Burbidge, George (1848-1909)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine

The Rev. George Burbidge passed from the earthly service on Easter Sunday, April 11th, 1909, after a long and painful illness, extending over three years. He was a native of Wiltshire and was born in 1848, entering the ministry in 1871. His sphere of toil lay chiefly in the South and West of England, among his circuits being Redruth, St. Ives, Dawley. Bromsgrove, Peatonstrand, Pembroke Dock, Saffron Walden, Baldock, Hay, Aberavon, St. Day, Chinnor, Mountain Ash, St. Austell, Andover. It was during the second year of his ministry at Andover that disease fastened upon him, and he was superannuated by the Conference of 1906.

The Rev. J. Sadler, an old colleague, writes:- “He made a very loyal friend; he believed in doing things decently and in order. And duty to him was sacred. His conviction once formed could not lightly be shaken. He was shrewd, diligent, and devoted in serving the Station. As a colleague I could always rely on him conscientiously and discreetly doing his duty.”

“In no circuit,” writes Mr. J. Skinner, ‘’is the death of the Rev. George Burbidge more deeply lamented than in St. Austell. For two years he guided the affairs of the circuit with conspicuous ability, winning the esteem and confidence of those with whom he came in contact. It was no easy task, for during his term part of the circuit experienced a great upheaval. One chapel had to be closed, which was the cause to our brother of considerable heartache and perplexity. He came through it triumphant, and before he left the church was progressing on a surer foundation.” His services were in frequent demand among the churches of the District. A striking testimony to the esteem in which he was held was witnessed at the farewell service, when ministers and laymen of all denominations gathered to wish him “God speed.”

His closing years were rendered by paralysis and diabetes years of depression and suffering. With him now the mystery and the darkness have been exchanged for the light of eternal day. 

His mortal remains were laid to rest in Andover Cemetery, on April 14th, 1909.

Family

George was born in the spring 1848 at Keevil, Westbury, Wiltshire, to mother Sarah Burbidge. He was baptised on 23 April 1848 at Keevil. George was brought up by his grandfather, Cosby Burbidge.

He married Ellen Jane Richards (abt1854-1917) in late 1876 in the Redruth Registration District, Cornwall.

George died on 11 April 1909 at Andover, Hampshire.

Circuits

• 1871 Alveston
• 1873 Monmouth
• 1874 Seend Cove
• 1875 Redruth
• 1877 St Ives
• 1880 Dawley
• 1881 Madeley
• 1882 Bromsgrove
• 1885 Peaton Strand
• 1887 Pembroke Dock
• 1889 Saffron Walden
• 1890 St Day
• 1892 Baldock
• 1894 Hay
• 1895 Aberavon
• 1896 St Day
• 1897 Chinnor
• 1900 Mountain Ash
• 1902 St Austell
• 1904 Andover
• 1906 Andover (Sup)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1909/488

PM Minutes 1909/7

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers