DEWSBURY, HENRY ROHAN (1849-1926) was born at Alloa, Scotland, educated at Alloa school, and came to New Zealand in 1863 with his parents.

While he was serving his articles to Bury and Mountfort, architects, Christchurch, he attended a mission conducted by Bishop Taylor, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and decided to dedicate his life to Christian service. As a local preacher he showed evidence of oratorical gifts which in later years gave him preeminence as a preacher. In 1869 he was accepted as a candidate for the Methodist ministry and studied under the Revs A. R. Fitchett and Alexander Reid. A wide reader with a retentive memory, he made himself familiar with the masters of English prose and verse. He enjoyed the reputation of being the most eloquent preacher in a strong preaching denomination. Dewsbury began his ministry at Hokitika (1871), and subsequently served as superintendent minister of circuits in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Wanganui, Oamaru and Cambridge.

In 1876 he married Elizabeth Boyd Parnell. In 1888 he visited England, where his broad views, catholic spirit and social aptitudes made him welcome in wide circles. He was for many years a military chaplain, and served his Church in secretarial positions and as chairman of several synods. In 1891 he was elected president. He was superannuated in 1911, and died on 8 Jun 1926.

M.A.R.P.

Reference: Volume 1, page 118

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