Co-founder and first College Rector, 1953 – 1954.

"The Reverend Frederick Robertson was a big man physically, mentally, and in achievement. He was Headmaster, Housemaster, Administrator, Planner, and in addition taught almost every period. The place he had already attained for the College, and for himself in the affection and respect of the boys, indicated that he would have become one of the greatest educators of our land. Few will forget the statesmanlike utterance he delivered at the official opening of the College.

Dux of Mt. Albert Grammar School, he went on to Auckland University College and took an MA. Degree with honours in Philosophy. Then followed three years in the Theological Hall of the Presbyterian Church of NZ. Ordained in 1939, he had hardly begun his work when he was called to lead the Christian Order Campaign, a NZ wide movement by all the non-Roman Churches: a signal honour for such a young man. In 1944 he was called to Havelock North where he commenced an association with Iona College which was decisive for the future. He was Chaplain, and taught Scripture to the whole School, and began to see with new emphasis the influence on young lives of a good boarding school. He started to dream of a boy's school in Hawke's Bay, a dream which materialised, largely through his enthusiasm, when Lindisfarne opened in 1953.

In the meantime he had carried on the work of the Ministry, and had large visions in every field in which he interested himself. He was one of the Church's six representatives on the National Council of Churches, Convener of the General Assembly's Board of Education, Moderator for two terms of the Hawke's Bay Poverty Bay Presbytery. In Social Service for the Church in Hawke's Bay he was a pioneer, for it is due to Mr. Robertson that the Hillsbrook Home for children was founded, and the two Old People's Homes: Eversley in Hastings and Dunblane in Gisborne. It was his insight that saw the need, and his persistence and enthusiasm largely that saw them established. This, together with Lindisfarne College, is great achievement for one man. Surely no Minister on this East Coast had accomplished so much in so little time. Mr. Robertson remained chairman of the committee which had over­sight of the Social Service work right till his death.

Lindisfarne will, we are sure, go on to become one of the worthy schools of our land, with a tradition and influence felt far and wide. When that is so, its sons will still look back to him who led it over the first pioneer miles, and will remember that, to get the College started, Frederick Herbert Robertson took willingly upon himself an impossible burden. He passes on, but his ideals and aspirations for the school remain, and shall be as a light through the years. We shall always hold in grateful memory our Founder and first Rector.

The lamented death of the first Rector of Lindisfarne, occurred the day after School broke up in 1954."

Extracted from the 1954 Chronicle.

For more photos click here https://www.sporty.co.nz/lindisfarne/gallery