William HODGSON

HODGSON, WILLIAM (b. London, England, 15 Dec 1809; d. Clifton, Westmoreland, England, 2 Dec 1869). Anglican clergyman, first principal Moore Theological College.

Son of a bookseller, Hodgson had a successful career at Sidney Sussex, Cambridge University (BA 1832), where he gained a reputation for fluency in Latin and Greek. He was made deacon 1835 and priested 1836 in the dio of Chester. After a curacy he was appointed perpetual curate of Old Brathay near Ambleside in the Lake District in 1842. At no more than £100 pa it was a modest living. Bp Barker(q.v.) invited him in 1855 to establish the new theological training college in his dio to be funded with the proceeds of Thomas Moore's (q.v.) bequest and in his house at Liverpool, NSW. With much misgiving Hodgson began work in 1857, struggling with modest funds, limited book stock, building construction, and a dishonest treasurer. He rapidly gained repute as a fine classical scholar. He also ministered to the inmates of the Liverpool Asylum for the Aged and Destitute, and served as government chaplain to the Holsworthy district. Hodgson prepared 50 students for ordination 1857-1867. He had the trust of both Barker and Perry (q.v.) of Melbourne. Acceptable as a preacher, diligent as a pastor, dignified, logical and plain, 'he was quiet and self-effacing, a splendid scholar, a careful teacher, and a convinced evangelical' (Loane, Centenary History: 30). Leaving NSW in Feb 1868, he served briefly as rector of Clifton, Westmoreland.

ADB 4; M L Loane, A Centenary History of Moore Theological College (Sydney, 1955)

BRIAN DICKEY