WATERS, William Herrmann, Rev, B.A. (1883-1955)
Assembly memorial minute 1955
Born at Belfast, Ireland, on 14th January, 1883.
Received Bachelor of Arts degree at the Royal University, Ireland.
Ordained in Newington Church, Belfast, for overseas work.
Served in the following parishes:-
Killarney, Queensland, from 1908 to 1914; Toowong, Brisbane, from 1914 to 1922;
Maryborough, Queensland, from 1923 to 1929; Essendon, Victoria, from 1929 to 1943;
St. David’s, Geelong, from 1943 to 1946.
Resigned from active ministry on 31st December, 1946.Elected Moderator of the Queensland Assembly from 1926 to 1927.Served as Chaplain to the Royal Australian Air Force in the second World War from 1941 to 1944. Convener of the Presbyterian Board of Religious Education from 1936 to 1948.Died on Thursday, 28th April, 1955.
Mr. Waters made a great contribution to the Church of Australia in the work for religious education. For sixteen years he was a member of the Presbyterian Boari of Religious Education and its convener for twelve years. He was also a member of the joint Board of Graded Lessons for nineteen years during three of which he was chairman. In these spheres his value was manifested in "his mature Christian faith, strong and attractive gaiety of personality, patient search for truth and unswerving loyalty thereto, cordial co-operation with all branches of the Christian church, genial and open-minded tolerance, wise and balanced leadership, and literary skill in preparation of devotional studies."
As a pastor, he won the love and confidence of his parishioners and inspired a spirit of unity within the congregation. He was a brotherly man and made folk to be at home with him. He brought to the pulpit the result of thoughtful research and diligent study by which to lead the listeners into the presence of God. The Word of God was presented in a definite and picturesque manner.
During Mr. Waters’ final pastorate at St. David’s, Geelong, his health began to fail but, with typical courage and faith, he endured throughout a long illness.
To Mrs. Waters, her daughter and three sons - three elders of the Church in Australia - the Assembly tender sincere sympathy.