William Orme (minister)

William Orme (1794 – 1866) was a Scottish Congregational minister and biographer. He was a prominent figure in the London Missionary Society (LMS) and a significant contributor to religious literature of the 19th century.

Born in Tarbolton, Ayrshire, Orme was educated at the University of Glasgow. He initially trained in medicine but abandoned this pursuit for the ministry. He was ordained as a Congregational minister in 1816 and served as pastor of the Independent Chapel in Perth.

In 1827, Orme moved to London to become Foreign Secretary of the London Missionary Society. In this role, he was deeply involved in the Society's missionary activities worldwide, corresponding with missionaries in various locations and advocating for their work. He played a key role in shaping the LMS's policies and strategies.

Orme was a prolific writer. He authored several biographies, including those of John Owen and Richard Baxter, which were noted for their thorough research and insightful analyses. His biography of John Owen remains a significant work on the Puritan theologian. He also wrote on theological subjects and contributed articles to various religious periodicals.

Orme's commitment to evangelical theology and his work with the London Missionary Society positioned him as a leading figure within the Congregational denomination. His writings influenced a generation of ministers and contributed to the wider discourse on missions and theological thought. He retired from his role at the LMS in 1841 and continued to write and preach until his death in 1866.