William C. Irvine (missionary)

William C. Irvine (born 1898, died 1980) was a Presbyterian missionary who served in Japan for over four decades, primarily with the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS), later Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (PCUSA). He was known for his dedication to rural evangelism and church planting, focusing on establishing self-supporting, indigenous Japanese congregations.

Irvine graduated from Davidson College and Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. He arrived in Japan in the early 1920s and initially worked in the Kochi prefecture on Shikoku Island. He faced numerous challenges, including cultural and linguistic barriers, and the social and economic difficulties of rural communities. Despite these obstacles, he diligently travelled throughout the countryside, preaching, teaching, and building relationships with local people.

A significant part of Irvine’s ministry involved training Japanese pastors and church leaders, equipping them to lead their congregations and spread the Gospel within their own cultural context. He believed strongly in empowering local believers and fostering a sense of ownership within the Japanese church.

During World War II, Irvine was forced to return to the United States. However, he returned to Japan after the war and resumed his missionary work, continuing his efforts in rural evangelism and theological education. He played a key role in post-war reconstruction and the rebuilding of Christian communities.

Irvine remained committed to his work in Japan until his retirement in the 1960s. He left a lasting legacy of dedicated service and significant contributions to the growth of the Presbyterian Church in Japan. His papers are archived in several Presbyterian historical collections.