Youngson Family

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The Reverend William John Youngson was born in New Zealand, in 1892, and ordained a Minister in the Presbyterian Church in Auckland in 1918.

He and his wife Catherine, left New Zealand with their six children, to take up a position with the church in Euroa, in 1925. Then, in 1927, came to Mornington, to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and Grammar School, where Reverend Youngson was to serve for the next 10 years.

Both Reverend Youngson, and his wife, were heavily involved in community affairs.

Mrs. Youngson served some time as District Commissioner of the Girl Guides Association, while Reverend Youngson was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the A.N.A, and became heavily involved in the formation of the Mornington Bush Nursing Hospital.

He was President of the Hospital Steering Committee, became a Trustee of the hospital, and was in the forefront of fundraising.

Sadly the need for the hospital was emphasised when in 1936 the Youngson’s only son, Colin, was knocked down by a truck, and died in the Children’s Hospital, three days later.

When the Bush Nursing Hospital opened in 1937, the waiting room had been furnished by the pupils of St. Andrew’s Grammar school, in memory of Colin Youngson, a former school mate. Reverend Youngson performed the dedication ceremony.

After serving some time at Wangaratta, the Youngsons returned to Mornington to live in their retirement.

Reverend Youngson died in 1952, and was buried with Colin, at the Mornington Cemetery.