THE LATE REV. ROBERT WARD.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4860, 19 October 1876, Page 3

THE LATE REV. ROBERT WARD.

It is with a feeling, of deep regret we have to record the decease of the Rev. Robert Ward, who expired on Friday Oct. - 13, in his, 61st year. Previous to his coming to the colonies he was well known in England as a successful preacher and earnest worker in the Primitive Methodist Church. In 1844 he came out to New Zealand, founding the Primitive Methodist Church at Taranaki, being the first minister of the denomination who came out to the colonies. Shortly afterwards he came to Wellington and founded and organised the church of which the Rev.- H. Green was the first pastor. . He then went to where he founded the first church; in which he ministered for a period of nine' years. After this he returned to his first charge in Taranaki where he was stationed throughout the,Native war, witnessing some of its most tragic scenes; Inlß6Bhe came to Wellingtonagain,aud labored for three years, being instrumental in the founding of the Sydney-street and Webb-street churches. In 1870 he went to England, where he successfully advocated the cause of colonial missions, returning, after an absence of a year and a-half, accompanied by seven ministers foe the colonies. On his return* he was stationed at Christchurch, organising the first church in that city, and in connection with his labors there six new. churches were soon erected. He then came to-Wellington again, where he has worked up to the very last. Aa a lecturer he was well known, a series of hia lectures being published . a few years ago, and well received. A book which he published in England on New Zealand life established hia position as an author, and was very favorably received by the Press. ... During the forty-two years of his ministry he has earned the respect of all classes, his earnest zeal and hard work in the cause of religion having gained ."for him a high position in the esteem of every denomination. He construed literally the command to preach the Gospel to all nations, and died in harness, having preached up to the last. Hia last illness—Bright’s disease —was of a most lingering and painful character, causing the most intense suffering,: which he submitted to with a patience and endurance almost incredible. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow and large family to mourn bis loss, two of his sons being engaged in the ministry—the Rev. Charles Ward, stationed at Timaru ; and the Rev. Josiah Ward, in Dunedin