SPALDING, John James, Rev , B.A. (1857-1943)
Assembly memorial minute, 1944
John James Spalding was born in Geelong, on the 8th day of November, 1857, his early life being spent in Warrnambool, where his father was in business. Desiring the work of the Holy Ministry, he completed an excellent course in Arts at the Melbourne University and entered the Theological Hall in 1876. That he might gain further knowledge in preaching and pastoral work he took a recess from Hall studies, in order to conduct services at Dromana and Sandringham—then known as Gipsy Village. In 1881 he attended the Hall lectures for a fourth year, then was licenced in 1882. As colleague to the Rev. James Hastie he was ordained and inducted in August of 1884, at Buninyong. In 1886 he was called to Warracknabeal, then a large parish of 2500 square miles. Three years later he was settled at Oakleigh, whence in 1893 he went North to commence at Ararat on May the 23rd, a remarkable pastorate of 40 years, being from 1923 to 1925 clerk of the Wimmera Presbytery.
He gave himself unsparingly to constant demands made by his own church folk as well as by the public, and was soon recognized as a leader of those movements that had the best interests of the community as their ideals. Full of zeal and outspoken when wrongs needed to be righted, as well as quick to help and bring good cheer, he achieved an unique place among all his townsmen. He accepted responsibility for a wide area of home mission stations, with the result that during his pastorate 57 students passed under his jurisdiction. In addition to these others of various denominations came to be known as “Spalding’s Boys, ” in whom he inspired an affection that may have been mingled with awe. They acknowledged his ability to train and assist in studies, sermon preparation and the multiplicity of the Church’s duties. During the Assembly of 1932, 30 of his “boys” presented Mr. Spalding with a poem composed by the Rev. R. Ambrose Roberts. One verse of this eulogy is typical of the esteem in which Mr. Spalding was held—
Holding high the torch of Truth
With its glow undwindling,
See that band of eager youth
From his torch—theirs kindling.
Mr. Spalding possessed an ability to bring to the surface trustworthy and hidden talents in others, thus by faithful dealing and a keen understanding he was instrumental in pointing many on the road to the ministry. One text was among his favourites—“They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and ever. ” He sought to follow his Master in thoughtfulness of children and became popular with the young. He was respected for a charm and humour that were hallowed by a deep love of his Lord. He strove to deliver his Gospel under the power of God, so that he often said, on returning to the vestry—“That wasn’t what I meant to speak about. ” Upon his retirement after 40 years the Assembly marked his remarkable ministry by a special resolution, an honour that probably no other man of his generation enjoyed. From the time of his retiring until his decease he was minister emeritus.
He was an ardent temperance worker, finding time to take his stand on its platform. For 30 years he was a member of the Ararat Hospital committee. He gave himself in a most energetic manner to patriotic causes.
His wife was Miss Margaret Moore, eldest daughter of the Rev. A. M. Moore of the “Reformed” Church in Geelong, but for 30 years Mr. Spalding has lived a widower. On leaving Ararat he and his daughter Kathleen found a home with his sister, Miss Spalding of South Camberwell. But here after a short while he sustained a severe shock in the untimely death of his daughter, whose name had for so long been linked with his in the life and work of the Ararat congregation.
J.J. Spalding was a man of steadfast faith, knowing the Lord Who had called him to labour and therefore was convinced beyond doubt that he would be kept and nurtured until that work was finished, as another of his favourite scriptural quotations testifies—“As thy days, so also shall thy strength be. ” He was ever a scholar who laid the fruits of his learning at the feet of his Master. He was one of those rare souls whose records are inscribed in the lives of those he served.
The Rev. John James Spalding had suffered frail health for a year at least and passed away, after a brief illness, at his home in South Camberwell, on the 3rd day of December, 1943, after entering upon his 60th year as a minister of the Church. To his three surviving sons, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male