RANKINE, Jeffrey Walker, Rev , M.A., Prof (1872-1953)
Assembly memorial minute, 1954
Rev. J.W. Rankine was born at Hindmarsh Island, South Australia, on 8th July, 1872. He became a student for the ministry in the opening of the century, beginning as a home missionary at Koolunga.
In 1904, he was transferred to Spalding, in 1906 to Murray Bridge, in 1909 to Golden Grove, and in 1912 to Woodside. In the latter part of that year he was transferred to Woodville, where he supplied during the completion of his studies. At Murray Bridge, on the 28th January, 1913, the Presbytery of Onkaparinga licensed him to preach the Gospel. In June 1913 he was transferred to Cummins, South Australia, where on 11th December he was ordained to the Ministry; there being, however, no call and therefore no induction.
In 1914 he entered the civil service (Public Stores Dept.) and later worked in the Audit Office till 1938, when he retired. Early in 1939 the Presbytery of Adelaide recognised his full status as a minister, and he was in charge of Woodville until the settlement of a minister in 1944.
He was a member of the Woodville Session, and, for a number of years, Treasurer of the Congregation. He was representative elder to the Assembly in 1937, and in 1947 was declared a minister emeritus.
A devoted servant of the Master, he was still, at the age of 80 years, riding his bicycle to keep appointments as a supply preacher, or to attend Church worship. His work as a Sunday School teacher has left a lasting impression on those who were privileged to be his scholars.
He died on 2nd March, 1953.
To Mrs. Rankine and her family, the Assembly tenders their sincere sympathy.
44.
Gender
- Male