COOPER, William Hurst, Rev., B.D. (1862-1928)
Assembly memorial minute 1928
The Rev. William Hurst Cooper was born in Melbourne in 1862. His childhood’s home was on a station in New South Wales, where he had little black children for playmates. Subsequently his family took up their residence in Collingwood and became connected with St. Andrew’s Church, Carlton — a connection still maintained.
When a lad William Cooper became a decided follower of Christ, and having passed through the Sunday School, became a teacher, superintendent, and assistant to the Rev. D.S. McEachran. With the Christian ministry in view, he took the Arts Course at Melbourne University, and subsequently gained the B.D. degree of St. Andrew’s University.
He held successive pastorates at Tylden, Beechworth, and West Hawthorn. After he had been six months at West Hawthorn he was united in marriage with Miss Porrit, of Beechworth.
During his pastorate at West Hawthorn the spacious church of today was built. He became Convener of the Preachers’ Branch of the Home Mission Committee, and in 1915 was called to the position of State Moderator. Having been accepted as a volunteer by the A.I.M. Board in 1918, he resigned West Hawthorn for the difficult post of Carnarvon in West Australia.
On his return to Victoria he was called to Korumburra and the charge became consolidated. In 1926 he was translated to Bulla, where he speedily won the support of the congregation. An insidious disease that baffled his medical advisers had him in its grip, and after three months’ illness he entered on higher service on 21st April.
Mr. Cooper faithfully discharged the duties of his several relationships. He was an exemplary minister, husband, father and friend, and had by his Christian qualities endeared himself to a large circle.
The Assembly recognises the excellent services rendered by its former member to the Church of Christ, and commends his bereaved family circle to the care of our loving Heavenly Father.
Gender
- Male