Catherine A. MORRISON

MORRISON, CATHERINE A (b. 1885; d. Wahroonga, NSW, 9 April 1961). Presbyterian youth and women's leader.

Cath Morrison grew up in the Riverina. At her father's death, the family moved to Sydney (1898), where she worked in retailing. Her first church links were with the Presbyterian congregations at Deniliquin and Echuca and at St Enoch's, Newtown, at the height of its influence. Later, she was a fellowship leader in various churches on the North Shore (Pymble, Turramurra, Wahroonga). She was active in the Presbyterian Fellowship Union in its 'golden age'. She was convenor of the Missions Committee 1918-21, 1923-34, when the idea of the Union's having its own missionary emerged (realised by C J R Price in India, 1940). While Conference Centre convenor, 1928-51, she led in developing the Union's valuable centre at Thornleigh. She was secretary, 1942-7, of the Presbyterian Women's Federation, which promoted action on social questions and on women's status in the church. In the 1940s she participated in moves to unite all Presbyterian women's organisations.

C A White, The Challenge of the Years (Sydney, 1951); M D Prentis, Fellowship (Sydney, 1977); PFFJ Annual Report 1918-51; Ferguson Memorial Library, Sydney. Files 'Mr J A Morrison', 'Women's Guild'

BRUCE E MANSFIELD