Hetherington, William Robert (1875-1936)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

WILLIAM ROBERT HETHERINGTON: his home was in the Shotley Bridge Circuit. In early life he dedicated himself to Jesus Christ and was asked to offer himself as a Candidate for the Ministry, entering Hartley College in 1898. These two years were of great value to him. Whilst in college he indulged his bent of mind for poetic and general literature. The collecting of books became a passion with him. 

His first circuit was Appleby, and his last Shildon. In the beginning of 1936 his doctor ordered him to cease preaching, but as health permitted he continued to take some appointments. His retirement was of short duration, for he passed away at the end of September 1936. 

William Hetherington was of a quiet, studious, and retiring disposition. Preaching was his delight. His sermons were marked by beautiful thought, choice language, and intense spirituality. People loved to hear him expound the truth. He was a lovable man and endeared himself to his people.

Family

William was born in 1875 at Westwood, Co. Durham, to parents Robert, a coal miner, and Elizabeth. He was baptised on 3 November 1875 at the PM Chapel, Shotley Bridge, Co. Durham..

He married Margaret Robinson (1883-1933) in the summer of 1907 at Appleby, Westmorland. Census and birth records identify five children.

• Gladys Mary (1908-1988)
• Robert (1910-1972) – a master dairyman (1939)
• Violet (1911-2004) – married Fred Elliott, an LNER electrician (1939), in 1934
• George (1914-1914)
• Elizabeth (b abt1917)

William died on 27 September 1936 at Sunderland, Co. Durham.

Circuits

• Hartley
• 1900 Appleby
• 1904 Hexham
• 1907 Newcastle III
• 1912 S Shields
• 1915 Carlisle
• 1918 Lexington
• 1920 Dent
• 1924 Brough
• 1927 Barnard Castle
• 1932 Shildon

References

Methodist Minutes 1937/188

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers