CHAPTER XIII.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS: THEIR FOUNDATION AND FIRST CELEBRATIONS.
SYNOPSIS: —Rev. James Forbes. —The First Elders. —The First Scots' School. —Arrival of the Rev. Andrew Love. —Subscription of Roman Catholic Priests. —Church Fees. —Foundation and Opening of Scots' Church. —Presbyterians in 1841. —Opening of Kirk at Campbellfield. —The First Presbytery. —Burglary at the Manse. —Local Disruption. —Local Free Church Movement. —Deposition of the Rev. James Forbes. —The Church Declared Vacant. —Breaking up of the Court. —Call of the Rev. Irving Hetherington. —Deposition of Rev. Mr. Laurie. —Presbyterian Population of 1851. —Free Protesting Church of Australia Felix .—The Rev. James Forbes Founder Thereof. —Arrival of the Rev. J. T. Huie. —Foundation of the John Knox Church. —Casting of the First Bell. —Arrival of the Rev. John Gardiner. —Opening of the Church at Brighton. —Death of the Rev. Mr. Forbes. —United Presbyterian Church. —Rev. A. M. Ramsay. —Presbyterian Population in 1880 and 1886-7.
The Presbyterians.
EARLY in 1838, the Rev. James Clow arrived in the colony in search of improved health. He had been a chaplain in the service of the East India Company, from which he retired on a well-earned pension. He was the first Presbyterian minister who officiated in Melbourne, and he held afternoon services in the wooden building belonging to the Episcopalians. On the 28th January, 1839, the Rev. James Forbes made his appearance and was installedas the regular minister, and by his earnestness, amiability and self-denial, quickly became a favourite, not only with his own people, but the public generally. The first Elders were Dr. David Patrick and Mr. Robert Campbell, and the attendance at worship exceeded two hundred. They obtained from the Sydney Government the splendid site in Collins Street East, now graced by the Scots' Church—land then little valued as it was too far out of town! On this was built a weather-board room to serve both school and church purposes. The collection of funds was proceeded with to provide a more durable structure, as also a permanent church, and with much success, for on the 22nd May, 1839, a meeting was held at the school-house with Mr. James O. Denny as Chairman. The Committee reported that of £686 13s., the amount received in promises, £393 13s. 8d. had been paid, and the Rev. James Clow, with Messrs. Skene Craig, William Ryrie, P. Snodgrass, and Thomas Napier were elected trustees. It was next resolved to proceed with a brick building, and a plan prepared by Mr. Joseph Burns was approved with certain modifications. Though nominally to be a school-house, it was to serve as a church pending the completion of a special edifice as such. Its cost was estimated at £400, of which £110 had been specially subscribed for the school, and £200 was promised by the Government, conditional upon a like amount being obtained by private contributions. This was the origin of the Scots' School, one of the best known places in the old times, before the birth of the Mechanics' Institute; for it was freely given for every useful purpose, and was the scene of some of the most important of the public meetings, and the delivery of the first lectures, in the town. The building has undergone many changes during forty years of strange vicissitude, but unlike most other ancient structures, the greater portion of the old house remains to this day.
Geelong was originally much patronised by Scotchmen, and there were many thriving settlers scattered around. They became very solicitous for a kirk of their own, and in 1839, forwarded a memorial to the General Assembly of Scotland, to despatch a minister to them. On the 9th April, 1840, their wish was gratified by the arrival of the Rev. Andrew Love, who had volunteered his services, which were accepted by the Colonial Committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
