Shaw, Thomas (1878-1936)

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

THOMAS SHAW: born in Cumberland in 1878. Some of his earlier years were spent in South Africa, where he entered into the full meaning of the Christian experience. He never tired of witnessing for the Master, and after returning to England he entered the service of the Primitive Methodist Church in 1904, and he laboured with ability and distinction for thirty-two years.

The whole of his ministerial life was associated with the north-east coast, where he was well-beloved. He was a competent administrator. He was a preacher of eloquence and ability, combining in a marked degree wide culture with a fervent zeal for the evangel of Jesus Christ. He had a passion for souls. His greatest gift was his transparent sincerity. His genial and kindly personality made him everywhere beloved. His was a strong and virile character, devoid of self-seeking and always faithful. In the home he was a gracious influence, and those who were privileged to enjoy his friendship will ever cherish fragrant memories. He was an exemplary colleague. 

A painful illness, borne with true Christian fortitude and patience, cut short a fruitful ministry, and he entered into rest on September 21, 1936, at the age of fifty-eight years.

Family

Thomas was born in 1877 at Egremont, Cumberland, to parents Richard, an iron miner (1881), and Margaret Ann.

Before entering the ministry Thomas was an engine driver (1901).

He married Mary Jane Nichols George (1880-1964) in early 1909 in the Guisborough Registration District, Yorkshire. Census returns identify one child.

• Margaret Jane  (1912-1986) – married Robert Lindsay in 1942

Thomas died on 21 September 1936 in the Durham Registration District, Co. Durham. He was buried at Saltburn, Yorkshire.

Circuits

• 1904 Saltburn
• 1908 Brotton
• 1909 Bishop Auckland
• 1913 S Shields
• 1919 Sunderland
• 1920 Guisborough
• 1928 Saltburn
• 1932 Thornley

References

Methodist Minutes 1937/187

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers