Rossendale's first woman church minister dies, aged 87 (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Rossendale's first woman church minister dies, aged 87

10:40am Monday 5th December 2011 in Bacup By Vanessa Cornall, Reporter

ROSSENDALE’S first female church minister, who was once a missionary in Africa, has died aged 87.

The Rev Nancy Thomas, of Herbert Street, Stacksteads, led the congregation at Trinity Baptist Church, in Bacup for more than 30 years.

Originally from Thornaby-on-Tees, she had been a missionary in the Congo with her late husband Ben, who died in 1961.

The couple had worked as teachers and she returned to England in 1964, to train as a minister at Manchester Univ-ersity and at the Northern Baptist College.

Veda Hitchen, secretary of Trinity Baptist Church, said: “Nancy was a tremendous lady who was very gracious and humble. She became a bit of a trailblazer during her time studying, as women didn’t go into the ministry in those days.

“She was a lovely friend to many and will be remembered for her great sense of humour.”

Mrs Thomas leaves a sister-in-law, two nieces, a nephew, good friend Dorothy and many other friends.

Best friend of 39 years, Dor-othy Cook said: “She will be missed dearly by many.” A service will be led by the Rev David Livermore at Trinity Baptist Church tomorrow, followed by a cremation at Burnley led by the Rev Jacqueline Parsons.