WALKER, James, Rev, M.A. B.D. (1873-1949)
Assembly memorial minute, 1949
James Walker was born in Glasgow on the 29th April, 1873. He attended Hutchinson’s Grammar School, Glasgow, on a scholarship; then for two years the Teachers’ Training College. Throughout his years of study he maintained high places in examination lists, at one time being first in Scotland. From the Church of Scotland Training School, Glasgow, he obtained the M.A. degree in 1896. He became Bachelor of Divinity in Glasgow, in 1901. He was appointed missionary student at St. James Place, Edinburgh when the Rev. J. Dunbar was minister and the Rev. J.B. Galloway assistant—and succeeded Mr. Galloway to that office when Mr. Galloway left for Charters Towers, Queensland. He was ordained in England and inducted into the parish of Houghton le-Spring, Durham, in 1902. The following year he married Miss Elizabeth Blair who continued to be his great help and inspiration, in devoted service and spiritual accomplishments.
Three years later he came to Australia, to be received by the Home Mission Committee of Queensland and settled at Charters Towers in 1906. He was translated to Ithaca in 1909, to Rockhampton in 1912, and to St. Paul’s, Brisbane in 1919. Here, he rendered valuable service to the Queensland Church in varying roles, such as moderator of that Assembly, conductor of an Assembly Junior Choir, convener of the Home Mission Committee. Perhaps he attained one of his greatest joys in being appointed lecturer at Emmanuel College, in Greek and Introduction to the New Testament. By spiritual instruction and Christian example he ever strove to impress the students with the sacredness of the Christian ministry. For a time he was clerk of the Queensland Assembly. In 1922, he became convener of the general committee for the A.I.M. and remained throughout his ministry as member of this committee.
He was greatly missed by the Queensland Church when he came to Victoria in 1928 to be settled at Williamstown—his only charge in this State—where he laboured successfully as a most talented servant for fifteen years. From 1930 to 1933 he was convener of the Children’s Aid Society, and of the Stipends Board from 1933 to 1939. He resigned Williamstown in 1943 and became minister emeritus within the Presbytery of Melbourne West.
Mr. Walker was a beloved minister, his strong accent—the roll of his r’s—made him specially acceptable to Scottish folk. Care and precision in speech were symbols of the character and work of a man who was thorough, with care and diligence in each pastorate to which he was called. He was ever zealous for the ideal of the dignity and supremacy of Christ’s Church. Members of Assembly and Presbytery will remember his genial and gracious personality. His counsel was always sane. He was held in high esteem and affectionate regard throughout the Queensland and Victorian Churches. Ever a trusted pastor and a brother beloved, he was kindly and sympathetic, stimulating faith in God and leading to closer communion with Christ the Saviour. He was widely known for his learning and culture, an able teacher and evangelical preacher. In pastorates of England, Queensland and Victoria he preached the Gospel of his Lord for 41 years.
He died on Wednesday the 16th March, 1949.
To the loved ones in their sorrow, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male