Waddell, Rutherford

Full NameWADDELL, Rev Dr Rutherford , B.A., M.A., D.D. Last edited by: Andrew Smith

Date of Birth1852 Last edited by: Andrew Smith

Date of Death16 April 1932 Last edited by: Andrew Smith

Biography

born 1852 Glenarm, County Antrim, Ireland.
- son of Rev Hugh WADDELL
married (1) 1883 (Ireland) Kathleen Maud NEWMAN, born Ireland, died 7 September 1920, aged 66
- she was an invalid for many years
married (2) 3 December 1923 Sister Christabel DUNCAN, born 4 August 1876, died 20 September 1962
died 16 April 1932 Dunedin

After leaving school he spent four years as a drapery apprentice in Banbridge, and then entered Queens College, Belfast and Theological Hall. He then volunteered for mission service in Syria but was not accepted.
Gained Bachelor of Arts in March 1875 and Master of Arts at Queen’s (Now Royal) University in 1875.
Licensed and Ordained by Presbytery of Ards, County Down, Ireland in 1876.
Then he decided to come to New Zealand and arrived in 1877.

Lincoln and Prebbleton, Christchurch 25 September 1877, 18 months.
St Andrews, Dunedin 18 April 1879 — retired 30 June 1919, after serving there forty years.

St Andrews was the first congregation to adopt the 'own missionary' scheme (at one time they had three 'own' missionaries) and contributed generously to general missions as well. In a sermon in 1888 he first drew attention to the issue of "sweated labour" which was then rife in Dunedin. He suggested establishing an independent tribunal to keep a balance between masters and men. The issue was gradually taken up by papers and public bodies and led to a commission which investigated conditions in 1888-89. Its disclosures led to the passing of the Arbitration Acts. He was a member of a committee set up in 1888 to establish kindergartens. He was the founder of the Prison Reform Association, founder and first editor of The Outlook.
He had a graceful literary style and for many years contributed to the press of New Zealand.
He also published 8 volumes of essays between 1907 and 1926.
'His sermons expounded the scriptures in the light of current problems in private and public life. He also gave lectures on literature, and the Christian faith. He wrote a weekly article for the Evening Star Dunedin for many years. He was not robust, but behind a slender body, there was a personality of great strength and conviction combined with gentleness and sensitivity. His deafness isolated him greatly, but suffering kindled his sympathies and released his compassion. He was a pastor of deep understanding and spiritual power.' (From Obituary)
'He was one of our greatest preachers. His literary gifts enabled him to serve a great ministry through his writings. He took a leading part in a number of social movements, including reform of labour conditions, prison reform, prohibition. He interested himself and others in the establishment of technical classes, kindergartens and institutions for the religious education of the young.'
In 1897 he received a Doctor of Divinity from the General Assembly of the Theological College, Belfast. He was the author of Behold the Lamb of God and other publications.
Retired to 'Dreamthorpe', Otago Peninsula and interred with his first wife in the Southern Cemetery, Dunedin. Last edited by: Andrew Smith

Rev. Rutherford Waddell, seen standing at the pulpit in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Dunedin, on his 38th anniversary at St. Andrew's, April 1917.
P-A62.1-1

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Recollect CollectionPeople Last edited by: Andrew Smith

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Waddell, Rutherford