John Knox Robb was an American missionary with the RPCNA in China.
Born in Ohio, USA in 1868, his name shows the religious leanings of his parents.
He graduated from Geneva College, entered the RPCNA Theological Seminary, and finished the seminary course in 1898. He was ordained to the gospel ministry in November 1900.
That same year, he was married to Maude Lawson, a nurse.
In 1902, with their infant son Neal, they went to the RPCNA China mission in company with Dr. and Mrs. James M. Wright, also newly appointed.
Rev Robb was an experienced carpenter and when he arrived on the field there was need of new buildings - a second missionary residence, a school, a hospital, a chapel. His language study was frequently interrupted, and he initially focused on construction vocabulary to communicate with workers. Eventually, he became fluent in the language taught at the Training School.
He moderated the session at Tak Hing, and conducted the regular church services there for years. Не also made long trips to country stations in evangelistic work. He was treasurer of the mission for many years, a job which required many trips up and down the West River to transport money.
Like other RPCNA missionaries, he owned a holiday villa on the island of Cheung Chau House #23, and it appears in a Mission photograph of 1911.
In 1916 Rev Robb was made moderator of the RPCNA Synod while on furlough and thereafter Geneva College bestowed on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. He left his family in America during the autumn of 1916 and returned alone to his work in China.
In 1919, he left the mission field and later worked as Home Mission Secretary for Pittsburgh Presbytery. He was pastor at Princeton, Indiana and Hetherton, Michigan between 1922 and 1946.
Known for his musical talent, Dr Robb served on Psalter Revision Committees in 1929 and 1950; eight of his original tunes and four arrangements were added to the RPCNA Psalter.
Dr John Knox Robb died at Baroda, Michigan, in 1960.
Source: Reformed Presbyterian Mission in South China.
Reformed Presbyterian Church North America - 40 Years in our China Mission
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