Pattison, Mark (1872-1943)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1927
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1927

Early years

Mark was born on 20 September 1872 at Brancepeth Colliery, Co Durham. Mark’s parents, William and Pheobe Jane, were strongly attached to Primitive Methodism. William was a coal miner.

Later the family moved to Okenshaw, and then to Brandon Colliery. When only twelve years of age Mark went to the pit, working eleven hours a day. That meant that in winter, he only saw sunlight on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

Mark qualified for the first Government examination in Science and the Art of Coal Mining at the earliest age. John Williamson, of Brandon, – the pitman local preacher, the student and lover of Robbie Burns and himself a true poet – persuaded Mark to hear Dr Dallinger who was visiting Durham City. Daillinger’s sermon on ‘Character Building’ gave a definite bent to Mark’s mind. He decided he would be a preacher and the building of character in himself and others would be his future vocation.

Mark continued to work at the mine until he left to attend Hartley College in 1897.

Ministry

Mark’s obituary records that his people were impressed with his sincerity, his unselfishness, his quest for the truth, his love of beauty, and his radiant goodness. He had a whimsical humour which brightened his conversation. As a correspondent he was distinguished, using letters to keep in touch with his many friends. His letters were full of insight into the deep things of God, with notes on books and prescient comments on passing events.

Failing health compelled Mark to retire in 1930. He moved to Harrogate and in the churches there, he continued to fulfil his ministry.

Family

Mark married Gertrude Wiley (b1883) in the summer of 1904 at Hartlepool, Co. Durham.

Mark died on 2 October 1943 at West Hartlepool, Co. Durham.

Circuits

  • Hartley
  • 1899 Market Rasen
  • 1902 W Hartlepool
  • 1904 Stokesley
  • 1908 Amble
  • 1910 Hull V
  • 1914 Darlington
  • 1916 Wingate
  • 1923 Manchester VII
  • 1924 Knaresborough
  • 1928 Haworth
  • 1930 Harrogate (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1927/298

Methodist Minutes 1944/122

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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