Harrison, Thomas (1862-1931)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1918
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1918

Early years

Thomas was born in 1862 at Camperdown, nr North Shields, Northumberland. His father and grandfather were both local preachers.

The family moved to West Pelton when Thomas was four years old. Thomas made his public confession of Christ at fifteen and straightway joined his father’s class. He was soon a teacher and at eighteen became a local preacher. He left home to finish his apprenticeship in South Shields and was immediately sought as a ministerial candidate. He spent a year at Hulme Cliffe College, Derbyshire, under Dr Grattan Guinness, before entering the Manchester College.

Ministry

Thomas served as District Building Committee Secretary.

His obituary reports that Thomas was too modest to desire Connexional position or recognition. Acceptable as a preacher, his sermons gave evidence of careful preparation, and his public prayers were a benediction. In exacting circuits he revealed himself a capable administrator and organiser.

A complete breakdown in health compelled his superannuation in 1924.

Family

Thomas married Mary Jane Barker (b1863) in the summer of 1892 at Clavering, Essex. Census returns identify two daughters.

  • Gladys Estelle (1893-1969) – married Herbert Leggate, a PM Minister, in 1926
  • Winifred Dora (1898-1949) – married Frank A Abbott in 1926

Thomas died on 15 June 1931 at Welling, Kent.

Circuits

  • Hartley
  • 1888 Whickhambrook
  • 1889 Saffron Walden
  • 1890 Hounslow
  • 1892 Haverhill
  • 1894 Stowmarket
  • 1895 Pateley Bridge
  • 1897 Preston III
  • 1900 Whitby
  • 1903 Berwick
  • 1906 Greenock
  • 1911 Manchester X
  • 1915 Dewsbury
  • 1919 Erith & Belvedere
  • 1924 Plumstead (Sup)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1918/446; 1931/738

PM Minutes 1931/301

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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