McClure spoke from his dispensational chart, which was regarded in the area as a fresh line of teaching that drew many in curiosity. "The power of the Holy Spirit was greatly manifested in these meetings, sinners were broken down under conviction of sin, and were saved, and saints were greatly blessed." JM then left to visit relatives in the East, and soon after sailed for Ireland for work there.

• Aug Witness: San Francisco: "We have had some refreshing times lately, are now considering the propriety of changing the morning meeting to 10:30 instead of 11:00 as at present, so as to enable us to have the Sunday school immediately after remembering the Lord's death, and to have the rest of the afternoon free to visit the ships and preach the gospel, and invite strangers to the evening meeting. Messrs. Faulkner and JM have been preaching over in Oakland, where two professed, the saints there were greatly encouraged."

1897: U.S.

• June: The conference in Bay City, MI in April was well attended, and the ministry was of a very profitable character. It was truly "exhortation with doctrine", a good combination. John Smith, Robert J. Dickson, Thomas Donald William "T.D.W." Muir, JM and others helped. John Smith has been in Michigan, visiting Bay City, Saginaw, and Detroit with helpful ministry. Messrs. JM and James Kay have had good Gospel meetings in Saginaw, where God has been reviving His weary heritage.

• Sept: Messrs. James Kay and JM have their tent in South Saginaw, a very needy field.

1898: U.S.

• Mar:
  • Boston, MA: Largest conference meetings ever held here were at Christmas. The ministering brethren were Messrs. John Gill, John Martin, Thomas Donald William "T.D.W." Muir, D. Oliver, F.W. Crook, W. Matthews, and JM. Some blessing to the unsaved followed the meetings.
• April: New York Conference in February was well attended. Ministry by Messrs. Oliver, McClure, Telfer, JM, and others.  JM is now in Virginia.

1899: Canada & Ireland & Scotland

• Jan: JM and Mr. A.G. Goff have been preaching for seven weeks in Winnipeg, with droppings from on high.
• May: JM "from America" is at present on a visit to Ireland, having meetings in various parts.
• July: Dublin: "The Annual Believers' Meetings were held at Merrion Hall, Lower Merrion Street, on Tues, Wed and Thu, June 6-8, and amongst other brethren who ministered the Word of God were: Dr. Neatby, Lord Carrick, Messrs. J.S. Anderson (Italy), H.B. Thompson, R. M'Murdo, W. Lindsay and W. Hamilton. The teaching was practical, and the fellowship between meetings was very hearty.

We were very pleased to see brethren from other lands, including: Dr. Amner, Messrs. J.S. Anderson, C. Faithful, F.D. Jones, E. Lynn, JM, and Nichol. On Tues the subject for consideration was the conversion and instruction of children and young people; on Wed afternoon reports of the Lord's work at home; and Thu afternoon reports of the Lord's work abroad. The lovely weather added much to the pleasure of meeting one another. To Him be all the glory."

• Nov: Glasgow: Half-yearly meetings were held on Sept 25-26 in City Hall. An extra large number of preachers and missionaries were present, including Messrs. Donald Munro and John Smith (both from America), R.E. Jones (China), Eglon Harris (Mexico), James W. Fish (South Africa), T. Berkeley (Spain), J.W. Moore (Borneo), T. Baird (Kwala Lumpor), J.R. Brown (Spain), F.T. Lane (Africa), J. Ball (former Methodist minister from London), William Slomans (Bahamas), JM (California), A. Bell & David Rea (both from Belfast), R.E. Sparks (Bath), etc.

• Dec: Edinburgh: Our conference was the largest we have yet had. Mr. J. Ball, Mr. W. Hamilton, and JM spoke in the afternoon, and Mr. W. Kyle, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Wilkes in the evening. All the addresses were practical and helpful in freshness and power.

1900: Ireland

• Oct: JM has taken down his tent in the city of Armagh, and is having nightly meetings in the Gospel Hall.

1904: U.S.

• Jan: Messrs. JM and R. Telfer had a series of Gospel meetings on the East End, Toronto, with interest and some blessing.
• Three days of conference at Orillia at New Year was largely attended. Messrs. W.P. Douglas, J. Halyburton, J.J. Rouse, JM, J. Douglas, Col. Beers and R. Telfer gave helpful ministry.

1905: Ireland

JM preached in Lurgan from October 1904 thru January of 1905, with a report of saints revived, and sinners saved.

1906: Ireland, Scotland, England

• In January, it was reported that JM had been having meetings in southern Ireland towns, with a home address of 2 Ernestville, North Parade, Belfast.  In February it was reported of a conference at the Northern Friendly Society's Hall that JM participated with in Aberdeen, Scotland with attendance of about 1100.  He ministered at this conference alongside Messrs. J.P. Wigstone, H.B. Thompson, W.J. Maplesden, JM, Edward Hughes, Alex. Marshall, John Ferguson, Dr. Jones, and John Ormiston of Tyneside, and local evangelists; the most profitable Conference yet held.  
• In the fall, it was reported that JM was "telling 'The Old, Old Story' on the sands at New Brighton", and in the winter, that he had been preaching at Romeo Street Hall in Liverpool, England.

1912: Ireland, Scotland, England

• In January of 1912, it was reported that JM had had a month's worth of Gospel meetings in Loanhead, Scotland with much blessing.  By March, he had done special meetings in Little Sutton, England.  Thru the summer he did fourteen weeks in Londonderry, Ireland, the latter of which resulted in fifteen baptized and added to the assembly, along with helpful addresses to the Christians.  On September 7th, back in Loanhead, Scotland, he ministered at a largely attended conference alongside Dr. Jones, Messrs. Miller, M'Nab, and Hamilton.

1913: Ireland & Scotland

• Mar: Notes: Ireland: "‘‘‘JM’’’ is having interesting meetings in Larne."
• May: Ireland: Belfast: Easter conference in Ulster Hall, March 23-27. Large and helpful gatherings. The following amongst others took part: Dr. Darling, Col. Beers, Messrs. W.H. Hunter, W. Harland, F. Logg, H.B. Thompson, J.W. Cumming, W.S. King, E. Hughes, ‘‘‘JM’’’, D. Rea, F. Rowat, and B. Mudditt.
• June: Notes: Ireland: ‘‘‘JM’’’ commenced meetings in Terenure, May 25.
• July: Ireland: ‘‘‘JM’’’ has a tent in Terenure, a needy suburb of Dublin.
• July: Forthcoming: Scotland: Innerleven: July 24, at 11. Dr. Jones, Messrs. Grant, Baird, ‘‘‘JM’’’ and Beard.
• Aug: Reports: Ireland: Ahorey: About 350 present. A spirit of love and harmony prevailed. Profitable ministry by Messrs. D. Rea, J. Carrick, H.B. Thompson, Handley Bird, and ‘‘‘JM’’’.
• Sept: Tents: Ireland: Messrs. Matthews and ‘‘‘JM’’’ at Laurelvale.
  • Reports: Scotland: Innerleven: July 24. Large attendance; a good and godly time; Messrs. Jones, Fereday, Baird, ‘‘‘JM’’’, Beard and Grant too up "Worship" and other kindred subjects. Sisters' sale of work realized over 21 pounds.
• Oct: Forthcoming: Scotland: Gospel Hall, New Cumnock, Oct. 4, at 3:30. Messrs. Pickering, Dunlop, ‘‘‘JM’’’ and Beattie.
  • Notes: Ireland: ‘‘‘JM’’’ some encouragement at Laurelvale.
• Nov: Reports: Scotland: New Cumnock, Oct. 4; good muster. Messrs. Pickering, Dunlop, ‘‘‘JM’’’ and Beattie.
• Dec: Forthcoming: Scotland: New Year Conferences: Dec. 31 to Jan. 3: Motherwell Town Hall, 11 to 6. Messrs. Ritchie, Bayne, M'Knight, ‘‘‘JM’’’.

1923: Canada

• Nov: Sydney Mines, NS: ‘‘‘JM’’’ saw souls saved during visit.

1928: Scotland

• Oct: Reports: Scotland: Conference at Loanhead, Sept. 1, was large and profitable, when Messrs. Wilson (Holland), ‘‘‘JM’’’, Hagen, and Moffat ministered the Word.

• Sept: Reports: Scotland:
  • Craigellachie: July 17-18: Some meetings specially large. Ministry and reports by A. Payne, ‘‘‘JM’’’, J.P. Lewis, C. Innes, T.M. Stewart, F.T. Lane, P. Wilson, etc.
  • Inverurie: Edifying and stimulating ministry by Bruce, Greenlaw, Johnston, Ingram, Lewis, and ‘‘‘JM’’’.
  • Dingwall: Attendance at conference on July 21 slightly better than formerly. Ministry by Stewart, M'Kenzie, Lewis, and ‘‘‘JM’’’.

1930: Ireland

• March: Believers' meetings at Ballymena good and well attended. Messrs. ‘‘‘JM’’’, Hughes, Walker, M'Cracken and others ministered the Word.
• April: Conference reports: Ireland: ‘‘‘JM’’’ at Mullarton, Ireland;

1931: Ireland & Scotland

• Jan: Scotland: ‘‘‘JM’’’ had Gospel meetings in Kirknewton, Midlothian.
• Feb: Ireland: ‘‘‘JM’’’ is in Strabane.
• Mar: Ireland: ‘‘‘JM’’’ continues in Strabane.
• April: Ireland: ‘‘‘JM’’’ finished in Strabane. Some fruit.
• May: Ireland: Dundesert, April 11th: Their first believers' meeting for many years. A good company present and profitable ministry given by Br. Matthews, ‘‘‘JM’’’, Hawthorne, M'Cracken, Lyttle, Curran and Cranson.
• June: Owing to mail going astray, correspondents are asked to address ‘‘‘JM’’’, c/o General Post Office, Wallasey, Cheshire.

1932: Ireland

• Feb: Ireland: ‘‘‘JM’’’ at Ahoghill;
• June: Ireland: ‘‘‘JM’’’ at Coleraine;

1934: Canada & U.S.

• Mar: ‘‘‘JM’’’ is seeing fruit in Broadview Gospel Hall in Toronto.
• July: S. McEwen, George Winemiller and ‘‘‘JM’’’ each had meetings while passing through Washington D.C. Brethren McClure and ‘‘‘JM’’’ took meetings in the afternoon and evening on June 3 in New York City. George Winemiller had a week's meetings in Newport, a week in Matoaca and a week in Petersburg and Richmond, all in Virginia. Bro. ‘‘‘JM’’’ visited the same assemblies and had one meeting in each, and two in Richmond. Messrs. Benjamin Bradford and W.H. Hunter are expected for meetings in Petersburg and Newport News. S. McEwen is now helping the assemblies in Matoaca, Petersburg, and Hopewell.

1935: Ireland

• Large meeting July 13th in Bleary, Northern Ireland, practical ministry by Messrs. Rodgers, ‘‘‘JM’’’, Mateer, Douglas and McEwen.

1936: Canada & U.S.

• Oct:
  • Montreal, Quebec: Bro. ‘‘‘JM’’’ had a week's meetings with us. Br. McCrory, Crocker, and Fletcher also called on us. Br. John Ferguson had some meetings. Ministry practical and profitable.
  • The Kansas City, Kansas believers were blessed with F.W. Schwartz speaking to the children of the Sunday School one Sunday morning. Then JM was "with us the next Tuesday evening", and John Walden preached the gospel on Wed, Thu and Fri evenings. J.J. Rouse came on the following Wednesday, and at the invitation of Mr. Rouse, the [African-American] assembly dismissed their meeting and came, and we had a very happy time together listening to his account of pioneer work in Canada."
  • Oct. 1936: During the Oct 9-11 conference at Omaha, Nebraska, ministering brethren included J.J. Rouse, ‘‘‘JM’’’, J.R. Elliott, Don and Jack Charles, George Gray, G.B. Morgan, Dave and John Horn, D. Lawrence, A. Rodgers, John Walden and W.W. White.
• Nov: After two weeks of blessing of attendance of 25-30, mostly adults, in open air by Robert Thompson, the assembly at San Antonio, Texas expected Bro. ‘‘‘JM’’’ for five nights before he went to the Houston conference.
• Dec: Houston, Texas: The attendance at the Conference was very good, more of the Lord's people from outside Houston were present than in former years. The bulk of the ministry fell to brethren McClure and ‘‘‘JM’’’, the evening gospel messages being in the hands of preachers who labor in the South. Mr. McClure went on to San Antonio and purposed later to go to Oakland for the Conference there.
  • After the Houston conference, ‘‘‘JM’’’ visited Fort Worth, San Antonio and Dallas, the Lord granting His presence and help. At Memphis, Sparta, and St. Louis, he had encouraging times. Spent a whole day distributing tracts in New Orleans, where he saw little evidence of gospel light. He desires our readers to pray for the needy multitude.
  • Detroit: We had visits from ‘‘‘JM’’’, Mr. Leonard Sheldrake, and Mr. Fred Nugent who ministered at Central Hall. Mr. S. McCune gave reports on the Lord's work in the West Indies in Central and East Side Halls, and Mr. Henry Fletcher in West Chicago Blvd. Hall told of the gospel trophies in Puerto Rico. These two brethren are now on their way back to their spheres of labor. The West Chicago Blvd. assembly had also visits from Messrs. Robert McCrory, Murdo McKenzie, and Alexander Livingstone, ministering especially to Christians.

1937: Canada & U.S. & N.Z.

Jan:

• • Canada: ‘‘‘JM’’’ has given help in Forest and Galt.
  • U.S.: ‘‘‘JM’’’ has visited Chicago, Omaha and Houston. Was expected to give address in Miami in Dec. 1936;

• Philadelphia, PA: Mascher Street Hall: The New Year's Conference ('37) was a very happy time, ministry practical and profitable. Speakers were William and Peter Pell, Jr., John Watt, and William Robertson. Two professed to be saved. William and Peter Pell Jr. continued meetings the following week. ‘‘‘JM’’’ was with us Sunday, January 10th, afternoon and evening. One young man professed to be saved.

Feb:

• • Canada: Forest Conference well attended. Edifying ministry from Messrs. M'Crory, Ferguson, Sheldrake, Gould, Sen, Shivas, M'Keown, ‘‘‘JM’’’, Crocker and Macleod.
  • U.S.: ‘‘‘JM’’’ had interest in Miami and Tampa, FL, ere crossing to West Indies.

• Newport News, VA: Conference was held Jan. 1-3. Fifteen preachers were present. Benjamin Bradford, S. McEwan, Fisher Hunter, Jas. Smith, William Smith, Mehl, Calderhead, Crocker, Cather, Reager, Nugent, ‘‘‘JM’’’, Wilson, McCloud, and Craig. Conference was much enjoyed.

• Mar: ‘‘‘JM’’’ visiting NY, NJ and New England assemblies.
• April: Canada: ‘‘‘JM’’’ had a few meetings in several halls in Toronto. J.M. Davies had meetings in Central and Brock Ave. Halls with fair interest.

• Easter conferences at Seymour Street Hall were well attended in Vancouver, British Columbia, speakers included ‘‘‘JM’’’, J. Waugh, J. Lyon, J. Sommacal, J. Hunt, W. Ingram, and Don R. Charles. ‘‘‘JM’’’ continued meetings afterward at Seymour. Speakers at Mt. Pleasant Hall included P. Hoogendam, H.K. Downie, Inglis Fleming, and W.W. Reid. P. Hoogendam continued meetings at Mt. Pleasant.

• After meetings at the Gospel Hall on 56 NW 29th St., Miami, Florida from Murdo Mackenzie, John Bramhall Jr., and Owen Hoffman in the Fall, ‘‘‘JM’’’ was having a series of meetings this summer with good interest.

• Calgary, Alberta: Conference well attended, about 400 present, some meetings more. Many Christians from isolated places, twenty-one places in all... one man walking 75 miles. The ministry was varied, refreshing and edifying. Speakers were brethren Wm. McClure, S. Greer, W. Pell, L. Sheldrake, Dr. A. Hunt, ‘‘‘JM’’’, H.K. Downie, and J.J. Rouse.

• ‘‘‘JM’’’ went to Lethbridge, Alberta for meetings following the Calgary conference, and expects to visit Portland on his way to Oakland, California.

• ‘‘‘JM’’’ has had meetings in all the halls in Los Angeles, ministering the Word to saints. He visited Pomona also and is now in San Diego.

• Witness, Oct. 1937: ‘‘‘JM’’’ has paid a visit to California, where he first laboured in 1894. Sails for New Zealand on Oct. 27. His address there will be c/o J.G. Harvey, 114 Main St., Palmerston North. His daughter has again left for Egypt.

1938: New Zealand

• Feb: ‘‘‘JM’’’ had meetings in Auckland.
• July: ‘‘‘JM’’’ had blessing at Mornington, later went to Ashburton and Waimate.
• Aug: ‘‘‘JM’’’ gave help in Fairlie, Timaru and Christchurch.
• Sept: ‘‘‘JM’’’ gave help in Christchurch, Feilding and Wanganui.

1939: Australia

• Jan: Personal Addresses: ‘‘‘JM’’’, c/o Mr. W. Macfarlane, 87 Westbourne St., Petersham, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia;
• Feb: ‘‘‘JM’’’ gave help in Sydney, and was also expected in Tasmania.
• Aug: ‘‘‘JM’’’ is visiting some of the assemblies in Melbourne, ministering the Word of God. In Yarraville, there was a splendid gathering of old and young in the Gospel Hall, when George Wilkie Jr., H.D. Short, R. M'Leod Sr., W.W. Hillsdon, George Wilkie Sr., and J.M'Murdo took part. JM was expected for a week's addresses to believers.
• Sept: ‘‘‘JM’’’ had meetings in various assemblies in Melbourne and district. Ministry appreciated.
• Dec: ‘‘‘JM’’’, who has long labored in the North of Ireland, has found many openings in NSW and other Australian states, and feels burdened about visiting other lands... giving Japan a brief call, also Manila, Hong Kong, a time at Singapore, then in India, and Egypt. He gives address care of Mr. J.M. Davis, Trichur, S. India, and adds, "I am always glad of prayers of believers".

1940: Egypt

Assembly Annals: 1944 Nov:

From ‘‘‘JM’’’: "I reached Egypt in May, 1940. During these terrible years of war I have been glad to be with my daughter, who has been here most of the time since 1935. I cannot regret the necessary stay in this land. Spiritual need is literally tremendous. It is a sorrow that more reality and power have not been realized in endeavoring to serve.

Cairo has about a million and a half population with great variety of nationalities. Heliopolis is one of the suburbs about 8 miles from the centre. Brethren who can interpret are useful. In Upper Egypt there about 14 small assemblies in fellowship with us. I have had opportunity of visiting a number of them. Recently it has been a privilege to visit the Alexandria assembly. Some brethren in the service who are there have been taking hold of matters with considerable vigor during the last number of months and blessing has been granted.

Amongst many British and Empire and American soldiers there has been abundant opportunity, particularly in the gospel here in Cairo, with tracts, booklets and conversations (also gospels). My having been to a number of lands has been a help in contacting the men, who often are interested to find that their country and hometown is known.

In Upper Egypt some Egyptian brethren and two sisters, one of these from Switzerland, are laboring. Mr. N. Aboud, a valuable servant of Christ, in Heliopolis, who has been used much in Egypt and in other lands, has had much trial physically during past months. He is very much improved, but we all hope to see him fully restored."

1944: Egypt

"A letter from ‘‘‘JM’’’ of Cyre, Egypt, states that he and his daughter, a schoolteacher, are both well and he is handing out tracts and talking to the service men, as well as helping in their small meeting. He has recovered from his fall some months ago, when he was taken to a hospital."

1949: Ireland

• Dec: Conferences: Ireland: Omagh: Oct. 26. Very profitable messages from brethren McShane, Bailie, McCracken, ‘‘‘JM’’’, Duff, Alexander, and Thompson.

1950: Ireland

• The Believer's Magazine: 1950 Feb: Conferences: Armagh, N. Ireland: Brethren Allen, Curran, Love, ‘‘‘JM’’’, and McShane shared the ministry.

Death

September 1950 of Assembly Annals reported via Belfast, Ireland, that Mr. John Monypenny was called home from Belfast in July, having served the Lord in America, the British Isles, and the far East for a long lifetime.

Also See

Some Articles by John Monypenny

• "Millions Perishing", by JM, 1897 volume of The Witness, p. 194.
• "The Christian Race", unrevised notes of an address by JM, April 1934 of Assembly Annals, pp. 194-196.
• "Every Moment", a poem by JM, 1948 volume of Assembly Annals, p. 95
• "A Fourfold View of a Scriptural Assembly", by JM, reprinted in Assembly Testimony;
  • Part 1: Mar-April 1997, pp. 44-45.
  • Part 2: May-June 1997, pp. 58-59.
  • Part 3: July-Aug 1997, pp. 83-84.

Other Articles referencing Monypenny

• "My Conversion and Call", by J.E. Fairfield of Venezuela, JM helped introduce him to assembly life, see Jan-Feb 1990 of Assembly Testimony, pp. 28-32.
• October 1982 Truth & Tidings, p. 276, report on Egypt from J. Flynn and James G. Hutchinson referencing appreciation of locals for visits in earlier years of Messrs. McClure, Bunting, and JM.

Sources

• Ancestry.com
• Findagrave.com
• "William J. McClure: A Beloved Brother and Faithful Minister" by John Trew Dickson, privately printed, n.d.
• Assembly Annals: 1934 April, July; 1936 Oct, Dec; 1944 Nov; 1948 Dec; 1949 Jan; 1950 Sept;
• Assembly Testimony: 1990 Jan-Feb; 1997 Mar-Aug;
• Believers' Magazine: 1930 Mar-April; 1931 Jan-June; 1949 Dec; 1950 Feb; 1973 April; 1974 July; 1975 June; 1978 Jan, Sept; 1980 Feb, July; 1981 Mar, May; 1982 Mar;
• Light and Liberty: 1934 Mar; 1935; 1936 Nov-Dec; 1937; 1943-1944; 1961 Mar; 1963 Nov;
• Letters of Interest: 1946 Jan; 1949 July;
• Truth and Tidings: 1955 Mar; 1961 April; 1971 Dec; 1977 Aug; 1978 Oct; 1980 Feb, Sept; 1982 Mar, Oct; 1987 Feb, Oct; 1990 Oct;
• The Witness: 1896 April-May, Aug; 1897 June, Sept; 1898 Mar-April; 1899 Jan, May, July, Nov-Dec; 1900 Oct; 1904 Feb; 1905 Feb; 1906; 1912-1913; 1923 Nov; 1928 Sept-Oct; 1932 Feb, June; 1937 Jan-May, Aug, Oct; 1938 Feb, July-Sept; 1939 Jan-Feb, Aug-Sept, Dec;
• Words in Season: 1943 Feb; 1961 April; 1966 Feb; 1972 Sept; 1977 Sept; 1987 Feb;