A Moderator’s reflections on Christian life and witness
Issue No. 1 | October 2026
Celebrating James Forbes – founder of Scotch College
At Scotch College, beside the newly unveiled statue of the Rev James Forbes.
One hundred and seventy-five years after the founding of Scotch College, its founder, the Rev James Forbes, has been honoured with the unveiling of a statue on the College grounds.
It was a splendidly arranged occasion, and a particular privilege to represent the Presbyterian Church of Victoria alongside the five General Assembly representatives on the College Council, Christian members of staff and the School Chaplains.
A highlight was the address by the Hon. David Kemp, who reminded us of Forbes’s remarkable contribution to the early life of the colony of Victoria.
A friend of the great Scottish churchman Thomas Chalmers, Forbes came to this young settlement with a vision extending well beyond the establishment of Presbyterian worship. He helped lay the foundations of what became Scots’ Church, Melbourne, and was instrumental in establishing a school for boys where academic excellence would be accompanied by Christian instruction and the hope of personal faith in Christ.
The unveiling was more than an exercise in honouring the past. It was a welcome reminder that the Christian convictions of those early pioneers have left an enduring legacy.
It was a joy to see Scotch College publicly and gratefully acknowledge the vision and service of its founding father.
March for the Babies
Chris Duke addressing the March for the Babies gathering in Treasury Gardens.
I’ve never been much of a demonstrator! In fact, until recently, I had never participated in anything resembling a public rally. But there I was, representing the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, alongside fellow church members and what appeared to be more than 600 others, gathered in Melbourne’s Treasury Gardens for the annual March for the Babies.
Our purpose was clear: to give public expression to our concern for the protection of unborn human life. From Treasury Gardens we made our way to Parliament House, quietly but visibly affirming the preciousness of life in the womb.
It was a peaceful and orderly gathering, blessed with one of those beautiful Melbourne days that makes our city such a delightful place to be.
A particular encouragement was the contribution of our own Chris Duke, who led the gathering in prayer. His prayer was distinctly gospel-centred, reminding us that our concern for human life arises from our conviction that every person bears the image of God and that our ultimate hope rests in Jesus Christ.
I came away grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside others who share this concern, and encouraged that Christian conviction can be expressed publicly with both courage and grace.
Enlarging the tent
Matt Lee (right), with his wife Hannah and the Rev Paul Jang, following his licensing.
There’s something wonderfully encouraging about seeing another young man take a significant step towards the gospel ministry!
It was my privilege recently to attend the licensing service of Matt Lee, conducted by the Presbytery of Maroondah at Embrace Church, Glen Waverley.
The church was full, the occasion was joyful, and the Rev Paul Jang brought a powerful and wonderfully clear message from God’s Word. It was one of those occasions when the warmth of Christian fellowship and the seriousness of the Church’s calling came together beautifully.
At our recent General Assembly Opening Service, I spoke from Isaiah 54 about enlarging the place of our tent, lengthening the cords and strengthening the stakes. I couldn’t help thinking of that imagery again as I witnessed this licensing.
And Matt is not alone. Colin Spakman, at Chalmers Church, has also recently been licensed.
With each new man being prepared for gospel ministry, we have fresh reason to thank God. The tent is being made ready, the cords lengthened and the stakes strengthened.
And our prayer? That the Lord himself will fill the tent!
John P Wilson, Moderator