Wood , Nathan Rillstone

1907-1979. Wood began theological training in 1927 (the second year of the Baptist College’s existence). While training he often went down to the Auckland waterfront to preach the gospel to wharfies. He subsequently had pastorates at Linwood 1931-34; Petone 1934-36; Colombo Street 1936-41; Point Chevalier 1942-46; Wanganui 1946-49; Hastings 1949-58; and Lower Hutt 1959-67. He was part of the inner circle of the denomination, serving on the Union Council 1940-1969, the Union Executive 1943-1969, and on the boards or committees of church extension, public questions and the College. He had wide-ranging Christian interests and held a pacifist viewpoint. Wood’s pacifism caused a clash with J.K. Archer who was a member of his Colombo Street congregation when World War Two broke out. That difficulty was probably the cause of Wood’s moving to another pastorate in 1941. Wood had a sharp mind and was a vigorous and persuasive debater at Baptist Assemblies. He was editor of NZ Baptist 1948-1966 and President of the Baptist Union, 1957-1958. Refs: S.L. Edgar, Nathan R. Wood (Shapers of Baptist Life pamphlet series); NZB article July 2002; obituary: NZB August 1979.