Robinson, Alfred (1833-1919)

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Christian Messenger 1907

Transcription of ‘Sketch’ in the Christian Messenger

A man of God; a hard worker; a true Primitive Methodist are phrases which accurately describe Mr. Alfred Robinson of the Grimsby First Circuit. Converted in the year 1848, he joined the Church and has since maintained an unbroken membership. With the exception of a year or two he has been connected with our Victoria Street society, where to-day his spiritual influence and wise counsels are most highly valued.

Few men have a more worthy record. In addition to serving as Grimsby town missionary for a time, society steward for twenty years, class leader for a still longer period, he can look back to fifty-three years as a local preacher. Taking one year as typical of many, he preached sixty times and walked close on a thousand miles. Being much blessed by the movement for the promotion of Scriptural holiness, the doctrine of entire sanctification has always been a distinct note in his message. He thoroughly prepares for his work, and stands for the blend of intellectual equipment with spiritual fervour. Though having great faith in the assistance of the Holy Spirit, he reverently believes that the Holy Spirit Himself is assisted when due preparation for the pulpit is made.

Again and again under his ministry decisions for Christ have been made. The temperance and missionary causes have always had his practical support. Only a few weeks ago he occupied our missionary chair for the tenth successive year.

Though now in his 74th year he is still serving our Church with unabated spiritual passion.

H.F.

Family and other information

Alfred was born in 1833 at Tetney, Lincolnshire, to parents John and Frances. John worked the land. Alfred was baptised on 8 August 1833 at Tetney.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Alfred.

• 1851 farm labourer
• 1861 agricultural labourer and PM local preacher
• 1871 grocer and PM local preacher
• 1881 grocer
• 1891 grocer and provision dealer
• 1901 retired grocer
• 1911 retired grocer

Alfred married Ann Bowers (abt 1833-1861) in the spring of 1856 at Grimsby, Lincolnshire. Census returns identify one child.

• John Henry (1857-1936) – a timber merchant’s secretary (1919)

Alfred married Mary Ann Robinson, nee Holmes, nee Beswick (1828-1884) in late 1867 at Grimsby, Lincolnshire.

Alfred married Alice Sharpe, nee Barker (1839-1926) in the spring of 1887.

Alfred died on 13 May 1919 at Grimsby, Lincolnshire.

References

Christian Messenger 1907/2

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers