Parsons, John (1852-1877)

Ministry

A transcription of the obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Thomas Powell is attached. He quotes from a letter written by Rev  R. Pattinson as follows.

‘I became acquainted first with the late John Parsons on my coming to the Prees Green station three years and a half ago. In my observations of his character I was impressed with his very consistent Christian bearing; the cheerful and conscientious way in which he attended to all his appointments as local preacher; his deep interest in the Church, and especially in the Sunday-school, wherein he worked untiringly and patiently. He was also a good visitor of the sick, being ready to bless and help whenever he had an opportunity—he would minister to the wants of both body and soul. He was very regular in his attendance at class, and at all means of grace. He always manifested great love for spiritual exercises. In the month of October, 1874, he expressed to me a wish to devote himself entirely to the work of the ministry. I accordingly arranged with him to come to our house once a week, for the purpose of preparing for his examination. He came every Friday, until the April following, besides which, I spent a good deal of time with him at his own home and other places. During this time I was able to see a good deal of his character. His industry at his studies, and his progress therein, was something wonderful. He knew much more than he appeared to do from a superficial observance of him, He intensely desired and worked hard to progress intellectually; he appeared bent on success in this particular. I do not believe he could endure the word failure, in the prosecution of any noble enterprise. In any little matters of business that I had to transact with him, he was always most upright, high-principled, and honourable, but perhaps the most pleasing feature in his character was his very generous, sweet, gentle disposition. He was remarkably sensitive to any little act of kindness done to him, and appeared restless until he had repaid the same in a three-fold degree.’

Family

John was born on 29 October 1852 at Whixall, Shropshire, to parents John, who worked the land and was a PM local preacher, and Sarah.

Before entering the ministry John worked as a labourer.

John died on 21 January 1877 at Whixall, Shropshire.

Circuits

• 1875 Northampton
• 1876 Gravesend

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1878/563

PM Minutes 1877/4

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers