W. H. Coombs

The Reverend Canon William Henry Coombs (November 1816 – 22 September 1896), remembered as "Canon Coombs", was an Anglican minister in Gawler, South Australia, whose record of 48 years serving the same parish has been recognised as an Australian record.

History Coombs was born in New Windsor, England or a banker, and early attracted to the church. He taught Sunday School in London alongside Rev. E. K. Miller; both read for holy orders under Rev. W. J. Woodcock, and trained for overseas service at St Bee's College. Following an appeal from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts in 1846, Woodcock and James Pollitt left for missionary service in Australia. In 1846 Coombs had just begun his church career as curate of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London, when he was approached by the S.P.G. to follow them, as the Gawler church needed a minister. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Blomfield of London at St Paul's Cathedral. With his new wife, Coombs left for Australia in July 1846. Arriving in Sydney, he was licensed by Bishop Broughton of Sydney, and traveled on to Adelaide, arriving on 14 November and attended St John's Church the following day and Trinity Church the next week. The transept, which had been provided for by Hamilton, had its foundation stone laid on 4 December 1884, and the building was consecrated on 23 April 1895 by Bishop Kennion. The rev. gentleman was possessed of a good deal of native dignity and culture, was thoroughly devoted to his Church, and was loved by those who were associated with him. and unveiled on 4 May 1898, was dedicated to his memory.

Family Coombs married Eliza ( – 31 July 1898) before July 1846. They had no children.

Recognition Coombs Place, in the suburb of Kambah, Australian Capital Territory, was named for him.