Phillips, Henry (1809-1887)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1874
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1878

Early years

Henry was born in 1809 at Clodock, Herefordshire, to parents James and Elizabeth. He was baptised on 9 April 1809 at Clodock and Longtown, Herefordshire. His mother took in the first missionaries to arrive at Cwm. Henry was converted in 1825 at a class meeting held in his home. He went on the plan a year later.

As a young local preacher he teamed up with Thomas Powell, a young farmer. They studied together, recited their sermons to each other and gave free criticism.

Henry struggled with his calling to the ministry. As the eldest in the family he felt he was needed at home and in business. It was not until the death of his first wife that he became submissive to the will of God and entered the ministry.

Ministry

Henry was President of Conference in 1878.

His obituary records that as a preacher, Henry was devout and reverent; avoiding anything showy and adapting his sermons to the capacity and condition of his hearers. He dwelt mainly on the practical aspects of life, and was in deep sympathy with those burdened with sin and suffering.

Family

Henry married Ann Elliott (d1844), the daughter of a ‘well to do’ farmer on 13 September 1836 at Hereford.  Census returns identify two children.

  • Mary Ann (1837-1868) – married John Watson, a PM Minister
  • Harriet Elliott (1841-1920) – married John Garner Turner, a tailor and son of Sampson Turner

Henry married Mary Turner (1830-1901), the daughter of Sampson Turner, in 1853. Census returns identify four children.

  • Kate Elizabeth (1857-1894)
  • Henry Turner (1859-1869)
  • James Weardale (1862-1932) – a Congregational Minister
  • Sarah Frances (b1867) – married Joseph Sparke T Walton, a commission agent in 1901

Henry died on 10 July 1886 at Darlington, Co Durham.

Circuits

  • 1846 N Shields
  • 1848 Wolsingham
  • 1850 Durham
  • 1852 Newcastle
  • 1854 S Shields
  • 1856 Allendale
  • 1859 Westgate
  • 1863 Gateshead
  • 1868 Darlington
  • 1872 Kendal
  • 1874 Newcastle l
  • 1878 Whitby
  • 1880 Sunderland ll (S)
  • 1882 Darlington

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1874 (portrait); 1887/49; 1887/57 (Mary)

PM Minutes

The Primitive Methodist, 1886, p475

H B Kendall, Origin and History of the PM Church, vol 2, p392

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

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