LAWRY, SAMUEL (1854-1933) was born at Bodmin, Cornwall, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1862. From the yeoman stock of Cornish Methodism he inherited a stalwart frame and a virile intellect. He joined the Methodist Church when 10 years old and became a local preacher in 1872. He pursued his studies first under the Rev J. B. Richardson and later at Three Kings College. In 1877 he began his ministry at Rangitikei, and for 34 years served in various circuits. For seven years he rode over 4,000 miles a year on horseback. In 1881 he married Janet McHardie, of the Hutt (who died 1920).

On seven occasions Lawry was secretary of conference, and he became president of the New Zealand conference in 1904. He also served as chairman of synods and was assistant secretary to the general conference of Australasia. He excelled in ecclesiastical statesmanship, and was well versed in the principles and policy of his Church. In 1911 he was appointed connexional secretary. He led the movement for an independent self-governing conference for New Zealand, and had a large share in promoting the Methodist Union within New Zealand, in recognition of which he was elected president of the United conference in 1913. He became secretary and managing treasurer of the supernumerary fund and business manager of the Methodist Times. For some years he was on the board of governors of Canterbury College, and he was a member of the Boys Gordon Hall trust established by Sir John Hall.

Lawry was superannuated in 1927, and was succeeded by the Rev M. A. Rugby Pratt. He died on 26 Jul 1933.

M.A.R.P.

Reference: Volume 1, page 261

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