ROBERTSON, John Dickson, Rev. (1832-1915)
Assembly memorial minute 1915
The Assembly resolves to place on record its sorrow at the passing away of one of the pioneer Ministers of our Church, the Rev. John. Dickson Robertson and its sympathy with his son, Rev. Hume Robertson, and the other members of the family. He was a son of the Manse, his father being the Rev. Hume James Robertson, parish Minister at Coldingham.
Mr. Robertson came to Victoria in the early sixties. His first Charge was at Wangaratta. From there he was called to Horsham, thence to Ryrie Street, Geelong. He then went to Yarrawonga, where he founded the Yarrawonga Charge, including Bundalong, formerly known as “the Church of the wilderness.”
In 1895 he was elected to the Moderatorship, the highest honour the Church could confer upon him. At the end of 1896 he visited Western Australia, and founded the Church at Northam, besides labouring in other spheres in that State. After returning he took charge of the Church at Canterbury, and held it until it became a settled Charge.
Besides the ordinary work of the Ministry, he took a keen interest in all the philanthropic movements, especially in connection with neglected children, and also in the matter of religious instruction in the schools of the State. To the end of his life he gave lessons each week in several State Schools.
He had a most lovable disposition, and was a rare combination of tenderness and dignity. He was a perfect gentleman. In all his work he was most methodical, painstaking and conscientious. He had abundant energy, which he retained almost to the close of his life.
His career has been an inspiration to the younger Ministers of our Church, more than one being able to trace his conversion to the influence of Mr. Robertson.
It is on such men that the Church is dependent for her strength and for her continuance.
Gender
- Male