Cuthbert, Nicholas Martin (1877-1952)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1927
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1927

Early years

Nicholas was born in 1877 at Coxhoe, Co Durham, to parents Martin and Esther. Martin was a PM Minister.

Nicholas attended Wolsingham Grammar School. He then became a pupil teacher in the Wesleyan School at Tow Law, afterwards continuing as a teacher in the higher grade school at Gateshead. Ultimately, Nicholas turned to preaching and entered Hartley College.

Ministry

In February 1905, Nicholas spent time in Wakefield prison for non payment of rates as part of the Passive Resistance movement. Whilst at York, Nicholas was chaplain at Elmfield College.

Nicholas served his districts as Secretary of District, Sunday School, Temperance, Candidates and Missionary Committees.

Nicholas was a fine cricketer, swimmer, fisherman, artist (in oils and water-colours), and musician (Pianist, composer of hymn tunes, conductor of the York I Choral Society). He was also musical adviser to the Christian Messenger.

His obituary records that when failing health compelled his retirement, his mind retained its freshness and his heart his enthusiasm. In whatsoever company he found himself he was the soul of its fellowship. He brought merriment into many a heart by his infectious good humour, for none could be dull in his presence.

He was a born preacher. His insight into the deep things of God, assured for him a ministry of more than ordinary effectiveness. He had no place for a sentimental gospel, nor for ‘theology made easy’. His robust teaching sprang out of a practical mysticism which he learned at the feet of his Lord.

Family

Nicholas married Mary Ann Dixon (1877-1952) in the summer of 1908 at York, Yorkshire. Census returns and birth records identify two children. Mary Ann died within two weeks of Nicholas.

  • Derrick (b1909)
  • Doreen (abt 1913-1969) – married James Kegie OBE, a county planning officer, in 1939

Nicholas died on 26 May 1952 at Newport, Monmouthshire.

Circuits

  • Hartley
  • 1900 Leeds II
  • 1901 Liverpool III
  • 1904 Morley
  • 1906 Bradford III
  • 1911 Grimsby I
  • 1916 Scunthorpe
  • 1921 York I
  • 1930 Darlington
  • 1933 Chester Hunter
  • 1940 Birkenhead (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1927/562

Methodist Minutes 1952/153

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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