MATTHEW, Henry Charles, Rev , M.A., Prof (1869-1953)
Assembly memorial minute, 1954
Henry Charles Matthew was born in the City of Aberdeen in 1871. In that city he was reared, and graduated from its University Master of Arts. After being licensed to preach the Gospel he came to Australia and was ordained and inducted at Leongatha on 29th April, 1901. He resigned the charge of Leongatha and went to Western Australia, where he was inducted into the charge of Claremont, in 1903. This charge he resigned in 1906, returned to Victoria, and was inducted into Barrabool in 1907. He was translated to Stawell in 1910, and to Flemington in 1920, which he resigned in 1925 to succeed the Rev. F.H.L. Paton as Foreign Mission Secretary. He retired in 1939 and became minister emeritus in the Presbytery of Melbourne North.
Mr. Matthew was essentially missionary minded. This zeal was expressed by the exercise of outstanding gifts in the life and work of his Church. Upon coming to the Presbytery of Melbourne West he Joined the Foreign Mission Committee in 1921 and succeeded the Rev. David Ross as convener, becoming foreign mission secretary two years later. From 1921 for some years he was convener of the Victorian Committee for candidates to the ministry, and was also for many years on the "Messenger" Committee. From 1909 to 1922 he was an examiner for the General Assembly of Australia, convener of the Board of Missions from 1933 to 1939 and secretary from 1939 to 1945, and then one of the Vice-Presidents of the Board until the time of his death. Mr. Matthew possessed decided ability as a writer and gave to the Church several excellent works of missionary interest. He was a Christian statesman and handled missionary problems as an inspiring leader, both in committee and in Assembly. For fourteen years he was prominent in the task of world evangelisation, bringing to this work vision, energy and zeal. His wisdom was enriched by visits to many mission fields. In 1928 he represented the Australian Church at the Jerusalem Missionary Conference, and during his official work visited Korea and the New Hebrides, as well as touring the British Isles.
Mr. Matthew was a staunch Churchman and a faithful Presbyter. He possessed a rare gift for administration, but an even greater gift for making friendships. The missionary interest of many young men and young women was stimulated and their missionary vocation determined by his personal friendship. The leisure that was his due was readily sacrificed and he gave himself unsparingly in the service of Christ’s cause.
He died at his home on Thursday, 2nd April, 1953, after 52 years of ordained ministry.
To his widow the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male