A Baptist in the Nest: William Wade and the C.M.S. in New Zealand

Abstract

William and Sarah Wade were probably the first Baptists in
New Zealand. They were, however, members of the Anglican
C.M.S. mission. William Wade’s correspondece reveals the
tensions within the mission and his frustrations with the local
leadership, especially Henry Williams. Land purchases and
other ‘secular’ activities are criticised. These factors combined
with Wade’s history, his personality and his Nonconformist
piety to make his position with the C.M.S. ultimately
untenable.