STEWART, Donald Macrae, Rev. (1862-1933)
Assembly memorial minute 1933
Mr. Stewart was born at Pitlochrie Manse, Scotland, in 1862. He received his training at the University and New College, Edinburgh. He came to Australia in 1890. In 1891 he was ordained and inducted to the parish of Ascot Vale, where he continued for twelve years.He removed to Malvern in 1903, and there he remained to the end.
He was Moderator of Assembly in 1918, an office he filled with the distinction everyone expected. In April, 1915, he accepted a commission as chaplain in the Australian Imperial Forces, and rendered distinguished and much appreciated service, first at Gallipoli and afterwards in France. He returned to Australia in September, 1916. He occupied the position of Senior Military Chaplain of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria.
He was the author of several works, amongst them the Jubilee History of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, volumes of children’s addresses and of Scottish life and character—all of them characterized by the same fine qualities of literary charm and spiritual power. For a time he acted as Editor of the “Messenger. ”
On the educational side of the Church’s work he always took a leading part. Ormond especially and the training for the ministry never failed to receive his cordial co-operation. Indeed, there was no department of Church activity in which he did not share. He died on 14th March.
Mr. Stewart held a unique place amongst us. We all recognized in him one of the most distinguished and deeply-loved ministers of the Presbyterian Church, and this feeling was not confined to ourselves; it was shared by all the churches.
Nor could anyone be surprised at this, who knew Mr. Stewart and his work. His was a richly-furnished mind, a deeply devotional spirit, a character of rare unselfishness. To be present at public worship conducted by Mr. Stewart was to learn what such a service should be. The predominant note was one of reverence and devotion. Even had there been no sermon one would have felt it was good to be there. But the preaching was on the same high level. Mr. Stewart proclaimed the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, but the Gospel stamped with his own individuality. Well he knew not only his message, but also the men and women to whom he spoke—their needs and the possibilities that slumbered in even the most unworthy; for he ever looked on human nature with a kindly eye and a large charity.
In speaking to children, Mr. Stewart was an acknowledged master. His words were so beautiful in form, so fitted to arrest the attention, to find a home in the memory and to move to Christian living.
He was a tower of strength to our Assembly. How we shall miss him! Seldom speaking, but always there when a man was needed to undertake a task requiring wisdom and tact and patience, or to express in graceful sentences the thanks of the Assembly when some distinguished visitor came to us.
But quite apart from such official service, he manifested a personality attractive in its strength and beauty. In his every-day intercourse with men and women, his influence was ever gracious and helpful. To meet him, even in the most casual way, was to feel that you were in the company of a man distinguished above his fellows. His culture, his wealth of sympathy, his broad charity, his humour, his brotherliness, his genius for friendship, his gift of graceful utterance, whether in conversation or in public speech, made his presence always winsome and refreshing.
Our sympathy is extended to his relations and friends.
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