Herbert Smirnoff BEGBIE

BEGBIE, HERBERT SMIRNOFF (b. Mount George, NSW, 3 April 1871; d. 8 Sept 1951). Anglican clergyman.

Herbert Begbie, born in the Upper Manning River district, was educated at Sydney Grammar School and employed by the Bank of NSW. He was aroused by the George Grubb Mission (1891) and he proceeded to MTC under Nathaniel Jones (q.v.), being ordained deacon in the diocese of Sydney 1898 and priest 1899.

In appointments in Sydney, Melbourne and Gippsland he exercised a bright and powerful evangelistic ministry significant for its influence on such men as S J Kirkby (q.v.), R B Robinson (q.v.) and Rex Joynt (q.v.). He was active in YMCA, an expression of his focus on young men. He also gave much time to supporting CMS, being of the Young People's Union when it was formed in 1912, and a member of the first Federal Council from 1917.

From 1909, his parishes were all in Sydney (Leichhardt 1909-14, Newtown 1914-21, Willoughby 1921-35, Parramatta 1936-40, Church Hill, Sydney, 1940-4). Again there were significant followers such as Arthur and Cecil Short, Francis Hulme-Moir (q.v.). He served as chaplain of the Deaconess Institution, and in various diocesan appointments.

'His whole life glowed with love for the Saviour, and he lived in the hope of His Return. He was a man of prayer who poured out his heart in words of praise or intercession.' (Loane, Mark These Men: 41) His preaching was intense rather than profound, engaging his whole being, fervent and evangelistic. He was deeply influenced by Jones' premillennial and devotional piety, and was a major force in transmitting it widely in the diocese of Sydney, not least through his sons (q.v. S C, H G S and A E Begbie).

M Loane, Mark These Men (Canberra, 1985)

BRIAN DICKEY