HURSE, John Henry Stewart, Rev, B.A., Prof (1917-1951)
Assembly memorial minute, 1952
Stewart Hurse was born, a son of the Manse, at Tatura on the 22nd of November, 1917. He spent two years at Ballarat College - 1926 to 1927. When his father, the Rev. J.L. Horse, was called to St. Andrew’s, Launceston, Stewart entered Scotch College, Launceston, where he later passed the Intermediate Examination. He was then apprenticed to cabinet-making, which he completed in 1939. That same year he completed the Leaving Examination and, in 1940, First Year Arts at the Hobart University. He enlisted in the A.I.F. in 1941 and was promoted to W.0. II. in the 2/15th Light Field Ambulance, and in 1943 was transferred to the R.A.A.F. in 1943 and served as a wireless operator.
Upon his release in 1945, he resumed studies at the Hobart University for one year, after which in 1946 he entered the Theological Hall at Ormond College. Here he completed an Arts Degree by correspondence. In December of 1946 he married Miss Lois Clayton.
He served as Home Missionary in Tasmania - Glenorchy, 1925; McLeod and Montmorency, 1947 to 1948. Completing Exit, he was ordained to the Christian ministry in the Union Memorial Church, North Melbourne, on 16th November, 1948.
He was appointed as a Foreign Missionary and sailed for Ambrym, New Hebrides, in May 1949, but was invalided home that same year, in September.
He was appointed by the Home Mission Committee to supply the vacant charge of Carngham. Here for one year he laboured magnificently in great spiritual service.
Mr. Hurse consecrated fine gifts of scholarship and character to the work of the ministry and was one of the most promising of our younger men. During three years in Army and R.A.A.F., he performed grand Christian work, his witness being recognised by commanding officers. On several occasions Hr. Hurse was called from the ranks to conduct Divine Service, in the absence of a padre.
Mr. Hurse possessed deep rooted faith, that harmonised a seriousness of nature with a Joyous love of life. He took life in all its demands seriously, because of his clear sense of call. He was an arresting preacher because of a consciousness of the Holy Spirit’s control upon him. His sincerity was self-evident and respected among brethren of business, military and Church contacts. His ability as a lecturer was utilised during his military experience when he was called to lecture to members of the A.M.C., V.A.D. and V.D.C. He was a leader of men, with a decided love for children.
After one year of highly spiritual work at Carngham, Mr. Hurse passed away, at the age of 34, on Thursday, 19th July, 1951.
To Mrs. Hurse and her young daughter, also the Rev. J.L. and Mrs. Hurse, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male