Friday 28 September 2012

Rev.Leslie S.Macdougall 1877-1949

http://macdougalldiaries.blogspot.com.au

I, Joy Olney, a grandaughter of Leslie Stuart Macdougall became interested in Leslie's diaries as a means to gain further insights into the Macdougall family.  Grandpa wrote a diary every day from 1895 at age 17 until October 1948 at age 71. Leslie passed away on 8 February 1949.

Initially the information helped me identify family photographs, names and dates, but, it soon became a passion.  I have visited Tasmania four times since commencing this journey of discovery, in the years 2005 - 2010, seeking out places of interest, also homes and churches that Grandpa wrote about.  Then there were the Victorian appointments to visit.

Leslie Macdougall was born in Hobart on 4 March 1877 but grew up in Launceston. His hobbies included photography, music, reading and studying.

Leslie Macdougall 4 March 1884 - age 7 years
Leslie Macdougall 4 March 1884 - age 7 years


His parents were William Arthur and Sarah Ann Macdougall.  Leslie was the eldest of six children - Leslie Stuart, Hugh Campbell, Ruby Fredrica, twins Olive May Oban & Ila Aisbett, and Gwenneth Lenore Macdougall.

Macdougall family at home on King Island 9 September 1909

1897 - 1899 Leslie tutored the 4 sons of Mr.Louis Shoobridge in Bushy Park, Tasmania. 1900 he was a Home Missionary at Oatlands, Tasmania, and in 1901 he was invited to be the Classical Master at Leslie House School in Hobart. 

Leslie presented himself as a candidate for the Methodist ministry at Queen's College, Melbourne in 1902, serving in Victoria and Tasmania. He was ordained in 1910.  Leslie attained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1918, Master of Arts degree with first class honours in English Literature in 1919, and graduated with a degree in Divinity in 1924. 

Rev L.S.Macdougall 20 April 1918

Leslie married Beatrice Helen Louise Wells on 9 September 1912 in Hobart.
Together they had three daughters - Winsome Lorne, Dorothy Glaed and Margaret Elizabeth Patricia.

Leslie Macdougall and Beatrice Wells married 9 September 1912

Macdougall family 15 January 1923
Macdougall family 19 January 1928


A conspicious quality of character was his sincerity of spirit, his complete honesty and his enduring loyalty to the friend or causes in which he believed.  He was not given to disquise his opinions, but was prepared to declare them when required with frankness and sincerity.  A man of great scolarship yet remained a student all his life. He was a mighty man of God and preached powerful sermons. He had a great love for the evangelical truths of the gospel which was abundantly evident in his Greek translations of the New Testament. His mental and spititual abilities made his ministry fruitful and his special talents were exercised in tutorial and literary work. His gifts for turorial work were availed of at the Methodist Theological Institution and on his retirement from circuit work he took classes at Brighton Grammar School and Haileybury College.

During World War 11 Leslie was appointed as the Methodist Representative for Australasia for the appointment of Protestant Naval Chaplains in collaboration with the Australian Navy.

Outstanding among his qualities was his courage, his brave heart and heroic spirit.  When his right arm was affected a few years before his death he knew how serious were the probable issues.  He had to undergo months of deep therapy treatment and wear his arm in a sling.  Later, complete amputation of the arm was performed, followed by a brief period of relief from pain.  But the pain soon returned, necessitating further treatment in hospital. During a long and painful experience he was cheerful and hopeful.  There was never a whimper.  No one ever heard him complain.  When any reference was made to this he invariably laughed it off as of no consequence.  Truely, his heart was undaunted, it was not pagan stoicism or natural fortitude.  His trust was in God.  He knew in whom he believed. Such was Leslie Macdougall under stress of sore affliction, and when face to face with the last enemy, and heart and flesh failed, he found God was the strength of his heart and his portion forever.

Leslie died a very valient soldier of Christ and passed from the scene of his earthly conflicts to receive the crown which awaits those who are faithful unto death on 8 February 1949.

Rev.Leslie S.Macdougall 1937

I have now read through all the diaries, and compiled a summary of the diaries year by year to enable the reader to have a better idea of location and activities associated with the life of Leslie Stuart Macdougall and his family from 1895 - 1948.

In the early years there was a variety of papers used to make up the diaries and Leslie bound his diaries himself until 1916.

Letters received were rewritten and letters sent were copied in his print style (1895 - 1904).
Cash reconcilliations for family finances were recorded each month in most diaries, also family photos, charts and newspaper clippings.

I have had some of the diaries rebound and they are stored in their own cabinet.
They are a priceless treasure.

Diary cabinet after rebinding some of the diaries

Diary cabinet before scanning and rebinding

1934 - 1942 diaries tied together with string

1934 - 1942 diaries after rebinding

The task of scanning every page of the 53 diaries has been enormous.  There are over 15,000 pages and it has taken more than 650 hours to achieve just that task, to say nothing of the time to read the diaries to compile the summary of each year (48 pages). I have come to understand why I go about some things in an untiring, painstaking and methodical manner - just like my Grandpa!

Leslie Macdougall's Register of every Baptism, and his Register of every Preaching Appointment from 1895 - 1948 have also been scanned.  Unfortunately he did not keep a register of all the marriages and funerals, but you can read about them in the diaries!

Example of Baptism Register 1910.  Leslie baptised 797 infants.



Example of Preaching Appointments in Ballarat in 1926

I have compiled a presentation of Rev Leslie S. Macdougall's diaries which includes every diary from 1895 - 1948 (over 15000 pages), cash reconciliations of family finances, family photographs (23 pages), family trees with photos (6 pages), baptismal register (54 pages), preaching appointments (220 pages) and love letters (81 pages) and a summary of each diary year by year (48 pages).

"The Epilogue" written by Allan Petfield (3 pages) and the "Biography of Leslie Macdougall" written by Winsome Petfield (5 pages) also give further insights into this remarkable man.

Leslie's wife, Beatrice Macdougall wrote a diary from 1953 - 1978.  These have also been scanned (1200 pages).  A summary of each year (19 pages) and family photographs (28 pages) make interesting reading.

I will endevour to get this information out to archival groups and historical societies as time permits.

This 10GB presentation is far too big for a blog.  I hope you will take a look at my blogs on Rev.L.S.Macdougall and his wife Beatrice. I do have the presentation on a 16GB USB. You can contact me at joyolney@gmail.com for your very own record of this piece of history.


I trust you enjoy reading the blogs as much as I have enjoyed this "labour of love" in memory of Leslie Stuart Macdougall.


Thursday 27 September 2012

Rev. Leslie S.Macdougall Ministry appointments

http://macdougalldiaries.blogspot.com.au
 
November 1895 - September 1899 Local Preacher - various locations in Tasmania.
October 1899 - September 1900 Home missionary, Oatlands, Tasmania.
October 1900 - March 1902 Local Preacher - various locations in Tasmania.
March 1902 - 1904 Theological student at Queen's College, Parkville, Melbourne.

26 May 1902 - a student at Queen's College, Parkville, Melbourne

December 1902 - February 1903 Locum at Stanley, Tasmania.
December 1903 - April 1904 Locum at Nagambie, Victoria.
December 1904 - April 1905 Locum at Mathinna, Tasmania.
April 1905 - April 1907 1st & 2nd Year Probation at Dumbalk & Meeniyan, Victoria.

Leslie Macdougall April 1905 at Dumbalk

April 1907 - 1908 3rd Year Probation at Neerim, Victoria.
April 1908 - April 1909 3rd Year Probation at Berringa & Kaleno, Victoria.
April 1909 - March 1910 4th Year Probation at South Preston, Victoria.

Leslie Macdougall 23 July 1909 at Preston
             
9 March 1910 Ordination Service at Wesley Church, Melbourne.

April 1910 - April 1912 Queenstown & Strahan, Tasmania.


Queenstown Methodist Church, Cnr Dixon & Cutton Streets, Queenstown 1910

Strahan Methodist Church 1910 (later destroyed by fire)
































April 1912 - March 1915 New Norfolk & Glenora, Tasmania.

New Norfolk Methodist Church 2005 - oldest Methodist Church in use in Australia built 1835, Burnett Street, New Norfolk
Interior New Norfolk Methodist Church 2005

New Norfolk Parsonage in 2005 - "Eardley Cottage" built 1830, Corner Alfred & Pioneer Avenues, New Norfolk


April 1915 - April 1918 Westbury, Tasmania.

Westbury Methodist Church Cnr William & Dexter Street, Westbury 2005

Interior Wesbury Methodist Church 2005


April 1918 - April 1921 Penguin, Tasmania.


Penguin Methodist Church, Main Road, Penguin 2005

Interior Penguin Methodist Church 2005


April 1921 - April 1924 Euroa, Victoria.


Euroa Methodist Church & Parsonage - now Funeral Parlour 2007 Cnr Binney St.West & Bury St, Euroa

Interior Euroa Methodist Church - now Funeral Parlour Chapel 2007


April 1924 - April 1929 Skipton Street, Ballarat, Victoria.


Beatrice Macdougall opened Sunday School Hall 4 September 1926
Sunday School Hall 2008

Skipton Street Methodist Church, Ballarat 2008


1932 - 1947  Lecturer at Queen's College, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria.
1933 - 1942 Lecturer at Otira Home Missionaries Training College.


 April 1929 - April 1933 East Malvern Peace Memorial Epping Street, Malvern, Victoria.

Interior East Malvern Peace Memorial Church April 1929


Parsonage - 14 Epping Street, East Malvern14 June 1930

 Peace Memorial Church - now Greek Orthodox
Parsonage at 14 Epping Street, East Malvern 2012




April 1933 - 1937 Coburg & Moreland, Melbourne, Victoria.


Coburg Methodist Church 1933 - 1937
Coburg Methodist - now Fijian Church - photo taken 2010
Coburg Parsonage, Sydney Road, Coburg 2010 - now Kildonan Unitingcare















April 1937 - April 1942 Williamstwon & Newport, Melbourne, Victoria.

Williamstown Methodist Church - Cnr Electra Street & Pascoe Sts
Williamstown Parsonage, 34 Electra Street, Williamstown.






 
Rev L.S.Macdougall Melbourne State Library 14 February 1939


 April 1942 - April 1945 New Street & Were Street, Brighton, Melbourne, Victoria.


 Brighton Parsonage, 84 Outer Cres, Brighton 1942-1945 - now demolished

New Street, Brighton Church - now Brighton Grammar Chapel


April 1945 - October 1948 Supernumerary, Brighton, Melbourne, Victoria.

20 Comer Street, Brighton - retirement home
Rev Leslie S.Macdougall 1877 - 1949

8 February 1949 Rev L.S.Macdougall passed away at home.



A 10 GB Presentation on the life of Rev Leslie S.Macdougall has been compiled - far too big for a blog!  The presentation includes every diary from 1895 - 1948.  The diaries include cash reconciliations of his family finances, letters written and received until 1904, charts, newspaper clippings and photographs (over 15,000 pages).

Included in the 10GB Presentation is an extensive summary of his activities year by year (48 pages), family photographs (23 pages), family trees (6 pages), Epilogue (3 pages), Biography of his life (5 pages), love letters (81 pages), Baptismal Register (54 pages), Ledger of Preaching Appointments (220 pages). Also included are the diaries of his wife Beatrice from 1953 - 1978 (1200 pages), family photos (28 pages), summary of diaries (19 pages).

A 16 GB USB is available should you wish to have your very own copy of this presentation. This is a precious part of history and gives great insights into life as a Methodist Minister in Tasmania and Victoria.  Contact Joy by email joyolney@gmail.com



Wednesday 26 September 2012

Queen's Theological College, Melbourne




http://macdougalldiaries@blogspot.com.au



Leslie Stuart Macdougall - at the age of 7 when he dreamed of being a learned man!

Leslie Macdougall - a student at Queen's College 1902 - 1910

Leslie Stuart Macdougall was born 4 March 1877 in Hobart to William & Sarah Macdougall.  At an early age he and his parents moved to Launceston where he was eductated.  He attended Paterson Street, Methodist Sunday School and made a commitment to serve the Lord Jesus Christ on 12 March 1892. He became a Local Preacher in 1895 at the age of 18.

1894 Passed his Senior Public Examination.
1895 - 1896 Commenced his Bachelor of Arts Degree at University of Tasmania, Launceston Campus, while at the same time tutoring his young sisters Olive, Ila and Gwenneth at home.
1897 - 1899 Tutored the 4 sons of Mr. Louis Shoobridge "The Forest", Bushy Park, Tasmania.
October 1899 - September 1900 Became a Home Missionary at Oatlands, Tasmania.
September 1900 - December 1901 Classical Master at Leslie House School in Hobart, Tasmania.

1902 - 1904 Student at Queen's Theological College, Melbourne, while at the same time continuing to do his Bachelor of Arts Degree.
December 1902 - February 1903 Locum at Stanley, Tasmania.
December 1903 - April 1904 Locum at Nagambie, Victoria.
December 1904 - April 1905 Locum at Mathinna, Tasmania.
April 1905 - April 1907 1st & 2nd Year Probation at Dumbalk & Meeniyan, Victoria.
April 1907 - April 1908 3rd Year Probation at Neerim, Victoria.
April 1908 - April 1909 3rd Year Probation at Berringa & Kaleno, Victoria.
April 1909 - March 1910 4th Year Probation at South Preston, Victoria.
9 March 1910 Ordination at Wesley Chruch, Melbourne, Victoria.


Class Photos
1900 University of Tasmania - Leslie Macdougall (centre)


1902 Queen's College, Melbourne - Leslie Macdougall (top row right)

1902 Queen's College - Leslie Macdougall (2nd left standing)

1903 Queen's College, Melbourne - Leslie Macdougall (5th right back row)


1903 Queen's Theological College Group - Leslie Macdougall (2nd left seated)

1904 Queen's College, Melbourne- Leslie Macdougall (back row centre)


Ministry Appointments:

April 1910 - April 1912 Queenstown & Strahan, Tasmania.
April 1912 - April 1915 New Norfolk & Glenora, Tasmania.
April 1915 - April 1918 Westbury, Tasmania.
April 1918 - April 1921 Penguin, Tasmania.
April 1921 - April 1924 Euroa, Victoria.
April 1924 - April 1929 Ballarat, Skipton Street, Victoria.
April 1929 - April 1933 East Malvern Peace Memorial, Epping Street, Melbourne, Victoria.
April 1933 - April 1937 Coburg & Moreland, Melbourne, Victoria.
April 1937 - April 1942 Williamstown & Newport, Melbourne, Victoria.
April 1942 - April 1945 Brighton, New Street & Were Street, Melbourne, Victoria.
April 1945 - October 1948 Supernumerary Brighton, Melbourne, Victoria.

Academic Qualifications:

23 April 1918 -  Conferring of Bachelor of Arts Degree in Hobart, Tasmania.
29 April 1919 -  Obtained Master of Arts Degree with First Class Honours in English Literature.
19 December1925 - Attained Bachelor of Divinity.


Leslie not only loved learning, but loved to impart what he had learnt. He was well versed in Classical English, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, French, German, Anglo-Saxon, Esperanto, Gaelic. When he came to take up appointments in Melbourne from 1933, he became involved with lecturing, committees and extras on top of his regular ministerial appointments.

1929 - 1942 Lectured at "Otira" Methodist Home Missionaries College, Kew on Tuesdays.
1934 - 1948 Lectured on "Church History" at Queen's College Theological College in Melbourne.
1939 - 1948 Lectured on "New Testament Greek" at Queen's College Theological College in Melbourne.
1932 - 1946 Treasurer of Queen's College Theological Institution.
1932 - 1947 Supervised examinations at Melbourne College of Divinity March and November.
1931 - 1942 Council of Methodist Ladies College, Melbourne.
1931 - 1944 Council of Wesley College, Melbourne.
1936   Assistant Secretary of Methodist Church Central Examination Committee at Queen's College.
1938 - 1941 Protestant Chaplain of Royal Australian Naval Reserves at Williamstown, Melbourne.
1940 - 1941 Conducted Naval Parade Service every 3rd Sunday at Electra Street, Williamstown.
1940 - 1944 Secretary & Methodist Naval Representative on Protestant Chaplains Nominating Com.
1940 - 1944 Executive Methodist Naval, Military & Air Force to Australian Government.
1943 - 1944 Naval Reserves Chaplain to Flinders Naval Depot.
1945 - 1947 Lectured at Brighton Grammar on New Testament Greek & Latin.
1948    Lectured at Haileybury College on English Literature until 19 October 1948.



1920 Tasmanian Methodist Ministers Assembly in Hobart - Leslie Macdougall (seated right)


1933 Victoria & Tasmania Conference Officials

1934 Queen's College - Leslie Macdougall (2nd row 7th right)

1934 Queen's College Theological Group - Leslie Macdougall (seated 4th right)
 
  
1935 Queen's College, Melbourne - Leslie Macdougall (2nd row seated 6th right)

1935 Queen's College Theological Group (a) - Leslie Macdougall (seated centre)

1935 Queen's College Theological Group (b) - Leslie Macdougall (seated 3rd left)

1936 Queen's College - Leslie Macdougall (seated 6th right)

1937 Queen's College, Melbourne - Leslie Macdougall (seated 7th right)

1937 Queen's College Theological Group - Leslie Macdougall (seated 4th left)

 
1938 Queen's College Theological Group - Leslie Macdougall (seated 3rd right)
 

1939 Queen's College, Melbourne - Leslie Macdougall (seated 8th left)

1939 Queen's College Theological Group - Leslie Macdougall (seated 4th right)


1941 Queen's College, Melbourne - Leslie Macdougall (seated centre)


1941 Queen's College, Theological Group - Leslie Macdougall( deated 3rd right)

1942 Queen's College Theological Group - Leslie Macdougall (seated 3rd right)

1943 Queen's College Theological Group - Leslie Macdougall (seated 3rd right)


1944 Queen's College Theological Group - Leslie Macdougall (seated 4th right)


1945 Queen's College Theological Group - Leslie Macdougall (seated 4th right)


 
1946 Queen's College Theological Group - Leslie Macdougall (seated 4th right)


1947 Queen's College Theological Group - Leslie Macdougall seated 4th right,
Maxwell O'Connor (back row 2nd left), Keith Leigh (back row 1st right)

1948 Queen's College Theological - Leslie Macdougall (seated 5th right),
Maxwell O'Connor (middle 4th right), Keith Leigh (1st right)


Methodist Padres' Auxilary

Have you found your ancestor in one of these photos?
Queen's College was named in honour of the Queen's Jubilee.  The Foundation Stone was laid 16 June 1887 and doors opened to students 16 March 1889.

 
Queen's College in 1902

Queen's College gardens in 1902
 
Queen's College in 2012

If you have anything to add, corrections or comments please contact the author, Joy Olney (grand daughter of Leslie Stuart Macdougall) via email - joyolney@gmail.com