WATT, William, Rev. (1843-1926)
Assembly memorial minute 1926
The Rev. William Watt was born at Maxwelton, East Kilbride, on the 8th August, 1843, the year of the Disruption. He came of Covenanting stock, and was educated at the Parish School, the University' of Glasgow and the Reformed Presbyterian Hall in Edinburgh, and ordained in 1868.
After his marriage to Miss Agnes Patterson he proceeded to the New Hebrides as the Missionary of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. He was settled in 1869 at Kwamera, on the south west of Tanna, one of the most obdurately heathen islands in the Pacific. There he and his wife laboured together for twenty-five years with supreme devotion, heroic courage and unquenchable faith. After the death of his wife Mr. Watt toiled on with undiminished zeal. Neither the rage of the heathen nor the long delay in the coming of success in any way damped his ardour. Mr. Watt was eminently fitted, both physically and spiritually, for his great task. He was a daring and skilful boatman, a tireless traveller along the rugged island paths, a good photographer, and a capable builder. His sound judgment and methodical habits made him an ideal clerk, and for long years he rendered the Synod and the Mission distinguished service in this capacity. His scholarship and exact knowledge of the language enabled him to translate the New Testament and other works into the mother tongue of the people.
After eight years Mr. Watt married again, and his wife entered into all his manifold labours with likeminded devotion and enthusiasm. In spite of many discouragements that sorely tried their faith, it was given to them to reap an amazing and abundant harvest, and to see almost all the tribes of Tanna become Christian.
Failing health at last compelled the veteran missionary to resign his task, and he spent the closing years of his life in Melbourne - years that were spent in unremitting and fruitful service as Clerk of the Canterbury Session, member of the Presbytery of Melbourne North, member of the Foreign Mission Committee, and Secretary of the Board of Missions. His long and varied experience made him a valued worker and a wise counsellor. To him was also given the joy of seeing his son and daughter setting their faces towards the ministry and the mission field.
Mr. Watt passed to his rest and to his higher service on the 29th of March, 1926, beloved and honoured by all who knew him. The Assembly commends his bereaved family to the grace and comfort of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gender
- Male