LEWIS, William George, Rev (Archibald Jamieson) (1891-1948)
Assembly memorial minute, 1949
Will Lewis was born on the 16th March, 1891, at Waterloo, five miles from Beaufort. His father died while he was yet young, calling him to leave school early and join his elder brother in supporting the home. The brothers were bush workers, doing much work for the railways as sleeper cutters. As a lad Will Lewis was very interested in Sunday school work, being first teacher and then Superintendent at Waterloo. The Rev. A. J. Stewart, then at Beaufort, urged him to attend the Manse one afternoon each week, where he was coached in English, Greek, Shorter Catechism and Scripture. In 1914 he was recommended by the Ballarat Presbytery as a candidate for the ministry. Entering the Home Mission service, he was appointed to Rosedale, Landsborough, Invermay (Tas.), and Ringwood. He entered the Theological Hall in 1918.
Upon exit in 1920, he was appointed to Beulah, where he was ordained and inducted on the 2nd November, 1921. After three years he was translated to Nhill, thence to Orbost on the 18th March, 1928; to East Brunswick on the 15th July, 1930, and finally to Bacchus Marsh on the 30th April, 1940.
In the military camp at Darley Mr. Lewis saw great opportunity of Christian witness. Contacts among the troops were established in fellowship both at the Church and in the Manse gatherings. His two elder sons served in the R. A. A. F. In the wider life of the community, Mr. Lewis was a Probation Officer at the Children’s Court both in Melbourne and Bacchus Marsh. He was member of the School Committee, Dad’s Association, Masonic Lodge, Golf Club, Boy Scouts and among the foundation members of the Progress Association.
He was a wise and kindly counsellor in all kinds of trouble, a faithful Presbyter, though not prominent on debate. He served for years on the Foreign Mission Committee and also on the Sustentation Fund Committee. He was a wide reader, disciplining his mind to keep abreast with the thought of his day. He attained a quiet inner poise and control of soul— the testimony of a surrendered life. The background of his earlier days fitted him with a gift of appreciation of his fellows, so that throughout a chequered career he became rich in friendships. Diligent in parish work, he struggled to know the meaning for life, so that he might be more fitted to apply the Gospel of His Master. His study was diligent, his preaching thought-provoking. He was truly a workman who had no need to be ashamed.
At the age of 57, it seemed as if Mr. Lewis had many years of service before him. However, he was suddenly stricken while attending the Royal Melbourne Show, and died the next day in hospital, on the 28th September, 1948.
To Mrs. Lewis and her family the Assembly tenders sincerest sympathy.
Gender
- Male