Pickup, Holden (1880-1964)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1932
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1932

Early years

Holden was born in 1880 at Helmshore, Lancashire, to parents John Scott Pickup and Ann. John was a grocer, local councillor and a local preacher.

Ministry

Holden served as district secretary for both Christian Endeavour and Orphan Home Committees.

His obituary records that he was the soul of modesty about his own vigorous ministry, preaching and pastoral concerns were everything to him, and he shunned official limelight. Trivialities had no place with him; he strove by study and friendship to make his point for the Gospel through the minds and hearts of his people. His reserved nature gave him a tender, sympathetic touch with folk that remained a lovely memory with many. At the same time this thoughtfulness could show itself in great firmness of principle and fearlessness in witness when occasion required.

Holden was a keen walker, a familiar figure on the hill paths to his appointments.

A slight seizure at the end of his active ministry rendered him unable to preach, but retirement revealed his graciousness even more. His faith in the sufficient Christ was untroubled and exemplary attendance at worship was a blessing and spur to preachers and people. Fellowship with him, in the home of his son and daughter-in-law, always enriched his visitors.

Family

Holden married Nellie Shimmin (abt1883-1944) in the spring of 1910 at Bolton, Lancashire. Nellie was the daughter of Francis N Shimmin.

  • John Douglas (1915-1977) – served in RAF in WW2; a medical practitioner

Holden died on 15 January 1964 at Carleton, Pontefract, Yorkshire.

Circuits

  • Hartley
  • 1902 Nelson
  • 1906 Leeds VI
  • 1911 Bradford II
  • 1916 Barrowford
  • 1922 Colne
  • 1929 Sheffield Abbey
  • 1933 Dewsbury
  • 1938 Silsden
  • 1944 Crosshills &c
  • 1945 Helmshore (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1932/68

Methodist Minutes 1964/204

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

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