SMITH, Robert Johnston, Rev., B.A. (1838-1920)
Assembly memorial minute1920
The Rev. Robert Johnston Smith, B.A., came from the Irish Presbyterian Church. He was born at Tamlit O’Crilly, Armagh. His course at Queen’s College, Belfast, was a distinguished one.
He was called to Mansfield in 1868, being its first settled minister. Resigning Mansfield in 1872, he was settled at Meredith in 1874.
Having suffered from rheumatic fever, he was ordered to a warm climate, and went to Wentworth, N.S.W., the same year. Wentworth (to which he had added Balranald) and the Riverina congregations were formed into a Presbytery, which after the Union was transferred to the N.S. . Assembly. Mr. Smith remained at Wentworth till he retired in 1901, receiving an annuity from the N.S.W. Infirm Ministers’ Fund.
In this charge he undertook most arduous work, being willing to sacrifice himself for the extension of the Church in those wide regions. He was a good preacher, sound, solid, and doctrinal.
Returning to Victoria, he became a member first of the Session of Parkville and afterwards of Ascot Vale. He passed away on January 6, 1920, at Moonee Ponds, aged 82, after an illness of five days.
He was married in 1869 to Miss Cherie Pennefather, who survives him, together with two sons and two daughters, to whom the Assembly offers its sympathy in their great loss.
Gender
- Male