MACLEAN, Hector, Rev, M.A., M.Sc., B.D., D.D., Principal (1885-1968)
Assembly memorial minute 1968
Bora Lismore N.S.W. February 1885. Died 27th May 1968.
Scholastic attainments - M.A., M.Sc. (New Zealand); B.D. (London University); D.D. (Edinburgh).
Ordained Knox Church, Invercargill, N.Z., 29th December 1915. Served as Chaplain to the Forces.
Inducted St.Andrew's Church, Dunedin, N.Z. August 1920.
Appointed Professor of Old Testament Studies, Ormond College; Inducted May 1928.
Moderator, General Assembly 1943/44.
Member of the Board of Investment and Finance 1940.
Member of the Board of Investment and Finance Executive 1942.
Member of The Presbyterian Church of Victoria Trusts Corporation 1943
until death.
Resigned from Chair of Old Testament 1957.
When the General Assembly called Hector Maclean to the Chair of Old Testament at the Theological Hall, Ormond College a new and significant era began in Theological Education. He brought with him a keen, well equipped, penetrating mind, a love for the Church that he had served as a parish minister, a worthy discernment of the office of the Ministry and a healthy impatience with the trivial.
Through the years of his teaching ministry, with his love of the Old Testament scriptures and his ability to relate them to the full Word of God, he left an impact on the lives and ministries of all who had the privilege of sitting at his feet. It would be impossible to estimate what the Church and its ministry owes to this one devoted servant who for almost thirty years inspired his students with a deep understanding of scriptures, and with the worthiest awareness of their high calling to the office of the Christian Ministry.
He readily took his place in the Courts of the Church and served over a number of years as the Chairman of the Commission on 'A Christian Social Order', through which his compassionate concern for the inderprivileged became evident to the Church. He served with effectiveness on the Board of Investment and Finance for over twenty years and was esteemed as a most valuable member.
He was honoured by his Church which called him to the office of Moderator of the General Assembly in 1943, an office that he filled with humility and distinction while still continuing his teaching duties as Professor.
His scholarship, recognised far beyond Australia, earned for him the honour of Doctor of Divinity, which was conferred by the University of Edinburgh in 1951.
After his retirement from regular commitments he still continued to give valuable service as lecturer in Old Testament to the deaconesses in training and to many other groups who ever felt the privilege of being sharers in his deep insights as he opened to them the Scriptures.
The General Assembly give thenks to God for this servant of Christ and His Church, record their continuing debt to him, and commend his family to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship and consolation of His Spirit.
Mrs. Maclean who in all things was his help and strength, and whose confident spirit was with him through the years of growing weakness, herself departed this life less than three months following his death.
Gender
- Male