Arthur Lukyn WILLIAMS

WILLIAMS, ARTHUR LUKYN (b. 1853; d. 6 Oct 1943) Anglican clergyman and theological college principal.

With first cl hons in theology at Cambridge in 1875, the youthful Williams (ordained deacon 1876, and priest 1877 to a Jesus College living) was commended to Bp Barker (q.v.), desperate for a principal of Moore Theological College. Williams began enthusiastically at MTC in July 1878, keen to meet the demand for more ordinands as Sydney grew in population. But enrolments however remained modest, even though diocesan leadership knew that their own college must be the principal source of new clergy. He aimed for a uniform entrance exam, more clearly defined studies focussed on OT, NT and church history, and an 'Inter-Diocesan Board of Examination' to assess the achievements of ordination candidates. Like his predecessors he battled colonial parsimony until his health declined in 1884 and he was forced to resign. He 'was able to pursue his labours as scholar and author in the genial atmosphere of Cambridge until his death' (Loane, Centenary History :60).

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

BRIAN DICKEY