David Moffat WILSON

WILSON, DAVID MOFFAT (b. 16 Sept 1859; d. 25 May 1943). Administrator and teacher.

Born of Scottish parents who migrated to Vic and married in Melbourne in 1856 David Wilson was educated at Carlton College and Melbourne University where he obtained a degree in civil engineering. After some years as maths master at colleges in Ballarat and Geelong he joined his father's firm of stone and marble contractors. His varied interests included sport (he played cricket for Victoria against England), photography and debating. Early in life he became a regular churchgoer, walking long distances to attend the Church of Christ in Lygon Street, Melbourne. The family would lunch at the chapel, attend afternoon school, have tea there and stay for the evening service. In 1874 he committed his life to Christ and was baptised. He later became the secretary of the Lygon Street Church. In 1886 David married Margaret Haldan, they had three daughters and a son. In 1894 he commenced his own business partnership of Wilson Gray and Company. The family moved to Perth in 1896.

In Perth he immediately joined the Church of Christ in Perth, then meeting in Museum Street, and was prominent in the erection of a new chapel in Lake Street. Within months he became the secretary, an office he held for 30 years. A gifted administrator and a natural teacher and preacher he gave strong leadership in the local church.

In statewide conference activities he convened the first State Conference, was three times Conference president, long term Home Mission Committee member, manager of the Literature Department and led several Debating and Mutual Improvement Societies. He represented Churches of Christ in union discussions with the Baptists and in 1926 was Federal President. D M Wilson married again in 1918 to Jeannie Dickens, who predeceased him by about six years. At the age of 80 this indefatigable man organised the commencement of a new church in Wembley, directed the erection of the chapel and became its first secretary. Truly a lifetime of able, dedicated Christian service.

GORDON A EWERS