The Rev. Thomas Hastie, of Buninyong (Victoria), was born on January 14, 1813, in the vicinity of "Modern Athens" [Edinburgh]. He studied in the University of St. Andrews, and finished his theological course in Edinburgh, under Dr. Thomas Chalmers and Dr. David Welsh. After this he acted a missionary in connection with St. John's Church, Montrose, (Scotland), of which Dr. William Nixon was minister. While there he was appointed, by the Colonial Committee of the Church of Scotland to a charge in Launceston (Tasmania), being ordained in January, 1842.

He arrived at his destination in the following September, having gone by way of Melbourne, which was then only emerging from a state of wilderness. At that period the Scots' Church and the Independent Church formed the termination of the city to the east (there being no dwelling-house beyond); and the watercourse now passing through the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens was the receptacle of all the refuse of the neighbourhood. Hotham was not in existence; and only a few houses occupied what is now Lonsdale Street. Collins Street was still in a state of nature; and a week previously to the landing of the subject of our sketch it was said that a bullock had perished in the mire. For the conveyance of the passengers to the shore a dray was used in order to take them through the water and mud to the higher ground where the houses were built. What a change from the Melbourne of today, with its innumerable splendid residences and handsome public buildings!

The term of Mr. Hastie's engagement in Launceston was for five years, after which he intended to return to Scotland; but, having been urged by the Rev. Mr. Forbes, of Melbourne, to visit Port Phillip, he did so, and was induced to remain permanently. At that time there was no minister of any denomination in the interior; the only places supplied being Melbourne, Geelong, Portland, Belfast, and Campbellfield.

Having visited different localities, all of which were anxious to have a minister, he decided to settle in Buninyong, a prettily situated township some miles from Ballarat, which had not then sprung into existence. Buninyong then consisted of four houses, an inn, an eating-house, a blacksmith's shop, and the doctor's residence. The home stations of Messrs. Learmonth and of Messrs. Scott were within a few miles, furnishing a larger population than the village. For some time the Messrs. Learmonth had been anxious to establish a bush boarding-school for the children of the shepherds and others; there being no educational establishment nearer than Geelong. After the church had been built a structure for the school was erected; children being received at the very reasonable rate of £10 per annum. Provisions were then cheap, flour costing £6 per ton, and meat 1d. per lb. The school prospered, so that when the diggings began there were upward of sixty children boarded there, under the charge of two teachers and a matron.

Buninyong was one of the first places in Victoria where gold was discovered, after which Ballarat broke out in all its glory. In the period of mad excitement which followed the teachers were smitten with the gold fever, and left for the diggings. It was useless to attempt to obtain anyone to supply their places at that time. Consequently Mr. and Mrs. Hastie were compelled to take care of the school, and educate the youngsters, which they did for fully three years, when a suitable teacher was procured. By this time schools had sprung up everywhere; so that there was no longer any necessity to maintain the boarding school, which was accordingly converted into any ordinary day school.

All through the turmoil and stirring period of the early rush, the Rev. Mr. Hastie continued to conduct services in Buninyong and Shelford alternately. On the Sunday when at the former place, it was his custom to proceed to Ballarat in the afternoon, and preach there. As the diggings increased in importance, other ministers came, so that almost every denomination ultimately had its representative. Mr. Hastie, however, continued to preach; and while the greater number of those who used to attend are now scattered far and wide over the various colonies, those who remained formed the nucleus of St. Andrew's and other congregations in Ballarat.

After the Rev. Mr. Hastie was relieved from the school he was enable to extend his efforts, and it was felt that a new and larger church in Buninyong was required. The call for subscriptions was liberally responded to; and the new building was opened in 1860. To it there were subsequently added the Pioneer Sabbath School Institute, through the efforts of the late Robert Allan, and the new manse, which may be regarded as an ornament to the township.

In 1882, Mr. Hastie felt that the burden of the work was too great for his advancing years; and it was agreed by the congregation that a colleague should be obtained. The Rev. D. A. MacDougall, of Geelong, was chosen. He was succeeded by the Rev. J. J. Spalding, of Warracknabeal, and then by the Rev. J. G. Davies who is a son-in-law of the Rev. Mr. Hastie. Mrs. Hastie has been a true helpmate of her husband in all his labors and difficulties, taking a full share of the teaching and visiting, in addition to the ordinary domestic duties, which, in the early days, were not a little trying, owing to the difficulty, and often the impossibility, of obtaining servants.

It is now forty-five years since the Rev. Mr. Hastie entered the colony of Victoria. He still preaches twice and often three times on the Sabbath; the work being divided between himself and his colleague. The fact that he has retained his present pastorate for the long period of thirty-nine years, and still enjoys the confidence and respect of the people, speaks volumes for the diligence, earnestness, and fidelity with which he has prosecuted his labors; and it is to be hoped that he may long be spared to carry on his work in a district of which he is now one of the oldest residents.