BENNETT, William, Rev (1865-1949)
Assembly memorial minute, 1950
William Bennett was born in Shropshire, England, on 11th May, 1865. He was nourished in the fellowship of the Primitive Methodist Church, and as a young man served in that ministry before coming to Victoria in 1890. Five years later, he was accepted by the Home Mission Committee, and for fourteen years—1895 to 1909—he laboured on Home Mission stations at Omeo, Mirboo North, Lindenow, and Heywood. Towards the end of these years he attended Home Mission classes at Ormond College. In 1896, he married Miss Turnbull of Clunes. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett worked in happy co-operation until Mrs. Bennett died in 1946.
He was persuaded in 1909 to seek entrance to the Theological Hall. This was granted and at the age of 45 years he proceeded to a Theological course, with the exceptions of Hebrew and Greek. He started at the Theological Hall in 1911 and completed exit in 1913. On 16th July, 1914, he was ordained and inducted in Heathcote, four years later translated to St. John’s, Bendigo, and in 1925 to Inverleigh. He had been labouring faithfully in this parish for fourteen years when in 1939 the Assembly called him to the work of Chaplain to the Austin Hospital and other institutions, including Heidelberg House, Mont Park, Bundoora, Janefield, McLeod Sanatorium, and Cresswell Sanatorium. This appointment entailed extensive visiting duties during the week and preaching three Sundays of each month. In 1940 he was associated with the Presbytery of Melbourne North and in 1942 became minister emeritus.
To all his duties Mr. Bennett gave conscientious attention and loving devotion. He was singularly fitted for the work of chaplaincy. Over ten years, his zeal built a parish of admirers and friends in hospitals and homes of the sick and the afflicted. His sincere faith and happy nature brought inspiration and comfort to many, while at the same time winning for him their love and esteem.
After a brief illness, he slipped quietly away, at his home in Heidelberg —84 years of age. To Miss Bennett and her brother the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male