WELLING, George Thomas, Rev (1871-1963)
Assembly memorial minute 1963
The Rev. George Thomas Welling, who died on June 23rd, 1963, was a minister who was noted for his love of fellowship with his brethren. He delighted to converse with them both on serious theological topics and ordinary current events whenever opportunity offered. Even until the closing days of his life, he retained his interest in his fellows, and his varied experience as minister, editor of ’’The Messenger” and chaplain to gaols was such as to render him a most interesting raconteur.
Born in 1871, he became a Home Missionary in 1905, and after three years' service he entered the Theological Hall. For his exit year in 1912 he was sent to Dimboola, and so commended himself to the congregation that he was ordained and inducted. Two years later he was called to Abbotsford.
In 1922 the General Assembly appointed a commission to select an editor for "The Messenger". George Welling was one of a large number of applicants for the position, and was selected. He held this post for 17 years. He was Convener of the Chaplaincy Committee for 19 years, and was also Presbyterian chaplain to the gaols. This was a task which would have daunted many men, but George Welling had the qualities of mind and heart which rendered him well fitted for such a responsibility. During recent years he had been living in retirement.
He is survived by Mrs. Welling, one son and one daughter, to whom the Assembly extend their sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male