The Fearnleys’ Faith

Around 1930, at the time of the Great Depression, commonly known as ‘ The Slump’, my Grandparents, Harry and Elsie Fearnley lived in a modest little house in the poorest area of Hartlepool with their four children. They had moved there from Halifax, their home town, in order that Grandpa could get work to keep his little family. Although without money, they were happy. They had deep faith, attended their local church and made many like minded friends. The only sad part of their lives was being far away from their own parents and the area they were familiar with. However, comfort was found in the many letters sent from Halifax to Hartlepool and back. Elsie and her mother in particular were prolific correspondents. One memorable day, an epistle from her eldest sister arrived to say that their mother was desperately ill and was asking to see her beloved daughter, Elsie and the children. Because of their circumstances, there was no question of being able to afford the fare down to Halifax, which would have been £5. - a huge sum as far as they were concerned. Elsie prayed fervently, as she always did at all times. Meanwhile, back in Halifax, another devout lady, a mutual friend of the family but more financially favoured, was also praying. Her devotions were interrupted by a strange, insistent voice telling her to send £5 to the Fearnley family in Hartlepool. Puzzled, yet trusting she obeyed the voice, believing it to be from The Lord, but prepared to give money to the family anyway. The Postal Order arrived in time. Elsie and the children got the next train down to Halifax. When she arrived at her mother’s bedside, she was overjoyed to find her, not only still alive, but so comforted by what had happened that she recovered. This story has been passed down my family through the generations. It is only one of many demonstrating the power of prayer and faith.