McGOWAN, Samuel Henry, Rev (1872-1955)
Assembly memorial minute 1955
Born at Ballarat East, Victoria, on 8th April, 1872.
Ordained and inducted at Merino, Victoria, on 4th October, 1900.
Charges: Merino, from 1900 to 1905. Korumburra, from 1905 to 1909; Birregurra, from 1909 to 1912; Daylesford, from 1912 to 1923.
Died on Sunday, 5th June, 1955.
Mr. McGowan was a humble and charmingly eccentric minister who worked with great endurance and evangelical zeal. He was deeply devoted to his Lord and Saviour, for whom he witnessed in many kindly deeds. He possessed the remarkable ability of being able to heal muscular and rheumatic complaints. Frequently, he would spend hours in the homes of miners and other folk bringing back health into their limbs by massage. In order to keep faith with his parishioners, he often ate his meals in the saddle, while riding from one place of worship to another.
His interest was philosophical science, and he always strove to probe deeply into his subject. In this quest, he was an ardent astronomer. His knowledge ranged through the works of philosophers and scientists, as well as theologians. He was a prodigious reader, and stayed up throughout entire nights reading, thinking and writing.
He resigned from his charge at Daylesford and lived in retirement for 32 years. Those who knew "Paddy McGowan” thank God for that privilege.
To Mrs. McGowan the Assembly tender sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male