Jackson, Percy (1882-1964)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

Percy Jackson: born in Stoke-on-Trent in 1882. Entered the ministry in 1907 after training at Hartley College. Circuits: York, Kennington Park, Clitheroe, Poplar, Wymondham, Stroud, Newbury, Silchester, Tadcaster, Maryport, Cradley Heath, Tipton, Hunts Mission, Kirby Moorside. He became a Supernumerary in 1952 when he settled in the Scarborough Circuit.

He was a friendly man, a lover of young and old. Regardless of his own leisure, and often taxing his strength, he delighted in lifting the burdens of others—he was a true pastor. He was a widely read man. Poetry, the classics, scientific writings as well as theology held him. He was of a philosophic mind and revelled in realms that demanded close attention, clear thinking and sound judgment. Yet he was no mere bookworm. In his earlier life he was a keen sportsman, his favourite games being running and swimming.

All the best in nature, literature, music and art he loved and brought into the service of his Lord. In the pulpit his detailed knowledge and accurate interpretation of Holy Writ, his wide acquaintance with ancient and modern thought, his literary taste, his profound understanding of the human heart, and above all his passionate love for his Lord gave to his preaching range, grasp and grace. His ten years’ ministry at Maryport bears witness to the freshness and tone of his mind and personality. In all this he was enriched by a beautiful home life, having the constant companionship of his gifted wife, and the joy of seeing his son serve as doctor and surgeon in the Royal Navy, and his two daughters win distinction in academic posts.

He died on 28 March 1964 at the age of eighty-two and in the fifty-seventh year of his ministry.

Family

Percy was born on 4 January 1882 at Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, to parents Henry Jackson, a railway porter (1891), and Alice Birch.

Percy entered Hanley Higher Grade Board School for Boys in 1894. before entering the ministry Percy worked as a book-keeping clerk (1901)

He married Ethel May Harding (1891-1979) in late 1919 at Swindon, Wiltshire. Birth records identify three children.

Rowena M (b1924)
Isolde Elizabeth (1928-2011) – married Clarence James Yelland, a teacher (1957), in the early 1950’s in Germany
Peter Douglas (b1930) – a surgeon in Royal Navy (1964)

Percy died on 28 March 1964 at Scarborough, Yorkshire.