Pole, James (1806-1846)

Ministry

James began his ministry in the Bible Christian ministry.

A transcription of extracts from of his journal published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine is attached. This relates to his time in the Lynn Circuit, Norfolk and is also referenced in Petty.

A transcription of his obituary in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Horatio Hall is attached. He writes as follows.

“His thirst for improvement in theology was great; his candle was burning early in the morning and late at night, that he might be able to bring out of God’s treasury “things new and old.” Though he was not eloquent, yet he had an engaging method of instructing the ignorant, and comforting the afflicted and distressed, and knew how to alarm the careless, and direct the lost to the “Friend of sinners.” His sermons were generally adapted to the conditions of the people. The doctrines of human depravity, redemption by Christ Jesus, repentance, faith, and holiness, were often and clearly explained and applied to the consciences of his hearers; and parental, filial, domestic and social religion were enforced by him with a power seldom surpassed. At the eve of his pilgrimage, and while viewing the “great recompense of his reward,” he was ever ready to turn aside to instruct an inquirer after truth, or to pour consolation into a troubled heart.”

Family

James was born on 2 November 1806 at Lydard, Somerset, to parents Faithful Francis Pole, who worked the land (1841), and Grace Hawkins. He was baptised on 23 November 1806 at Halse, Somerset. His younger brother, William, was also a PM minister.

He married Mary Adlam in late 1844 in the Well Registration District, Somerset. Birth records identify one child.

• Eliza (b1846)

James died on 6 September 1846 at Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.

Circuits

• 1830 Yarmouth (6 mths)
• 1830 Lynn (3yrs 6 mths)
• 1834 Hounslow
• 1836 Wisbech
• 1840 Yarmouth
• 1842 Norwich II
• 1845 Matishall
• 1846 Wisbech

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1833/250; 1847/6

J Petty, The History of the Primitive Methodist Connexion, 1880, p294

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers