Silas Gill
Silas Edward Herbert Gill was an English-born Australian Methodist preacher.[1]
Silas Gill | |
|---|---|
 Silas Gill in 1874 | |
| Born | Silas Edward Herbert Gill 24 December 1806 |
| Died | 10 September 1875 (aged 68) |
| Nationality |
|
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1859–1875 |
| Known for | Founding churches in Northern New South Wales. |
Early life
Silas Gill was born in East Sussex in England in 1806. His birth date is believed to be 24 December.[1]
Gill married Mercy Catt in June 1826 and moved to Australia in the mid-1830s with four children.
Career
After moving to the Kempsey area in 1859, Gill set up the Methodist Church of Kempsey. He ran it until a Methodist priest came to the area a few years later.[2]
He is also credited with preaching in areas across Northern New South Wales.[1]
He lost all of his possessions in a flood in 1864, but announced he had not lost his faith.[1]
He did all of his religious work for free, and was never paid.[1]
Death
Silas Gill died suddenly on 10 September 1875, aged 68.[1]
Honours
The Gill Bridge over the Kempsey River bears his name.[1]
Gill Street, Kempsey is also named after him.[2]
References
- Watson, Janine (21 March 2017). "He came to town with a 'burning love for God'". The Macleay Argus. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
- Clancy, Eric (1975). A Giant For Jesus: The Life of Silas Gill.