STEELE, William Huey, Rev , M.A. (1867-1950)
Assembly memorial minute, 1951
Huey Steele was born at Portarlington in 1867. His secondary education was gained at Scotch College, where the Mathematics teacher noted his marked aptitude for that subject. The teacher’s interest followed the young student to the University, when Huey Steele was resident at Trinity College. It happened that his former teacher at Scotch had been appointed as lecturer at Trinity College. Under this friendship and special tutition, Huey Steele completed a brilliant course in Arts, winning the Exhibition Prize for his year. In 1891 he was awarded a British Empire Research Scholarship in Science, and in 1898 appointed lecturer at the Ballarat School of Mines. One evening, while preparing for a lecture, he heard the call of God to the work of the Holy Ministry. That same night the decision was made and a letter despatched to Melbourne. He was engaged to be married to Miss M. McGowan. Together they decided to postpone marriage until his theological studies were completed.
He attended the Theological Hall at Ormond College during the years 1898 to 1900, and as an exit student was appointed to Tallangatta, where in 1901 he was ordained and inducted. In 1906 he was translated to Cranbourne, and to Traralgon in 1908.
He went to Western Australia in 1914, and was inducted into the pastoral charge of Cottesloe, during which pastorate, in 1916, he became Moderator of the Western Australian Assembly. During his stay in this State he was convener of the Home Mission Committee.
In 1924 he returned to Victoria and was inducted into the pastoral charge of Coleraine. A second time he was called to be Moderator of a State Assembly, this time of the Victorian Assembly, in 1935, an office he adorned with dignity and efficiency, and with benefit to the Church at large. From 1914 to 1923 he was Clerk of the Presbytery of Fremantle. He was Clerk of the Presbytery of Hamilton from 1932 to 1937. In 1937, because of ill-health, he resigned Coleraine.
In Victoria for many years he was convener of the Standing Orders Committee, and also of the Widows’ Fund Committee. He was of great service to the Church as a member of the committee revising the Code, being noted for a knowledge of the Rules of the Church. He was meticulous in his care of duties committed to him, keen in criticism and wise of counsel. A few months before his decease he completed editing the new Code Book of the General Assembly of Australia.
Mr. Steele was an historian in great demand by many committees, among which was the Memorial Minutes Committee, of which he was a member for many years. In 1912 he was examiner for the General Assembly of Australia. He was also convener of the Beneficiary Fund Committee of General Assembly of Australia.
Mr. Steele was ever a scholar, and kept abreast of modern developments. Particularly he was a Bible student, continuing to read the Scriptures in Greek and Hebrew. His early training in mathematics and science enabled him to develop an analytical aptitude in research, with a keen sense of the essential. He regarded knowledge as a most essential instrument towards an appreciation of the wonder and wisdom, the power and mercy, of his Lord and Saviour. As a preacher he enlightened the minds of his hearers, warmed their hearts and strengthened their wills. He was a diligent and cheerful member of the congregation at Balwyn. Among his fellow elders of the Session he exercised a brotherly fellowship and Christian counsel. During 13 years of retirement, he gave most valuable service in pulpit supply.
He was a man of unobtrusive piety, absolute sincerity, of deep humility and whole-hearted devotion to his Lord. His friends knew him as a Christian gentleman. Two months before his death, he was overtaken by a severe heart seizure while engaged in his favourite work. The end came suddenly at his home in Balwyn, on the morning of Monday, 19th June, 1950, while sitting by the fire. He was 83 years of age, having served his Lord throughout 49 years of ordination.
To Mrs. Steele and her son, Dr. David Steele, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male