MACNEIL, Alexander Rowan, Rev, M.C. M.A., Prof (1894-1953)
Assembly memorial minute, 1954
Mr. Macneil was born at Upper Hawthorn on 27th February, 1894. He saw active service with the First Australian Imperial Forces, rose to the rank of Major, and was second in command of an Infantry battalion in Flanders. As an efficient officer he won the confidence of the men, and saved many lives by cool and detailed planning. For services in Flanders, he was decorated with the Military Cross.
Upon returning home, he was for a time associated with a leading firm of importers in Melbourne, from which he resigned to enter Ormond College, in 1922, with a view to serving the Church in work among youth. Here he revealed a fine scholarship, obtaining first class honours at all stages of his degree course. He was popular among the students who respected this quiet and unassuming man. He graduated blaster of Arts, and entered the Theological Hall. During his years at the University and the Theological Hall he was closely associated with the University Rifles in which he held the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.
After completing Exit, in 1927, he was appointed Chaplain of Scotch College in 1928, at which appointment he received Ordination. Resigning this position in 1934, he went to England for two years with the view of making a special study of religious education. In 1937 he accepted an appointment as teacher in Trinity Grammar School.
In the early days of wireless broadcasting he broadcast under the name of "Padre” during the "Presbyterian Half Hour".
Upon the outbreak of the Second World War, he volunteered as a chaplain, and went to Malaya with the Eighth Division. He was taken prisoner with his men at Singapore. During the awful times in the Changi Camp, he was most highly respected by all ranks. He returned home and gave himself to the work of the Boy Scouts movement. In an honorary capacity, he continued to serve the Church as the senior chaplain in Victoria.
Mr. Macneil worshipped with the congregation of Deepdene and, for sixteen years, was a member of that Session and representative elder.
Above all academic and military honours, Mr. Macneil will be remembered as a faithful minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, for he was ever mindful of his high calling. He strove to live in the spirit of the Lord he loved. He gave freely to the life and work of his parish Church and, for some years, was leader of its senior Bible Class. His humility was enhanced by a rare unselfishness. He was always loyal to his fellows, labouring to be just and fair in judgment, but never lacking the courage of conviction, and never ungracious in its expression.
He died suddenly, at his home in Kew, on Wednesday, 14th October, 1953.
To Mrs. Macneil, her son and daughter, the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male