JOHN WATSON, D.D., was born at Ireshopeburn, Weardale, December 31st, 1832. His parents were godly Wesleyans, his father being a local preacher. His great grandfather had entertained John Wesley. When a child he knew some old people who were converted under Wesley's preaching, and heard from them reminiscences of that great man. He was even then a keen reader -- Scott's works, Homer's Iliad, and other classics being familiar to him at an early age. Converted at 14, and the family leaving the Wesleyan Church in the great agitation about 1850, his religious fervour and liberal principles led him to the Primitive Methodists. He was for about ten years a local preacher, during which time he was repeatedly urged to give himself to the regular ministry. His father, however, having died, and he being the eldest of a somewhat large family, he could not do this until 1862. He had the unusual experience of spending his whole probation in his native circuit, without leaving his mother's house. Then followed Sunderland, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Hartlepool, Spennymoor, and North Shields; seventeen years in all.

He was an earnest student of languages (specially German), theology and philosophy, and he was an equally earnest evangelist, taking part in several wonderful revivals. He was a strong man, physically and intellectually, with a clear, ringing voice. His preaching was always expository, and to this day there are many in the northern circuits who remember how they were blessed when he opened to them the Scriptures. In 1879 he went to Aliwal North in South Africa, where for four years he laboured to strengthen the foundations of what has grown to be the largest circuit in Primitive Methodism. From 1883 to 1889 he was in Adelaide, South Australia. Here he succeeded in healing a serious division of feeling between the Adelaide and Moonta Districts, finally seeing their amalgamation as the South Australian District. He also did much propagandist work towards the Methodist Union which came to pass a few years later.

Returning to England in 1889, he entered upon a period of connexional recognition and most powerful service. At Chester he ministered with rare power to a large congregation in the town, and also gained tile lasting esteem and affection of the village societies. Here began his advocacy and guidance of the C.E. movement. In 1890 he was chosen as Secretary of Conference (Sunderland), the duties of which office he performed with zest and efficiency. In 1891 he was appointed Secretary of the Itinerant Preachers' Friendly Society, but his life was so strenuous in other directions that he resigned this office the next year. Then he became Vice to the Principal of the College, and a year later (1893) succeeded Dr. Joseph Wood in that post. While at the College he received from the Victoria University, Toronto, the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity.

When Dr. Watson went to Manchester Dr. Peake had been there one year. Dr. Watson was, of course, very much the senior, but Dr. Peake remarks of him that 'though there was a great disparity of age, yet because Dr. Watson had such elasticity of spirit and width of outlook he became a most genial companion. He was deeply rooted in the past, loyal to the traditions of his Church, yet keen and eager, his mind ever open to receive new light from any quarter. He was a man of great attainments, yet modest and humble. He never sank below his level in conduct or speech. I saw him daily for years, and noticed how he acted in varying situations, yet I cannot recall one word or deed to be regretted.' He and Mrs. Watson (who was a niece of Joseph Spoor, and whose mother had been a travelling preacher) had difficulties to contend with, owing to alterations in the College buildings, but they were equal to every occasion.

When the Conference met in Edinburgh, 1895, it was felt that Dr. Watson, for his services and abilities, was worthy of the highest position the Church could give. As President he had the strong hand in the velvet glove. Grace, dignity and wisdom characterised him in his whole tenure of the office. At the close of his term of Principalship he became superintendent of the Manchester IX. circuit and continued his work as a College tutor. In 1896, on the retirement of C. C. McKechnie, he had commenced the Editorship of the Quarterly Review. In 1898 he delivered the Hartley Lecture on a favourite theological theme 'The Fatherhood of God.' It was a masterly presentation of his great subject.

From 65 to 69 years of age his activity was marvellous. Circuit, College, and Review work, Connexional affairs, Christian Endeavour and Free Church Council work, local and national (for he was on the National Council of each) made up an exceptionally busy life. Yet he never failed, and was never in a hurry. And with all his interests he still preached with the fervour and power of his earlier days. He entered with great earnestness into the Simultaneous Mission in Higher Openshaw, Manchester, January, 1902, and again rejoiced in a revival. In 1901 he became President of British Christian Endeavour, an office which meant travelling and speaking on every day he could possibly spare for the purpose. In that year, however, Mrs. Watson died (April 3rd), and though he appeared to work harder than ever he never fully rallied from the blow.

On September 6th, 1901, after returning from lecturing at the College he had a stroke of paralysis. For some time his life was despaired of: then he gradually improved, and lived eleven and a half years, generally a healthy though quiet life. After his superannuation he made his home with his daughter and her husband (Rev. and Mrs. Wilson Eccles) and continued to itinerate with them. He could never preach again, but in Lymm, in Manchester VIII. circuit, and in Guernsey, his life was very fruitful of good. He attended as many services as possible, and was always to be heard in the Sunday night prayer meeting. Always interested in young people, and equally willing to teach and to learn, his life in the home and in the Church was a constant blessing.

In Guernsey he became stronger than he had been since his seizure, and took an active part in the circuit affairs. His natural faculties were alert and operative almost to the last. For several years he must have read every word of the 'Review.' On July 29th, 1912, he was taken ill and had to remain in his bedroom. While there he enjoyed two visits which were paid to him by ministerial brethren (Revs. H. J. Taylor and Dr. Mitchell). From the beginning of November he was confined to bed. He had no pain, and used to say he had no disease but the incurable one of old age. Until after his 80th birthday he continued to read the Bible and the newspapers, but in the new year he gradually sank, and passed away on Sunday night, February 23rd. His end was perfect peace. His life's work was well done.

He leaves two daughters, the second being the wife of the Rev. Richard Cowie; and both were present to comfort his last days and to witness his departure. His funeral took place in Manchester. Dr. Peake gave a most tender and appropriate address, and the Rev. G. Parkin, B.D. (representing the General Committee) offered prayer in Great Western Street Church; the Revs. J. Swinden and A. Beavan officiated at the Southern Cemetery. Many letters have been received, from which one would like to quote, but we will be content with a sentence from his old friend, the Rev. John Hallam, 'He has lived a grand life, and he has died in the faith, and he has now obtained a more excellent ministry.'

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