Alexander MCINTYRE

MCINTYRE, ALEXANDER (b. Strontian, Scotland, 1807; d. Geelong, Vic, 9 June 1878). Free Presbyterian evangelist in Gaelic-speaking communities.

McIntyre’s early medical studies were exchanged for the ministry and he was licensed in 1836. He adhered to the Free Church of Scotland in 1843, and was ordained an evangelist by the Presbytery of Pictou on 30 September 1847. A bachelor, he served in Canada 1847-50 and in Australia from 1853 (at Ahalton, Nelsons Plains 1853-57, at Geelong Gaelic Church as a base for preaching tours 1858-78). McIntyre was an extraordinarily powerful Gaelic preacher who had a remarkable impact in Gaelic communities in three countries but found the Highlanders in the commercial centre of Geelong less responsive.

J C Robinson, The Rev Alexander McIntyre, Evangelist (Prahran 1929); Witness (Sydney) 22 June, 20 July, 3 Aug, 10 Aug, 1878; R S Ward, The Bush Still Burns (Melbourne 1989)

ROWLAND S WARD