A Memoir.

WILLIAM TAYLOR was born of Christian parents in Oyne, Aberdeenshire, on 24th January, 1868. In early years, he was led to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ as his sufficient Saviour. Soon afterwards, he was baptised in St. Paul's Street, Aberdeen. He spent his business years in the National Bank of Scotland, Ltd., and in 1889, he was moved to London. As the result of steady perseverance and faithful service, he gained promotion in the Bank, until eventually he held a position of considerable trust and responsibility. He retired from the Bank in December, 1931. He was well-known, and highly esteemed in banking circles in the city.
It is recorded in the Scriptures that "there are diversities of gifts." It is not necessary that a man should be prominent in order to be useful. Mr. Taylor rendered valuable service in paths not always seen of men. Behind all his labours, he was influenced by conviction, and who knows but his early life may have been responsible for some of these.
For example, his father, George Taylor, was converted in the 1859 Revival. Men and women who were born again in these stirring times, seemed to have a better grip of things eternal than others. Any desires after the spiritual welfare of men can sometimes be traced to early experiences in life. At any rate, it is a fact that our friend maintained a warm heart for the salvation of men. A good old-fashioned Gospel address cheered him better than anything else. He was in his element in his work in Carrington House, which is one of the largest Lodging Houses in London. There he would be found every Sunday night, and frequently on week-nights. He got to know the men and could talk to them. The Lord has been pleased to bless that Lodging House work to many.
Another impetus in his life may be traced to the fact that his father was among the earliest of believers to assemble in a simple Scriptural fashion in Aberdeenshire. His son, in his day, remained loyal to the teaching of Scripture on church truth and was respected for his convictions. His father took a stand where it was not a popular thing so to do. It cost these early brethren a lot. The subject of our memoir knew this, and so he in turn remained steadfast to the Divine principles. Our brother was a man "given to hospitality.'' His house and his table were ever open. Remembering his own early days away from home, he took a special interest in young men coming to town. He was helpful in finding situations for, and in giving advice to a large number of this class.
It was not surprising that when certain London business men started the Christian Emigration Service, William Taylor should be found among the company of those taking an active part. He was cheered when he heard of the success of those who had gone out to business appointments in other countries, and who were happy in the Lord's service. He kept in touch with these men.
The one sphere of service which brought our brother into prominence in later years was in connection with the Annual Missionary Meetings held in London, in October. Mr. Taylor was probably the longest, and most faithful attender at the Monthly Missionary Prayer Meeting in London. His heart was interested in the spread of the Gospel in all parts of the world. Thus, he continued to meet with others where prayer was wont to be made for the Lord’s workers. Then, for some time, he assisted in financial matters, and was happy in doing the work. Eventually he became treasurer, and one of the conveners of these meetings. He was always present, and he was a man who had a kindly smile and word for all who came.
The service of our departed friend was unique in that it was practically all done behind the scenes. Some forms of service are more attractive, because of the prominence secured when serving.
On a Monday, he was speaking at a Women's Meeting. The following day, 16th January, 1934, he complained of not feeling too well, and in the evening, he was "absent from the body” and "at home with the Lord.'' He was spared a long and painful illness. He was in the midst of many activities until the very last. Straight from serving the Lord, into the presence of his Lord.
There is room and need for more men of the type of William Taylor, who on the one hand, maintain a heart for the spread of the Gospel, and on the other, have a care for the spiritual welfare of the Lord’s people, especially the lambs of the Flock. J. S.
“The Believer’s Pathway” 1934. John Gray, Ed.