WELCH, Edward James, Rev (1856-1948)
Assembly memorial minute, 1949
James Welch was born at Stepney, London, on the 14th October, 1856. He was employed at Woolwich, as a mechanical engineer. He trained for the Baptist ministry at Spurgeon’s College and served that ministry in London. Upon his marriage in 1886, he came out to Brisbane, where he was secretary to the Y.M.C.A. He then came to Victoria to take charge of the Baptist Church in Bendigo, where his second son was born. Upon the Presbytery’s recommendation he was admitted to first year at the Theological Hall. During this course of studies he served as home missionary at Berwick, Violet Town and Euroa, and was licensed in 1897. That same year he was ordained and inducted into Ballan, first and only charge, for 29 years. From 1921 until 1944 he was clerk of the Ballarat Presbytery—23 years.
He enjoyed 22 years of retirement, but was ever graciously willing to take supply. His able assistance is remembered in many charges of long vacancies. In 1929 he received a seat in the Assembly as minister emeritus. For 18 months he had lived a widower. At the age of 92, he passed peacefully away on the 30th September, 1948.
To his only surviving son, Mr. L. N. Welch, of the Kirk Session at Balwyn, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male