John Harris (college head)

His publication in 1837 of a book supporting the claims of seamen to the regard of the Christian world, won a prize from the British and Foreign Sailor’s Society.

Similarly, his essay on Christian missionary work, published in 1842, won a prize; indeed it was very substantial amount – some two hundred guineas.

Next year he married Mary Anne Wrangham and was awarded a Diploma of Doctor of Divinity from Brown University in the USA.

Of his educational approach and style, it has been said that ‘’he sought to infuse a more genial and humane spirit into the dry dogmas of theology, and to urge Christians to reduce their belief to practice’’ (Smith, Sidney, ed.

Today John Harris' tall grey polished granite memorial stone stands in Dr Watt’s Walk (the main central path to the south), Abney Park Cemetery, Hackney, London.