PORTER, A. J. , Rev (Archibald Jamieson) (1882-1973)
Presbytery of Melbourne East memorial minute, 1973
Presbytery places on record its appreciation of the Ministry of the Revd. A.J.Porter, Emeritus who died on 17th July, 1973. Archibald Jamieson Porter was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on 21st February 1882. He came to Australia with his parents and he spent his youth in Warrnambool.
After serving as a Home Missionary in Willaura, Dromana and Thornbury from 1907-10 he entered the Theological Hall in 1911 and completed his studies there in 1915- He was appointed, as Exit student to Tylden and was ordained to the office of the ministry of word and sacrament on 8th April 1914 and inducted into that Parish and charge. Thereafter he ministered in the charges of Birchip, and Cheltenham-Black Rock. This latter ministry extended over 17 years in which time the whole area grew rapidly and changed in character.
He was Clerk of the Presbytery of Melbourne South. After retiring from the charge of Cheltenham he was appointed the Victorian agent Organiser for the Budget and travelled extensively throughout the State in 1942-5.
He was one of a group of ministers who insisted that the social conscience of the Church should be stirred, heard and kept alive. He chose the way of a prophet and as a result was often misunderstood. Despite his strong convictions he was a gentle, friendly and humble man whose great love of the Master enabled him to serve without ever seeking the limelight. He preferred supply work in the country but was always willing to help out in any time of stress.
He was a faithful preacher of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ right up to the time of his entry into Hospital and Presbytery gives thanks to God for his brotherly kindness, his devotion to his calling and for the fruits of his work in many parts of our State.
Presbytery extends its sympathy to the members of his family and commends them to the love of God.
Gender
- Male