Graham, Irving (1875-1947)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

IRVING GRAHAM: born at Carlisle in 1875. After training at Hartley College, he entered the Ministry of the Primitive Methodist Church in 1899. He laboured diligently in circuits in North-east England until he superannuated in 1939, when he returned to Carlisle. 

Loving the work of the Ministry, he found much joy both in pastoral work and in preaching. For his work’s sake he was a wide reader, acquainting himself with standard works in French and German as well as in English. He carried his knowledge humbly, and shared it generously, especially with the local preachers and the keen young people in his circuits. Best of all, people knew intuitively that he lived close to God, and so they came to him for comfort in their sorrows, and for guidance in their perplexities. Everywhere he was greatly esteemed and deeply loved. 

After a very brief illness, he died on 9th December 1947, at the age of seventy-two and in the forty-eighth year of his ministry.

Family

Irving was born on 23 May 1875 at Upperby, Cumberland, to parents George, an engine fitter (1881), and Frances (Fanny). He was baptised on 11 July 1875 at Upperby, Cumberland.

He married Sarah Jane Clayton (1874-1941)  in the summer of 1903 in the Carlisle Registration District.

Irving died on 9 December 1947 at Glenridding, Blackwell, Carlisle, Cumberland.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1899 W Hartlepool
• 1901 Bedale
• 1903 Middleham
• 1906 Spenymoor
• 1911 St Helens Auckland
• 1914 Middlesbrough
• 1918 Brandon
• 1922 Blyth
• 1930 Shotley Bridge
• 1936 Bishops Auckland

References

Methodist Minutes 1948/130

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers