Elliott, James Keith (1888-1939)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1928

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1928

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

JAMES KEITH ELLIOTT: born in London in 1888. His early religious associations were with the Church of England, but in the Primitive Methodist Church he found his spiritual home and opportunities for service. He was accepted for the ministry and trained at Hartley College. 

Quiet strength, efficiency, and devotion characterized his labours everywhere. He knew his people intimately, and they found in times of sorrow and perplexity how wide and deep was his sympathy. He kept an alert mind, and preaching was a solemn duty demanding the best. He aimed to bring young people to Christ. His business qualities were outstanding, and he held various administrative offices. In social witness he was enthusiastic and courageous. In the midst of his labours he suddenly fell asleep on October 16, 1939, in the twenty-seventh year of his ministry.

Ministry

A transcription of a sketch published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by John Hodges is attached.

Family

James was born on 27 August 1888 in the City of London, to parents Irwin Armstrong Elliott, a GPO messenger (1891), and Elizabeth. He was baptised on 26 January 1896 at Christ Church, Newgate St., City of London.

He married Eva May Walley (1894-1989)in early 1917 in the Barton upon Irwell Registration District, Lancashire. Birth records identify three children.

• Robert Irwin Keith (1918-1985) – a medical student (1939)
• Enid Margaret Keith (1920-2002) – married Thomas Martlew in 1946
• Audrey Cynthia Keith (1930-2016) – married David Clark in 1954

James died on 16 October 1939 at Oldham, Lancashire.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1912 Dartford
• 1914 Lowestoft
• 1915 Brierley Hill
• 1920 Chester I
• 1925 Earlstown
• 1931 Preston I
• 1935 Oldham Hollin

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1928/436

Methodist Minutes 1940/167

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers