An enduring legacy

Caroline Stok, Archivist

As a founder, Rev. Dr Alexander James Campbell (1815-1909) played a key role in the establishment of The Geelong College. Over 160 years later, his legacy lives on.

Rev. Dr Alexander James Campbell’s journey to Victoria from Scotland in 1859 marked the beginning of a rich legacy.

A Free Church Minister, he quickly immersed himself in Geelong’s religious community, partnering with Rev. Andrew Love at St Andrews Church, Yarra St. Recognising the need to serve congregants from the west, he helped establish St Georges Church, where he ministered until around 1887.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Campbell’s influence extended to broader Presbyterian circles, where he served as Moderator of the Presbyterian Assembly and professor at the Presbyterian Theological Hall. Throughout his life, he championed

an ecumenical spirit and was a fervent advocate for education.

Soon after his arrival in Australia, Campbell recognised the need for a new school to be established in Geelong. However, his initial attempts to bring his plans to life were unsuccessful, when his suggestion of a combined grammar school between the local Anglican and Presbyterian communities was rebuffed.

Not easily disheartened, Campbell instead became a key instigator for a purely Presbyterian school in Geelong. At a meeting in April 1861, he reported that ‘he had brought the subject before the General Assembly, which fully approved of the establishment in Geelong of a school

CAROLINE STOK, ARCHIVIST

connected with the Presbyterian Church’.

This school would become The Geelong College as we know it today.

Campbell chaired the very first meetings of The Geelong College committee, and oversaw the appointment of Principal, George Morrison.

His dedication culminated in the founding of The Geelong College in July 1861.

Leading a congregation of 40 students and community members, he inaugurated the institution with solemn praise, heartfelt prayer, and scripture readings, setting the stage for a venerable educational tradition. He addressed the students:

“I wish you the joy of being here today. It is a day you will never forget. For you are the first scholars, the foundation stones, of a new school, which will grow into a great College…

Let me assure you that you will never be asked to learn anything that will not be useful to you, that will not help to make you wise, good, and useful citizens.”

Over 160 years later Campbell’s legacy endures. His portrait hangs proudly in the Senior School room that bears his name (the Alexander Campbell Room), and the Dr A J Campbell Perpetual Trophy is awarded annually to a student for all-round sporting contribution to the College.

We will be ever-grateful for his contributions towards making the College the place it is today.

Renovation of the gravesite of Rev. Dr Alexander James Campbell

It was The Geelong College Foundation’s privilege to support and oversee the recent renovation of the Rev. Dr Alexander James Campbell gravesite at the Geelong Western Cemetery.

We thank the many descendants of Rev. Campbell who gave us permission to renovate the gravesite and install a monument acknowledging the contribution Rev. Campbell made to The Geelong College.

- Scott Chirnside, President of The Geelong College Foundation

The wording on the plaque reads:

Rev. Dr Alexander James Campbell 1815-1909

The Geelong College acknowledges Rev. Dr Alexander James Campbell, Scottish born Presbyterian Minister, as one of the founders of the school in 1861. His dedication to education and active involvement in the establishment of the College places him firmly in its history. His contribution will never be forgotten.

Placed in memory of Rev. Dr Alexander James Campbell by The Geelong College Foundation, 8 July 2023.

“And now I pray that God may bless Geelong College…and make it an instrument of lasting good to generations yet to come.”

(A J Campbell, 1906)