ROBERTSON, John Kirkland, Rev, B.A. (1880-1951)
Assembly memorial minute, 1952
John Robertson was born at Albert Park on the 5th January, 1880. In 1908 he volunteered for service as Home Missionary and commenced to study for the Christian ministry. The year following he accepted a Home Mission Committee appointment to Queenstown, Tasmania. While here he completed studies for entrance to the Theological Hall, but was allowed to do the first year studies in Theology by correspondence, while remaining on in Tasmania at Queenstown.
In 1911 he returned to Victoria and entered the Theological Hall at Ormond College, to complete exit year in 1912. Por these two years he was home missionary at East Brunswick, thereafter receiving an exit appointment to this station. Here ha was ordained and inducted in April, 1913. Throughout his time here he exercised a vigorous and evangelical ministry, especially in a series of most successful missions. A new brick Church was built chiefly as a result of his contagious and consecrated enthusiasm.
In 1914 he was translated to Learmonth, in 1916 to Murrumbeena and in 1923 to Union Memorial Church, North Melbourne, where he laboured for five years, being then called to Surrey Hills in 1928. In 1944, he left Victoria to accept a call to Mount Lawley, Western Australia.
He resigned in 1946 and returned to live in retirement in Victoria.
During 28 years of continuous ministry in Metropolitan Presbyteries, Mr. Robertson gave enthusiastically to work among the youth. He had been a leader in the early Bible Class Union movement, and foremost in establishing the original Bible Class Camps. He continued in zeal for the work, when youth work merged into the P.F.A. From 1930 to 1932 he was convener of the Welfare of Youth Committee.
Mr. Robertson was a convincing preacher, of deep devotion and spiritual experience. He never concealed the appeal and challenge of Christ, striving constantly to reveal the beauty of the Lord and reality of His saving power. He possessed a distinct aptitude for personal, friendships, by which he enriched many young lives and set them upon the King’s Highway. His great desire was to introduce his fellows to the Christ. He fought the good fight against evil, in a warfare in which there is no truce. Throughout 38 years of ordained ministry, he strove to fulfil his ordination vow - his chief desire being to win souls.
Mr. Robertson was a loyal and devoted husband, a father beloved. After returning to Victoria he did not enjoy the best health, although he continued to serve in pulpit supply.
In his 72nd year he passed away on Friday, 7th December, 1951.
To Mrs. Robertson, her three daughters and three sons, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male