Dr. Louis Talbot
1929-1932, Love
Dr. Talbot, a native born Australian,
became pastor of Philpott Tabernacle, in 1929. He was an excellent speaker, noted for his
wit and humour. He taught the men's Bible class during his years at the Tabernacle. Every
department grew under his direction.
On one occasion, so many people stood in
the baptistery that the floor of the tank collapsed. Men and women sat on the steps of
balcony or stood to hear this man's preaching. The doors of the Tabernacle had to be
locked an hour before the evening service began.
Dr. Talbot's sense of humour was a gift
that he used to help see the congregation through the difficult times in the early 1930s.
Much of the growth at this time can be
attributed to the preaching and personality of Dr. Talbot. It was said that the secret of
his ministry was that Dr. Talbot really loved people and they knew it. Jack Penhall
commented, "Busy as Mr. Talbot was, he always was the first one to go to anyone in
trouble or sorrow, and he knew just how to deal with each problem" (from For this I
was Born, Carol Talbot). Another example of Dr. Talbot's care and concern for people was
seen in his attempts to heal the split that had occurred in 1926. Dr. Talbot and some of
the board members from Philpott Tabernacle took communion with the congregation of
Victoria Avenue Baptist Church.
Dr. Talbot also fascinated the children of
the congregation with his object lessons during the morning services. One morning, while
he was preparing for this a near tragedy occurred. The lesson for this particular morning
involved the use of gun powder. While practising, the lighted match head flew into the
dish of gun powder causing it to explode, burning the pastor's hands and face badly.
Further object lessons were less sensational if no less interesting!
"Missions" is a key word that
comes to mind when thinking back on his ministry. He had a great influence on the young
people of Philpott Tabernacle, and many responded to the call to Christ's service at this
time. The missionary vision grew so that new missionaries on many fields were supported.
In 1932, Dr. Talbot left us to take up his
work at the Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles following the resignation of P.W.
Philpott.
He made many contributions to studies of
the mission fields of the world through his field trips to unevangelized areas. His 22
missionary films were used at conferences throughout North America.
He also wrote 13 books and hundreds of
booklets on a variety of topics. Dr. Talbot served as the President and Chancellor of
Biola College and the Talbot Theological Seminary.
Louis and Audrey Talbot had two daughters,
Audrey and Betty. His wife Audrey died on February 22, 1960. In February 1964, Dr. Talbot
married Carol who wrote his biography. Dr. Talbot died on January 22, 1976 at the age of
eight-six.
Rev. Thomas Titcombe, who served as
interim pastor until the arrival of Dr. Talbot, continued on as the assistant pastor. Rev.
and Mrs. Titcombe had previously served as missionaries in Nigeria from 1908 to 1930.
Miss Emma Smith began her work as
deaconess at this time. She continued in this capacity until 1938. Many of our members
recall being counselled by Miss Smith on making a decision for the Lord.
- Dr. Peter W. Philpott, 1896-1922, Solid Bible Teaching
- Rev. James MacFarlane, 1923-1926, Evangelism
- Dr. Hottel, 1926-1928, Christian Education
- Dr. Louis Talbot, 1929-1932, Love
- Dr. William Ward Ayer, 1932-1936, Organizational Development
- Rev. Donald Mackay, from 1938 to 1943, Pastor
- Dr. Peter Hoogendam, 1943-1956, Bible Teaching
- Rev. Alex B. Stein, 1957-1975, Outreach
- Dr. Arthur Paterson Lee, 1976-1979, Brotherly Love
- Rev. Lewis H. Worrad Jr., 1981-1992, Bible Teaching
