Ross, Castle (1840-1928)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1903

Early years

Castle was born on 20 October 1840 at Filey, Yorkshire to parents Isaac and Ann. His parents were Wesleyan. Castle lost his father, a fisherman, when aged ten.

Castle was converted at the age of fourteen. Through the influence of his brothers, Castle was induced to join the Primitive Methodists. He became a local preacher when still a youth, but acquitted himself with such ability, devotion and success that he was recommended for the ministry by Dr Joseph Wood.

Castle worked as a tailor before entering the ministry.

Ministry

As a preacher, Castle was above average. In the textual, topical and expository modes he was equally at home. His sermons and speeches were never dull. His temperament was quick, sensitive, emotional and sympathetic. Pathos, and humour, and passion, alternated; and face, voice and gesture combined in effective utterance.

At Bridlington, Castle superintended the building of a new chapel at a cost of £3,000.

In the Hull district, Castle held the offices of Orphanage and Equalisation Committee Secretary. In the Bristol district he was Building Committee Secretary.

Castle was an able advocate of the temperance cause, and whilst at Bridlington he was elected a member of the School Board.

Family

Castle married Jane Spilman (1837-1891) in the summer of 1869 in the Beverley Registration District. Census returns identify five children.

• Mary Ann (b1870)
• Katherine Spilman (b1872) – married John Young, a printer compositor
• Emily Stephenson (b1873) – married Alfred Wilson, a schoolmaster
• Jane (b1875)
• Margaret Maud (1880-1959)

Castle married Hannah Harrison, nee Welbourn (1840-1914) in the spring of 1893 at Driffield, Yorkshire.

Castle died on 23 May 1928 at Filey, Yorkshire.

Circuits

• 1865 Barton on Humber
• 1867 North Cave
• 1869 Grimsby II
• 1872 Swinefleet
• 1874 Mexborough
• 1876 Doncaster II
• 1878 Darlington
• 1881 Winterton
• 1882 Brigg
• 1884 Lincoln II
• 1885 Scotter
• 1886 Patrington
• 1890 Driffield
• 1894 Chalfont St Giles
• 1895 Radstock
• 1897 Bath II
• 1900 Glastonbury
• 1901 Midsomer Norton
• 1905 Filey (S)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1903/83

PM Minutes 1928/274

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers