STEELE, John, Rev, M.A. (1839-1904)
Assembly memorial minute, 1904
The Commission of Assembly desires to record its deep sense of loss in the death of the Rev. John Steele, M.A. For fully the third of a century he served the Church faithfully and well, and passed to his rest full of years and work. He came to that work from the old land, fully equipped with a ripe scholarship, a deep and genuine piety, and some experience both in Scotland and England. Settled in Rokewood shortly after his arrival, he laboured with great success for upwards of ten years, forming lifelong friendships, which issued in a practical form more than once in large bequests to the Church.
While here he took his share in Church Extension work and organised the Congregation of the Terricks district. With the wider experience gained there he was translated to Kilmore, where he laboured to the end. Alike in its earlier and brighter days, when he welded the divisions consequent upon Union into a harmonious whole and led the Church forth on a vigorous life that resulted in the formation of two Charges from the one — as in its later and less prosperous ones, when he widened its borders yet once again, and was honoured to add to its financial efficiency by munificent bequests from two of its wealthier members, he fully proved his Ministry. The influence of his character and ministrations among his own people and those outside, in both districts where he laboured, are to-day the best testimony to his life and work.
A loyal son of the Church, and one who loved its polity, he was seldom absent from the Church Courts, and took a warm interest in all their business. His manly presence, no less than his manly speech, brightened by humour and native kindliness of heart, will be much missed in their deliberations and discussions. Called to the Moderator’s Chair a few years ago, the merited reward of his abundant labours, and specially of his conduct of the affairs of the Infirm Ministers’ Fund for a period of fifteen years through troubled waters to comparative calm, he filled it with dignity to himself and honour to the Church.
The Commission expresses its deepest sympathy with the bereaved widow and family, and commends them to the Divine Consoler.
Gender
- Male