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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
The Rev. Josiah Ward
The Rev. Josiah Ward, the Minister in charge, was born in New Plymouth, New Zealand. His father, the Rev. Robert Ward, was the first Primitive Methodist Minister to cross the Equator. Having received his earlier education at New Plymouth, Mr. Ward pursued his studies under his father, becoming a probationer in 1872. Four years later he was ordained to the work. The reverend gentleman travelled in Christchurch and Timaru for two years each; he then removed to Dunedin, where he was for five years, and, returning to the City of the Plains, he had a further term of four years. Mr. Ward then resigned his connection with the Primitive Methodist Church, having held some of its chief offices in New Zealand, including the president's chair, and entered the Wesleyan Church. He has since lived at Greytown North, Gisborne, and North Shore, Auckland, in each case for three years. Mr. Ward was appointed to Newtown, Wellington, at the Conference of 1894. He has gained a reputation for ability to clear off trust debts on church properties. In the various circuits in which he has laboured, he has been most successful in this respect, as also in the building of new churches. Mr. Ward has undertaken this work from a sense of duty rather than from choice. Much rather would he be engaged in evangelical work. This he loves. It is congenial to him, and he has been successful in many missions which he has conducted.
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