[The author worked with John Watson at Spennymoor 1874--76.]

Dear Mrs Cowie,

My first meeting with your Father (the Rev John Watson) was at the home of the Rev Henry Phillip[s] who was then living at Gateshead. The Revs Hugh Gilmore [&] John Hallam were frequent visitors there. Hallam was the young man minister, Gilmore and myself Local Preachers. Your Father was a very frequent visitor, for he was engaged to Miss Phillips. Their married life was very brief. Miss Phillips was one of the sweetest spirits I have met in my long life. Your Father then travelled in the Sunderland circuit, and afterwards was married to Miss Cook of Ballast Hills. She and I were Sunday scholars, and exceedingly intimate. Our friendship was deep and strong, and I am not sure that on my part that it was something more than friendship. What it was; I will not say.

In my early days I was an Evangelist and Circuit missionary. Your Father was greatly interest[ed] in my life and work. We often met and a strong attachment sprung up between us, that lasted all his life. In 1874 I was appointed to the Spennymoor Circuit. Your Father had been on the circuit one year. I was in my second year of Probation. We soon had a great and glorious season of revival. Our Churches were crowded, Converts numerous. We visited the homes of our people, preached in the open Market Place every Friday night. Held Mission in the winter, our numbers rose in three years from 595 to 841 members.

Though your Father was a great co[???] [?], He was calm, and courteous. An excellent Scholar. Well up in Greek, Hebrew and was a most devoted student in German literature. I was quick in temper, often exentric [sic] in conduct, impulsive; not to say rash. Yet we worked in the utmost harmony. An[d] on long journeys to Branches[?], he gave me outlines of all his new Sermons, corrected my pronunciation, and manners. He taught me how to think. The Quarter Day wished [to] increase his Salary by £5, He refuse[d] the increase and would the £5 be added to my salary. I was a married man with two children. It was a most generous act.

At that time the School Board came into action. We determined to run three Candidates, Mr Watson was one, and Circuit steward and Local preacher were also Choose. The Church people and Vicar stormed at us, and did all they could to annoy us. Some of the Candidates were miners. They were told to go to the "Spelling Bee" which was very popular at that time. This very much annoyed your Father. We held a large meeting in the Town Hall. It was crowded. Your Father spoke with marked restraint, and was correct to a fault. The meeting was chilled and not responsive. When we came out, [your] Father said to me. Well! what do you think of the meeting? I said in my hot way, "You killed it" -- "You never took the bits out [of] the horse[']s mouth and let [him] have his go". Dignity does not pay in a meeting like that." He replied "we don[']t all want to be told to go to the Spelling Bee". Next morning we met. He said -- "Your [sic] right Gelley. I did not let myself go" last night. We carried all our three men.

I have just received a gracious letter from the Rev J W Middlemas of Doncaster -- "Though only 9 years of age, I knew I was a saved boy." "One day while playing in the street with others, you and Mr J Watson came into the Terrace from the town side. I saluted you according to my training. I followed you both at a respectful distance. You both entered a member[']s home. Having entered at the good woman's invitation, you left the door ajar. I was only a boy looking in. You both spoke pleasantly to the lady at the "Poss[?]-tub", after which she spread a carpet of some kind near the "tub". And the three of you reverently knelt down, and as reverently offered prayer. While you were at prayers my little heart took in everything -- the minister's visit; the member[']s joy; the homeliness of the temple. It was there and then that I pledged myself to the Church. Far on the pavement opposite the open door I made my vow -- that if called to be a minister, I would obey."

When your Father and I left Spennymoor, we only met occasionally at Conference or Some special gathering. It has been one of the joys and blessings of my life to have had such close unbroken friendship. I owe much to him. He was a noble spirit. So free from petty jealousies. So broad in his outlook. A Christian gentleman in every sense of the word. A Scholar of no mean attainments. An earnest Minister of Christ. A most loyal Methodist. I loved John Watson as a brother, and felt I was loved by him.

Dear M Cowie

You can make, take or leave what is not suitable for your sketch.

Kind regards
W Gelley