GILLIES, John, Rev , M.A. B.D., Prof (1870-1952)
Assembly memorial minute, 1953
John Gillies was born in 1870, in the Manse of Kilbery, in Argyllshire, Scotland, and educated in the Rothesay Academy; later at the University of Glasgow, from which he graduated Master of Arts, and thereafter at the Free Church College of St. Andrews, where he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. He came to Australia, and passed exit in the Theological Hall Ormond College, in 1894. He was ordained and inducted in the pastoral charge of Portarlington, in November of 1897. In 1910 he was called to Hawthorn, South Australia, where he laboured for six years. He was inducted into the charge of Surrey Hills on the 29th August, 1917. On the 31st December, 1927 he was elected to the Professorship of New Testament Studies at Ormond College. After twelve years' service he retired at the end of December, 1937. During his professorial years he was secretary of the Senatus, and a Presbyterian member of the Melbourne College of Divinity.
Professor Gillies gave unsparingly of his rare gifts to the service of the Church, taking a full share in discussion and debate. He was a first-rate scholar, having obtained the highest distinction in English literature, Latin, Greek and Hebrew. He maintained a keen interest in the history and traditions of the Presbyterian Church, and was a leader in the Calvinistic Society and in the foundation of the Reformed Theological Review. One of his hobbies was the collecting of Communion tokens, and the valuable collection he made he bequeathed to the Church.
Professor Gillies ever found joy in living, and was possessed of a fine sense of humour. His Joyous spirit, rooted in a profound faith, carried him through difficulties and sorrows, for he knew most surely the imperishable nature of the redeemed soul. He faced all with courage and serenity.
As a minister and pastor he was loved and admired for his evangelical fervour in preaching, his excellency in expounding the Scriptures at mid-week meetings, and his genial sincerity among parishioners, young and old alike. His sermons bore definite evidence of painstaking and thorough diligence in preparation. His gracious friendliness was very evident among colleagues and students during his twelve years as professor at the Hall, and he was constantly alert to find any who needed help and encouragement. He often saw what others had missed, rejoicing over something of promise he discovered in one of his students. In this spirit he followed 'his men' after they had left the Hall. Whilst he was thorough in detail, his lectures were warm with religious feeling and an earnest sincerity. He possessed decided powers of eloquence, that were always toned with gentleness, while he remained true to the right. Professor Gillies was a living witness of the gracious— ness of his redeeming Master, in word, character and life. In 1939 he was declared Professor emeritus by the Assembly.
He died suddenly on Thursday, 12th June, 1952, at the age of 82, after 55 years of ordained ministry.
To his four sons, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male