CHAPMAN, David, Rev, B.A. B.D. (1876-1947)
Assembly memorial minute, 1948
David Chapman was born in the Manse at Portland, on the 18th of May, 1876. His father, licensed by the U. P. Church in Scotland, had come to Victoria four years previously, and passed away 16 months after David was born. His mother, however, lived to see her son ordained.
His years at the Theological Hall were 1907 to 1909. In November of his exit year, 1909, he was ordained, and inducted into the Bulla Charge. Thence in 1912, he was translated to Millicent, where he entered upon a most valuable service of 35 years within the Church of South Australia, of which he became one of its stalwarts. After ten years at Millicent he accepted a call to Goodwood, and was inducted on the 11th May, 1922. Mr. Chapman was twice appointed Moderator of the State Assembly, once during his pastorate at Goodwood—1926, and again while at Hawthorn, for the centenary year of the State Church—1937. His pastorate at Hawthorn was from 1927 to 1941, when he was settled at Mt. Pleasant and South Rhine Charge, where he completed his tasks here on earth.
Mr. Chapman was a consecrated servant, constantly giving of his best in the work of his Lord. While in his last Charge, for a period, he carried the responsibilities of the entire Presbytery of Onkaparinga, being the only minister among its four sanctioned Charges. At various times he sat upon 38 committees, councils and organizations, of eight of which he was convener, one of these being Home Missions. He continued for 20 years to be chairman of the State’s A.I.M., and was responsible for the initiation of A.I.M. Sunday, and that mission’s 21st birthday celebrations. His interest herein carried him to Alice Springs, with the result that he conceived the idea of the Seaside Camp for Inland Children. Further, he fostered the Kidman Rodeo, which netted £1, 039 towards A.I.M. funds.
He urged the appointment of a layman as State Moderator. This was accomplished in 1935. Appointed Hospital Chaplain in 1930, he continued therein eleven years. During years as honorary chaplain to Scotch College he won the perpetual respect of parents and pupils. Since 1935, he had been Seal Holder of the S. A. Assembly; a member of the Presbyterian Girls’ College Council; Examiner in Senior and Advanced Senior Divisions of the Welfare of Youth. Also from 1935, he was Convener of the Assembly’s Business Committee.
Throughout such a full and busy life he was sustained by a great sense of humour, and in the courage of his convictions he ever became the doughty champion of any cause he believed to be right. His capacity for labour bore the characteristics of vision and initiative, woven and moulded into practical expressions.
He was a staunch friend, urged by a delight to help the lame over the stiles of life. He was ever most welcome among the youth of his congregations, wherein he was never thought of as growing old.
His call came on Sunday, the 19th October, 1947, as he bade goodnight to members of his evening congregation. He is survived by his son James and his second wife, to both of whom the Assembly tenders the deepest sympathy.
Gender
- Male