Reprinted from The Diocesan Magazine, April 1943
 Reverend William Arthur Butler, Anglican Minister at Random, 1912-1919. (Photo donated by his grandson Harold Hefferton) |
 Reverend William Butler and his wife Lilian May (Parsons) with their daughter Rita. (Photo donated by his grandson Harold Hefferton) |
In Memoriam
The Reverend William Arthur Butler, Incumbent of Topsail, entered into rest at t. Clare’s Hospital, early Sunday morning, April 11th [1943], after an operation two days previously.
The Holy Communion was offered in the little church of St. John the Evangelist, where he had ministered when he was remembered before God by the people whom he had faithfully served and who now mourned him. The funeral took place on the following Tuesday and was largely attended. There were present the Lord Bishop and the following clergy from the Deanery of Avalon: Rev. A.T. Tulk, Rural Dean; Revs. Canon Bolt, Canon Stirling, J. Briton, Canon Howitt, Canon Meaden, H. Gosse, E.J. Simpson and H.M. Batten. Conception Bay Rural Deanery was represented by Rev. Canon Rusted, Rural Dean; Revs. H.F. Kirby, E. Hunt, G. Camp, H. Torraville, R. Farwell. There was also a representation from the C.L.B., consisting of Colonel Crawford, Major Williams, Major Best, Capt. Victor Reid, Capt. Gordon Winter, and ten members of the N.C.O.’s Mess.
Mr. Butler was ordained Deacon in 1912 and advanced to the Priesthood in 1913.
His church work, however, did not begin with his Ordination. Previous to his entering Queen’s College, he was for some years, Teacher and Lay Reader at Griquet. In this respect he followed in the steps of his father [Garland Benjamin Butler], who for seventeen years not only taught in the school opened at Griquet by the Rev. J.J. Curling, but also, year after year, periodically visited this difficult coast, teaching, baptizing, catechising, visiting the sick, etc. On his way home from Cook’s Harbour, he either died from a heart attack or lost his life trying to save his boat, when she reached the shore, as his body was found under his boat on the opposite side of the Strait.
Used to travelling by land and sea in his Northern home, Mr. Butler was well fitted for work in Random, to which mission he was appointed on his Ordination and laboured there for seven years, when he removed to Port de Grave, where he served for nine years. The next six years were spent at Brigus and Salmon Cove and in 1934 he was appointed to Topsail, where for over eight years he gave himself wholeheartedly, as in his former charges, to the work of his calling.
Topsail being a summer resort, not a few visitors attended Church services and were helped by his sermons, which were thoughtful and suggestive.
The schools were Mr. Butler’s special care and he endeavoured to make them efficient with the means at his disposal. As Camp Chaplain his services to the Brigade, when in Camp at Topsail, were highly appreciated by Officers and lads.
Possessed of a placid disposition he was unruffled by trifles. Undaunted by disappointments or opposition he pursued the even tenor of his way. His readiness to take things as they came was at times a source of amusement to his friends. But may not that seeming indifference to ordinary events have had its roots in that faith which realizes that our lives are in the hands of One who doeth all things well, and that if we are faithful in the discharge of our duties, we may leave the rest to Him.
The sudden passing of Mr. Butler was a shock to his parishioners and friends, but especially to his wife and four daughters, who survive him, to whom many hearts will go out in sincere sympathy at this time.
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Transcribed by Wanda Garrett, February 2016
These transcriptions may contain human errors. As always, confirm these as you would any other source material.
Donated by Harold Hefferton, grandson of Rev. W.A. Butler