GILLESPIE, William John, Rev. (1826-1914)
Assembly memorial minute 1914
“The Assembly places on record the death of the Rev. W.J. Gillespie, which took place at his residence, Hawthorn, on Friday 24th April. In his passing our Church loses one of its pioneer ministers. Born in Co. Antrim, Ireland, 12th July 1826, Mr. Gillespie was appointed to his first charge in 1854, which he resigned in 1867.
Arriving in Victoria in 1868, he was inducted to his first and only Australian charge, which comprised at that time Coleraine, Casterton and Merino. Being a man of strong physique, sterling character and kindly disposition, he was respected by all classes, and during the long period of 34 years he faithfully ministered to the spiritual needs of his widely extended parish. Casterton and Merino having been formed into separate charges, Mr. Gillespie became minister of Coleraine, in which district he discharged his duties until his retirement in 1902.
In the year 1890 Mr. Gillespie was elected Moderator of the General Assembly of Victoria, and performed the duties of that high office with credit. Since 1902 he with his family lived quietly in Melbourne, where, as an Elder in the parish of West Hawthorn, he was loved and highly esteemed for his works’ sake.
The Assembly expresses its sympathy with Mrs. Gillespie and the members of her family, and commend them to the care of our Heavenly Father, with whom do live the spirits of the just. ”
Gender
- Male