McMEEKIN, William Herbert Duncan, Rev (1889-1948)
Assembly memorial minute, 1948
Herbert McMeekin was born on the 21st of September, 1889, at Warrnambool, where his father was a member of the large firm of McMeekin Brothers, merchants. Three generation of the McMeekin family played important roles in the history of the Portland district and Church, Mr. McMeekin’s grandfather and father both being elders, and his uncle, the Rev. S. McMeekin, the minister at Edenhope as his first and only Charge.
In 1903 Mr. W. McMeekin removed to Melbourne, where he made a home in East Malvern, to worship within the Malvern congregation. In 1908, the family was removed to Gippsland, to return after a few years to East Malvern. Bert McMeekin was the second son, and was educated at the Warrnambool College, under Messrs. Walter Murdoch and James Scott, both of whom again were his teachers at Scotch College, Melbourne. After college Mr. McMeekin went into business and farming, until in 1914, when he entered the Home Mission service. This preparation for the ministry was interrupted, in 1916, when he volunteered in the A.I.F., and for three years saw active service abroad as a driver in the artillery. Returning home, Mr. McMeekin was granted exemption from the Entrance Examination and entered the Theological Hall in 1919, completing exit year in 1921. He thereupon went to Omeo, by Home Mission appointment, and was ordained in January at Bairnsdale, and on 6th February, 1922, inducted into the Omeo charge. On 31st March, 1925, he was translated to Cobden; thence, on 22nd October of 1928, to Portland; thereafter to Lilydale on the 1st day of May, 1935; and finally, to Berwick on the 22nd August, 1945.
Mr. McMeekin married Miss Barbara Jean Dickson of Restdown, Rochester, whom he met while he was missionary at Bamawm and assistant to the Rochester minister, the Rev. J. F. Sims.
“A man’s worth may be measured by his friendships, ” and Mr. McMeekin had many. A quiet friendliness and calm demeanour made him most approachable. It was an inspiration to members of Assembly to mark the pleasant and natural comradeship by which the McMeekin brothers together expressed loyalty and devotion to their Church. Bert McMeekin was persistent and diligent in study, as was evidenced in his thoughtful preaching. Quiet and unassuming, he never sought notoriety. He nevertheless accomplished a most fruitful work among the youth of his congregations, as well as in teaching of the young. He was a gladly consecrated servant of his Lord, ever engaged in a practical expression of his Lord’s love. His was a courageous faith, and his influence, none knew how far-reaching.
His many friends are conscious of the real privilege of having known him, and of the rich heritage left among us. He truly was a workman who had no need to be ashamed.
Although it was known he was suffering from heart trouble, and his dear ones expected that he would soon resign from the active ministry, it was indeed a shock when he died suddenly on the 13th of February, 1948.
To his brother, the Rev. A. McMeekin, to the widow and her loved ones, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male