PRICE, Jack Herne, Rev. (1907-1987)
Memorial minute Presbytery of Melb North 1987
Jack Herne Price died suddenly on Saturday afternoon, 7th March 1987. He had been playing bowls at the East Ivanhoe bowling club and collapsed after afternoon tea. He had been in remarkably good health until the time of his unexpected death.
A men of firm evangelical beliefs, Jack was greatly loved, and was widely respected not only in Presbyterian circles but in other Christian organizations in which he had served.
Jack's father had been a school teacher and during Jack's early life the family lived in country areas. However, they finally came to Melbourne and moved into Gillies Street, Fairfield, the street in which the Presbyterian Church was situated. Jack joined the Bible Class, played in the cricket team and later became a Sunday School teacher end church organist.
Entrance to the ministry came after Jack's involvement in a dynamic youth movement which originated from the Mornington Bible Classes Easter Camp. This led him into a new experience of Christ's call and enabling and waa followed by three absorbing years of study at the Ormond College Theological Hall.
Jack was ordained to the ministry on Sth October 1936 at Chiltern where over four years were spent in rewarding service. In February, 1937 he married Miss Nell Pollock and ao began a fine partnership in the Lord'e Service. Nell has been much loved by the people amongst whom they have served. Ministries followed at St. John's Hobart, Naracoorte (S.A.), Tecoma, South Hawthorn, Clifton Hill, Warburton, and in Jack's retirement, Heidelberg.
Jack celebrated his fiftieth anniversary of his ordination to the ministry at a Thanksgiving Service at Heidelberg on Sunday, 19th October 1986 and the large congregation present on this joyful occasion would have been impressed by the earnest words of appreciation expressed by representatives of the churches in which Jack and Nell have served. Two other important milestones also celebrated recently were Jack's eightieth birthday and Jack and Nell's fiftieth wedding anniversary.
Besides being a faithful parish minister, Jack was a valued member of Presbytery, regular in attendance, ever willing to serve, always gracious and supportive in his bearing. At Assembly level, Jack was for many years the Convener of the Kildonan Children's Homes, and during his leadership important reforms were introduced for the care of children. A man of prayer, Jack regularly attended the pre-Assembly prayer meetings.
But Jack's interest in Christian work went far beyond the bounds of his denomination. He was for over a score of years a member of the Council of the Belgrave Heights Convention, and in the fifties he and Nell conducted House Parties for young people attending the Convention. He waa alao a member of the Council of the Sudan United Mission for thirty years, and had the joy of seeing his niece, Rhondda, working in that Mission ia southern Sudan.
Paul's hymn of love in I Corinthians 13 could be appropriately applied to Jack Price. The ingredients of love so beautifully portrayed in this chapter were reflected in hia dedicated life. Although he hed strong and definite convictions to which he remained loyal, he nevertheless endeavoured to work harmoniously with others, always striving to create the spirit of peace.
Presbytery gives thenks for the long and fruitful ministry of Jack Price. He will be remembered for his faithful preaching and pastoral activities, his great friendliness, his earnest prayers and above all, his devotion to his Master, Jesus Christ.
The sincere sympathy of Presbytery is conveyed to Mrs. Nell Price and the members of the family, and they are commended to the loving care of our heavenly Father.
Gender
- Male