TAIT, William, Rev, M.A. (1871-1948)
Assembly memorial minute, 1949
William Tait was born in the Ballarat district, at Mt. Prospect, on the 14th October, 1871. From school he entered the National Bank. At the age of 27 he went into residence at Ormond College and obtained a Master of Arts degree in 1900. Years 1901 to 1903 were spent in the Theological Hall. He was an exit student at Nathalia, where he was ordained and inducted on the 23rd November, 1904.
Portland extended him a call in 1910. During 18 years in this parish he gave great service to the Assembly and several of its committees. As convener of the former Widows’ Fund, and co-convener of the Infirm Ministers’ Fund, he brought to bear his early banking experience upon the problem of amalgamating the two funds in the present Beneficiary Fund, of which committee he was convener from 1914 to 1922. For 13 years, from 1903, he was an examiner for the G.A.A. In 1926 he was called to the Moderator’s chair of the State Assembly. Resigning Portland, he went abroad in 1928.
On his return he accepted a call to Murchison, where he was inducted on the 29th May, 1929. His first wife died during the early years of this pastorate. At Murchison he gave himself to local affairs. He was instrumental in the local P.G.F. attaining a great strength. He continued to be the first chairman of the Murchison Bush Nursing Hospital, which remains a monument to his perseverence and financial acumen. As chairman of the State School committee he exercised outstanding wisdom and friendliness. He was an active and enthusiastic member of the Bowling Club.
Above all William Tait’s greatest testimony was his parish work. His life was given in untiring devotion to the high calling of preaching of the Gospel of Christ, while his leadership was ever kindly and wise. His humanity attracted his fellow men, especially those upon whom trouble had fallen. Even in years of retirement, in spite of failing health, he gladly responded to calls for pulpit and parish work. He resigned on the 30th April, 1938, and became in that year minister emeritus within the Presbytery of Seymour.
The last days were full of weariness and pain, but he had that characteristic grace and fortitude to the end.
He passed away peacefully at his home in Murchison on the evening of Wednesday, 1st December, 1948.
To his daughter and Mrs. Tait, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male