Ridge, Francis Morgan (1869-1952)
Early years
Francis was born in 1869 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. His brother James was also a PM Minister.
Francis received his early education at Shelve School, Shropshire.
Before entering Hartley College in 1894, Francis served a year as a hired local preacher in the Chester III circuit.
Ministry
Francis spent the whole of his probation in the Ipswich and Hadleigh circuit, being exceptionally successful in his work among the young people.
All his circuits prospered showing improved finance, greater missionary interest and liberality, increased membership and intensified religious life.
His preaching bore marks of careful and discerning preparation, and was always eminently practical and profitable.
Francis served his district as Sunday School, Christian Endeavour, Equalisation and District Secretary at various times.
At the close of his ministry, Francis published a little book on the prophet Amos.
Family
Francis married Emma Jane Bloore, nee Davies (1871-1947) in the spring of 1919 at Market Drayton, Shropshire.
Francis died on 6 December 1952 at Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Circuits
- Hartley
- 1896 Ipswich
- 1900 Cheadle
- 1903 Shrewsbury
- 1905 Wigan
- 1908 Huddersfield
- 1912 Chester II
- 1915 Horbury
- 1919 Prees Green
- 1935 Shrewsbury (S)
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1925/182
Methodist Minutes 1953/135
W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits , 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
No Comments
Add a comment about this page