John Ritchie

Early Life

John Ritchie was born on 10 September 1853 in the village of Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He grew up amid the sturdy moral and spiritual traditions of the north-east, a region often described as having “granite” not only in its landscape but also in its people—a quality that marked Ritchie’s character throughout life.

From boyhood, he enjoyed the privilege of godly influences. A faithful Free Church minister, George Garrioch, frequently visited his home and spoke to him earnestly about the necessity of the new birth. Another profound influence was Dr. Robert M’Killiam, a young medical practitioner who combined care for the body with deep concern for the soul. As a Sunday School teacher, Dr. M’Killiam impressed young John with his earnest handling of Scripture—an influence remembered with gratitude decades later.

Spiritual Awakening and Conversion

The great Scottish Revival of 1859–1860 left a lasting mark on the spiritual atmosphere of the nation. Although John was still young at the time, the revival raised up a generation of lay evangelists whose preaching later stirred his heart.

In 1871, while John was working in Inverurie, evangelistic meetings were held by Donald Munro and others. These meetings were marked by fierce opposition and even threats of violence, yet the Spirit of God worked powerfully. In a single week, over twenty young people confessed faith in Christ.

On 2 April 1871, John Ritchie was among them. He never hesitated to identify this date as his spiritual birthday. His conversion was decisive and enduring, bringing him into the settled assurance of eternal life.

Discovering New Testament Christianity

After the evangelists departed, the young converts found little nourishment for their new life in the established church system. They began meeting together for prayer and Bible study, searching the Scriptures for guidance. Through this study, they became convinced that the pattern of Christian life and worship found in Acts and the Epistles was God’s intention for the Church.

Hearing that believers in Old Rayne were meeting to remember the Lord according to Scripture, John and others walked there one Lord’s Day morning. For the first time, he witnessed the Lord’s Supper observed in its original simplicity. Deeply convinced, he and his companions soon obeyed the Lord in baptism and began meeting regularly to show forth His death.

Early Ministry and Evangelistic Work

It soon became clear that John Ritchie possessed the gift of an evangelist. He began modestly, speaking in kitchens, barns, and workshops converted into meeting places. As his confidence grew, so did the power and reach of his ministry.

His deep love for Scripture, remarkable memory, forceful delivery, and fearless zeal marked him out as a man raised up by God for wider service. Eventually, the demands of gospel work made it impossible for him to continue in secular employment, and with the blessing of his brethren, he devoted himself entirely to the Lord’s work.

Marriage and Family Life

In June 1877, John married Miss Liveston of Forfar, whom he found to be a devoted and steadfast partner in ministry for over 46 years. They began married life in Dalmellington, Ayrshire, where John was shepherding more than sixty young believers who had come to faith through recent revival work.

In 1879, they moved to Kilmarnock, where another great work of God had taken place. This town became the principal base for John Ritchie’s preaching, writing, and publishing activities for many years.

The death of his wife in March 1924 was a deep personal loss from which he never fully recovered.

Writing, Editing, and Publishing Ministry

While in Kilmarnock, John Ritchie’s literary gift began to flourish. From his modest home emerged publications that would bless believers around the world.

He founded The Young Watchman, followed by:

• The Sunday School Workers’ Magazine

• Our Little One’s Treasury

• The Believer’s Magazine, which he edited for 37 years

In the early days, he acted as editor, clerk, packer, and distributor, turning part of his home into a dispatch room. Over time, these publications gained wide circulation and lasting influence.

John Ritchie became one of the most prolific Christian writers of his generation. More than 200 books and booklets, along with hundreds of tracts, flowed from his pen. His writings were marked by:

• simplicity of language

• strong adherence to Scripture

• warmth of spiritual tone

• special suitability for young believers

Books such as From Egypt to Canaan, Foundation Truths, The Tabernacle, and the famous “Five Hundred” series became staples in Christian homes and assemblies, many going through multiple editions and translations.

Conference Work and Leadership

Alongside his writing, John Ritchie remained a powerful preacher and teacher. In his earlier years, gospel preaching was his chief strength. His messages were direct, vivid, illustrated with striking incidents, and often enlivened with gentle humour—always pressing truth home to the conscience.

He was also a gifted organizer, particularly among young men. For several summers, he arranged evangelistic campaigns across rural districts of Scotland and northern England, combining house-to-house visitation with open-air preaching. Future missionaries and evangelists—including Frederick Stanley Arnot—were among those shaped through this work.

In Kilmarnock, he became the trusted leader of the local assembly. His Sunday afternoon addresses and weeknight Bible readings were especially remembered for their clarity, warmth, and lasting spiritual impact.

Later Years and Home-Call

As advancing years brought physical limitation, John gradually reduced his travel and speaking commitments. Writing and editing became his primary labour. Long after others had retired for the night, he could still be found working by lamplight, committed to spreading truth through the printed page.

On 19 March 1930, quite unexpectedly, John Ritchie passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord. He was laid to rest beside his wife in Troon, awaiting the resurrection morning.

Legacy

John Ritchie is remembered as:

• a fearless evangelist

• a gifted teacher of Scripture

• a tireless editor and publisher

• a mentor to younger servants of Christ

Through preaching, publishing, and personal encouragement, he helped shape generations of believers. His influence continues wherever his books are read, his magazines treasured, and his example of wholehearted devotion remembered.

“For ever with the Lord—Amen, so let it be.”