HOWIE, Robert John, Right Rev, B.A.
Assembly memorial minute, 1950
The Right Rev. Robert John Howie, B.A. —Robert Howie was born on the south coast of New South Wales, at Mt. Keira, on 3rd January 1892. When Robert was yet very young the family removed to West Wallsend, Newcastle. Mr. Howie, Sen., a devoted elder of the Church, implanted a firm love for the Church into the hearts of his boys. Another gracious influence guiding this young life was that of a school master, who, Robert Howie would say, was determined that the boy should not grow up to work in coal mines. The wishes of Robert Howie early turned to law. It was, however, his testimony that very early he had “found a Master” and considered himself to be “under orders. ” Thus the call of Christ was not left unanswered. The road was never easy, but with that deep conviction of having been called he set himself towards the future in faith and determination.
Some years before the First World War he entered St. Andrew’s College, University of Sydney, and had entered a theological course when war broke out. He volunteered and served as a Welfare Officer with the First Squadron of the Royal Australian Flying Corps in Palestine. Upon his return he completed the theological course and was ordained and inducted in Corowa, N.S.W. in 1919. He was transferred to Orange in 1921, and to St. Andrew’s Church, Wellington, New Zealand, in 1926. For seven years, as minister of this important Church, he made a great contribution to the Church of New Zealand and to the life of the city. He was renowned for his broadcasts, which were eagerly awaited. His work in Bible Class camps always left a deep impression.
On 1st May, 1934, he was inducted into the pastoral charge of Malvern, Victoria. Ability as a preacher, wisdom as a pastor, his gracious friendliness and devotion to his task, won him a sure place in the hearts of the people. During the Second World War he entered deeply into the sorrows and sufferings of his parishioners, bringing the strong comfort of the Gospel of Christ. This close attention to his people took heavy toll on his strength.
He was zealous in his duties to the wider scope of the Church’s work. His membership upon several of the Assembly’s important committees revealed an enthusiasm to have things well done and in order. He was thorough and painstaking in preparation for committee work, as was especially marked during the seven years,1940 to 1947, when he was convener of the committee for Theological Education. It was affirmed that “this committee had never worked so harmoniously and to such effect as under his leadership. ” The Assembly paid tribute to his ability and graciousness by calling him to the Moderatorship. With courage he entered upon his moderatorial year and presided over its sessions with a quiet dignity, his flashes of humour relieving many a tense situation and easing the way of business.
Mr. Howie was a man among men, without any lowering of standards or forgetting he was first and foremost a minister of God. He ever sought the ways of peace, often with a mirth that surrendered no convictions, and yet left no springs of bitterness. His strenuous preparation for the preaching of the Gospel led to minds being informed, hearts warmed and wills made resolute and strong. His presentation of the message was simple and natural. Many felt the nearness of God when he prayed. He closed the meetings of Assembly to visit the congregations. It was while planning to open a new kindergarten at Tottenham and make his first Presbyterial visitation that he suffered a heart attack, and “suddenly stepped through the curtain of mystery—in a blaze of glory and honour. ”
He died at his home in Malvern at midnight on 13th June, 1949.
While the Church mourns the passing of a wise counsellor and a humble leader, the Assembly extends sincere sympathy to Mrs. Howie, her daughters, and son-in-law, the Rev. W. Morgan of Trafalgar.