Rentoul, described in the Australian Dictionary of Biography as 'clergyman and controversialist', was born and educated in Northern Ireland. His father and grandfather were Presbyterian ministers, and in 1872 he also was ordained a minister in the church.
He arrived in Melbourne in 1879 with his wife, Annie Isobel , and took up the position of minister at St. George's, East St. Kilda. He soon became involved in a conflict within the Presbyterian Church of Victoria between Calvinists and liberals. The liberals were represented by Charles Strong, against whom Rentoul campaigned vigorously. Rentoul was apointed to the chair of biblical languages and Christian philosophy in the theological hall of Ormond College, University of Melbourne. He occupied the chair until his death. In 1906 he became principal of the theological hall, and in 1912 Moderator General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia. During World War 1 he was Chaplain-General in the Australian Imperial Force. He was a forceful preacher and a champion of numerous causes. He also had a great love of literature, which he passed on to his daughters, Annie Rattray Rentoul and Ida Rentoul Outhwaite
Major source : Australian Dictionary of Biography (Online Edition)
