McDonald, Richard (1840-1919)

Christian Messenger 1910

Transcription of Magazine ‘Sketch’

Mr. RICHARD McDONALD, of Manchester Fourth Circuit, was born at Shotts, near Glasgow, in 1840. His parents were Scotch people of the Isle of Skye, his father a Congregationalist, his mother a Baptist who set apart one day every week for fasting and prayer. He was converted in early life in connection with the Independent Methodists, in Glasgow. For about six months he was associated with the Wesleyans, but in 1861 Mr. James McDougall, one of our school superintendents and local preachers, set him to work as a teacher in the Sunday School, and his has laboured in that department ever since. He came to England in 1867, and settled for a period at Higher Openshaw, Manchester, where he joined the Primitive Methodists who worshipped in a rented room at which at that time belonged to the Fourth Circuit. Here he officiated as teacher, superintendent, and society steward. Such was the respect in which he was held by the friends that when he removed to Sheffield in 1873, they presented him with a marble clock, a series of books known as the Bible Museum and a framed address. He only remained in Sheffield three years, worshipping at Peter St., then returned to Openshaw when he became a Trustee of the new Church, and served as teacher and class leader. Openshaw ultimately became Manchester Ninth Circuit, and in 1892 Mr. McDonald joined what is now the Rose View Church in the mother Circuit, where he still officiates as school superintendent, class leader, and trustee. He is also a trustee of two other Churches in the Circuit. In politics he is a Socialist. He is a man of sterling worth, a simple Christian, a judicious official, loved by the children, esteemed by his brethren, respected by all.

F.C. CHALLICE.

Family and other information

Richard was born in 1840 to parents Neil and Mary. Neil worked as a blast furnace man (1861).

Census returns provide the following information about Richard’s occupations.

  • 1861 iron puddler
  • 1871 iron worker
  • 1881 puddler in ironworks
  • 1891 machine rivitter

Richard married Margaret King (aby1838-1878) on 31 December 1863 at Anderston, Glasgow. Census returns identify two children.

  • Margaret (b abt1865)
  • Richard (b1870) – a boilermaker plater (1901)

Richard married Annie Maria Isham (1847-1925) in late 1879 in the Chorlton Registration District, Lancashire. Census returns identify one of two children.

  • Mary Ross (1880-1963) – married Frederick William Brocklehurst, a postal clerk, in 1906

Richard died on 8 August 1919 at Manchester, Lancashire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1920/143

Christian Messenger 1910/30

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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