YULE, Alexander, Rev (1830-1907)
Assembly memorial minute 1907
The Assembly desires to place in its permanent records its sense of sorrow and loss at the death of its esteemed father, the Rev Alexander Yule, M.A., of College Church, Parkville.
Born in 1830 in Aberdeenshire, he inherited the mental strength, alertness and thoroughness of the men of the North, and in the schools of his native county these qualities were touched and adorned by a love of learning which grew with his growth, and ripened with his years even to the end. At the University of Aberdeen he distinguished himself, especially in Mathematics and Philosophy, and took his degree in 1850. Early won to Christ, he consecrated his abilities to the work of the Holy Ministry, and at Aberdeen, and subsequently at New College, Edinburgh, he completed his training for that high calling.
Licensed in 1854 by the F.C. of Scotland, he became in due time the colleague-minister of Cargill, in Perthshire, and in 1867 removed to begin a new church and parish in an unchurched part of the City of Aberdeen, and thus became first minister of Rutherford Church, whose communion roll of 500 was a living proof of the value of his labours and the influence of his walk and conversation.
Called to Australia and settled in 1870 as minister of Erskine Church, Carlton, he faced the difficulties of the situation and laboured unceasingly and with much acceptance till 1892, when the College Church, Parkville, was established by members of Erskine congregation resident in that suburb.
In this congenial sphere he found ample scope for all his fine mental powers and spiritual gifts, not only among his own people but for the ever-changing students of our Theological Hall, and the other University men resident in the district. To them his pastoral care, his personal regard and unfailing hospitality were freely extended, and were helpful and uplifting to many a strong young life. In every department of our Church’s work his sympathies were fully enlisted, his counsels were eagerly sought, and his best services cordially rendered.
In our Assembly and its Committees, as well as in his Presbytery and its meetings, he was a leader, a lover of all good men, a helper of all good causes, anxious for peace but not at the cost of principle.
Thus when times of stress and trial fell upon our Church he was a strong defender of the old historic evangelical faith and did much to maintain fidelity to our standards. Loving and loyal, gracious and generous, pure and true, our Church is the poorer for his loss but richer for the record he has left of a devoted life lived in Christ’s immediate presence for the glory of his Lord and the progress of His cause.
The Assembly sympathizes with his bereaved Congregation, and to Mrs. Yule, and her honoured sons sends its message of comfort, commending them to the tender compassion of our loving Saviour, who afflicts none willingly, and whose word to our departed brother assuredly is ‘Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.’
Gender
- Male