Rev EH Woollacott (1961-1963)
As the first Chaplain of Westminster School, and one of its founding fathers, Harry Woollacott was a man who ‘got things done’. He was also a man of great religious conviction, and prior to the commencement of Westminster School he was Head of the Methodist Church’s Social Services Division. He was also the original Secretary of School Council and was ‘the bridge between the Methodist Church, the wider community and the day-to-day activities of Westminster’. It seems to have been widely accepted, prior to the beginning of the School in 1961, that Woollacott would be the School’s first Chaplain, although at the time this was only a part-time position.
Rev AE Green (1964-1976)
Alan Green was Westminster’s first full-time Chaplain. He considered his principal work to be that of teaching the Christian faith and the spiritual development of the students. He was a chaplain of his time, very strict and traditional. He was also a well-qualified science teacher and was heavily involved in the sporting activities of the school, including being an umpire for several of the football teams. Prior to the opening of the Chapel in 1967, ‘chapel services’, such as they were, were held either in the ‘triple rooms’ in the 200 Block, or later the new Gymnasium, so the role of the chaplain was somewhat restricted in the early days. Green left Westminster in 1976 to take up the role as Head of Scotch Oakburn in Launceston.
Rev DW Purling (1977-1995)
David Purling, who became affectionately known as ‘the Rev’, was one of Michael Murray’s first appointments. Purling had entered the ministry in 1964 and had served in several urban and rural churches. He came to Westminster in the year prior to Coeducation being introduced and was a slightly less traditional style of chaplain, quite easygoing and compassionate, and chapel services became slightly less formal than before. He had an interest in Gilbert & Sullivan and ‘could perform a bit’ which Murray thought was ‘what the School needed’. Purling became an important part of many of the School’s musical productions, and also conducted many baptisms, weddings and funerals in the Chapel, principally for Old Scholars. He remained a regular attendee at Westminster functions until his death in 2024.
Rev DL Davidson (1996-2006)
Davidson attended Westminster from 1969 to 1973 and returned as Chaplain just prior to Brad Fenner’s appointment as Principal. He was a very caring person, and pastoral care at Westminster was one of his passions. He spent a lot of time among the School community, providing advice and support to those who were experiencing difficult times in their life, for whatever reason. His chaplaincy style was quite traditional, but very calming and inclusive. Davidson was also a qualified engineer and had an interest in both Astronomy and Geology.
Rev P Gillespie (2007-2016)
Gillespie was well loved by students, as he was a great believer in allowing them to express themselves in Chapel services. He often allowed, or assisted, students to plan and conduct much of the service, including more contemporary music and elements of pastoral care as part of the actual service. Patrick was also very involved in the local community, and in particular instigated the concept of ‘Midnight Basketball’ at Westminster, intended to provide an outlet for disadvantaged youths to focus their energies, and create a sense of belonging. In 2024 he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for ‘services to youth through school-based sport programs’.
Rev P Hoffman (2017-present)
Rev Phil, as he has become known, was already a parent of 3 Westminster students, when he became a part of School Council in 2004 as the ‘Moderator’s Alternate’. He remained in that position on Council until 2017, when he was appointed as Chaplain on a casual basis, following Patrick Gillespie’s departure. He was then appointed full time from the beginning of 2018. He has become a very popular Chaplain with students and staff alike, with his commonsense and compassionate approach to religion, and to life in general. His approach is very much in keeping with the multi-cultural student body that is now represented at Westminster.