Davidson, Frank Collen (1883-1937)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

FRANK COLLEN DAVIDSON: a son of the Manse, being born at Soham, Cambs, in 1883. A lofty ideal of life and of its meaning came to him quite early, and it was no surprise to those who knew him that the call to the Ministry should make itself heard in his soul. After a period at Hartley College, he began his ministry in 1904. Most of it was spent in East Anglia, though Petersfield and Basingstoke also shared his genial and gracious service.

He possessed a most lovable disposition. This, together with his buoyant faith in Jesus Christ, was the real secret of the success which followed him wherever he laboured. His people were drawn to him by the magnetic charm of his personality. He was a capable preacher, a diligent pastor, a wise leader of men, and a most delightful friend. 

After a severe illness he returned to his circuit work, but on November 5, 1937, he peacefully passed over to his rest. He leaves behind him fragrant memories of a beautiful life and an inspiring ministry.

Family

Frank was born in 1883 at Soham, Cambridgeshire, to parents James Davidson, a PM minister, and Martha Ann Collen.

He married Alice Mary Sculpher (1884-1961) in late 1909 in the Forehoe Registration District, Norfolk. Birth records identify four children.

• Reginald James (1910-1967) – an electrical engineer (1939)
• Arthur Morley (1913-1995) – a brewery farmer (1939); a small holder (1961)
• Kathleen May (1917-1994) – married Thomas W Newton, a schoolteacher, in 1938
• Dorothy Mary (b1924)

Frank died on 5 November 1937 at Manea, Cambridgeshire.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1904 Bradley Green
• 1908 Stowmarket
• 1912 Petersfield
• 1915 Fincham
• 1921 Basingstoke
• 1924 Stowmarket
• 1928 Fakenham
• 1932 Swaffham
• 1935 Manea

References

Methodist Minutes 1938/184

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers