By Marina Williams
Celebrating 80 years of ministry, Rev Bill Morgan says he is living an extraordinary life, and one devoted to God, family and community.
An unwavering faith has provided the spiritual anchor and strength to guide him through more than a century of life, witnessing immense changes in the world – two world wars, global pandemics, economic depression, myriad technological advances, as well as personal triumphs and tragedies – with compassion, wisdom and dedication to service.
Ordained in the Presbyterian Church in Malvern on April 24, 1944, Bill was a Minister at churches in South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
At the union of the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches in 1977 he became a member of the Uniting Church.
In 1984, Bill retired from active ministry, serving in a pastoral capacity for the next 20 years.
In recognition of his 80th anniversary of ordination, a Service of Thanksgiving was held at Glen Waverley Uniting Church on June 2, with Bill joined by his three children, Heather, John and Libby, and extended family.
“Faith is not static,” the 108-year-old says, reflecting on his longevity of service.
“In many ways it’s undefinable, (but) it grows out of experiences.
“It’s a feeling, it’s an attitude, it’s a belief, with all of those things wrapped up, and faith inspires you to go on.
“As Christians and members of the Church, we are here to commend God to others, so that they may find the same joy, peace and purpose we do.”
Of his father’s career, John says it’s likely he has led more than 6000 services, and officiated at countless weddings, including for family.
“He married his children and some of his grandchildren, and it’s something very special that we hold dear,” John says.
With eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, Bill is proud of his achievements but also humble.
“I enjoy people, enjoy reading and sharing experiences,” he says.
“It’s wonderful to connect with people and I’m extremely grateful that at 108 I can carry on a conversation like this one, although I don’t like any fuss, I prefer to talk about God and faith than myself.”
Family played a formative role in shaping Bill’s strong character and values.
Born on October 23, 1915 in Melbourne’s inner west, Bill grew up in a working-class family of five boys and one girl.
“My parents were Scottish, and believed in values,” he says proudly.
Bill fondly recalls a home filled with much love, patience and laughter, with many family trips to the football on Saturdays to watch Footscray.
“I missed the Grand Final win in 1954 as I was officiating at a wedding, so I was very excited that John took me to the grand final in 2016 and we saw them win,” Bill says.
Bill and extended family at his ordination celebration.
Education was equally important, with Bill attending Scotch College in Melbourne, becoming school captain in 1935.
He excelled at sport, captained the rowing team and played in the 1st XVIII.
He later played rugby for Victoria while studying for the ministry at Melbourne University.
“It was a happy childhood, we did things together, we learnt to disagree with each other and, yet, stay fixed as a family, and that was an influence later in my life, because I could very often draw on some of those experiences,” Bill says.
He says his Mum nurtured engagement with the church and he vividly remembers a comment to his eldest brother, Jim, following an argument.
“He was going to church, and Mum said to him ‘I hope you come home a better boy than when you left’,” Bill recalls.
“What a wonderful way to look at church. Whether you had an argument, church makes you better.”
Their loving example instilled perseverance that carried Bill through life’s challenges, including the death of his parents, his siblings and two wives – Joan, the mother of his children, in 1957, and Jessie, who he met and married later in life, in 2011.
Bill radiates a contagious enthusiasm for life, as well as independence, only recently moving into an aged-care facility.
“He finally thought he was old enough to move in,” daughter Libby says.
Equally quick with the quip, Bill adds: “Although I’m not sure this is the last chapter or the epilogue.”
His secret to shepherding congregations for 80 years is actively listening to peoples’ struggles.
“You’ve got to learn to listen to people … stop, listen and see what their difficulties are,” Bill says.
Describing it as an “unforgettable experience”, he remains most proud of leading the Ormond congregation “to buy a piece of land alongside the church to build Kirkside, an aged-care place for 15 people”.
“He built a congregation willing to accept leadership,” John says.
“He was pleased that he was respected and always showed compassion.”
Living a values-led life brings opportunity for the faithful to serve others and uplift communities for generations, says Bill, even in a changing world and Church.
“Always remember the vows you made when you became a member of the church and honour them through thick and thin,” he says.
“Ministers will come and go, but the congregation remains. You stand fast.”
His advice to ministers is equally simple.
“Remember, it’s not a job, it’s a calling from God to serve people in all situations of life, in all conditions of life … it’s a great opportunity.”
Although mobility issues are limiting his physical activities (he stopped playing golf at 95), Bill remains busy, joyfully declaring “it’s still nice to be alive”.
“I have always tried to stay active and look after my health,” he says.
“While I’m not able to walk as well as I used to, or run or play football anymore, I still enjoy getting out and about when I can.
“I am off to play carpet bowls this afternoon.
“Even though I can’t see as well as I used to, I’m relying on God to help guide the bowl.”