OBITUARY REV GILLAM’S DEATH.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1929, Page 2

OBITUARY

REV GILLAM’S DEATH.

A clergyman who did many years’ | faithful service for the Anglican Church in New Zealand, the Rev. William Eugene Gillam, died on the 27th inst. at the vicarage, Point Chevalier, Auckland, aged 73. He was for '2O \<:rars vicar of St. Matthew’s Church, and was one of the principal movers for the erection of the present handsome stone building. He was born in London, hieing a son of Mr George Harry Gillam, architect. He studied law at TJlverston, Lancashire, for five years, but finally decided to join the' Wesleyan College and study for the ministry. He joined Richmond Theological College, where he remained for three years. Mr Gillam arrived- at Wellington in 1879, and was unpointed minister of the Wesleyan Church, in Durham Street, Christchurch. A severe illness caused him to relinquish ministerial duties for' a considerable time. Upon recovering his health he joined the Anglican Church being ordained a deacon in 1882 and a. priest two years later at Christchurch Cathedral, by the late Primate Bishop Harper. After being curate at Ross and Oknrito for a couple of years, Mr Gillam became incumbent .of St. Matthew’s, Christchurch. Later he was stationed at Rntigiora, Canterbury, for about five years, then he was chosen incumbent at Tetnuka. Eighteen months later Mr Gillam was again forced to resign for health reasons, and on account of a severe ilness in his-family. He came to Auckland where he was vicar of El lerslie and Epson, In February, 1900 Mr Gillam became vicar of St. Matthew's which position he held until comnelled to resign for health reasons Mr Gillam was lion, chaplain of the Auckland Mounted Rifles, and during the late war servecl as a chaplain on board the hospital ships Marama and Maheno. He was also at Gallipoli. Mr Gillam ultimately attained the rank of lieutenant-colonel chaplain.

At the conclusion of the war Mr Gillman resumed his duties at St. Matthew’s, but was again compelled to resign on acount of ill-health in 1919. Later he was in charge' of the Herno Bay portion of the parish of All Saints for five years and for the last three had been stationed at Point Chevalier. He is survived by his wife •nvl daughter. The late Mrs John Tait of Hokitika was a sister of the deceased.