HOUSTON, Alexander Somerville, Rev (1845-1909)
Assembly memorial minute 1910
The Rev. Alexander Somerville Houston was a man greatly beloved and honoured both in the public and private relationships of his useful life. His brief ministry in Scotland, after his ordination in the Free Church there, was blessed by God with marked prosperity and power. During the twenty-seven years he laboured in his only charge in Australia— at Moorabool—a like blessing attended his work; and he became dear to his people equally as a faithful preacher of the Gospel, a diligent pastor, and a trusted friend.
In the Presbytery of Geelong he held a leading place for many years, and, in various offices, helped its oversight of the churches with wise counsel and ever-ready help. His, too, was a respected voice in the deliberations of the General Assembly; and in its Committees his aptitude for affairs made him a welcome adviser.
As Convener of the Sustentation Fund Committee for a considerable period, he laid the Church under a deep debt of gratitude by his selfsacrificing and competent labours. It was with much satisfaction that the announcement was received that Mr. Houston had been chosen to be Moderator of the General Assembly in the year 1908-9. and it was with corresponding pain the news came that he was stricken with the lingering illness of which he ultimately died, and would not be able to bear the burden of the honour which the esteem of his brethren had led them to propose in recognition of his services.
The Assembly offers its profound sympathy to his widow, to his three sons, all of whom are ordained and settled Ministers of the Church, and to the other members of his sorrowing family; and places on record its thankfulness to Almighty God for this and all other saintly lives in the ministry of the Word with which He has graciously pleased to bless and enrich his Church.
Gender
- Male