John GARDNER

GARDNER, JOHN (b. Glasgow, Scotland, 17 April 1809; d. Melbourne, Vic, 10 May 1899). First Free Presbyterian minister in SA.

Ordained as a Church of Scotland minister (1840), he spent 10 years in a Liverpool parish. His sympathy for the principles of Free Presbyterianism after the Disruption in Scotland (1843) eventually led him into that church. He arrived in Adelaide in 1850 to found the Free Church in SA. Chalmers (now Scots Uniting) Church was built in 1851 and its membership grew rapidly under his vigorous ministry. As the Free Church expanded into country areas it became the most vital of the three branches of Presbyterianism in the colony. Gardner was active in social, educational and religious affairs and when the three branches of the church united in 1865 he became the first Moderator. He ministered in Launceston, Tas (1868-74) and Queenscliff, Vic (1874-88). While Moderator in Vic (1883-4) he presided over the difficult heresy trial of Dr Charles Strong.

He held strongly to traditional Presbyterian doctrines and, although dogmatic in his views he was respected for his sincerity, vitality and evangelical pastoral ministry.

ADB 4; W Gray, History of the Presbyterian Church in South Australia 1839-1939 (Mortlock Library)

ROBERT J SCRIMGEOUR