Subject

The Good Shepherd

Text

The Good Shepherd

Inscription

To the Glory of God and in memory of Padre James A. Gault, O.B.E., V.D., Methodist minister, 1894-1938; Chaplain Overseas A.I.F. 1915-1920

Description & History

The Good Shepherd window was ordered by Mr. MN White from Brooks, Robinson & Co. in October 1938. Dedicated to the memory of the Reverend James A Gault, a military padre, it was unveiled at the morning service on 4 December 1938 by the Methodist Chaplain-General, the Reverend TC Rentoul, assisted by the Reverends Joseph Snell and Norman Higgs who were also chaplainsto the military.

Chaplain Lieutenant-Colonel James A Gault, was one of Australia's best-known military padres. He travelled with the soldiers on the Demosthenes, and continued to serve with them in Egypt. In 1916 he was invalided home to Australia but soon returned to France. At base camps at Etaples and Le Havre he was constantly in contact with men moving towards and from the Front and his church services, well-attended by all denominations, were said be a mixture of entertainment and reverence for God. After the Armistice was signed he transferred to Australian Headquarters at Horseferry Road, London where he continued his work. He retired from the Methodist ministry due to ill-health in April 1934.

References & Acknowledgements

Argus, 28 February 1934, p.8; 29 November 1938, p.10; 3 December 1938, p.4; 5 December 1938, p.4; Examiner, 14 February 1938, p.6; North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times, 10 February 1916, p.4; Mercury, 16 February 1920, p.6; 5 February 1938, p.13.

With thanks to Carolyn Harris and the Reverend Ian Brown at Camberwell Uniting Church