MARRIS, Cyril Cathay 1886 - 1962

Born at Banbury, in 1886. He was a son of the manse, was educated at Hymer’s College, Hull, and thereafter followed, for several years, a business career.

The knowledge so gained of business methods was constantly reflected in his executive abilities. Though he gratefully acknowledged the commanding influence of an exemplary home, it was the impelling sense of God’s personal call which led him to offer for the Wesleyan Ministry.

He was accepted in 1909. After a pre-collegiate year in the Runcorn Circuit, he entered Handsworth College. Anxious ,to give his studies practical application, he undertook week-end pastoral duties, under college authorization, at Lyng Lane Chapel, West Bromwich, where his witness is still held in cherished memory.

He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Student Volunteer Movement, and was glad to be designated to the South China District, where he courageously laboured for nine difficult years.

On his return to the home work, he served in the Preston, Halifax, Leeds, Kingston-on-Thames, Grays, Thornton Heath, Middlesbrough, Barnsley and Bishop Auckland Circuits.

In three Districts he served as District O.M. Secretary.

He retired in 1954 to live in Staithes. His radiant Christianity, seen even in his gait and gestures, shone in his preaching, assured him of welcome in pastoral visitation, and in Society and Circuit business meetings generated goodwill.

His gift of creative imagination, his mastery of vivid presentation and his first-hand knowledge brought many demands, even in his years of retirement, for his advocacy of the work of the Methodist Missionary, and of the British and Foreign Bible Societies.

Indefatigable in self-giving, he generously accepted opportunities for service outside Methodism as well as within it, and he continued to do so even when long journeys had become trying and his physical condition indicated a need for restraint.

His full and unremitting ministry was graciously sustained by a cultured spiritual life, carefully tended, and drawing deeply from an inner fountain of refreshment.

He died on 2 February 1962, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, and the fiftieth of his ministry.

©Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 1962