TAIT, George, Rev., M.A. (1844-1934)
Assembly memorial minute 1935
Mr. Tait was born at Parramatta, N.S.W., in 1844. He was educated at Scotch College, Melbourne, and Melbourne University. His course was a distinguished one, concluding with the degree of Master of Arts. He took his theology at the New College, Edinburgh. His first charge was Donald.
Two years later, in 1872, he was called to South Yarra. On the foundation of the Presbyterian Ladies’ College in 1875 he became its first principal. In 1879 he was called to Warrnambool.
In 1889 he accepted the position of Home Mission Superintendent. He returned to the charge of South Yarra in 1891. Here he remained until he retired from the active ministry in 1914.
He was Moderator of the Victorian Assembly in 1900. His association with the Clerkship of the Victorian Assembly began as Assistant to Dr. Nish, on whose death he became Senior Clerk, continuing to hold this position until he retired in 1933. In the Australian Assembly he was first Junior, and later Senior Clerk, continuing in the latter office until 1933. He died on December 22, 1934, at the age of 90. Amongst the many offices he filled was that of Love Lecturer.
From the commencement of his ministry it was evident that Mr. Tait would fill a commanding place in the Church, and the number and variety of the offices he held show how fully this promise was fulfilled. In the various congregations to which he was called he proved himself a devoted and successful minister. Faithfulness and efficiency were the notes of all his work. His preaching was characterized by thoroughness of preparation, clearness of presentation, richness of content, warmth and persuasiveness. His was the Gospel of Glad Tidings for sinful men through a crucified, risen, and exalted Saviour. Beauty and Spirituality marked his prayers in the sanctuary.
But forceful and effective as was his ordinary ministry, it was in a wider sphere that his chief work for the Church was done.
Mr. Tait had the judicial mind. His knowledge of the principles and the history of the Presbyterian Church was unique, and this knowledge was ever at the service of all. As Clerk of Assemblies he was always ready with his guidance, and his deliverances were ever opportune and adequate. But he never, amidst his legal studies and pronouncements, lessened his evangelical fervour. His interest in the realization of the Kingdom continued with unabated fervour to the end.
He held a high conception of the Church and its mission as the Body of Christ and the channel of His grace. It was this which was the inspiration of his life-long interest in the question of the union of the Churches. He did notable service in helping to bring to pass the corporate union of the Presbyterian State Churches, consummated in 1901. He was unwearied in labouring for the union of the Presbyterian, the Methodist, and the Congregational Churches.
Strongly as he held to his convictions, he ever remained friendly to all. “In things essential, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity. ” So may we express the spirit of the man. To the end his mind remained alert and open. There was no trace of the hardening process which age so often brings. A prince, and a great man, is fallen in Israel. His portrait, subscribed for throughout the Church, and hanging in our Assembly Hall will be a reminder of the man and his work.
His relatives will find consolation in the thought of a life so full of service for the Church.
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