MATHEW, John, Rev., D.D., Dr. (1850-1929)
Assembly memorial minute 1929
Dr. Mathew was born in Aberdeen in 1850, but at the age of 13 came to Australia. Settling on a station in Queensland, he began that study of the aborigines which he continued all his life. In 1876 he matriculated at the University of Melbourne, where he had a brilliant career. Entering the Theological Hall in due course he continued his success as a student, gaining many honours.
His first charge was Ballan, but it is as minister of Coburg that he is known. Here he remained for 34 years. Though a man of many interests, he ever put his ministerial duties first, devoting himself with assiduity to his preaching and pastoral work, taking a special interest in the young.
From the first he took a prominent part in the general work of the Church, both State and Australian. In Victoria he became Convener of the Theological Hall Committee, Chairman of Ormond College Council, and Convener of the Home Mission Committee. In the Church of Australia he held the position of Convener of the College Committee. In 1911 he was Moderator of the State Assembly and in 1922 Moderator of the General Assembly of Australia.
Though taking a very full share of Assembly work, he remained to the end the scholar and student. His researches in the life and languages of the aborigines made him an authority in this branch of learning, while his eminence as a theologian was recognised by the conferring on him of the degree of Doctor of Divinity by the Melbourne College of Divinity. He was a poet of no mean order.
Dr. Mathew was a man of attractive personality, as modest as he was learned, genial and friendly. In the death of Dr. Mathew our Church has sustained a grievous loss. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs. Mathew and family.
Gender
- Male