Rev Jimmy Butterworth 1987-1977

[Bob Dobson]

Jimmy Butterworth was born and bred in Ossie. His parents had five kids and very little money. So little that it caused his father to commit suicide. An intelligent lad, though deprived of an education through poverty, he attended Green Haworth chapel and became a 'star pupil' before reaching his teens. After serving in the Lancashire Fusilsiers' Bantam Battallon, 'Little Jimmy' attended a Theological College in Manchester before becoming a Methodist minister first in Manchester then in a run-down London parish. There he started a club for the area's youth. He called it 'Clubland' and it became famous for improving the lives of its members. Jimmy was the subject of a 'This is Your Life' programme.

He never forgot his Ossie roots and often returned to preach at Green Haworth.

A book about Jimmy has recently been published (poster to follow soon) and in September, a memorial service will he held in Stanhill Methodist chapel to honour him. The book has plenty in it about his life in Ossie.

Jimmy is a true local hero. He deserves to be better known by his fellow townsfolk.

[walker]

Reverend James (Jimmy) Butterworth is buried in Immanuel church yard Oswaldtwistle.