The Revd W. A. D. Whyte: 1927-2013
The Revd W. A. D. Whyte was born in Carluke, Lanarkshire on 17th October 1927.
In 1936, his father became Minister of the Baptist Church in Portobello, Edinburgh. In his early teens Bill (as he was known) professed faith in Christ, was baptised and became a member of the church.
He was called up to do his two years National Service from 1945 -1947 and in January 1949 entered Spurgeon’s College to train for ministry.
He married Alice Howarth in July 1951 and they had three children – David, Jean and Ian.
Bill was ordained in West Croydon Baptist Church on 2nd July 1952 – Dr Cawley, Principal of Spurgeon’s College conducted the service.
Bill served in the following churches:
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Didsbury, Manchester 1952 - 1954
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Fraserburgh 1954 -1962
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Mosspark, Glasgow 1962 -1964
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Bathgate 1964 -1968
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Ansdell Road North (Lytham) 1968 -1973
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Lerwick, Shetland 1973 -1979
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Alloa 1979 -1984
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Richmond, Liverpool 1984 -1988
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East Worthing 1988 -1992
On retirement Bill and Alice settled in Scotland.
As a preacher, his style was “expository” – always seeking to “expound the word”.
Nigel Wright followed Bill Whyte at Ansdell and in 1981, in an article for the then “Mainstream Newsletter” he commented about how Ansdell had changed under the ministry of W.A. D. Whyte from “A middle of the road Baptist Church, into one of strong evangelical emphasis and thrust”
In these later years, Bill’s health deteriorated and for about two years he was in care. He died peacefully in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, on Sunday Morning 24th February 2013.