Curry, William (1865-1956)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1919
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1919

Early years

William was born in 1865 at Catcleugh Lodge, Northumberland.

In his teens, William moved to Durham, where he was attracted by Primitive Methodism. He was still in his teens when he became a teacher of the adult Bible class and a local preacher.

Ministry

William served as the Secretary of the Orphan Homes Committee.

William’s obituary records that the circumstances of his early life were hard and no doubt contributed to the shaping of his life and character. In his later years he knew how to face the challenges of life with courage, and retained a sensitiveness to the needs of those who trod hard pathways. The breadth of his sympathy and the variety of gifts brought into service were impressive. His pulpit ministrations were highly valued. He was a great pastor, being warmly welcomed into the homes of the people.

William contributed to Connexional magazines and wrote four books. He was one of the founders of the Christian Social service Union and was its first secretary.

At the age of eighty-three William lost his sight and was told it was too late to learn Braille, but he did learn it and continued to read.

He was a man of cultured mind and of sound judgement, a great fighter when the occasion called for attack, a sound administrator, possessing also the tender virtues of generosity, geniality, and sympathy, and a particular concern for young people and the needs of the poor.

Literature

William authored the following.

A kingdom won’: the story of Primitive Methodism in the Isle of Man, 1904/5

Family

William married Clara Margaret Keig (abt1863-1949) in 1896 at Douglas, Isle of Man. Clara was the daughter of Alderman T Keig, J.P. of Douglas, Isle of Man. Census returns identify three children.

  • Mona Margaret (1898-1987) – married Richard C Oakley in 1924
  • Douglas Sandford (1899- – a bank manager (1956); emigrated to Bermuda in 1960
  • Eric Johnstone (1901-1958)

William died on 1 March 1956 in a nursing home at Bognor Regis, Sussex.

Circuits

  • Hartley
  • 1889 Motcombe
  • 1892 Douglas
  • 1896 Pickering
  • 1899 Silsden
  • 1901 Oldham IV
  • 1906 Barrowford
  • 1910 Penge
  • 1914 Luton I
  • 1919 Kilburn
  • 1922 Hammersmith
  • 1927 Grays & Rickmond
  • 1930 Supernumerary

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1919/372

Methodist Minutes 1956/194

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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