ARMOUR, John, Rev (1889-1954)
Memorial minute 1954
John Armour, a son of the Manse, was born at Warragul, in 1889, and received his secondary education at Ballarat College. Thereafter he joined the Home Mission service, with a view to the ministry and, after several years of study at the University of Melbourne, entered the Theological Hall, Ormond College, in 1916, and completed Exit in 1918.
At the beginning of 1919, he took up an appointment to the Smith of Dunesk Mission, South Australia, (for which he was ordained in Melbourne in November, 1918), and served, as a most active padre, in the Australian Inland Mission until, in 1920, he was transferred to the charge of Lancefield, Victoria. He was called to St. Stephen’s Church, Toowoomba, Queensland, in 1924, to Canterbury, Victoria, in 1935, and to Albury, New South Wales, in 1947, from which pastorate he resigned in 1951. Returning to Victoria, he gave himself to supply work, and aided the minister of Deepdene during his moderatorial year. Latterly he was in charge of the growing Church Extension Congregation at North Balwyn.
Mr. Armour was widely known for his journalistic ability. He published several books. Among these, "The Story of Christianity" - highly praised by competent reviewers - was written to serve his keen interest in religious education. Novels, such as "The Spell of the Inland", were written from material gathered during his years in the Australian Inland Mission.
While at Canterbury he was convener of the "Messenger" committee, and, for some years, was part-time editor. Under his guidance the committee was able to strengthen the financial position of the "Messenger" and to help it through a period of difficulty.
Mr. Armour, who was greatly interested in the Ecumenical movement, was a faithful Presbyter, and by his genial and sincere disposition made many friends. He was an ardent ambassador of his Lord, commending the Gospel by a consistent and persuasive ministry and by the kindliness of his own nature.
He died on Saturday, 1st. May, 1954.
To Mrs. Armour, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male