Samuel John HOBAN

HOBAN, SAMUEL JOHN (b. Ballarat, Vic 1864, d. Melbourne, Vic, 29 Aug 1931). Methodist minister.

Converted early in life, Hoban candidated for the Wesleyan ministry in 1887, being appointed immediately to a circuit. Much of his early ministry was in Geelong and Ballarat, though he had six years at Melbourne CMM (1903-09). The pinnacle was his six years' stint (1915-21) at the Sydney CMM. A gifted preacher limited only by a surprising difficulty in creating new material, he sounded a strong evangelical note and also brought comfort to many during World War One. He returned to Melbourne in 1921 to spend his last 10 years at the Melbourne CMM. In each city, Hoban's most important social work was for young women, the most notable being his Fairfield Home for Unmarried Mothers, and the Princess Mary Club, a residence for country and business girls. He broke down under the strain of keeping the latter afloat during the depression.

His genial personality and ready sympathy attracted crowds to his ministry and many were converted. He was held in high esteem throughout the Sydney and Melbourne communities.

Minutes, Victoria and Tasmania Methodist Conference, 1932; Biographical Register; Australian Encyclopaedia; SMH, 31 August 1931; Argus, 31 August 1931; C I Benson, A Century of Victorian Methodism (Melbourne, 1935)

DON WRIGHT