Dixon, William (1882-1954)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

WILLIAM DIXON: born in 1882 in Co. Durham. The chief influences in his early life were his home, his elder brother, and his schoolmaster. He was trained for the teaching profession, but he heard what he felt to be a more urgent call, and offered himself for the Primitive Methodist ministry. After theological training at Hartley College, he began his ministry in the Ryde and Ventnor circuit in the Isle of Wight. From then on he gave devoted service in different parts of the country, his circuits being Aldershot, York (Monkgate), Brampton, Guisborough, Sunderland, Doncaster, Whitby, Leominster, and Looe. After giving two valuable years as an active supernumerary at Barton-on-Sea in the Bournemouth circuit, he retired to Torquay. 

He was president of the local Free Church Councils in Sunderland and Doncaster, and held various District secretaryships during his ministry, valuing most his six years as Christian Endeavour Secretary in the Newcastle District. The two words ‘Christian endeavour ’ epitomise his life and ministry. He strove all his life to be like his Lord and to spread His Gospel. He preached with a winsome sincerity that influenced people of all ages, and did a gracious work as a pastor and hospital chaplain. He radiated serenity, kindliness, and a delightful humour, and was esteemed by many who did not share his Christian faith. We thank God upon every remembrance of him. He died on 24th April 1954, in the seventy-third year of his age and the forty-seventh of his ministry.

Family

William was born on 22 April 1882 at Pelton Fell, Co.Durham, to parents William, a coal miner, and Elizabeth.

He married Nina Eliza Peach (1891-1983) in the spring of 1911 at Ryde, Isle of Wight.

William died on 24 April 1954 at Torquay, Devon.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1907 Ryde & Ventnor
• 1909 Aldershot
• 1911 York I
• 1913 Brampton
• 1916 Guisborough
• 1921 Sunderland IV
• 1927 Doncaster
• 1933 Whitby
• 1937 Leominster
• 1942 Looe (W)
• 1947 Bournemouth (S)

References

Methodist Minutes 1954/140

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers