Obituaries Australia

Robert Lewers, n.d. photographer unknown

Bendigo Advertiser, 19 November 1917, p 4

The Rev. Robert Lowers, of Eaglehawk, who celebrated his 90th birthday on 29th September last, died yesterday afternoon at his residence, Eaglehawk. The deceased gentleman, despite his great age, took an active interest, in current events, and attended regularly to the meetings of the South New Moon Company, of which he was a large shareholder and chairman of directors. He had only been ill for a few days, and his condition was not regarded as serious. Advanced years had enfeebled him, however, and he passed away peacefully at 2 o'clock yesterday. Born in Monaghan, Ireland, he came to Australia in 1867. He spent six years in Queensland before coming to Bendigo. In 1873, while in Sydney, he accepted a call to St. John's Presbyterian Church, Bendigo, and in 1877 he went to Eaglehawk. For 22 years he carried on the ministry of the Presbyterian Church at Eaglehawk. and was very popular with his people. In December, 1898, he retired from the ministry, and preached his farewell sermon on Christmas Day of that year. During his long connection with the Bendigo district, Rev. Lewers was regarded as an earnest and attractive preacher, with quaint characteristics all his own. He possessed the gift of humor, and this occasionally found expression in his preaching without detracting from its effectiveness. His wife died 29 years ago. We believe one son was killed in the South African war. Another son, Mr. J. Lewers is manager of the Bank of New South Wales, Kyneton and he was present at the bedside yesterday when his father passed away. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 3 o'clock to the Eaglehawk Cemetery.