Kern County Obituaries

W. J. Oldfield (William)

Submitted by Don Stowell; 13 Feb 2008

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Mojave Desert News; 17 Jun 1943

Local Minister Dies of Heart Attack
LOCAL CHURCH THE SCENE OF FIRST SERVICES
Coming with the shock of an earthquake, news flashed around Mojave on 
Tuesday afternoon of the sudden death of the Rev. W. J. Oldfield, for many 
years pastor of the Community Congregational Church in Mojave. Death was 
attributed to a sudden heart ailment. Although Dr. Rossi, upon being hurriedly 
called, fairly flew down the street in his auto and the pulmotor squad from the 
local fire station also responded, but all to no purpose because Rev. Oldfield had 
been called to take his place on high by the Master whom he had served so long.
In his early life the Rev. Oldfield was associated with the Ellison, White 
Chautauqua Co., and traveled extensively in the eastern portion of the United 
States.
Coming to Mojave some 10½  years ago to assume the pastorate of the little flock 
which then composed the present church, he immediately laid plans for a suitable 
building in which to conduct his services unto God and the present large building is 
the result of his labors assisted by the members of his flock.
Although the way was long and dreary, the church being started in 1928 and 
finished in 1934, by combining his own labors with those of the workmen, he 
finally accomplished his task.
Of a kindly nature, he dearly loved to recount his experiences both funny and 
otherwise and many a program held here in Mojave would have been sadly lacking 
without his cheery presence on the program. An orator of the first water, Rev. 
Oldfield for years past has delivered the baccalaureate sermons for the graduating 
classes at A. V. J. U. High School and at every birthday dinner of Tehachapi Lodge 
F. & A. M., he. was always called upon to deliver the speech of the evening.
Reverend W. J. Oldfield was born 72 years ago in Chicago, Ill.. and in 1900 he 
was married to his present wife, Mrs. Nellie Oldfield, no children were born to 
this union.	
Place of interrment and time of preliminary services to be held in Mojave is 
being held in abeyance pending the arrival of a brother from Idaho. The services
will be conducted by the Mumaw Funeral Parlor of Lancaster.
 
NOTE:
CADI
Oldfield, William Judson
Dob 16 Sep 1871, Ill
Dod 15 Jun 1943

Mojave Desert News; 24 Jun 1943

REV. W. J. OLDFIELD IS LAID TO REST
To the strains of "Asleep in Jesus, Oh How Sweet," and other well known hymns 
rendered by the sweet voice of Mrs. Rachel Hodges, all that was mortal of the 
Rev. W. J. Oldfield was viewed for the last time by his congregation in 
Community Congregational Church on Saturday morning last.
The many beautiful floral offerings in evidence testified mutely to the esteem in 
which he was held while the low impassioned words of the speaker from 
Pasadena told of the qualities and experiences of the deceased. The church was 
filled to capacity and many eye dimmed when it was realized that the Rev. 
Oldfield would never more talk to them.
The funeral services were in charge of Mumaw Funeral Parlor of Lancaster 
whose funeral equipage bore the body to its last resting place in Inglewood 
cemetery accompanied only by near friends and his sorrowing widow.
At the grave final rites were presided over by the Rev. Nelson C. Breier, 
superintendent of the Congregational Churches of the Southern California district.
He is not dead, but sleepeth and in the last day we confidently expect to meet his 
smiling face again. So take heart everyone, the end is not yet.