Reverend William PurvesPrint Page 
The tablet, erected by the congregation and friends, commemorates the Reverend William Purves (1811-1870), Presbyterian minister.
William Purves was minister in Maitland from 1844 and left the area in 1869. Purves resigned his charge on 15 March 1870 and on 14 April sailed in the Patriarch with his daughter, planning a stay in Britain. He died at sea on 26 April 1870.
Purves became an influential figure in wider church and public affairs. In 1850-70 he was a fellow of the first Senate of the University of Sydney. He also chaired the committee which led to the foundation of St Andrew's College. After a visit to Scotland in 1852 as delegate to the Church of Scotland Assembly he returned in 1854, having helped to recruit ministers for the colony. In 1861 he toured the Clarence and Richmond Rivers districts, where he established churches.
Location
| Address: | 66 George Street, St Stephen`s Presbyterian Church, East Maitland, 2323 |
|---|---|
| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -32.748498 Long: 151.592349 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Religion |
| Link: | http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/adbonli… |
Dedication
This tablet
Is Erected To The Memory Of The Late
REVEREND WILLIAM PURVES, M.A.
By An Attached Congregation With Many
Other Sincere Friends
In Testimony Of His Great Worth
And Never Ceasing Desire For The Welfare
Happiness And Prosperity Of His People
And Adopted Country
Who For A Long Period Of Twenty Years
Ministered To The Presbyterians Of
Maitland
Was Mainly Instrumental In The Building
Of This Church
A Man Of Acknowledged Talent, Undoubted Classical
And Literary Attainments, High Moral Character,
Large Hearted Benevolence And Philanthropy And
Above All A Faithful And Orthodox Minister Of
The Church of Christ
Born 26th July 1811. Died At Sea 25th April 1870
Aged 58 Years.
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter
day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body,
yet in my flesh shall I see God. Job XIX, 25 & 26.
