Robson, William (1874-1950)

Transcription of Obituary in Minutes of Methodist Conference

Born at New Seaham, Co. Durham, in 1874. The influence of a Methodist home and the conviction of a distinct call led him to dedicate his life to the work of the Christian ministry. After training at Hartley College he went to his first circuit, in the Primitive Methodist section of the Methodist Church, in 1901.

In all his circuits he was loved and trusted. Young people found him to be a real friend and a safe guide. In the homes of the people he was always welcome, especially in the dark days when there was sorrow and bereavement.

His sympathy and faith made him a tower of strength. As a preacher, pastor, and administrator he gave of his best. His preaching was evangelistic, and he had the joy of seeing the fruits of his labours in conversions.

He left in each circuit the record of a good man and a faithful minister of Jesus Christ. He was never strong physically, but he faced this trial with Christian fortitude. His patience and courage, his cheerfulness and quiet humour, bore testimony to the depth and strength of his faith. He was a good man and he lived in the atmosphere of prayer.

In his home he was sustained and helped by loving care and devoted service. His last illness was long and painful.

Death had no terrors for him. He regarded the future life with reverent curiosity, eager to begin the great adventure.

He passed to his rest and reward on 29th January 1950, in his seventy-sixth year and in the forty-ninth of his ministry.

©Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 1950

Family

William was born in 1874 at Seaham Harbour, Co. Durham.

William married Violet Richards (b1883) in the summer of 1906 at Cardiff, Glamorgan. Census returns identify one child.

  • Violet Hannah Mair (1907-1990) – a school mistress (1939)

William died on 29 January 1950.

Circuits

  • Hartley
  • 1901 Lowick
  • 1902 Pocklington
  • 1903 Biggleswade
  • 1904 Chipping Norton
  • 1905 Presteign
  • 1906 Cheadle
  • 1909 Orrell
  • 1910 Fincham
  • 1911 Aylesbury
  • 1912 Kingstone
  • 1913 Mere
  • 1917 Petersfield
  • 1919 Seaham Harbour
  • 1922 Bedford I
  • 1925 Louth
  • 1927 Littleborough
  • 1030 Burnley II
  • 1932 Oldham (Sup)

References

Methodist Minutes1950/139

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

Comments about this page

  • I was extremely pleased to come across this biography and it seems highly likely that it relates to an uncle of an uncle.

    I have this as his baptism record:
    Location: Seaham & Murton
    Church: Sunderland Primitive Methodist 1st Circuit
    Denomination: Methodist
    13 Aug 1874 William Robson, of Seaham Colliery, son of John (weighman) & Hannah Robson.

    His mother’s maiden name was Thompson and although at that time his father was working in the coal industry, his burial record shows a change:
    Location: Seaham
    Cemetery: Princess Road Cemetery
    Denomination: any
    27 Feb 1918 John Robson, age: 83, House Furnisher.

    By Bill Richardson (18/03/2019)

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