Mexborough and Swinton Times, September 10, 1937

The important event in local Methodist circles this week was arrival of the Rev John Matthewman, new superintendent minister of the South Yorkshire coalfield Mission to succeed Rev William Henderson, who has gone to Sheffield.

Coming directly from Newport, Isle of Wight, on Thursday, the Rev John Matthewman has thrown himself into the work with confidence and energy and conducted his first services in the Central Hall on Sunday.

Few can boast such a wide round of experience of Mr Matthew man. His ministerial experience includes places so far apart as Leeds, London, Manchester, Hastings, Rochdale, Sheffield, Bradford, Scotland, Durham, the Midlands and finally Newport.

“All I want is a square deal from everybody,” the Rev Matthewman said to me this week when I asked him what kind of reception was received from Thurnscoe.

“I love my work and would it not a full-time job I should make it so.”

Mr Matthewman’s work has for some years been concerned with missions – indeed he has been in Central Mission work for 20 years.

Mrs Matthew man to his extremely pleasant approach and their energy and enthusiasm in conducting Sisterhood is in place and admiration for her wherever she has been.

President of the Newport sisterhood, she raised a membership to 300, and other meetings were usually attended by 200.

That seems a colossal number by comparison with attendance in this district.

At the welcome to Mr Mrs Matthewman organised on Monday in the Centre of All, it was obvious that the members of the Methodist churches in the circuit appreciated Mr Matthew man sincerity and admired his experience. Popularity already seems to be she would for the new minister.