HOPKINS, William Read, Rev. (1908-1989)
Memorial minute Presbytery of Melb North 1989
William Read Hopkins was born on 3rd March, 1908 at North Shields in the north of England. When but a child his family moved to Glasgow where Bill attended both primary and high school. In his early teens he heard a call to the mission field and prepared himself for missionary work by serving an apprenticeship in carpentry for five years, after which he trained at the Bible Training Institute at Glasgow.
In 1931, at the age of twenty-three, Bill went to Nigeria and served with the Sudan United Mission until 1950. His missionary activities were interrupted by the war; he was compelled to return to Scotland for several years where he worked as a carpenter and strongly supported the activities of the Young Men's Christian Association. During his missionary experience Bill married Margret and they welcomed Alistair, Sheila and Ruth into their home. Bill was ever a devoted husband and father.
In 1951 the Hopkins family migrated to Western Australia. During the voyage Bill was encouraged by a chaplain on the boat to enter the ministry. Responding to this challenge he became a student at the theological college. He was ordained at St. Stephen's, Canning Bridge and was called to Scots Church, Freemantle.
In 1958 he accepted a call to Fairfield and began a rich experience in the church in Victoria. He became a part-time chaplain at the Fairfield Hospital where the seeds were sown for future chaplaincy work. Bill then had a ministry at Tecoma after which he was appointed as a chaplain to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. During his retirement Bill ministered faithfully in a number of churches including Surrey Hills, Canterbury and the Welsh Church.
Bill was a loyal presbyter and served as Clerk of the Melbourne North Presbytery in the sixties. He was also a diligent member of the Foreign Missions, Life and Work and Chaplaincy Assembly Committees, and a council member of the Sudan United Mission.
Bill had a high sense of vocation. His assurance that he had been called to the mission field prompted him to spend his early years in thorough preparation for overseas service; and his conviction that he had been summonsed to the ministry impelled him to preach regularly during his retirement. He was steadfast and effective in his Christian activities, yet completely unpretentious, never seeking recognition, praise or reward. He will be affectionately remembered for his strong evangelical emphasis, his concern for people, his gracious and humble manner, his genius for friendship, and his keen sense of humour. Presbytery gives thanks for his long and fruitful ministry.
Presbytery also conveys its deepest sympathy to Mrs. Margret Hopkins and to Alistair, Sheila and Ruth, and commends the whole family to the loving care of our Heavenly Father.
Gender
- Male