Notable South Australians/Rev. Samuel Keen
Rev. Samuel Keen,
BORN in Devonshire in 1818, and passed some time at the Theological Institution in that county. In 1848 he entered the Bible Christian ministry, and travelled in connection with the South Devon Mission, and in the Chatham Circuit for two years, and in these localities evinced much energy and zeal. Arrived in Adelaide in March 1853, and was first stationed at Gawler Plains, where he opened a circuit, and remained seven years. In 1860 he removed to the city, and became pastor of the Central Circuit, retaining that position until 1864, when he went to Auburn, and had oversight of the circuit there for three years. In 1867 he was again stationed on the Gawler Circuit, where he remained a similar period. In 1870 he removed to Willunga, and undertook the charge of Port Elliot, Willunga, and Clarendon circuits. Mr. Keen occupied a very prominent position in the administration of the church affairs of the Bible Christian denomination in this colony, and was a member of the district committee. As a preacher and platform speaker his orations were characterised by vigour and effectiveness. He died at Willunga, aged fifty-three, on June 21, 1871.