Published July 2025
As the newly-appointed rector at St Augustine’s Anglican Church, Hamilton, Reverend David Ruthven is excited about his new parish, one that he sees as reaching out to the surrounding area, both spiritually and physically.
Here there are unexpected blessings.
The large grass verge that slopes down from the church towards Racecourse Road is popular amongst locals.
“I’ve met families that come here for a Sunday afternoon picnic or to throw a ball for their dog,” he said.
“And our regular Jumble Sales, with a huge range of clothes, household items, and bric-a brac, are very popular.”
The second Sunday Eucharist Service, at 9.30am, has an organist and choir. Afterwards there is a chance to talk and connect with others over a hot drink and morning tea.
“It’s impressive how St Augustine’s draws people and I love the sense of community and fellowship. The more that happens, the more effective we are as a church,” Reverend Ruthven said.
“We describe Anglican church as a broad church, particularly in the Brisbane diocese – The Middle Way, Via Media – where everyone feels comfortable. We have a history of welcoming a wide range of people, regardless of where they’re from.
“We encourage a diversity of opinions, understandings and different expression of Christian worship.”
The fact that St Augustine’s is a war memorial Church, built in 1920 to remember those lost in World War I, is significant to Reverend Ruthven. “I’ve also served as a reserve navy chaplain.”
The beautiful brick building features exquisite stained-glass windows, installed after the Second World War, and designed by Queenslander William Bustard.
A unique feature of the church is the adjoining All Souls’ Columbarium Chapel where funeral urns are interned and monthly services held.
“There’s a sense that people feel really connected to the church, with perhaps their mother’s or grandfather’s ashes here. There’s something sacred about that.”
Originally from New Zealand, both Reverend Ruthven’s father and grandfather served as ministers, albeit in different denominations.
He said he resisted his own calling and instead first studied for a degree in Parks and Recreation Management in Christchurch.
“While I loved being outside, I realised I loved working with people more than I loved working with trees.”
After a Master’s in Business Management, his job as a business analyst also left him unfulfilled. Finally he enrolled in theological college and everything fell into place.
He believes his rich and diverse background of administrative, strategic, and pastoral skills helps support the growth of the communities he serves. Being married with four children he said “gives me a deeper understanding of relationships”.
Meeting his Australian wife Sharon, whom he first encountered on a Christian discussion website, brought him to Australia.
“When we met, it was as if I’d known each other for ever. I met her bishop, and he offered me a job. I accepted and completed my studies at St Mark’s in Canberra.”
Since then, Reverend Ruthven has headed four flourishing parishes in the ACT and southern NSW, chaired two Anglican schools – and now a third in Brisbane – and been an Archdeacon.
He is grateful to Archbishop Jeremy Greaves for this new opportunity and is keen to contribute more.
“I’d like to address the desire that young people have to connect with God.
“They’re looking for something stable in this unstable world, an anchor in the storm, and a deeper sense of spirituality that gives them meaning and purpose in their lives.
Reverend Ruthven welcomes newcomers to St Augustine’s. “A church exists for its community and not for itself’, he said, “and St Augustine’s demonstrates that well.”
St Augustine’s is part of Brisbane Open House, on July 19 and 20, with a free concert in the church on the Saturday at 3pm.
