JOHNSTONE, John Cunningham (1843-1925)
Old Collegian, and former staff member, John Johnstone, is reputed to have attended Geelong College in 1863, although there is no enrolment record for him. No enrolment records for the period 1861 to 1870 have survived.
As a staff member at Scotch College, Melbourne he, with J H Thompson of Melbourne Grammar (MCEGS) negotiated the first 'Head of the River' race in 1868. At the time, John Johnstone was coaching rowing at Scotch College.
Pegasus, in August 1925, provided the following account after his death at on 5 August 1925: ‘John Cunningham Johnstone, aged 83 years, passed away on the 5th August, at his residence, Oak Grove, East Malvern. Born in Glasgow, he came to Australia in 1843 (sic), and, for some years, lived at Avoca, where his father was a contractor. For several years, he was a master, both at the Geelong College under the late Dr George Morrison, and also at Scotch College. For 54 years, he was a minister of the Presbyterian Church, and was appointed Moderator of the Assembly in 1901.
In his earlier years, he was a keen sportsman, more especially at rowing and rifle shooting. As a result of a challenge sent by him to the Melbourne Grammar School during his term at Scotch College, the Head of the River boat race was inaugurated, and he witnessed most of the subsequent contests, and saw the race for the last time two years ago. He was present at the College, both when we celebrated our Jubilee, and upon the unveiling of the War Memorial Honour Tablets. We extend to his family our heartfelt sympathy in their loss.’
His brother; Rev James Johnstone (1849-1932) was also educated at Geelong College.
Sources: Pegasus August 1925 p31.