Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

REV. F. V. DOWLING.
DEATH YESTERDAY.
LEADING CONGREGATIONAL MINISTER.

Rev. F. V. Dowling M.A., Pastor of the Ipswich Central Congregational Church, died at St. Martin's Hospital, Brisbane, at 2.40 p.m. yesterday. He had been seriously ill for some weeks. Mr. Dowling was respected not only by members of the Church,but also by the whole of the citizens of Ipswich, in which city he has had an uplifting influence, which extended beyond his Church work. His ministry was his life's work, however, and he worthily followed a succession of fine pastors. His kindly interest and intellectual, broad-minded addresses will be greatly missed by his congregation. As a member of the Minister's Fraternal he was beloved by his brother Ministers, and his death has been a great shock to them. Mr. Dowling was conscious practically to the end and he passed away in the presence of his wife and sister-in-law, Miss McCreary. Mr. Dowling was a member of the Legacy Club. Rotary Club, Bowling Club, and Returned Soldiers' League. As a member of the local Work Planning Committee he took a sympathetic interest in its undertakings.The late Mr. Bowling was one of a batch of young men of South Australia who, under the guidance of the late Rev. J. C. Kirby, attended the Sydney University and Camden College to study for the Christian ministry. Mr. Dowling took a full course both at the University and Camden College. and left with distinction, having secured his M.A. degree. His first charge was Claremont, midway between Perth and Fremantle. Here hie laid the foundation of his wide culture and efficient ministry. According to those who knew him he was beloved as a man of large sympathy, a preacher of great ability, and a pastor and administrator with a sane and well balanced mind. When in the West he not only attended well to his own congregation, but took his full share of denominational and general work. He was a good citizen as well as a good minister' of Jesus Christ. After a few years' splendid service in the West lie accepted a call to North Sydney, where he gave full proof of the value of his ministry, The esteem in which he was held was shown by an ear:v election to the chair of the New South Wales Congregational Union. a position which he really held for two years owing to the frail health of his successor, Rev. .T, M. Brown. As a recreation during the earlier years of his ministry at North Sydney he studied for his M.A. degree at the University, and obtained it. Then the war came and he hastened to find a place amongst the chaplains at the front. The larger experience which this service gave him he carried with him. When there was talk, after the Brisbane meetings of the Australasian Union, of appointing a Moderator-General, or as some phrased it a general encourager, all eyes turned to Mr. Dowling as the man for the position. Although this scheme did not mature, his election to the position was taken for granted had it done so. When Rev. G. J. Williams, of the L.M.S.. got his long leave of absence, Mr. Dowling was appointed as his substitute and carried out the duties of that important office with credit to himself, and with the appreciation of all concerned. Soon after he returned to his charge at North Sydney, he resigned and accepted a call at Davey-street Church, Hobart. Here he left his mark and the esteem of Tasmanian Congregationalists was shown by his election to the Chair of the Tasmanian Congregational Union.The late Mr. Dowling commenced his ministry in the Central Congregational Church, Ipswich, on Sunday,May 10, 1925, and was then President of the Congregational Church of Australia and New Zealand, to which position he had recently been elected for two years. He was publicly welcomed to Ipswich on May 11, 1925. The funeral will take place at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Central Congregational Church.

Queensland Times Saturday 26 April 1930 page 8