Stuart Hodges was a tall, friendly man who took over as lay preacher at the Glad Tidings Mission Hall from Leonard Swindley in April 1964. His arrival coincided with a decline in turnouts at services at the Mission, causing assistant Emily Nugent to worry that Stuart would recommend its closure, but he immediately allayed her fears with his desire to brighten up the Mission. His amiable manner gave him a talent for putting people at ease; he even won over resident caretaker Ena Sharples by helping her wash the Mission walls.
Soon after his arrival, Stuart helped pensioner Minnie Caldwell when she fell through the bannisters at the Viaduct Sporting Club. Stuart arranged a holiday for Minnie at the seaside and found a solicitor for her to file a claim against Len Fairclough, who did the construction work at the club.
Swindley returned to Weatherfield in May after hearing about Martha Longhurst's death. Swindley and Hodges conducted the funeral together. Hodges later was to conduct Swindley and Emily Nugent's wedding service, but the service was cancelled when Emily didn't show up.
In January 1965, Stuart informed Swindley that Glad Tidings was to merge with Bold Street Mission.
List of appearances
1964
- Wed 15th Apr
- Mon 20th Apr
- Wed 22nd Apr
- Mon 27th Apr
- Wed 29th Apr
- Mon 18th May
- Wed 20th May
- Wed 27th May
- Mon 13th Jul
- Wed 15th Jul