Meet our Alumni

Ernest Hughes

Reverend Canon Ernest Selwyn Hughes OM 1876

Clergyman

Last updated: 2008

 

Reverend Canon Ernest Hughes was a leading figure in the Anglican Church and an outstanding sportsman. Hughes studied theology at The University of Melbourne. He graduated in 1887 and was ordained the same year.

Serving as Curate at St. Mark's in Fitzroy and then at St. Peter's in London Docks, Hughes' experience of poverty was to influence his future church and community work. On his return to Melbourne he established the Mission of the Holy Redeemer at St. Mark's.

In 1894 he became Curate at St. Peter's in Eastern Hill and was later appointed Vicar until his retirement in 1926. From 1911 Hughes was a Canon at St. Paul's Cathedral. He was also Rural Dean of Melbourne from 1914 to 1926 and Chaplain to the Archbishop from 1921 to 1924.

A tall and imposing figure, Hughes was an outstanding sportsman. He was stroke of the Trinity College rowing crew for three years and played football for both St. Kilda and Essendon, winning four premierships. President of the East Melbourne Cricket Club and the first President of the Hawthorn-East Melbourne Cricket Club, in 1932 he was elected President of the Victorian Cricket Association.

Hughes also served on the Melbourne Hospital's Committee of Management and was a member of the Melbourne Grammar School Council for 15 years.

 


Melbourne Grammar School marked its sesquicentenary in 2008. As part of the celebrations, a Talents Committed Exhibition was staged. This exhibition recognised 150 Old Melburnians who have made a difference to the City of Melbourne, the State of Victoria and the wider community in Australia and overseas.

The above profile was included in the Talents Committed Exhibition in 2008.