BROWN, Thomas, Rev , M.A. (1858-1949)
Assembly memorial minute, 1949
Thomas Brown was born in Glasgow, in 1858. Having obtained the Master of Arts degree at that University, he was licensed by the Church of Scotland in 1895. That same year he left for Australia to become assistant to Dr. Marshall of Scots Church. Upon being received by the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, he was called to Woodford, where he was ordained and inducted in 1899. He was translated to the pastoral charge of St. George’s, Collingwood, in 1905.
From 1905 to 1906 he was convener of the Rescue Committee, and from 1908 to 1910 of the Hospitality Committee. For eighteen years he convened the Committee of the Girls’ Home—1911 to 1929. His third and last charge was Williamstown where he maintained a vigorous and successful ministry for twelve years from 1916. The Victorian Assembly of 1926 appointed him as Moderator. Upon retirement in 1928 he became minister emeritus within the Presbytery of Melbourne West.
From 1928, he was convener of the Memorial Minutes Committee. To the spoken word he added the written word as a means of the evangel of his Lord, being thus a frequent contributor to the “Messenger. ” He was an extensive reader and revealed an eager and clear mind, ever striving after the knowledge as it is in Jesus Christ. He was an orator, occupying the pulpit with dignity, and declaring the message of the Crucified with piety and scholarship.
With a personality, gifted and gracious, Thomas Brown was a beloved pastor and retained friendships that had been created while in active parish service. The years at Williamstown are remembered as those of an able and consecrated servant of God. During his time there he saw this parish at its zenith of numbers, leadership and finance.
Having enjoyed 21 years of retirement, he died on Tuesday, 5th April, 1949, in his 91st year.
To his daughter and three sons, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male