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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
The Rev. William Shirer
The Rev. William Shirer, Minister of St. James' Presbyterian Church, Newtown, Wellington, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. He was educated at the ordinary private schools in his native place. Subsequently, having decided to pass through the usual training for the Presbyterian ministry, he was for four years at the University of Edinburgh, and then continued his studies for another four years at the United Presbyterian Theological Hall. While at College, he also, as student-missionary, carried on work in connection with the Bristo Church, Edinburgh, and afterwards at West Calder, near Edinburgh. He was ordained in the City of Edinburgh in 1888, in which year he came out to New Zealand per s.s. “Ionic,” to Wellington. Soon after his arrival, St. James' Church was vacant, and he received a call, which was accepted. In connection with his Church, Mr. Shirer has Christian Endeavour, Mutual Improvement, and Home Reading Societies. The reverend gentleman takes great interest in the young people, and deplores the tendency of the colonial youth to congregate in the streets. Mr. Shirer thinks a good deal about social questions, and considers that the churches might do more than is at present done to bring about improved conditions of life.