Dr William David Bathgate

OUR HERITAGE

Known by many as Hakim (‛The Wise’ in Arabic), Dr William Bathgate advocated for physical and spiritual healing. As Dr Scrimgeour’s successor, he managed the Nazareth Hospital for 35 years (1921-1956).

Dr Bathgate was born in 1884 in New Zealand and grew up on a farm established by his parents, who were originally from Scotland. He already showed great faith and a call to help others from a young age and opened a church in New Zealand so Scottish immigrants could worship.

However, it was not until he heard that four missionaries died in the Belgian Congo due to lack of medical assistance that he knew he wanted to be a missionary doctor.

Dr Bathgate was much more than just the manager of the Nazareth Hospital. He took the time to get to know his patients and engage with the community, near and far.

Everyone was welcome at his house: pilgrims, tourists, missionaries or those recovering from sickness. Following in Dr Scrimgeour’s footsteps, he would often jump on his horse and travel to villages and camps, delighting many with his bagpipes and funny remarks. Since his parents were Scottish, it’s not surprising he fell in love with the bagpipes!

Most importantly, Dr Bathgate laid the foundations of the current Pastoral Care Team at the hospital. To cope with many hardships, including epidemic outbreaks, World War II and his daughter’s death when she was only 21, Dr Bathgate sought comfort in prayer.

His faith played a crucial role in his work at the hospital, as he believed that spiritual healing was just as important as physical healing. You could often find him visiting patients in the wards, praying with them before surgeries. Staff would gather every morning to pray in the wards, kitchen, and staff quarters. Christians from all traditions would come together to share Bible study and prayer: this kaleidoscope of religions and cultures still enriches the hospital today.

Following in Dr Bathgate’s footsteps, our Pastoral Care Team continues to offer the same spiritual, emotional support and prayer today for staff, patients, and volunteers. Our chapel continues to welcome our staff, visitors and family members for prayer and worship.

The Pastoral Care Team played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic, visiting patients in the wards, comforting them at a challenging time. They also looked after our staff at the frontline.

One recovered COVID-19 patient was quoted saying: “I still remember what you told me that night, holding my hand: ‛Don’t be afraid or frustrated’. You strengthened me and comforted my fear, even though I didn’t know you. I’m so grateful for all that you did for me. Thank you for being there for me. You’re my ‛Angel of mercy’.”

Pastor Suheil Bathish is a member of the Pastoral Care Team and the hospital’s chaplain. He explains that there is no such word as ‛chaplain’ in the Arabic culture. So what does it mean to him? Caring for sick people and those who are hurt, praying for the body and the soul in a place of healing - the Nazareth Hospital. Many people are aware of the physical healing, but we also aim for spiritual healing as it is a Christian ministry hospital, which makes it unique.

What also makes the Nazareth Hospital unique is SERVE Nazareth, the largest international Christian volunteer programme in Israel outside Jerusalem. Through this programme, volunteers can serve in the hospital’s chaplaincy and work in the hospital wards.

Reflecting on the SERVE volunteering programme and the Pastoral Care Team, Pastor Suheil says: “Being a volunteer means that you give your time, knowledge and effort for the benefit of the community. Whoever has heard the call will be welcome here with this desire to learn, bless and be blessed at this special place in the world, the hometown of Jesus Christ.”

Going by Dr Bathgate’s prescription that no patient or staff member should ever be left without spiritual and emotional care, we are committed to growing our Pastoral Care ministry.