JAMIESON, John Chapman, Rev (1872-1955)
Assembly memorial minute 1955
Born at Clydevale, Otago, New Zealand, on 21st June, 1872.
Graduated at the University of Otago in 1895, and at the Theological College in 1898.
Ordained and inducted at Strath Taieri, New Zealand, in 1899, and resigned in 1902.
Received Assembly appointment in 1903 as Evangelist to young men.
Conducted three months’ evangelistic campaign in New South Wales in 1904.
Became first Travelling Secretary of the New Zealand Bible Class Movement.
Became Assistant Minister to the Rev. William Hewitson, Dunedin.
Inducted as Minister to the Church at Hokitika, from 1908 - 1911.
Became organising secretary of the Fellowship Movement in New South Wales.
Returned to Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1913 to become Assistant at Knox Church.
Minister at Waitati, Otago, New Zealand, from 1916 to 1924.
In 1924 returned to Australia to become Assistant Director of Youth work in Victoria.
Became Director in 1927 and resigned in 1944.
Died on Sunday, 25th September, 1955.
Mr. Jamieson spent his youth in Waiwera where he was greatly blessed by a remarkable spiritual revival, the influence of which extended far and wide. Very early in life he manifested deep devotion to his Saviour, so that during his student days he was very zealous in organising and conducting Bible Classes and doing definite evangelistic work. Being a sportsman, he used his athletic ability in campaigning for Christ. In this way he established a Presbyterian cause at Patearoa, a place once noted for its irreligion.
His method of Bible study on discussion lines produced excellent results which became world-wide. As the young men’s evangelist, Mr. Jamieson followed three principles zealously - organising youth work, training leaders and promoting real Bible study. He initiated the first Summer School, later to be known as the Summer Conference, in 1904 at Oamaru, New Zealand. A direct result of his visit to New South Wales, in 1911, was the first Presbyterian Youth Summer School in Australia.
When called by the Assembly of the Church of Victoria to be Assistant Youth Director, this pioneer in Christ brought with him his zeal and drive. Here, as in New Zealand, he founded Youth Movements such such as the Orders of the Covenant, the Burning Bush, and the Pilgrims - movements which did so much to educate youth in the polity and doctrine of their Church, to win them to a love for the Word of God, and to train them to witness in expression and service. Mr. Jamieson’s glorious gift was the power to inspire young people to be confident that they, too, could be powerful for their Lord. He called to youth to surrender to the Author of life abundant, and he declared three convictions - a need for positive evangelism, the efficacy of prayer, and the value of direct Bible study.
He possessed a most decided literary ability which he dedicated entirely to the evangel of his Lord, publishing more than one hundred books of Bible study, the majority of which are widely known. His contribution to the life and work of the Church extends far and wide, as a pioneer in youth departments, a teacher of teachers, a leader of leaders, and a lecturer to theological students. His sharing of experience and wisdom was of great help to the Life and Work Committee. Modest and retiring by nature, and beloved by all who knew him in person or through his writings, he quietly and consistently pursued his way in the faith of his Lord.
To his two daughters, and to his two sons, the Rev. A.R.C. Jamieson, and Dr. T. J. Knox Jamieson of Vila, New Hebrides, the Assembly tender sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male