Rev Dr Norman Webster

Rev NORMAN WEBSTER became, in 1929, the first minister of the newly amalgamated congregations of Chalmers and Flinders Street Presbyterian Churches, to be called Scots Church. After having spent over eight years in New Zealand, where he was in charge of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Christchurch, the Rev. Norman L. D. Webster arrived in Adelaide on 17 September 1929 to take charge of Scots Church. He was accompanied by his wife and two children. His induction service was held at the church the following night.[i]

 He had the reputation of being a great preacher and platform speaker, and a capable organiser. He was born at Bendigo, Victoria. He had two Scottish grandparents from Aberdeen and Perth shire respectively. Since there was no Presbyterian Church near his home he went to a Methodist Sunday school, which was next door. At the age of 12 years he was sent to St. Andrew's Presbyterian College, and attended the evening services at St. Andrew's Church, under Rev. James Crookston. He received his higher education at Queen's College and at Ormond College, Melbourne, where he was a fellow student of Rev. A. C. Weber, of St. Giles', Norwood. Prior to coming to Scots Church, Mr. Webster held two important pastorates. He ministered at Mornington, in the Presbytery of Melbourne South, from 1917 to 1921. An eight-year ministry at St. Andrew’s, Christchurch, New Zealand, followed. In 1934-5, Mr. Webster was Moderator of the South Australian Presbyterian Assembly.

Webster was a popular minister and, as the combined congregations grew, there were plans to erect a larger building on the North Terrace site. However these were Depression years and the plan was postponed. He accepted a call to St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Brisbane in 1939.

[i] The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA) 18 September 1929