Hector Harrison OBE, MA, BD (1902 – 1976) was an influential Australian who first served as a Salvation Army Officer, and later a Presbyterian Minister. Through his lens, the social history of Australia is exposed, including rural community life, educational limitations, effects of the depression, and the impact of the First World War. Harrison’s story continues to unfold, as depicted by his Salvation Army experiences in the inner-city streets of Melbourne, and his later decision to become a Presbyterian Minister. His struggles to secure a university education, and his subsequent ordination and inductions provide further glimpses of Australian life. His Call to Canberra, the capital city of Australia, coincided with the commencement of World War Two. His ongoing pastoral role led to close relationships with Governors-General, Prime Ministers, senior Public Servants and those who considered themselves to be ordinary Australians. Of particular note was his unique friendship with Prime Minister John Curtin, a non-practising Catholic, who arranged for his Protestant friend to officiate at his memorial and burial services. Australian Catholics were dismayed that a Calvinist would be given this honour. Harrison served the congregation of the Presbyterian Church of St Andrew, Canberra for 38 years; and he was viewed as one of the leading figures in the development of the national capital. In religious settings, it was acknowledged he fostered strong ecumenical relationships, and within the Presbyterian Church he was assigned State, National and International leadership roles. Harrison’s biography captures the evolution of societal standards and relationships. In his final years he played a key role in Church Union deliberations, relating to the merger of Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. He influenced his own congregation’s vote in the 1970s, with St Andrew’s, Canberra continuing to support the Presbyterian traditions and beliefs that were so evident throughout Harrison’s ministry.