His interest in missionary work was sparked by a visit to Belfast by Dwight L. Moody and Ira D. Sankey in 1874.

[1] He attended the Harley Missionary Training College in London, then under the leadership of Henry Grattan Guinness; and travelled to Nigeria to commence a work amongst the Ibeno people in 1887.

[1] Bill was seen as a practical missionary, learning the Efik language, working with the Annang people, planting crops and running a trading station.

First, many historians of the Irish evangelical missionary movement note that he was one of the most influential men of his time, inspiring many in Ireland to overseas Christian service.

[1] Bill married Grace and they had two children, a daughter and a son named John Alexander Paterson Bill;[1] his son had planned to join his father’s missionary work, but was killed on 16 August 1917 during the Battle of Langemarck.