HARRIS, William John, Rev (1876-1944)
Assembly memorial minute, 1945
William John Harris was born at Truro, Cornwall, on September 28th, 1876. His father having died, his mother brought him out to Sydney in 1885, and later to Melbourne. While still in his ’teens he showed an aptitude and love for preaching, and was encouraged to prepare himself for the Presbyterian Ministry.
He did Home Mission work at Cobden and Drouin. In 1899 he married Miss Maddren of Rochester, who proved an invaluable helpmate. He did the Theological course at Ormond College, 1902-1904, and acted as Home Mission Agent at Sandringham during his course. He was appointed to Sandringham as an Exit Student in 1904, and had so won the affection of the people that he was called by them as their minister. His ordination and induction took place on February 23rd, 1905. From his Bible Class at Sandringham came the Rev. J. C. Jones, Dr. Keith Chambers, and Dr. Roy Chambers. As missionary and minister his connection with Sandringham lasted over 12 years.
He was translated to Chalmers Church, Launceston, in 1913, to Thornbury in 1925 (December 28th), to Footscray in 1930 (July 30th). In all these places he did excellent work: and the new School Hall at Footscray was built in his ministry. His health now began to fail, and he accepted a call to South Yarra (May 20th, 1936), but was forced by sickness to resign next year (August 31st, 1937). As he was able, he did supply work in various Charges such as Camperdown, Goodwood, Flinders Church and Chalmers Church, Adelaide, but especially at Ascot Vale West, where he took charge during the absence of the Rev. F. Spencer, on Chaplaincy work. But his health finally gave way and he died in Coburg on November 13th, 1944.
Assembly work claimed much of his time and energy. In 1929 he was Convener of the Welfare of Youth Committee, and in 1936-1937 Convener of the Selection Committee. He was a valued member of the Public Questions Committee, and also represented our Church on the Council of Churches. He was Presbytery Clerk of Launceston in 1923, of the Tasmanian Assembly in 1925, and of the Presbytery of Melbourne North in 1930.
Mr. Harris was a faithful soldier of Jesus Christ. He ever preached not himself, but Christ and Him crucified; and he preached as one who dwelt in the secret place of the Most High. No one could help liking Mr. Harris, so modest and unassuming was he. And, as we might expect from such a man, his ministry was a comforting, helpful ministry. He knew well the difficulties confronting his folk, and they knew well the reality and depth of his sympathy. Perhaps this was especially true of the wartime ministry which he carried on at Ascot Vale West Church, when the need of such comfort and sympathy was so great. His kindly gracious personality will be greatly missed by us all.
He has left a widow, a son (Mr. A. Harris, an elder in the Coburg Congregation), and four foster-daughters: to them all, the Assembly tenders its sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male