Meakin, Thomas (1845-1918)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1906
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1918
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911

Early years

Thomas was born on 4 September 1845 at Bollington, Cheshire to parents George and Charlotte.  Thomas was baptised on 5 October 1845 at the Chapelry of Shrigley in the Parish of Prestbury, Cheshire. George was a cotton spinner by trade but was also a class leader, local preacher and Sunday school superintendent for many years.

Thomas worked in the cotton industry as a youth, starting as a half-timer at the age of eight. His half-time at school was spent as the Wesleyan day school. Here Thomas made good progress and for some time was put to teaching. Claims from home made it imperative that Thomas become a full-timer at the mill rather than follow a career in teaching.

Thomas decided for Christ under the ministry of Rev Robert Pattison. He was soon put to work as a Sunday school teacher and later as a local preacher.

Ministry

During his first stay in Manchester, Thomas was able to attend the Greek class at Owen’s College. On his second stay in Manchester, he took several classes in what became Victoria College.  Thomas was particularly thankful for the guidance of Rev James Macpherson in his studies as a young minister.

Thomas served as a District Missionary Secretary and as a delegate to the General Committee. He did more than an average share of duty in relieving chapel trusts of debt and in the erection of chapel and school buildings.

Thomas possessed pulpit gifts of a high order. His nine years at the Caledonian Road Church in London was cited in proof. The Connexional officers, who generally attend that place or worship, were not slow to acknowledge their sincere appreciation of his ministrations. He had a firm grip of evangelical truths, and knew how to present them in their application to practical and spiritual needs.

Family

Thomas married Hannah Healey (1844-1911) in the summer of 1872 at Bolton, Lancashire. Census returns identify four children.

  • George Healey (1873-1947) – an incorporated accountant (1911)
  • Edith Mary (1876-1947) – a sub-editor (1911); married Charles H Crouch
  • Charlotte Maud (b1878) – a teacher (1901)
  • Norman Leigh (1881-1898)

Thomas died on 11 March 1918 at Deal, Kent.

Circuits

  • 1868 Bolton
  • 1869 Manchester II
  • 1871 Douglas
  • 1872 Liverpool III
  • 1876 Manchester I
  • 1879 Oldham I
  • 1882 Pontypool
  • 1885 Bath I
  • 1889 Hereford
  • 1891 Yarmouth
  • 1894 Hackney Rd
  • 1895 Caledonian Rd
  • 1903 Gospel Oak
  • 1909 Dover
  • 1912 Belvedere
  • 1914 Broadstairs (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1906/507; 1911/910 (Hannah); 1918/509

PM Minutes 1918/268

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

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