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SPENCE, William
Full NameSPENCE, Rev William
Biography
From five years of age attended the local Free Church School. Thereafter attended the new
Education Department School. Left school after his 11th year to go into service.
Obtained a position for six months in 1879 as boy to do odd jobs at the Established (Church of Scotland) Church manse. Thereafter took work as a farm and harvest hand in the area at a wage of £6 per annum, later rising to £8 per annum. Latterly worked on his grandfather’s farm until the latter’s death in 1886 whereupon he worked it for another year so that the estate could be wound up to greater advantage.
Entered the communicant membership of the local Free Church in 1885.
At age 18, decided to go to New Zealand as an assisted immigrant, being nominated by his aunt (who was already in New Zealand) and who also paid his passage money of £10. The sudden death of his father in June 1887 in his 45th year delayed his departure for a few months.
Left Orkney 20th December 1887, and embarked from Plymouth on the ‘RMS Ionic’ for New Zealand via Cape Town on the 31st December 1887, arriving some 7 weeks later at Auckland.
Worked variously as a farmhand and in commercial work at various locations.
While at Waimate, taught Sunday School along with acting as Bible Class Secretary, and later took charge of the small Sunday School at Waituna.
Went to University in Dunedin to sit for his matriculation under the oversight of the Theological Hall Committee. Took Summer preaching work, initially at the Home Mission station of Foxton-Shannon, but also undertook work at Woodville for some time which was a sanctioned charge. His return to University delayed for financial reasons.
Otago University from April 1896.
Theological Hall Dunedin 1899 and 1901
Ormond, Hawkes Bay (Student Supply) late 1899 to Feb 1901. Took Hall course extramurally for one year.
Returned to Theological Hall for final year 1901.
Licensed by the Presbytery of Christchurch August 1901, followed by 10 weeks of probation.
Moree 26 July 1917 — resigned 1921
St Andrew’s, Singleton, Victoria 6 December 1921 — retired 31 October 1927
Retired to Northwood
Biography- born 25 September 1868 at Bimbister, Parish of Harray, Orkney, Scotland
- son of John SPENCE and Thomima JOHNSTON
- married 15 March 1904 (Dannevirke) Elizabeth Emily Beatrice McCLURE, born 10 October 1878 (Sefton), died 7 November 1958 Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.
- daughter of William McCLURE and Agnes SCOTT (married 1877)
- children Malcolm Andrew SPENCE 1907-1979, Olaf McClure SPENCE 1910, Colin John SPENCE 1912-2005, Agnes Riley SPENCE 1914-2004, Elizabeth Mima SPENCE 1914-2003
- daughter of William McCLURE and Agnes SCOTT (married 1877)
- died 3 August 1941, Sydney, Australia
From five years of age attended the local Free Church School. Thereafter attended the new
Education Department School. Left school after his 11th year to go into service.
Obtained a position for six months in 1879 as boy to do odd jobs at the Established (Church of Scotland) Church manse. Thereafter took work as a farm and harvest hand in the area at a wage of £6 per annum, later rising to £8 per annum. Latterly worked on his grandfather’s farm until the latter’s death in 1886 whereupon he worked it for another year so that the estate could be wound up to greater advantage.
Entered the communicant membership of the local Free Church in 1885.
At age 18, decided to go to New Zealand as an assisted immigrant, being nominated by his aunt (who was already in New Zealand) and who also paid his passage money of £10. The sudden death of his father in June 1887 in his 45th year delayed his departure for a few months.
Left Orkney 20th December 1887, and embarked from Plymouth on the ‘RMS Ionic’ for New Zealand via Cape Town on the 31st December 1887, arriving some 7 weeks later at Auckland.
Worked variously as a farmhand and in commercial work at various locations.
While at Waimate, taught Sunday School along with acting as Bible Class Secretary, and later took charge of the small Sunday School at Waituna.
Went to University in Dunedin to sit for his matriculation under the oversight of the Theological Hall Committee. Took Summer preaching work, initially at the Home Mission station of Foxton-Shannon, but also undertook work at Woodville for some time which was a sanctioned charge. His return to University delayed for financial reasons.
Otago University from April 1896.
- Home Mission Reefton Student Preacher West Coast late 1896 to April 1898 (stayed on longer due to financial considerations)
Theological Hall Dunedin 1899 and 1901
Ormond, Hawkes Bay (Student Supply) late 1899 to Feb 1901. Took Hall course extramurally for one year.
Returned to Theological Hall for final year 1901.
Licensed by the Presbytery of Christchurch August 1901, followed by 10 weeks of probation.
- Ordained Cust, Christchurch 30 October 1902
- Lincoln, Christchurch 10 October 1905
- West Taieri Dunedin 5 August 1909 — resigned September 1915 and went to Australia.
Moree 26 July 1917 — resigned 1921
St Andrew’s, Singleton, Victoria 6 December 1921 — retired 31 October 1927
Retired to Northwood
Relates to
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SPENCE, William. Presbyterian Research Centre, accessed 31/07/2026, https://pcanzarchives.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/112659
