BOOTH, Joseph Obadiah Cowper, Rev, B.A. (1875-1948)
Dates
Assembly memorial minute, 1948
Joseph Booth was born on the 12th of August, 1875, at Emerald Hill, Victoria. Since his parents died when he was very young, he, together with a brother and sister, were left to care for themselves. Mr. Booth was for many years in a softgoods business, and came under notice of the Church in the Hamilton Presbytery, as a retired business man, 54 years of age. As a member of Presbytery he was much interested in retreats, and the work of the Church, being popular among elders and ministers. Once he startled several of the Presbytery members by announcing that he wished to become a minister. The Home Mission programme and requirements of qualifications and study were placed before him, but did not deter him, for, as he said, he loved reading and would rather be reading such text-books.
The Home Mission Committee appointed him to Merino in 1928, where he did his Home Mission course. He then attempted Greek, under tuition by the Rev. Huey Steele, in preparation for the Theological Hall, but this subject proved too much. The G.A. of Australia thereupon granted him exemption from languages. He entered the Hall at the age of 58, in 1934, and completed a good course in 1936. He served, during the years in Ormond, at Pakenham and Yarra Glen, and was beloved wherever he went.
He was appointed as an exit student to Murray Bridge, S.A., in January of 1937, and ordained and inducted there on the 21st of the following May. On the 1st of November, 1940, he was translated to Nathalia, by Home Mission appointment, since that Charge was in deep distress, reduced almost to Home Mission standard. Mr. Booth proved the wisdom of the committee’s choice, for under his care and leadership the Charge never looked back and was in three years reinstated as a full Charge.
During his seven years at Nathalia, Mr. Booth declined other calls, preferring to labour among the people who had responded so well to his efforts, that the Lord’s cause might be established in their midst. His long business training and organizing abilities were manifested in the manner in which he quickly and soundly established the finances of each charge, at the same time being eager to promote a greater interest in the work of the various departments of the Church. He was truly a man of God; one who had that natural ability to come close to his fellow-men, with the result that his pastoral work was outstanding. He made contacts in the far-flung places and gave much time and thought to the teaching of children in State Schools. He was a very loyal Presbyter, taking his full share of committee work. He was Convener of the Presbytery’s Temperance Committee.
Mr. Booth died suddenly on the 11th of February, 1948.
To Mrs. Booth, and his family, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male