Sutcliffe, James Corner (1877-1954)

James Corner Sutcliffe pictured in 1950
supplied by Andrew Sutcliffe
L to R Blanche, James Corner Sutcliffe, Tom Sutcliffe, Elizabeth Sutcliffe (Nee Young), Archie and Betty outside 6 Clarence Road, Sudbury Suffolk.
Supplied by Andrew Sutcliffe

Transcription of obituary published in the Minutes of Conference

JAMES CORNER SUTCLIFFE: born at Haswell, Co. Durham, in 1877. He commenced work as a miner when only eleven years of age, educating himself in his spare time. He was called to the ministry of the Primitive Methodist Church as a married man in 1909. After probation in Sudbury, he returned to the North of England, and remained there. That he spent twenty-six years in his native Connexional District, labouring in four of its important circuits, is eloquent of his worth and work. 

During the first world war he served for a period with the Y.M.C.A. in France. While stationed in Durham he served as a prison chaplain, and had the honour of preaching in the cathedral at a united service. 

Robust in body and in mind, he had the heart of a child. His natural humility and transparent sincerity, his geniality and good humour, his fidelity and capacity for friendship, established him in the confidence and affection of his people in all his circuits. Among his ministerial brethren, in whose fellowship he found particular joy, he was a brother beloved. Shrewd and capable as he was in administration, the pulpit and the care of the flock were always his chief concern and the sources of his deepest satisfaction. Always a keen student, he read wisely and widely, particularly in theology and philosophy, but always to the end that he might the more effectively divide the Word of Truth. He loved preaching, and he loved those committed to his care. The memory and influence of his warm and understanding pastoral ministry is cherished in countless hearts and homes. 

He retired in 1951 to East Boldon. He passed to his reward on 11th January 1954, in the seventy-seventh year of his life and the forty-fifth of his ministry.

Family

James was born on 1 March 1877 at Haswell, Co. Durham, to parents William, coal miner, and Elizabeth.

Before entering the ministry James worked as a coal miner (1901).

He married Elizabeth Young (b1877) in late 1899 at Haswell, Co. Durham. Census returns identify six children.

  • Thomas (1900-1972) – a PM minister        
  • Margaret Blanche (1903-1991)             
  • Elizabeth (1905-1992) – married Edward D Cooke in 1936           
  • Archibald (1908-1974) – a cabinet maker (1939)       
  • William (b1912)
  • Norman (1914-1979) – worked for British Council 1948                  

James died on 11 January 1954 at East Boldon, Co. Durham

Circuits

  • 1909 Sudbury
  • 1913 Ashington
  • 1919 S Shields
  • 1925 N Shields
  • 1933 Durham
  • 1939 Guisley
  • 1942 Otley
  • 1945 Stockport Dav
  • 1948 Castleford Brad
  • 1951 E Boldon (Sup)

References

Methodist Minutes 1954/130

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

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

Comments about this page

  • The family picture was taken is during his probationary period in Sudbury in 1909 with the family to date. The house was rented and the landlady was a big fan of his and she wanted him to be the minister for her funeral. My father tells me that when she passed away many years later, JC Sutcliffe travelled from Darlington down to Sudbury, to assist with the proceedings.

    By Andrew Sutcliffe (25/02/2021)
  • Hello,
    I am delighted to see this entry for my great grandfather. I don’t know if you are interested in pictures but I have a photo of JC Sutcliffe outside his home in Sudbury in 1909 with the family at that time.

    By Andrew Sutcliffe (21/02/2021)

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