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Today’s story came about because of our readers — as most stories do.
On October 23, I watched a television news story about William Morgan, who was celebrating his 110th birthday.
I gained the impression that Bill Morgan was a remarkable man.
But I didn’t have any idea that his life had crossed ours — or that he had anything to do with us, with Greater Shepparton, with Town Talk.
Then I had a call from a Mooroopna gentleman, who was wondering if the Bill Morgan he had seen on television had been the minister of Scots Church in or around the 1950s.
He wanted me to find out what I could.
By the time I had the next call, I could answer the question with confidence.
William Morgan
Bill was born when the world was at war for the first, but not the last time.
It was 1915.
His parents had emigrated from Scotland, and he grew up in Footscray with four brothers and one sister.
During the Great Depression, his mother, Jean, fed the homeless who slept in Footscray Park.
Bill’s father owned an engineering business in Footscray with contracts to the SEC.
Bill and his brothers were educated at Scotch College, where he was a notable athlete, rowing and football, and became school captain.
After graduating, he played rugby for Victoria alongside Edward “Weary” Dunlop.
Following the completion of his studies at Melbourne University in 1944, he was ordained as a Presbyterian minister.
Bill married, and in 1952, was called to Scots Church in Shepparton with his wife Joan, daughter Heather, and young son John.
A daughter, Elisabeth, was born here.
Unfortunately, Joan was very ill for several years and passed away in April 1957.
Betty Hildebrand, who was very active in the church and the community, stepped in to help Bill and the children with the running of the house.
Betty and Elisabeth remained very close until Betty’s very recent passing.
Elisabeth, known as Lib, spoke at Betty’s funeral in September, while Bill, Heather and John remember her fondly with warm gratitude.
Bill was called to Shepparton from Trafalgar, and in 1960, left Scots Church to become the first full-time chaplain at Scotch College, Launceston.
In 1962, Bill was called to Ormond, where he ministered until he retired in 1983.
In 1971, he was appointed Moderator of the Victorian Presbyterian Church.
Over the course of a long and fulfilling time as minister — he celebrated 81 years as an ordained minister this year – Bill spent time in South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
I read that he is still a commanding orator and remains “as sharp as a tack.”
I was unable to speak with Bill, as his hearing isn’t the best for phone calls.
However, when his son gave me a call, I asked if Bill had a philosophy I could pass on.
John told me his father says he is blessed and knows that his long life is God’s will.
He believes he still has work to do, including conducting services in his aged care home.
I thank John Morgan for his assistance and patience.
It is greatly appreciated.
That’s all for this week.
Take care, my friends, and may it be easy.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Phone: Text or call 0409 317187