John Beecham

After a short period of preparation he became, in 1815, an itinerant preacher in the Wesleyan community, and soon reached a position of influence.

He was appointed in 1831 to the office of general secretary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, and displayed great ability in administering its affairs at the mission house, in counselling its agents all over the world, and in advocating its claims.

In 1850 he was elected to the presidency of the Wesleyan conference, and fulfilled the duties of that onerous position in a time of great anxiety and trouble with dignity and grace.

Dr. Beecham's later years were largely occupied in the formation of new Methodist conferences in North America and in Australia.

He died in London 22 April 1856, aged 68 and is buried in the dissenters section on the west side of Highgate Cemetery.