This obituary appeared in the Baptist Union Handbook for 1943
POULTON, JAMES SYLVESTER, was born at Dalston, London, on 9th February, 1861. He was trained for the ministry at Spurgeon's College. His first pastorate was at Winslow, Bucks, from 1885 to 1889, and his second at Coate, Oxfordshire, from 1889 to 1894. In February, 1882, he conducted a very successful mission at Child's Hill Church, then under the ministry of the Rev. W. Rickard. So great an impression did the young minister make that, twelve years later, when Mr. Rickard resigned, he suggested that Mr. Poulton should become his successor. The Church agreed, and Mr. Poulton began his ministry there on 9th December, 1894. His influence grew with the years, for he was one of the kindliest of men, was absolutely sincere and never too busy to undertake new responsibilities. His name became a household word in the district, and for thirty-five years he remained minister of the Church. In 1914 Mr. Poulton took a vigorous lead in the task of entertaining Belgian refugees. On the occasion of the Jubilee of the Church, in 1927, warm tributes were paid to his ministry. Two years later Mr. Poulton, to the great regret of his people, resigned his ministry owing to advancing years. Mr. Poulton was called to the presidency of the Western Group of the London Baptist Association, and later became a life member of the committee. He took an active part in all interdenominational work in the area. He was a member of the Hendon Education Committee, and served for an unbroken period of forty-four years. He was also a governor of the Hendon and Kingsbury County Schools. He died on 30th March, 1942, leaving a widow, four sons and a daughter. His courteous personality and devotion to duty endeared him to all and he left behind a fragrant memory. - E.K.A. (ie E K Alexander)
