WILSON, WILLIAM MACKNIGHT (1831-1914)

WILSON, WILLIAM MACKNIGHT, Presbyterian minister, St Andrew's Church, Chatham, 1868-78; b. Ayr, Scotland, 1831, s/o Henry Wilson and Elizabeth Macknight; m. 1860, Mary Ann Russell Robertson; d. Aberdeen, Scotland, 7 Jan 1914.

The son of a shoemaker, William M. Wilson was educated and trained for the ministry at the University of Glasgow. In 1865 he was ordained in the Church of Scotland and appointed minister at Campbellton, N.B. Three years later he was called to St Andrew's Church in Chatham, where he enjoyed a ten-year pastorate.

During Wilson's term, St Andrew's was completely refurbished, a new manse was acquired, and the congregation was freed from debt. He was given much credit for the accomplishment of these goals. He was also greatly admired for his "extensive erudition," his "popular gifts as a preacher," and his "warm and sympathetic heart."

Concern over the uncertain health of his wife was the ostensible reason for Wilson's resignation and return to Scotland in 1878. Soon afterwards, he was appointed minister of the large North Parish Church in Aberdeen, where he served until his retirement in 1904. He returned to the Miramichi to visit in 1894 and again a few years prior to his death.