McCONNAN, Alexander Candlish, Rev. (1856-1930)
Assembly memorial minute 1930
Mr. McConnan was born in London on 21st January, 1856. He studied for the ministry in Glasgow University and Glasgow Free Church College, completing his course at Ormond College. He came to Australia in 1880.
His first appointment was to Mia Mia, where he served as missionary and later as ordained minister. In 1884 he accepted a call to Benalla. Here he remained until his re- tiral from the active ministry in 1926. He continued to make his home at Benalla, and there he died on 14th February.
Mr. McConnan was a minister of whom our Church was justly proud. Quiet and courteous in manner and retiring in disposition, he was rarely heard in Assembly. His own Presbytery knew him as an efficient clerk and wise counsellor. He shrank from publicity and from the honours which his Church would gladly have conferred upon him. But all the more was he able to give himself to the work which was dearest to him—the care of his parish and the intellectual, moral and spiritual interests of the community among whom so large a period of his life was spent. He was an arresting preacher and a minister of rare spiritual power. He loved the beauties of the sanctuary, in the forms and in all the surroundings of worship. Revered and loved by his people in all the relationships of life, especially was he valued in the hour of sorrow.
He was a man of fine endowments. These were crowned by a personality of culture and winsomeness. His was a friendship esteemed and sought after.
Equally loved and honoured was he by the general community, whom he was ever ready to serve. His name will be held in lasting honour by all who knew him.
In Mr. McConnan we have an example of a ministry of 46 years in one place, and growing in effectiveness to the end.
Our deepest sympathy is given to his daughter and sons.
Gender
- Male