PATTERSON, William Henry Hicks, Rev (1885-1938)
Assembly memorial minute, 1938
The Rev. William Henry Hicks Patterson was born at Kyabram on April 5th, 1886, and was called home, after a severe illness, at Cobram on September 15th, 1938.
He received his youthful training in the Daylesford district, where his father was schoolmaster. After engaging in business for some years, he heard the call of the Church, and entered upon the Home Mission course of training. He completed his theological education at Ormond College. He was sent as an exit student to Tongala, where he was ordained as the first minister of the charge in 1921.
After three years of successful work he received the call to Cobram, where he was inducted on December 4th, 1924. A fourteen years’ ministry ensued, during which he was instrumental in reducing the heavy debt on the charge, and kept the work in a very healthy condition during the severe depression. He was a powerful preacher and a capable organizer, and through all the long years retained the affections and respect of the congregations.
As a Presbyter, by his constant attendance at the Church Courts, and his faithful, unselfish devotion to the work of the Goulburn Valley Presbytery especially, he gained the esteem of all his brethren. One of the last services he rendered to the Church revealed his conspicuous organizing ability, for as Convener of the Centenary Committee, he organized and carried through to remarkable success the celebrations connected with the Centenary of the Church. He was Moderator of the Presbytery on at least three occasions, and upheld the office with befitting dignity and honour.
We commend his dear ones to the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.
Gender
- Male