Robert Mitchell (Presbyterian minister)

Robert Mitchell (1851–1929) was an Australian Presbyterian minister who became the first Presbyterian to be ordained in South Australia.[1]

Rev. Robert Mitchell, associated with the Mitchell Memorial Church, Goodwood, 1924

Childhood

Mitchell arrived in Adelaide, South Australia as an infant in 1855 with his parents, Robert and Agnes, and older brother Thomas, from Scotland.[1] He attended Salt Creek School and North Adelaide Grammar School prior to commencing studies for the ministry in 1868.[1]

Service as Minister

In 1872 he began pastoral work in Clare.[1] In 1882 he set up a congregation in Port Augusta. In 1884 he and Rev. W. F. Main organized the Smith of Dunesk Mission. The mission's base was at Beltana and the parish covered 77,700 km². Mitchell was the first missionary at Beltana[2] and for the next four years Mitchell travelled widely and provided a range of services, including first aid and dentistry, in addition to the usual religious services.[3] His work underpinned that of Rev. John Flynn and the development of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.[3]

Death

He died at Goodwood in 1929 and was buried in Payneham Cemetery.[1]

References
  1. Love, J. H. (1986). "Mitchell, Robert (1851–1929)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  2. "Health Medical Services and Beltana Mission". Flinders Ranges. Froling Enterprises. 2013. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  3. "Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia". Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. Retrieved 17 April 2015.


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