Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of John and Charlotte BOWRAN. Native of England

Member of the Remington 242 Lodge

The Parson's Toe
If it is not irreverent to quote Scripture, this scribe would like to say to the Rev. John Bowrun, Methodist clergyman at Lithgow, "If thy right hand offend thee, cut It off, and cast It from thee." No doubt the Divine Preacher meant this saying to apply to the sacrifices which must often be made in saying good-bye to a pet temptation; but it may be quite piously applied to -Mr. Bowran's toe as well.' He is indeed one, of the fighting parsons. He had one of those defective toes which the medical officers condemn, and so keep the  volunteer at home. A Methodist clergyman with a hammer toe may do a lot of walking while he pays hie parish visits, and not ' mind limping when the toe hurts; but , they won't  admit a limping hero to the firing line. Therefore, Mr.' Bowran joined the select group who went to the surgeon for an amputation first, and to the Barracks to take the oath  afterwards. Hats off to him! Primarily he would like to be a stretcher-bearer in the A.M.C., but failing that enlistment he will take up the bayonet of righteousness and use It on the enemy as his officers direct. Here Is a theme for Henry Lawson, who recently glorified the Salvationists who went to the front in Flanders.
"The parson who had no toe" is worth A stirring rhyme.

This Officer was killed intantaneously by a shell wound in the head whilst in support trenches at Polygon Wood.   He was buried where he fell, but Map refrence is unknown as we have no maps of this area.

KILLED IN ACTION.
News has been received by cable that the Rev. John Bowran has been killed in action somewhere in France. He was serving in the ranks. Rev. John Bowran was received into full  connexion at the conference of 1916 just prior to his leaving the State. After he had joined the forces, he went through the Western district of the State as a recruiting agent, and  visited Mudgee durin'g his tour.
The Rev. John Bowran was 34 years of age, and had travelled in the Tocumwal-Berrigan, Culcairn, and Lithgow circuits. It was at the latter place where he enlisted and entered  camp.

LATE REV. JOHN BOWRAN.
A WORTHY TRIBUTE.
The following is the Rev. W. M. Woodhouse's panegyric to late Rev. John Bowran: —
Mr. Chairman and Brothers—
Wce have laid aside the ordinary business of the session for a definite and very sacred purpose. Here in this quiet church, separated by long distances from that conflict  which is desolating the nations, we would do honor to the memory of one who with a splendid devotion gave himself in the cause to which we as a people have pledged our hands.
It is my privilege to speak of him today, and indeed I could do no other, for thoughts of him have wholly held my mind since the news of his sacrifice was flashed across the
sea. 
Entering the ministry in 1912, the late Rev. John Bowran, Lieut., labored successfully in Tocumwal, Culcairn and Lithgow circuits. Of his work in these places I have no wish to speak, except to say that its influence still lives in many hearts and many homes.
It seems specially, fitting that we should speak of him here in Lithgow, for many here have long thoughts as they recall him, and many have sacred and intimate things to
ponder as they remember all  his ministry in this place meant to them. "Whilst engaged in the work he loved, the call of Empire was whispered to his soul. It came to him as a call from God — one he instantly (obeyed. His first offer of enlistment was rejected; his second, after a successful operation, was accepted. Thus he entered that work for which he laid down his life.
After acceptance by the military authorities he took part in a successful recruiting campaign, thus helping to swell the ranks of those who were to offer themselves for King and  Empire. He then entered Bathurst camp, and during that time passed successfully the training of Duntroon College, there qualifying for the commission which he received later on the field "somewhere in France." It was during his stay in Bathurst camp I learned to know him as the happiest of companions, a most delightful comrade— a trusted and true friend.
A high-minded, big-soulced Christian gentleman, his chivalry and gentleness, his frank friendship, his individual thought for others, his sympathy in sorrow, his help in difficulty, his concern about he needs of his own men, soon won him a place in their hearts none could displace, for many in that company learned to love the Christ because of the influence of their sergt.-major.
In his company were many lads who came straight from godly homes into tne midst of temptations, the number and strength of which are known to those who live in a military camp. Many of these lads have since made the supreme sacrifice, and perhaps the parents who sorrow for them today will never know how much the compassionate tenderness  of John Bowran did to hold and keep them true always to their childhood's faith and their mother's God.
On a morning early in August, 1916, I marched to the station and stood while he, with his company, entrained for foreign shores. Brethren, the heroism of the man is seen in the  fact that he felt he would not a return, but with a brave smile and a firm resolve, he turned his face to the west and marched a duty's call. Just here I cannot do better than quote the words uttered recently by Rev. C. J. Rrescott, but specially applicable here: —
"In the dawn of a splendid manhood,
When the tide of his youth ran high,
With courage and home in his bearing, 
He waved us a last good-bye. |
"In dreams we were with him ever,
O'er the distant leagues of the sea,
Mid the thunder and clashing of battle
And ownard to victory.
"We saw him in vision's glory
Return with his men from the fray,
With the enemy conquered and broken",
The thunder of guns died away.
"But our dreams are all shattered and ended,
Our hero lies silent and still,
And dead on the field of battle
"Is all that is left to fill.
"And France, that he loved and fought for,
Will gather him safe to her breast,
And jealously guard his sleeping,
And the Father will do the rest.";
We cannot brook the thought that his life
is ended. Neither his life nor his work is
done, and so we take up the example he leaves
us and "Till that Day" cherish the memory
of a loved and valiant soldier.