DYKES, William, Rev (1888-1945)
Assembly memorial minute, 1945
William Dykes was born in Castleford, England, on November 26th, 1888. He came to Australia before the First World War, and began Home Missionary work at Nyah. On the outbreak of war (1914), he volunteered for the Army Medical Corps, but, impatient at delay, he enlisted as a private in the A.I.F. Engaged in the perilous work of scouting on the dark nights for information, he was wounded and spent six months in hospital in England. Returning to Australia, he resumed his missionary work at once, and in August, 1919, was appointed to Glamorgan. Other stations were Meeniyan (1921), Chilwell and Belmont (1923). He completed the Home Mission course in 1923, and in the three following years did the theological course at Ormond College Theological Hall. He was appointed to Lindenow as an Exit Student in 1926, and on March 8th, 1927, was ordained and inducted at Lindenow. He was translated to Nhill in 1928, to Naracoorte (1936)—where he acted as Clerk of the Presbytery of Penola—and to Winchelsea on November 24th, 1941. He died in the Colac Hospital on January 29th, 1945.
He is thus described by a brother Presbyter: “The first thought springing to the mind in recalling associations with William Dykes is that of a ‘brother beloved.' Brotherliness was his ideal and attitude towards his fellow-Presbyters and congregations. As Clerk of the Presbytery he laboured assiduously to attend in detail to the various duties involved, and took pride in the efficient discharge of his work. As a loyal Presbyter he thoroughly appreciated Presbytery meetings, ever ready to oppose any proposal which he thought unwise, irrespective of its sponsor. But he found greatest pleasure in brotherly intercourse with members, and informal friendly debate. While ready to discuss questions of Church doctrine, government, and life, the matters which touched him most deeply were those of actual conduct, righteousness, helpfulness, and brotherly-kindness. William Dykes was essentially honest, just, and kind. He hated sham and insincerity in any form, and despised anything unmanly. He was essentially a man’s man. Above all, he was a lover of Christ and his fellow-men, ever ready and willing to speak a kindly word and do a kindly deed. ”
To his widow and son the Assembly tenders its sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male