by Bruce Thornton
With the approach of the Morling College centenary next year the Baptist Historical Society is to launch a comprehensive history.
Commissioned several years ago, the history was written by Rev. Dr Vic Eldridge who spent most of his ministerial life as a member of Morling College staff. It will be launched at the regular meeting of the Baptist Historical Society at Morling College on Saturday, 8 August and former students and members of the public are encouraged to attend An afternoon Tea will be served in the Morling College dining hall from 2.30pm and formalities will begin at 3.00pm.
The title, FOR THE HIGHEST, is a short form of the English version of the College motto ‘Summa Supremo – The best for the Highest’. The motto was first used at the College opening in 1916. Its origin is obscure but it has been the inspiration and motivation for generations of Morling students since.
Hon. Trevor Morling QC, a former Justice of the Federal Court of Australia and the only surviving family member of the Rev GH Morling – after whom the College is named – will launch the book; he has also written the Foreword.
Commenting favourably on the work Trevor Morling comments: ‘The author takes the reader in interesting and informative detail through the significant events in the College’s long history. Some of these events were not free from controversy but Dr Eldridge describes these matters with admirable objectivity, notwithstanding any personal view which he may have as to merits of the matters which were controversial at the time.’
Former Baptist Union General Secretary (1986-2001) and graduate of the College (1956-59) Bruce Thornton OAM, whose family association goes back to the beginning when his father-in-law Rev AC Donaldson was a GH Morling student in 1920 commends the book thus – ‘Not only is the book a comprehensive and detailed history of the College with which former and current students can identify but the perceptive reader will gain some insight into the internal dynamics of the Baptist denomination as it seeks to find God’s will amid competing preferences and interests and advance Christ’s kingdom in the world.’
The book concludes with a vision for the future prepared by the present Principal, Rev. Dr Ross Clifford, and the current faculty which points the way ahead. Ross Clifford will also address the gathering. Greetings from several former students, now of advanced years, will be presented. At the launching both Hardcover and Paperback copies will be available for purchase and Vic Eldridge will be present to sign books as the author.
To enable adequate seating and catering RSVPs are requested by c.o.b. Friday 31 July from those planning to attend. Send emails to: archives@morling.edu.au, or mail to: The Secretary, Baptist Historical Society, C/o Morling College, 120 Herring Rd, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, by phone to Mr Ron Robb on 4323 4557 (messages may be left if unanswered).
