Father Ian Weathrall, who has died of cancer aged 91, was an outstanding example of an Anglican missionary, much loved and admired by the small community of Britons living permanently in Delhi and by the Indian Christian community. With today's emphasis on religious pluralism, missionaries are out of fashion, but Ian's life demonstrates the contribution they make when they are integrated in the country in which they work.
He was born in Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire, into a family with Scottish origins; his father was an Indian army officer during the first world war who later settled in London as an accountant. Ian went to the City of London school and, after second world war service in the Indian army, teaching jungle warfare, studied theology at King's College London. He was ordained and served as a curate in Southampton, but his heart remained in India. So in 1951 he joined a community of celibate priests, now known as the Delhi Brotherhood Society, and spent the rest of his life in Delhi. He was the last British brother.
Although small, the Brotherhood made remarkable contributions to Delhi, including founding one of the most prestigious colleges in Delhi University, St Stephen's, and a large hospital. Ian was still a member of the governing bodies of both institutions. He also headed the Brotherhood Society's social work among deprived women, children and leprosy patients.
Ian was prominent in the church which he was always careful to respect as an Indian church. Although steeped in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, he readily accepted the different liturgy, practices and titles that came when the Anglican Church in North India united with other churches, including the Methodists and Baptists. He helped to devise the services at which the union was formalised in 1970. Until he was confined to hospital, Ian remained an active presbyter of Delhi's cathedral.
Although he gave his life to India, Ian bridged two cultures. He remained proud of his Scottish ancestry and treasured his annual visits to the island of Iona. He was great company, a man of God who still enjoyed a good party, and was above all a wise and caring pastor. Although he set himself the highest standards, he was kind, generous and understanding with anyone who went to him in trouble or doubt.
He is survived by two cousins.