Mexborough & Swinton Times14 October 1937

Yarnold

The sudden passing of Mr.Thomas Yarnold (66), of Branksome House, Manor Road, deprives the district of another of its well-known musicians. For many years he had achieved distinction in the dual capacity of teacher of the violin and choirmaster of the Congregational Church, and his other musical activities had brought him a host of musical admirers.

A history of Mr. Yarnold’s life in Swinton is really a history of the rise the Congregational Church,” said an old friend of Mr. Yarnold this week. He was intimately connected with the church in the days before the present church was built, when the services were held in the schoolroom. He took part in the opening of the new church and has since conducted more than 25 anniversary services there, with the exception of the last one, when he was indisposed.

He came from an extremely musical family, and with brothers and nephews frequently formed family quartets and quintets. He leaves a widow who is also an accomplished pianist, a son who is a master at Chester College School and one daughter.

Large congregations attended the Free Christian Church on Sunday afternoon and evening to renew acquaintance with the Rev. J. H. Smith, now minister of the Unitarian Free Church, Swinton, Manchester, who was for five years minister of the Mexborough church. The services were in the nature of a Harvest Festival celebration, and Mr. Smith had exchanged pulpits with the Rev. C. Gibson. The Mexborough Male Voice Choir, conducted by Mr. A. V. Chambers, sang at both services.

In future the Mexborough Parish Magazine will be published on the Tuesday before the first Sunday in the month. Previously it has come out on the first Tuesday of the month.