MACLEISH, Norman, Rev, M. A., B. Phil, Prof (1898-1949)
Assembly memorial minute, 1950
The Rev. Professor Norman Macleish, M. A., B. Phil. —Norman Macleish was born in Scotland in 1898, and was educated in Dundee, at Harris Academy, from where he graduated as Dux Medallist in 1915, at the age of seventeen. A university course at St. Andrew’s was interrupted for two years while he was on active service, in the ranks, during the First World War. He graduated in 1921, with first class certificates in all classes. The following year he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, at a time when St. Andrew’s was at the height of its fame for Classics and Philosophy. A most brilliant career was continued throughout a Theological course at New College, Edinburgh, from 1922 to 1925.
Norman Macleish went out into parish ministry, with the highest academic honours, to prove that he was first and foremost a servant of his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. For two years—1924 to 1925—he was assistant minister at Broughton Place Church. He received ordination when called to St. James’ Church, Kelso, in 1926.
In 1930 he was transferred to High Church, Forres, where he ministered until 1938, when he was elected by the Victorian Assembly to the Chair of Systematic Theology and Church History at Ormond College. His election was absolute, from a panel of seven candidates. He was inducted as Professor in Scots Church, Melbourne, on 5th May, 1939.
Professor Macleish gave himself to the life and work of the Church. Everything he did was towards one purpose—the advancement of the Kingdom of God. He brought to a most responsible office scholarship of the first order; intimate knowledge of men and of the human soul; and a passionate devotion to the Person and Gospel of his Lord and Saviour. He was essentially a teacher, possessing in a marked degree the ability to impart knowledge. “With his students he grappled with age-old problems, fearlessly entering shadowed and debateable ground that he might establish belief on unshakeable foundations. ” He was a penetrating and accurate thinker, dividing the chaff from the wheat, whether by the spoken or written word, in pulpit or lecture room. He knew no half measures, but by lucid and orderly examination aimed at the heart of problems. He studied philosophy with practical intent, thus investing “the most hackneyed theological themes with great interest and with clear, convincing explanations. ” Sincere of character and loyal to his Church, he was ever conscious of being called to mould the thinking and training of ministers, missionaries and deaconesses. Genial and lovable in nature, he was easy of approach, and most sought for by Youth Councils as speaker at conferences and camps.
As pastor, teacher and thinker, Professor Macleish was a man of God, richly furnished in mind, affectionate and eager of heart, devout and Christlike in spirit. In unfailing charity, courage and cheerfulness, he gave his best for “the advancement of sacred learning, the discerning of divine truth, the increase of virtue and the understanding of our Christian faith and heritage. ” His endeavour was single minded and, by wise guidance in Church courts, he strove to know God’s will and be content in doing it. He was patient to endure personal injury, but intolerant of injustice to others.
He contributed richly to the world of literature in such outstanding publications as “The Nature of Religious Knowledge, ” “The Sinlessness of Jesus, ” “Creeds, Confessions and Their Uses, ” “The Church, the Ministry and the Sacraments. ” The University of Edinburgh posthumously conferred the Doctorate of Divinity upon him on 19th July, 1949.
A beloved husband and father, professor, teacher, friend, Professor Macleish, at the early age of 51, passed to his reward on Wednesday, 25th May, 1949. To Mrs. Macleish and her three sons the Assembly tenders the sincerest sympathy.
Gender
- Male