Silas Gill

Methodist preacher

  • Australian
  • English
Occupations
  • Farmer
  • Church Minister
Years active1859–1875Known forFounding churches in Northern New South Wales.

Silas Edward Herbert Gill was an English-born Australian Methodist preacher.[1]

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

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Watson, Janine (21 March 2017). "He came to town with a 'burning love for God'". The Macleay Argus. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  2. ^ a b Clancy, Eric (1975). A Giant For Jesus: The Life of Silas Gill.