Presented by Pamela Summers, Huguenot Society of Australia – Wednesday 8 October

Last Wednesday evening, the Moore College came alive with stories of courage, faith and endurance as Pamela Summers from the Huguenot Society of Australia delivered a fascinating and captivating talk on The Huguenots and the French Reformation. The turnout exceeded expectations, prompting the event to move to Marcus Loane Hall to accommodate the larger audience, a clear sign of the interest in this remarkable chapter of church and world history. The presentation was particularly helpful for those to whom the French Reformation was unexplored. 

Beginning with the mysterious origins of the word “Huguenot” a name given to French followers of Calvin, Pamela traced the unfolding of the Reformation in France, highlighting key figures such as Jacques Lefèvre d’Étaples (1455–1536). Her engaging style brought history to life, revealing how conviction and conscience shaped a movement that would change the world.

Persecution and Perseverance

The evening took a sobering turn as Pamela described the horrific persecution faced by the Huguenots. On the night of 23 August 1572, the eve of St Bartholomew’s Day, violence erupted across France. Within weeks, between 5,000 and 30,000 Protestants were killed in a wave of massacres that shocked Europe.

Yet out of this darkness came moments of resilience. The Edict of Nantes, signed by King Henri IV in 1598, offered French Protestants a fragile measure of religious freedom, until it was revoked by Louis XIV in 1685. This led to one of history’s earliest and largest refugee movements, as tens of thousands of Huguenots fled to safer lands across England, the Netherlands, North America, and even as far as the Cape Colony in South Africa. It was during this time that the English word “refugee” first entered common use.

From Europe to Australia

Pamela also explored the little-known story of the Huguenot diaspora in Australia. Many arrived indirectly, some transported as convicts, others emigrating from Britain and Ireland. Their influence continues to ripple through Australian history, with figures such as Governor Charles La Trobe proudly tracing their ancestry to these French Protestants who refused to abandon their faith.

The Huguenot Society of Australia continues to keep this heritage alive, encouraging historical and genealogical research through its archives, held in the Donald Robinson Library. Attendees were delighted to view a special display of rare books, manuscripts, and artefacts from the Society’s collection, which remains on show on the library’s lower ground floor and you are encouraged to go take a look!

The evening left attendees deeply moved and inspired. One guest shared:

“That was such an enjoyable presentation. I came with some background knowledge from my own family research, but I learnt so much from Pamela. I have a fuller understanding now of the length of the persecution and the impact that Huguenot refugees have had around the world. I’m keen to explore further by joining the Huguenot Society.”

Pamela’s talk reminded all present that the story of the Huguenots is not only about suffering, it is also a story of resilience, faith, and hope that continues to resonate across centuries and continents.

Read more . . .