RODGER, John Allan, Rev. (1873-1912)
Assembly memorial minute 1913
The late Rev. John Allan Rodger was a Glasgow boy, and arrived in Victoria in his sixteenth year. Through the encouragement given him by the Rev. Mr. Ramage, of Williamstown, he was led to study for the ministry. In spite of severe difficulties he fought his way to the Theological Hall, in which he proved himself a student of good standing, whose devotion to sacred learning was admired by all, professors and students alike. During his Hall course he passed through a second deep spiritual experience, which became to him a second and clearer call to the ministry.
In 1898 Mr. Rodger was ordained and inducted to the charge of Framlingham, where he proved himself an earnest minister of Jesus Christ. In 1901 he was approached by Professor Rentoul, and induced to become minister of Boulder City, one of the hardest spheres in Western Australia. On arrival there he found the congregation in ruins, but with undaunted courage he gave himself to his hard task. Blessing followed the advent of this true man of God in the community. Many a young man in his hour of need found in the Presbyterian minister a brave, wise and sympathetic brother.
Amid increasing congregational activities, Mr. Rodger became Clerk of the Goldfields Presbytery, and faithfully filled the office; but in 1903, to his great regret, and the regret of a devoted congregation, of the community, and the West Australian Church, he was compelled to resign his charge, owing to the severe and continued ill-health of his wife, who had so nobly shared in his labours.
Returning to Victoria, Mr. Rodger was called to Tarnagulla in 1905, where he fulfilled a splendid ministry of four years, during which the Laanecoorie congregation was founded on a sound basis. His 'brethren in the Presbyteriy of Maryborough honoured him by appointing him their Clerk. As the result of Dr. Chapman's first mission, his ministry was uplifted and enlarged; and the winning of souls for Christ became the passion of his life.
Through this fresh spiritual experience, and as the outcome of patient and sympathetic parish work, as well as of strenuous study of God’s Word, Mr. Rodger was prepared to enter on the work of the larger sphere opened up by a call from St. Arnaud congregation in 1909. All gave promise of a ministry of increasing power and usefulness, when God was pleased to lay His hand on His devoted servant and call him aside from toil. The months of weakness that followed proved that Mr.Rodger found hope and peace in submitting to the will of God. At Deniliquin, on 29th July, 1912, His Master called him home.
Our sincere sympathy is hereby sent to Mrs. Rodger. Though much hindered by ill-health, she has all through her husband’s career been the true partner of his faith, hope and joy. We pray our Heavenly Father to spare her, and grant improved health, that she may bring up her two little children in the unfailing faith of their saintly father.
Gender
- Male