Robert MITCHELL

MITCHELL, ROBERT (b. Meigle, Scotland, 14 Jan 1851, d. Adelaide, SA, 28 Feb 1929). Presbyterian minister, founder of Smith of Dunesk Mission, Beltana, SA.

Robert Mitchell's family migrated to the Mt Crawford district of SA in 1855. His conversion at 16 in a Baptist chapel led to a call to the Presbyterian ministry. He was educated at North Adelaide Grammar School, and by Presbytery tutors in theological subjects. At 21 he became the first minister to be ordained by the Presbyterian Church of SA. In his first parish at Clare (1872-82) he opened churches in outlying areas and organised evangelistic missions and temperance rallies. While at Pt Augusta (1882-94) he extended parish boundaries by visiting homes along the northern railway. Concerned for these isolated people he moved, with his daughter, to Beltana where he started the Smith of Dunesk Mission. For four years (1894-98), under very difficult circumstances, they covered a large area by horse and trap, visiting pastoral stations, townships, railway cottages and shearers' quarters, giving practical and spiritual help, medical and dental care, conducting services, urging conversion, and calling for abstinence from alcohol by 'signing the pledge'. His work formed the foundation upon which John Flynn built the Australian Inland Mission. He retired after a long ministry at Goodwood (1899-1922) but acted as home mission agent at Morphett Vale for three years from 1924. He was convenor of the Smith of Dunesk Mission Committee from 1899 until his death. In 1928 he and his wife, aged 77 and 82 respectively, returned to Beltana for a 10 month ministry. He was State Moderator in 1889-90.

His diaries (1869-1929) in the Mortlock Library reveal his evangelistic fervour, his practical and energetic ministry, and his special concern for the people of the outback.

ADB 10; J R Fiddian, Robert Mitchell of the Inland (Melbourne, 1931)

ROBERT J SCRIMGEOUR