The Rev. David Hunter Ballantyne died at his residence, Melbourne, on 27th April, 1889. His name was widely and favorably known in this district 20 years ago.

He was ordained as the first Presbyterian minister of Albury in August, 1851. His parish was larger than an English bishopric. It extended from the Upper Murray and Tumbarumba on the north to Wangaratta (Victoria) on the south, and from the sources of the Mitta Mitta on the east to Corowa on the west. The furthest of these places were but rarely visited.

At some point of the circumference he might be summoned to celebrate a wedding, and the result of his visit would be the tying of several nuptial knots, the baptism of a colony of children in various stages of growth, and a whole circle of religious services, as he took one route in going out and another while coming in. The work thus described would not be repeated in the same localities for a year or more.

Places within a radius of 60 miles were regularly visited once a month or once a quarter, e.g., he held monthly service in Wangaratta during the earlier years of his ministry, and this implied a succession of preachings in his journey. He visited the Yarra Yarra and Walla Walla districts regularly, but, owing to one cause, not with perfect comfort. Morgan, the notorious bushranger, was at that time scouring all these parts, but somehow, although the two were often near each other, they fortunately never met. However, on these visits Mr. Ballantyne took the precaution to leave his purse and watch at home, and, as he prudently kept very reticent about the ruffian, his life was tolerably safe.

During the whole of his ministry, and especially the early part of it, Albury was a very small town. The first place in which he held Divine service was a brick, pavilion-roofed building, which has been long used as part of the Chinese camp. This was common property. The other denominations worshipped there also.

The Scotch people soon purchased a property of their own, in Townsend Street, near Mr. Higgins's coach factory. They erected a small church on it, and worshipped there a short while; but on the 15th November, 1852, they purchased from the Government the present Presbyterian property, consisting of five acres, for the sum of £15. It is now worth thousands. On this allotment they built the present church and manse.

After a laborious ministry of nearly 18 years and much of his time spent in the saddle, he became weary, not of his work but in his work - such work. Just then a frowning Providence appeared, but to him it turned out a blessing is disguise. He, like other ministers, had warm friends and bitter detractors. The latter wished a change, and by spiteful action injured Presbyterianism here, and occasioned the departure of one who had served them long and well. "They thought evil against him, but God meant it unto good." He demitted the Albury parish in January, 1869.

Soon after he was inducted into the Presbyterian parish of Brighton, Melbourne. In his ministry there he was very happy, but owing chiefly to failing memory he vacated that charge on December 31, 1887. Thus far his ministry lasted about 18 years in each parish. At a meeting held at Brighton to bid him farewell he was presented with a cheque, value £600, and a large picture of his bible class. Mrs. Ballantyne received a gift of 30 sovereigns, and their son a handsome Gladstone bag.

Since that time he has been unfit for regular pulpit work, but has frequently preached for his brethren, and several times quite recently at Albury.

As his life was one of almost unbroken health, he had a great dread of pain and an earnest desire to die suddenly, and would argue on the advantages of sudden death. God granted him that which he requested. He was in the best of health and spirits till within 30 hours of his death, when he became suddenly unconcious. There was no pain, and very early on Saturday morning "he fell asleep and was laid unto his fathers."

JAMES HENRY
Manse,
Albury,
1st May.