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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

The Rev. William Smith Potter

The Rev. William Smith Potter has been associated with the Primitive Methodist Church from his childhood; he has spent the last twenty-four years of his life in the work of the active ministry, and has laboured on several important stations. Mr. Potter was born at Hoxton, London, on the 5th of November, 1854, the day when the Battle of Inkerman was fought. Four years afterwards his parents left England for New Zealand, and arrived in Auckland in October, 1858. Mr. Potter's connection with the Church dates back to the year 1859, when he was taken as a scholar to the Edwardes Street (now Alexandra Street) Sunday school, of which he became in later years a teacher, librarian, and secretary, holding the latter office for five years. He was converted in March, 1870, and became a member of the Connexion. In 1872 he took a trip to England for the benefit of his health, and when he arrived in New Zealand he was in the enjoyment of the most robust health. After some hesitation he took part in the teaching of the Sunday school, in which his work proved to be a preparation for a wider sphere of usefulness, as the quarterly meeting of his station, recognising in him the gifts of a preacher, appointed him to accompany the late Mr. T. H. Smith to his preaching appointments. Previous to this he had commenced the study of theology, and had also received lessons in English under Mr. E. M. C. Harrison. In 1876 he was called to the ministry, and received his first appointment to the Greendale station in Canterbury. Since then he has served successively on the Wellington, Dunedin, Auckland first station, Thames, Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland second, New Plymouth, and is again on the Auckland second station. After his return to Auckland in 1897, he ministered for two years in the Upper Pitt Street Church, and during his pastorate there the Surrey Hill Mission Hall and the Eden Terrace Church were built, the latter to replace the one previously destroyed by fire. Mr. Potter devoted great energy to their building. He took charge of his present church in March, 1900. In 1881 he was married to Miss Dixon, who shared with him the labours of the ministry until her death in 1891. Mr. Potter was married to Miss Pollie Rider in 1893. As a minister of the Gospel he has proved himself to be a diligent pastor; he is also attentive to the business of his churches, and succeeds in interesting the officials and members in the work. As a preacher he is earnest; he holds by the old Methodist doctrines, which he enforces clearly, and he has had the satisfaction of witnessing a number of additions to the membership of the churches which have been placed under his charge. Mr. Potter has been a member of the examining committee for several years, and has filled the offices of general committee delegate, secretary, president, and sub-editor. He was appointed agent to carry out the Jubilee Celebrations, and has gained the goodwill of his brethren by his fidelity and
Rev. W. S. Potter. President of the New Zealand Conference.)

Rev. W. S. Potter.
President of the New Zealand Conference.)

perseverance. Mr Potter has twice been elected president of the Conference, and is at present (1901) the occupant of that honourable position.