DWYER, Herbert George, Rev, M.A. (1879-1948)
Assembly memorial minute, 1949
Rev. Herbert George Dwyer spent his early years in India, where he was born on the 3rd October, 1879. He graduated from the Madras University in Mechanical Engineering. In his early twenties he came to Australia and, at Sydney, completed three years of training for ministry in the Baptist Church, to which he was ordained on 27th October, 1909, being settled at the Baptist Church in Brunswick, Melbourne. Thereafter he served in Rainbow, Sale and Wangaratta.
In 1917 he enlisted in the A.I.F., and saw active service overseas with the Army Medical Corps, to be discharged in 1919. Then, for some time he was in ill health and went inland to recuperate. In 1922, he petitioned the General Assembly of Australia to be received as a Minister of the Presbyterian Church. His petition was granted, subject to completion of two years in the Theological Hall, without Hebrew, and the passing of an exit examination. This he accomplished, and at the end of 1924 was inducted into the pastoral charge of Mt. Barker, S.A. After some months he was transferred to Gawler, and in 1929 to Strathalbyn.
During this ministry he was appointed clerk of the Presbytery of Onkaparinga, which office he held until his translation to the Victorian charge of Macarthur in 1933. Thence he was called to Woodend early in 1939. Here he volunteered as a chaplain with the Military Forces, and served with the militia in the Broadmeadows Camp for three years. He resumed parish work, when he was called to Nagambie, and inducted on the 2nd August, 1945.
Herbert George Dwyer was of quiet and kindly disposition, serving his Lord and Church conscientiously, and by example striving to walk before his God in a perfect way. Years of ministry, especially in South Australia where he laboured in the strength of manhood, will be remembered with thanks to Almighty God. By many he will be remembered for his sheer humanity, and unfailing geniality and kindliness, by which he was readily received into the hearts and homes of his people. A friend and companion to young and old alike he naturally established lasting bonds between minister and congregation. To his Sessions and Boards he was ever guide, counsellor and friend. Children of his Sunday Schools sought him out and delighted in his fellowship.His preaching was decidedly evangelical and was sustained by an intense desire to persuade men to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
Under a strain of ill-health he was contemplating retirement, but a sudden heart attack brought his life to a close on the 20th July, 1948. To Mrs. Dwyer and her two daughters, the Assembly extends sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male