The Old Dissent and the New Dissent

An analysis of the evangelical Nonconformist obituaries uncovers both denominational variations and consistencies with regard to attitudes about death in nineteenth-century England. The Baptists, Wesleyan Methodists, Congregationalists and Primitive Methodists considered here were all Nonconformists and shared the same general challenges that came with dissenting from the Established Church; ¹ thus their obituaries reveal a certain harmony. However, there were distinctions in their accounts of death, particularly in relation to their identification with either the Old Dissent or the New Dissent. This chapter will investigate the denominational variations that contribute to an understanding of evangelical Nonconformist death. Particular attention will be given to the different emphasis found in male and female obituaries, and to variations between the Old and the New Dissent. Distinctions are revealed by a close investigation of the statistical categories related to gender, class, religious heritage and deathbed piety. Certain exceptions to overall statistical trends will be noted, especially among the Primitive Methodists. Finally, an overview of the denominations will determine to what extent these four Nonconformist groups shared similar views of death.