SOUTAR, David Alexander, Rev. (1852-1923)
Assembly memorial minute 1923
The Rev. David Alexander Souter was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in the year 1852. He was the son of a schoolmaster, and received his early education at the Perth Academy. Arriving in Victoria, he was a teacher for a short time at our own Scotch College.
Passing through our Theological Hall, he was called to Allansford, and while there he married Miss Geddes, of Mortlake, an ideal minister’s wife, who was greatly beloved by all sections of the community. In 1882 Mr. Souter accepted a call to Penola, and there entered upon his real life’s work—a ministry in the one charge of 37 years.
He was the first Clerk of the Penola Presbytery, and a tower of help and strength to his fellow-presbyters through all the years. While he was by no means wanting in pulpit g' his old charge will cherish his memory mainly for his invaluable pastoral work. He possessed some medical knowledge and training, and in a district where doctors were few and overworked, his coming relieved innumerable anxieties, and, it is not too much to say, saved many a life.
His Sabbath duties entailed long and trying journeys. He felt constrained, through failing health, to resign in March, 1919. It was hoped that rest and change would reinvigorate his waning powers, and that he might be able to serve his Master and his Church in some less exacting sphere. But with the closing of the year he beheld his warfare ended, and entered into “the rest that remaineth for the people of God.”
The Assembly desires to convey its sincere sympathy to the widow and family.
Gender
- Male