Wright, James (1855-1945)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1922

Early years

James was born on 14 December 1855 at Glazebury, nr Leigh, Lancashire, to parents James and Maria. In 1871, James, senior, was an overlooker in a cotton mill.

James yielded himself to Christ when thirteen years old. He began to preach on his seventeenth birthday and soon afterwards was requested to prepare himself for the ministry. When at length he was able to respond, and having successfully passed his examinations, James found that the Missionary Committee was urgently in need of men to serve the Church in Queensland. James abandoned the privileges of a college course and became a colonial missionary.

Ministry

James’ circuit life was a powerful testimony to the value of the pastoral ministry, for while he was always an earnest, forceful and effective preacher, his chief work was done in the homes of the people. In that respect, James was utterly tireless, and the results were visible in the high tone and increasing strength of the churches under his care.

James was president of the Queensland Synod in 1892, and in the same year represented the colony in the English Conference. On return to England, his ministry was mainly in east Lancashire.

Family

James married Hannah Charlotte (1858-1904). Census returns identify two children, born in Queensland, Australia.

  • Herbert G (1888-1962) – Vice Principal of Welsh University at Bangor circa 1922
  • Joseph B (b abt1891) – Senior Lecturer in English Literature at Manchester University circa 1922

James married Ellen Hayes (1852-1921) in the summer of 1907 in the Leigh Registration District.

After Ellen died, James was supported in his ministry by his niece, Annie Maria Charlotte Wright (1883-1963).

James died on 17 October 1945 at Blackpool, Lancashire.

Circuits

  • 1884 Cooktown (Aus)
  • 1886 Herberton
  • 1889 Mt Morgan
  • 1893 Welshpool (Wales)
  • 1895 St Helens
  • 1900 Blackburn III
  • 1904 Foxhill Bank
  • 1907 Darwen
  • 1912 Chorley
  • 1918 Foxhill Bank
  • 1922 Lowton
  • 1924 Blackpool (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1922/594

Methodist Minutes 1946/130

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

http://www.archiveswales.org.uk/anw/get_collection.php?inst_id=39&coll_id=10571&expand=

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