Bulletin

Issue: May 2005

News

Death of noted La Trobe University founding father

Dr Davis McCaughey, a former Governor of Victoria who was deeply involved with the foundation of La Trobe University, died on 25 March, aged 90.

Churchman, academic innovator, ecumenical pioneer, family man, lover of the arts and social justice advocate, he became Governor of Victoria at the age of 71 when most men are enjoying retirement.

Before becoming Governor, he is well remembered at La Trobe University for the important contribution he made as a member of the Interim Council, then of the Council of the University between 1965 and 1974, during its formative years.

His interest and further contributions to the University during the period he served as Governor of Victoria, and in that capacity, as Visitor to the University, are greatly appreciated.

In 1992, in the company of former Prime Minister, Mr Gough Whitlam, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters during a graduation ceremony.

Belfast-born Dr McCaughey came to Australia with his wife and five children in 1953 to take up the post as Professor of New Testament Studies in the Theological Hall at Ormond College.

As well as being Governor from 1986 to 1992, Dr McCaughey was an eminent theologian, Master of Ormond College at the University of Melbourne, and the first president of the Uniting Church in Australia.

He played a prominent role in the movement which brought together the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches in Australia to form the Uniting Church, being the primary author of a document entitled The Basis of Union, the foundational theological document that led to the new denomination.

He was Master of Ormond between 1957 and 1979 and Deputy Chancellor of Melbourne University in 1978-79.

Dr McCaughey is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean, and by five children - including former National Gallery of Victoria Director Patrick McCaughey, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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