[The author was a lay preacher in North Shields, where John Watson was stationed 1877--78.]

My first recollection of the late Dr. Watson was on the memorable occasion when he held revival services at Howdon-on-Tyne -- a portion of the North Shields Circuit. From the commencement, the meetings were a great success, and attracted a large number of young men. We were induced to attend the Doctor's services, and many of us have never forgotten those experiences. Indeed they formed a turning point in the lives of several, who since then have spent their time in religious work.

My personal impressions of the man were of one who had almost a Divine appearance, with an eye of such penetration that it seemed to explore the whole of one's nature. When he spoke, his melodious voice compelled attention, while his words were so eloquent and stirring as to convince one that there was somewhat sadly wrong with one's present way of living. The prayer meeting, which followed one of the Doctor's meetings, was so charged with spiritual fervour, that it completely enveloped us, and, we felt that we were out of tune with the Maker of the Universe. Then when the Preacher came and addressed us individually we realized that the climax had been reached and nothing less than complete consecration of ourselves to the service of Christ would satisfy us.

The whole village was stirred by this time and all felt that some great work was going on at the P. M. Chapel in Church Street. Crowds gathered nightly to hear Him who spoke of the Salvation that came through the Lamb of God that taketh way the sins of the world. Every meeting was of a high order when we were lifted above the petty and mean into an atmosphere of such spirituality, that our whole natures were inspired with a holy ambition. Many of the discourses still live with us. The Fatherhood of God, The Fall of Man, and The Atonement through Christ, were subjects which Dr Watson treated in a masterly and convincing way. His great concern was to assist those who had made a change in their lives, in such a way that the change would be a permanent one. In this he was not disappointed. Mr Robert Dodds of Blyth, Mr William Paul, Mr John Brown and the writer of these notes have all become instruments by the Providence of God to speak the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to many thousands in the northern counties. Others who had not the aptitude to become local preachers, became active and successful workers in the Bands of Hope, Sunday Schools and other sides of Church life.

One of the great results of this mission of Dr Watson's was the stimulus of a Society Class which met at 9 o[']clock every Sunday morning. Sometimes as many as fifty men were present, all anxious to testify to the goodness of God in their lives, and to communicate something of their deep spiritual experiences to their fellows.

The action of the Conference in removing the dear Doctor from this field of his activity was keenly resented by the whole of the wide circuit, but his own words of assurance were that the call to a new sphere that came to him might contribute to the extending of the Kingdom of God, and in this spirit he left us. His faith has surely been justified when we remember the Great Work he was enabled to render to the Cause of the Christian religion in a foreign land.

We remember him yet as he was in those days, winning the regard and love of all those with whom he came into contact. His name is still honoured in this locality as a true and faithful Ambassador of Christ. Miss Bertram of Earsdon vividly remembers Dr Watson's last visit to that part of the North Shields Circuit. He was bidding farewell to his many friends, and called at the house of Mr & Mrs Crone[?]. Before leaving he knelt down to pray, and so feelingly did he do so: so faithfully did his words echo the sentiments of all their hearts, that everyone was overcome with emotion until tears streamed down their faces. Such incidents as these keep the Doctor's name fresh in the minds and hearts of those who had the great joy to know him personally.

The last lecture he gave at Earsdon was in the interests of charity. A certain member was stricken down so severely that he had to be taken to the hospital leaving a wife and three children in very straitened circumstances. It was suggested that if the Doctor would deliver one of his popular lectures, a sum of money might be raised to help the sufferers. Dr Watson readily consented to devote the only night he had at liberty to that object, and no less than £14 was raised in this way.

Such was Dr Watson's last effort at Earsdon. To comfort and console the sorrowing, to aid the needy, to save the sinful, was ever the mission of one whom we all loved and revered, and of whom we can truthfully say,

"He being dead yet speaketh."

Wm Proudlock