William Arthur (minister) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Arthur
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Rev. William Arthur
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| President of the Methodist Conference | |
| In office 1866–1867 |
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| Preceded by | William Shaw |
| Succeeded by | John Bedford |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 February 1819 Newport, County Mayo |
| Died | March 21, 1901 (aged 82) |
| Occupation | Methodist minister, author |
William Arthur (born February 3, 1819 – died March 21, 1901) was an important Irish minister and writer for the Wesleyan Methodist church. He traveled a lot and wrote many books.
Contents
William Arthur's Life Story
William Arthur was born in Newport, County Mayo, Ireland. This town is in County Mayo, not far from Castlebar. He went to Horton College for his education.
Missionary Work in India
When he was 20 years old, William Arthur traveled to Gubbi in Southern India. He spent several years there working as a missionary in the Mysore region. He learned the Canarese language very quickly.
However, he started having problems with his eyesight and had to return to Europe. For three years after that, he worked to support the Wesleyan Society's missionary efforts in India.
Working in Europe
From 1846 to 1849, William Arthur served as a minister in Paris, France. After that, he became the secretary for the Methodist Missionary Society for 17 years.
In 1867, he was chosen to be the leader, or Principal, of the Methodist College Belfast. He stayed in this role until 1871. Even after he left, he continued to help the Conference as an honorary missionary secretary. From 1866 to 1867, he was the President of the Wesleyan Conference.
William Arthur faced health challenges throughout his life. However, he lived to be 83 years old, passing away in Cannes, France.
William Arthur's Books
William Arthur was well-known for writing many books and pamphlets. Some of his most famous works include:
- A Mission to the Mysore, with Scenes and Facts Illustrative of India, its People, and its Religion (published in 1847)
- The Successful Merchant— Sketches of the Life of Mr Samuel Budgett (published in 1852)
- This book was very popular and sold many copies.
- It was even translated into the Welsh language.
- The Tongue of Fire, or true Power of Christianity (published in 1856)
- Italy in Transition: Public Scenes and Private Opinions in the Spring of 1860 (published in 1860)
His Ideas and Influence
William Arthur gave a famous talk about something called Systematic Beneficence. This idea encouraged people to give money regularly to help others. He was also known for practicing what he preached, showing how to live by this idea.
Because he knew so much about India and its people, important leaders often asked him for advice. He was seen as a powerful voice outside of his own church, always working to spread Christianity.
William Arthur Memorial Church
There is a church named after William Arthur in Gubbi Town, India. It's called the William Arthur Memorial Church. You can find it on the NH206 Bangalore-Honavar Road, about 80 kilometers from Bangalore.
The church is painted a bright turquoise blue and is built in a Gothic style. It was finished in 1904. This church was built to replace an older chapel that Thomas Hodson and William Arthur had helped build.
