McKENZIE, Samuel Lyons, Rev , B.A. (1878-1948)
Assembly memorial minute, 1948
Samuel McKenzie was born in Ireland, at Bangor, on the 9th of January, 1878. Bangor, by reason of its marine attractions was a most popular seaside resort for visitors from all parts. Its Church seized the opportunity to promulgate the Gospel among the crowds of its seafront. Here it was that Sam McKenzie early witnessed for his Master, in song as well as the spoken word. As a youth he acquired a natural and healthy manner, so characteristic of his future ministry. There also was that winsomeness loved by the kiddies of the beach missions at Bangor.
It was natural that such a soul should proceed to the Christian ministry. His Arts Degree was taken at the Royal University of Ireland, and Theology completed at Belfast. He was ordained in London, at College Park, in 1911, his first Charge being at the very heart of the Empire, at Ealing. He was, three years later, inducted into Sheffield, at the hub of Britain’s industrial life, during the First World War. Mr. McKenzie gave himself to the full use of such opportunities. As a chaplain he manifested a unique skill and knowledge of approach unto men. After the war he came to Australia and was inducted into Balmain, N. S. W., in 1920; then in 1924 into Murrumburrah. Towards the end of September in 1930 he was inducted into the Charge of St. George’s, East St. Kilda.
Mr. McKenzie believed that the Gospel, to be real, must have a definite impact upon society, that there must be more and better Christians along the walks of life. He therefore gave faithful service on the committee of the Girls’ Home, of which for eleven years he was convener—1932 to 1942. He appreciated the place of education and for many years sat upon the Board of Religious Education. A zeal for evangelism was ever alive within his heart, and for many years, as convener, sponsored the cause of the Evangelistic Committee. It was indeed a grief to him that this important activity of the Church witness was in danger of losing priority. His genial and gracious disposition made him a most popular convener of the Hospitality Committee—1943 to 1947.
Mr. McKenzie was one of the great contributions from the Irish Church, for which gift the Australian Church is so very much richer. About the coasts of Belfast Lough were trained and nourished gifts that matured in our Southern atmosphere; a saintliness within the life of a gentleman of God; a simplicity and sincerity of purpose rooted securely in faith and fervour.
Upon being settled in N.S.W., Mr. McKenzie was joined from Ireland by his bride, herself a daughter of Manse. He professed that he became increasingly conscious of what he owed to her wisdom and energy. He was ever fully aware of how much he depended upon Mrs. McKenzie.
His spirit was very choice, a gentle and gracious personality, finding expression as an eloquent and effective preacher, and being loved as a faithful and painstaking pastor. He was accepted among his fellows as one who was really gifted to give counsel.
In St. Andrew’s Hospital he suffered, throughout a long illness of weakness and pain, with Christian fortitude and cheerfulness, until on Thursday of the 15th January, 1948, he was called to rest and reward. Thus may it truly be said “the lad who loved the sea, the boats and the fishing became and continued to be a ‘fisher of men. ’ ”
The Assembly offers sincere sympathy to Mrs. McKenzie and her dear ones.
Gender
- Male