Background
Prescott was born in Bridport, Dorset, the eldest child of a Wesleyan clergyman.
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Charles Prescott
Edit Profilearmy chaplain founder Methodist minister
Education
Educated at Kingswood School, Bath, he attended Worcester College, Oxford and graduated Bachelor in 1880 and Master of Arts in 1893.
Career
On arrival in Australia, Prescott was appointed to Parramatta Wesleyan Circuit and as a part-time tutor at the provisional theological institute. In 1886 he was ordained as a minister and became the founding president and headmaster of the Wesleyan Ladies" College, Burwood. (now MLC School). He introduced challenging academic studies for girls, as well as music and competitive games.
In time ex-pupils excelled at the University of Sydney, enhancing the college"s reputation.
He also established a co-educational kindergarten, probably the first in the Australia. MLC School was given colours, crest, motto, uniform, magazine and other traditions from English public schools.
In 1900 he moved to Newington College, Stanmore, as president and headmaster, the first to hold dual office. He fostered the ideal of a balanced liberal education within a Christian environment, with an emphasis on mathematics and classical studies.
Other emphases were correct English, team games, and commitment to "family, school, King and God".
He retired from Newington in 1931 after a record term. The Prescott House, one of the eight Houses within the College, was named after Rev Prescott. The College also named the Prescott Hall after him.
The Prescott Hall is often used as the venue where the College hosts important school events such as End of Season Dinners and Awards.
Prescott was elected president of the New South Wales Methodist Conference in 1910 and served as acting senior army chaplain during World War I, making many visits to camps and barracks. He was senior Methodist chaplain from 1919.
In that year he was awarded an honorary doctorate of divinity by Emory University, Georgia, United States of America. Esteemed by his peers, Prescott became the spokesman for other headmasters in negotiations with governments, the university and Department of Education. In retirement he continued on boards and committees and contributed to the Sydney Morning Herald.
His portrait in oils hangs in Prescott Hall at Newington College.
Achievements
Membership
National Academy of Sciences.
