Watts Wilkinson

The Life And Work Of Watts Wilkinson

John E. Hazelton, Hold Fast:

Watts Wilkinson (1755-1840) in the earlier period of his spiritual life knew much of John Newton, whose advice and counsel, during several long vacations which he spent with him at Olney, were of great value in directing and moulding his mind. He commenced his ministry at St. Ann’s, Blackfriars; for thirty-seven years he was “Golden Lecturer” at St. Bartholomew’s, by the Royal Exchange, where on Tuesday mornings crowds of worshippers assembled, often including Joseph Irons, the Earl of Roden and other eminent servants of God. His last sermon was delivered at St. Mary Aldermary, in September, 1840. The day alone will declare the honour God put upon his faithful and loving declaration of discriminating and vital truth in the heart of the City of London. In his last hours he said, “How delightful to look back upon all the way the Lord has led me these twice forty years in the wilderness.” And, again, “When I recollect how many thousands in the course of my long ministry I have had to speak to, I am quite overwhelmed! I trust I have led them right; and now I desire to depart and be with Christ.”

Watts Wilkinson (1755-1840) was a High-Calvinist Anglican preacher. He is best known as the “Golden Lecturer” at St. Bartholomew's, by the Royal Exchange, where, on Tuesday mornings, crowds would gather including a number of notable men such as Joseph Irons and the Earl of Roden.