Dobinson, Matthew (1872-1951)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1926

Early years

Matthew was born in 1872 at Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, to parents William and Thomasina. William was a colliery joiner (1881) and later a colliery painter (1901).

Matthew began to preach when fifteen years old.

Ministry

At Mexborough, during WW1, Matthew served as chaplain to a military hospital.

His obituary records that Matthew lived close to the centre of things, and had a deep understanding of the mystery and wonder of life. He knew that in the heart of God – as well as on Calvary’s Hill – there was a Cross, and he was never far from that Cross. He was conscious of his own need of atoning love, and he knew that others shared that need. It was this that made him such an understanding friend; that enabled him – shy and sensitive man that he was – to live with courage and dignity amidst the common people. It was this that gave him the capacity to lead others into the light of eternal life, that compelled him to devote time to the training of young men as ambassadors for Christ. He had one continuous aim, to serve his Lord and His Church.

Skilled in administration, careful in pulpit preparation, forceful in prayer, Matthew sustained extended ministries in Ryton, Prudhoe and Shildon.

Family

Matthew’s sisters, in turn, carried out the duties of the lady of the manse.

Matthew died on 23 October 1951 at Whitley Bay, Northumberland.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1899 Ashington
• 1903 Manea
• 1904 Clay Cross
• 1908 Barnsley II
• 1913 Mexborough
• 1918 Ripley
• 1924 Alfreton
• 1925 Bury II
• 1929 Leamington on Tyne
• 1934 Newcastle Ryton
• 1938 Shildon
• 1946 N Shields (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1926/628

Methodist Minutes 1952/127

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers