Robinson, Benjamin (1854-1889)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by John Hawkey

The Rev. Benjamin Robinson was born at Castle Eden, in the county of Durham, December 20, 1854. When a boy he was very delicate in health, but diligent in learning, very attentive to his school, and fond of books. He was converted to God when about seventeen years old, at Shincliffe, under the preaching of Miss McKinney. Not long after this he removed to Spennymoor circuit, where, he was soon put on the plan as a local preacher, in which work he was very earnest and successful. 

In 1878 he was called into the Christian ministry. His first circuit was Bingley. Here he spent three happy and prosperous years, after which he travelled at Huddersfield, Rochdale, Swaffham, King’s Lynn, and Poplar. In these stations his name is as ointment poured forth. Those with whom he laboured cherish with delight the remembrance of his brotherly affection, his devout and tender spirit, and wise and sagacious counsels. Eternity alone will reveal the good accomplished through his ministrations. 

He was a loving husband, a kind father, a faithful friend, a diligent student, a true Christian, an able minister of the New Testament, and a good colleague. For nearly six years he suffered from consumption, and when on the King’s Lynn Station his work was much broken by sickness. The  Conference of 1889 appointed him to the Poplar circuit, in order that he might have the benefit of the best medical advice in London, with a view to his recovery of health and strength of body, Here, however, he only laboured for about two months. Towards the end of September his physician ordered him to give up all work, and to go to the Tele of Wight. It was hoped that his visit there would do him good; but our heavenly Father willed otherwise.

He returned home early in December, and it was manifest to all that his days were numbered.  Further medical skill was obtained, but he gradually sank beneath the power of disease. All that a devoted wife could do, and all that medical skill could devise to alleviate his sufferings and restore his health were tried, but failed. Physicians of world-wide fame were consulted, but their efforts were futile. Death had marked him for its own. Amidst it all he was patient and resigned to God’s will. On December 18, 1889, he entered into rest, in the thirty-fifth year of his age, and the eleventh of his ministry.

‘There is another gem in the Saviour’s crown,
Another saint in heaven.’

His mortal remains were interred in East London Cemetery, on December 22, in sure and certain hope of a resurrection to everlasting life. Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather, many persons assembled to pay their last tribute of respect to the one they loved.

‘He is not lost! he lives, he lives for aye!
To those rent hearts this healing hope is given,
When from our sight our loved ones pass away,
All that seems lost to earth is found in heaven.’

Family

Benjamin was born on 20 December 1854 at Castle Eden, Co. Durham, to parents Joseph, a coal miner, and Elizabeth Ann. He was baptised on 19 February 1855.

Benjamin worked as a coal miner before entering the ministry.

He married Annie Glendinning (b1858) in the summer of 1882 at Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Census returns identify one child.

• Charles Clement (1883-1947) – a mechanical engineer fitter (1901); emigrated to Canada in 1909     

Benjamin died on 18 December 1889 at Poplar, London.

Circuits

• 1878 Torquay
• 1879 Bingley
• 1881 Huddersfield
• 1883 Rochdale
• 1886 Swaffham
• 1888 Lynn
• 1889 Poplar

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1891/178

PM Minutes 1890/15

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers