William BUNTING 1883–1918

William Bunting Vicar of Crich 1917 – 1918

Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal 3 November 1916
The Rev William BUNTING, senior curate of St John’s, Mansfield has accepted the offer of living of Crich, vacant by the resignation of the Rev J Martyn SIMMONS. The new vicar will take with him to Crich benefit of considerable experience in large industrial centres. From 1907 to 1909 he was a curate in the thickly populated artisan parish of St Stephen’s, Sheffield, and since then he has been curate at St John’s Mansfield. He is a nephew of Mr Joseph BUNTING, of Eden Bank, Whatstandwell who has been an enthusiastic worker for Crich church, and who efforts were largely responsible for the raising of the recent restoration and organ fund. It is understood that he will not begin his ministry at Crich for a couple of months or so. Living is valued at £255 nett yearly, with a residence.

photo of Revd BuntingRevd Bunting was a very popular vicar; sadly only in office for about a year, dying of influenza in November 1918.

He was the son of James Edward Bunting and Edith Cholerton. His father was a blacksmith, born in Alderwasley, who moved to live in Derby in about 1890.

Before becoming vicar of Crich he was curate at St. John's in Mansfield.

He has a marble plaque in his memory near to the main altar. View

There was a moving obituary to him in the Derbyshire Times:

CRICH VICAR'S DEATH
A Victim of Influenza and Pneumonia

A deep gloom, mingled with the peace rejoicings, overshadowed Crich on Monday, when the news was circulated that the vicar, the Rev. William Bunting, had passed away early that morning. His death came as a shock to most of the parishioners, as he had conducted the services in church last week. Pneumonia, following influenza, was the cause of death.

During his 21 months as vicar of the church Mr. Bunting had won the affections of a large number of people, and his popularity as an eloquent preacher, together with his enthusiasm in promoting the welfare of young people, was testified by an ever-increasing congregation and in other ways. Mr. Bunting studied for the ministry at the London College of Divinity, St. John's, Highbury, and he was ordained by the Archbishop of York at York Minster in February 1907. He was first licensed to the curacy of St. Stephen's, Sheffield, and at the latter end of 1909 he removed to St. John's, Mansfield. Here he was senior curate to the late Rev. W Lilley, a former vicar of Boulton, Derby, where Mr. Bunting was formerly a choirboy.

Early in 1917 he was offered and accepted, the living of Crich. In 1914 he married Miss D. I. Helonsing, of St. Alban's, Hull. He was 35 years of age.

Derbyshire Courier 11 September 1920
A marble tablet, erected in memory of the late Rev William BUNTING, vicar of Crich, who died on 11 November, 1918, was unveiled in the presence of a large congregation on Sunday afternoon. The cost of the tablet, which has been erected in the chancel near the vestry door, was defrayed by the Girl Guides, formed by the late vicar and Mrs BUNTING shortly after his induction to the living of Crich. From its inception the late Mr BUNTING took a deep interest in the welfare of the Guild and meetings were held at the Vicarage.
[a report of the service followed]

The funeral took place at Boulton-by-Alvaston Churchyard on Wednesday, when a large congregation assembled, many of whom had known the deceased since boyhood. The family mourners included: Mr J.E. Bunting (father). Norman and Charles (brothers), and Mr Joseph Bunting, Crich Carr (uncle). Amongst those attending from Crich were: Messrs. Maurice Deacon, Chase Cliffe, and F. Snow, Chase Cliffe Farm, Wardens Mrs. Deacon, Dr. Rankin, Messrs L.H. Griffith and A. Mercer, Miss Curtis, Mr. and Mrs. William Piggin.

Amongst the wreaths were those from Chase Cliffe, Dr. Macdonald, Girl's Guild and Scholars of day schools,. Before the procession started from the vicarage the senior scholars of Crich Carr School, under Mr. Griffith, assembled, and sang a verse of "Sun of my Soul," deceased favourite hymn. The vicar of Boulton officiated at the services.