ROLLAND, Francis William, Rev , M.A., Sir (1878-1965)
Assembly memorial minute 1965
Born 1878 at Geelong. Died January 22nd, 1965.
Graduated M.A. Melbourne University.
Ordained 1905 at Adelaide. Inducted to Smith of Dunesk Mission 1905 (to 1908).
Inducted Noorat 1908. Resigned July 31st, 1915.
Chaplain World War I. Awarded the Military Cross.
Appointed Principal, Geelong College January 1st, 1920. Resigned 1945.
Moderator, Presbyterian Church of Victoria, 1937/38.
Moderator General 1954/57.
Knighted 1958.
Committee Service - Convener, Deaconess Council.
Convener, Committee on Religious Instruction in State Schools, and a representative on the Council of Christian Education, also its Chairman.
Francis William Rolland will be remembered by Church, Community and
Nation as one of the truly great men of his day, according to the mind of Christ. He was a man of deep sincerity of purpose, keen insights into truth, graciousness in his approach to and concern for all men, and a tremendous power to achieve by translating the vision he saw into the actual.
He served the Church in varying areas of opportunity with distinctiveness. Whether in Inland Mission, parish, Chaplaincy to the Forces, Principal of Geelong College, Moderator of the State or Federal Assemblies, Convener of Councils or Committees, the same wise, purposeful drive and direction, with grace, were discerned as he served Christ among men.
He was the first minister of any denomination in Australia to receive a knighthood, and no one was more worthy of that honour for he was a man with wide horizons whose service made impact through the lives of many far beyond the narrower confines of parish or locality.
The Church he loved and served gives thanks to God for his long life of devoted service, and conveys their sympathy to his surviving sister and brothers.
Gender
- Male