Scotch College

What's in a flame?

Torch dedication at Scots Church

'Have you had a teacher?' It's a strange question, at first. But it does bear reflection.

So, as we sat in the vastness of the Scots Church in Collins street, I found myself thinking about who had taught me. The preacher, the Reverend Dr Norman Pritchard, pursued his theme.

To me, his Scottish brogue was easy listening. I've now begun reading the book he used to illustrate his point: 'Tuesdays with Morrie'. Who were really my teachers? Several names sprang to mind, and others followed.

'But what of Jesus?' Dr Pritchard was now persistently asking. 'If we call ourselves Christians have we let him teach us?' Probing Bible texts read by Rob Logie Smith, President of OSCA, and Brendan Ferguson, School Captain, Dr Pritchard revealed that we easily discount Jesus words. While claiming to be taught by him we find some excuse to lay aside the implications of his teaching.

Wouldn't it be good if we accepted the call to be 'agents of cleansing and renewal in society'? Dr Pritchard asked a final question: 'Have you ever really done what your teacher told you?'

One thing is clear: the Reverend James Forbes accepted that call. He crossed the world to serve Christ.

In his name he pursued the well being of the fledgling Melbourne town. He urged the need of education. He wedded lovers. He comforted the condemned. He preached the gospel.

The Principal, Dr Gordon Donaldson, identified the flaming torch as a visible symbol of the spirit that energised Forbes, 'a celebration of the vision that has founded, led and blessed this school'. Shortly, Michael Robinson, chairman of Council, relit the torch, 'an emblem of 150 years of God's blessing on our school'. Douglas Robertson, minister elect of the Scots church, dedicated the School anew to its Christian mission.

At the behest of Mr Douglas Lawrence, the magnificent organ burst into praise as Brendan, flaming torch aloft, led us all, choir and congregation, from the Church. It was Sunday 11 February 2001

Rev. Graham Bradbeer, Chaplain