John Watson at Westgate Circuit (1863-1866)
|
Cowshill, near Wearhead:
John Watson served his "apprenticeship" in this area. |
Rev. John Watson spent four probationary
years as a Primitive Methodist minister at the Westgate Circuit, in upper Weardale,
close to his birthplace and family home. In 1863 he was already 30 years old,
and his abilities were known around the community. From the outset, it is apparent
that he was a valued member of the church's "team" and a person likely
to do well.
How can we be so sure? From the reports which the Circuit
sent annually to the Sunderland District Meeting. These are a gem of administrative
design, a century ahead of their time.There are seven pages of preprinted forms,
with a total of six tables to fill and 33 questions to answer, plus room to
write additional comments. Through the issues they address we also get a glimpse
of the spirit of the period. Naturally, finances figure prominently, as do membership
numbers. But so does emigration, and the performance of the preachers themselves:
complaints and discipline, quality of preaching, even tobacco smoking.
(1) John's abilities were praised early on:
Mr. J. Watson is a diligent
student of the Bible and Biblical Literature, he acquires knowledge very
rapidly and solidly, and he is "an able minister of the New Testament".
[1864] |
(2) The number of home visits was apparently a sensitive
point, because it warranted a footnote every year:
The reasons why Bro. Rust has not visited
more than 35 per week and Bro. Watson more than 30 per week are
1. the paucity of the inhabitants and the
distances between their residences
2. the mountainous nature of the station
We are happy to state that neither of the
brethren object to family visiting, but feel a pleasure therein and
delight in attending to the work in connection with their other Ministerial
duties.
We believe that Brothers Rust and Watson
could not visit a greater number in this Circuit and attend to other
Ministerial duties. [1864]
|
(3) Another delicate issue was the stationing of John
Watson on his home circuit, a clear (and apparently highly unusual) exception
to normal procedures. In the second year, reasons adduced included:
We urge the Restation of
Mr. Watson on account of his helpfulness to a widowed Mother &
family by his Council in directing two younger brothers in carrying on
the Business on which the family is chiefly dependent. [1864] |
By his third year, the report included a full page of
justification:
Re-Station of Bro.
J. Watson
To the District Meeting held at North Shields,
May 1865.
Dear Brethren, Grace, Mercy, &c.
We forward for your consideration Minute
30 &c, of our March Quarterly Meeting.
"That the General Committee, District
Meeting, and Conference be most respectfully requested to give their
sanction for the Re-station of Bro. J. Watson a fourth year in the Westgate
Station".
Reasons:
1st. It is the unanimous wish of this Station,
including Officials, Members, and Hearers."
2nd. Bro. Watson has been and is still exceedingly
successful in the conversion of sinners in the Station.
3rd. Bro. Watson is willing, and would rather
remain another year in the Station.
4th. Once more, we courteously urge our request
on the Ground of the healthy and improving condition of the Station.
We Report 58 increase of members, and also an increase of Station and
Missionary Revenues."
Signed by order of the Quarterly Board.
March 11, 1865.
P. Clarke, Pre.
John Watson, Secry.
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(4) In John's last year, we read:
Item 30: "Which of
your Travelling Preachers, if any, has signified, in writing, his intention
to marry?
Answer: "Mr. John Watson" [1866]
|
The lady in question was Mary Phillips, daughter of John's
first superintendent Heny Phillips. Sadly, she was to die within about a year
of their marriage.
(5) Finally, here are John Watson's personal evaluations,
as reported by Circuit Presidents Henry Phillips and Peter Clarke:
| |
1863 |
1864 |
1865 |
1866 |
|
| 1. What is his age? |
30 |
31 |
32 |
33 |
| 2. If married, put M; if single, S; if
widower, W |
S |
S |
S |
S |
| 3. How many children has he under 18 years
of age? |
_ |
None |
_ |
None |
| 4. How many years has he travelled? |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| 5. By what station was he taken out? |
Westgate |
Westgate |
Westgate |
Westgate |
| 6. Has he been a superintendent? |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| 7. Is he capable of superintending? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 8. Is he attentive to discipline? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 9. Is he a tobacco smoker? |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| 10. Is he in debt? If so, to what extent? |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| 11. How many family visits has he made
weekly, on an average, during the last Connexional year? |
30 (footnote) |
30 (footnote) |
30 |
40 |
| 12. Is he peaceable? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 13. Is his preaching generally acceptable? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 14. Does he preach long sermons? |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| 15. Does he preach a full, free, and present
salvation? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 16. Is he successful in the conversion
of sinners? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 17. What is his general conduct? |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
| 18. Is he attentive to chapel affairs? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 19. If he has not travelled ten years,
has he read all the Rules during each of the six months of the last
Connexional year? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| 20. Did he get the books of his last station
duly signed before he removed? |
Yes |
This is his first Station |
This is his first Station |
This is his first Station |
| 21. Did he come to your Station in July
last? |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| 22. If he then came to your Station, what
was the increase or decrease of members from March to June in the
Station whence he came? |
Increase 197 |
_ |
_ |
_ |
| 23. State whether your Station has had
an increase or decrease of members since June last, and what number
of either. |
Decrease 43 |
_ |
Neither increase nor decrease |
10 Increase |
|
Source:
Durham Record Office refs. M/WE 93 (29-32)
Postcard of Cowshill: Valentine
