MCDONALD, Neil, Rev (1887-1950)
Assembly memorial minute, 1950
Neil McDonald was born at Stawell on October 15th, 1887. His father was a farmer, from whom Neil inherited a love for the land. Under the supervision of the late Rev. Thomas Gray of Horsham, Mr. McDonald worked as home missionary in the Brimpaen station from 1911 to 1913. He was transferred to Woomelang as assistant to the Rev. A.J. Stewart, then at Beaufort. Here he completed a Home Mission course, to enter the Theological Hall in 1915. During this course he was appointed to Somerville and Maldon. During the former appointment he initiated the Presbyterian cause at Frankston by services held in the back room of a public hall. While at Maldon he married Miss Ada Rees.
In 1917 he completed Exit and was appointed to Boort, in which charge, at Durham Ox, he was ordained and inducted on 26th June, 1918. In 1921 he accepted a call to Maylands, Western Australia, whence after a six- years pastorate he was translated to North Perth. He returned to Victoria in 1933 and on November 6th was inducted in the charge of Warragul. In 1936 he was translated to Kyneton. During twelve years there he was clerk of the Macedon Presbytery, which office he adorned for twelve years in fidelity to its many duties. In 1949 he was called to Willaura, but spent only nine months in this, his final, charge.
Mr. McDonald was a keen flower and poultry fancier, winning awards in city and country shows, as well as being requested to judge poultry entries. He was held in high esteem by a large company who recognized him as a Christian gentleman of sterling qualities.
He was a zealous churchman, giving constant diligence to attendance at the courts of his Church. A faithful and efficient minister, he was respected and beloved in the parishes in which he laboured during 32 years of Christian ministry. He was a devoted husband, a loving and considerate father.
He passed away suddenly, at his manse in Willaura, on Wednesday, 1st March, 1950.
To Mrs. McDonald, her son and daughter, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male