Tributes to John Dolan

John played a key role in the Independent Methodist Connexion Covenant Partnership discussions with the Baptist Union, as well as working closely with The Baptist Times

Hundreds of people packed Warrington Parish Church for a memorial service for John Dolan on Tuesday (23 June).

John will be remembered as one of the most significant figures within the Independent Methodist Connexion in recent years, playing a key role in the Covenant Partnership discussions with the Baptist Union.

North Western Baptist Association Regional Minister Phil Jump was among those present, and spoke of how John's visionary yet gracious leadership had left its mark on many members of the Baptist community. He had himself been encouraged and influenced by John in his own early years of ministry.

The congregation not only brought together Independent Methodists from across the UK, but representatives (including the mayor) of almost every aspect of the life of his home town Warrington.

Having fought back courageously from a stroke about five years ago, John was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer just a few weeks before his death, and even up to a few days before, continued to diligently fulfil his role as manager of the Warrington foodbank.

John never married, but summing up his life, IM minister Ken McDermott spoke not only of the mutual affection for his sister, brother-in-law and their family, but that the gathered congregation was testimony to the fact that John had a bigger family than most.

As editor of the Connexional Magazine for more than 30 years, John often worked closely with The Baptist Times, and we are amongst the many who give thanks  for his life, mourn his passing and offer our condolences to his family.