I found this in the back of a Methodist Book, which my Grandfather wrote in 1917. There is no date or name of the Newspaper.
Death of Rev. I. Johnston:
Father of Methodist ConferenceRev. Irvine Johnston, Bangor, passed away yesterday in a Belfast nursing home. Deceased who was in his eight-nineth year entered the Wesleyan Church in the year 1855, and was actively engaged on different circuits from North to South for a period of 47 years.
About the year 1902 he became a supernumerary, and went to reside in Bangor, where he enjoyed well-earned rest until a serious ailment necessiated an operation. Being an evangelist of no mean order his zeal bore fruit in various circuits.
The late Mr. Johnston was a native of Drumquin, Co. Tyrone, and married Miss Beatty of Ballinamallard, who, with a son and daughter, are left to mourn his loss. His son is a principal of the Craigmore Boys Home, while the daughter is the wife of Rev. W.H. Smyth, B.A. The late venerable clergyman was the father of the Methodist Conference in Ireland.