CHURCH LEADER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23809, 9 November 1940, Page 13

CHURCH LEADER

DEATH OF MINISTER

THE REV. ARTHUR C. NELSON

FINE RECORD OF SERVICE

A fine record of service to the Congregational Church, both in. Auckland and Australia, was held by the Rev. Arthur C. Nelson, whose death occurred yesterday morning, after a long illness, at the age of 51 years. Mr. Nelson had been minister of the Beresford Street Congregational Church since July, 1935. In paying a tribute to Mr. Nelson yesterday, the Rev. Frank de Lisle said his death at a comparatively early age was a severe blow to the Church in New Zealand and Australia. His powerful preaching and fine Christian example would be long remembered. Born in South Australia and educated at the Parkin Divinity College, Adelaide, Mr. Nelson had a distinguished career in Australia before coming to New Zealand. He preached his first sermon at the age of 17; and was ordained six years later. He worked for 14 years in New South Wales, becoming State president of the Christian Endeavour Union and chairman of the New South Wales Congregational Union.

Mr. Nelson spent seven years at the Memorial Church, Ilobart, from 1925 to 1932, and took his bachelor degree with honours in economics at the University of Tasmania. He was twice chairman of the Tasmanian Congregational Union. A transfer back to Port Adelaide Congregational Church followed, and he remained there for three years, taking an active part in the affairs of the League of Nations Union. Social work was one of Mr. Nelson's first interests, and on his arrival in New Zealand he at once joined the Auckland Rotary Club and took an active part in the administration. He was chairman of the boys' work committee in 19.37-38, and he was appointed a director of the club last year. In the Congregational Church he at different times held the offices of chairman of the Congregational Union of New Zealand and warden of the New Zealand Congregational Church College in Auckland, his influence in the latter institution being a powerful factor. Mr. Nelson is survived by his wife and one son. There ,-will be a memorial service in the Beresford Street Church at 3 p.m. to-day, and the funeral will leave immediately afterward for the Waiknmete crematorium.