Ridge, James Morgan (1873-1947)

Early years

James was born in 1873 at Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire to parents Richard Ridge and Margaret Morgan. Richard worked in the lead mining business, and died in 1875. Margaret was his second wife. In early 1876 she married John Hill, another lead miner.

James was educated at Elmfield College, York. He trained for the ministry at Hartley College, Manchester. Before entering college, James was a hired local preacher at Cheadle, Staffordshire, working alongside his brother Francis.

Ministry

His obituary records that everywhere, James served the Church with great diligence, and his friendliness, sincerity, and understanding enabled him to exercise a most gracious ministry among his people. He was an able administrator, conscientious, and careful even of the smallest details. His work as a hospital visitor and officiating Chaplain to the Forces was much appreciated. All social work had his strong support, and wherever a battle was fought for the application of Christian principles he was in the fore-front.

James own rich experience of the redeeming grace and transforming power of Christ made him a keen evangelist.

Family

James married Harriett Louisa Graveley (1876-1972) on 10 July 1907 at Ipswich, Suffolk. Records identify two children.

  • James Graveley (b abt1909)
  • Margaret Elizabeth (1909-2003)

James died on 2 April 1947 at the Cottage Hospital, Hereford, Herefordshire.

Circuits

  • Hartley
  • 1903 Liverpool IV
  • 1904 Manchester V
  • 1907 Bolton I
  • 1908 Jersey
  • 1911 Shrewsbury
  • 1913 Middleham
  • 1918 Leominster
  • 1921 Ludlow
  • 1928 Ipswich
  • 1932 Droxford
  • 1939 Fakenham &c
  • 1946 Ludlow (S)

References

Methodist Minutes 1947/148

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

Comments about this page

  • A marble clock, presented to James Morgan Ridge on leaving Trafford Park in 1907, has been donated to Englesea Brook Museum. The clock still works but may have left a few manse mantlepieces sagging as the gift was presented quite early in Ridge’s ministry and is really quite heavy.

    By Jill Barber (16/11/2016)

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