FOUNDERS of GEELONG COLLEGE
The first Constitution of the newly established
Geelong College published in 1861.
At a meeting at 81 Moorabool St, Geelong on 18 April 1861, the
Rev. A. J. Campbell, first minister at St George's Presbyterian Church, reported that
'he had brought the subject before the General Assembly, which fully approved of the establishment in Geelong of a school connected with the Presbyterian Church'. On 25 April 1861, a sub-committee of seven was appointed to draw up a draft constitution for the proposed school, though those members were not listed.
A committee established to enquire into the feasibility of establishing a Presbyterian Grammar School was formed. It included:
John Calvert,
James Simson,
James Cowie,
James Balfour,
A. S. Robertson,
William Blair,
J. T. McKerras,
Rev. A. Love,
Rev. A. J. Campbell,
Rev. James Henderson,
Rev. T. Mck Frazer, and James Campbell.
The first Committee of Management included:
Rev. A. Love,
Rev. T. Mck Frazer,
Rev. A. J. Campbell,
John Calvert,
A. S. Robertson,
George Hope,
James Simson,
James Balfour,
William Blair,
W. A. Tolmie, James Campbell (Secretary),
Dr J. G Carstairs (Treasurer).
A Corresponding Committee was formed which included:
Dr Curdie, Camperdown;
Dr R C Hope, Batesford; Dr. Thomas Shaw;
Robert Adams, Skipton; George Russell, Shelford; John W. Strachan;
Hugh Murray, Colac;
J L Currie, Cressy;
Alex. Anderson, Skipton;
John Cumming, Darlington;
Peter McArthur, Camperdown;
John Elder, Rokewood.
George Morrison was appointed the first Principal for 1861.
Sources: The Argus (Melb) 22 April 1861 p7; 'The Geelong College 1861-1961' by G. C. Notman and B. R. Keith. pp 1-5.