The Lighthouse Prisoner-Architect

Macquarie Lighthouse, Aus, photo by Chuck Turk

In 1812, Francis Greenway sat in Newgate Prison in Bristol, England, wondering how his life had come to this.

Macquarie Lighthouse Lantern Room, Aus., photo by Chuck Turk

His career as an architect had been promising, and he’d enjoyed professional recognition for his work. But at the age of 22, he became bankrupt and resorted to forgery by signing someone else’s name to a financial document. He’d pleaded guilty on the advice of his friends, but was shocked to hear when the verdict for his crime was penalty by death.

Somehow his sentence was commuted to fourteen years of “transportation,” deportation to a penal colony. While he awaited his deportation to Australia, Francis spent almost two years in Newgate Prison before traveling across the ocean and arriving in Australia in Feb. 1814. Starting life over, he resumed his trade as an architect, although still a prisoner, having become commissioned by the ship’s doctor to expand his residence. Shortly thereafter, Francis met New South Wales Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who hired him to design several government buildings in the growing colony.

Sydney Conservatorium of Music, formerly government stables, designed by Francis Greenway

In 1816, the governor employed Francis to build Australia’s first lighthouse, the Macquarie Lighthouse. The governor was so pleased with his work on the lighthouse that he emancipated the architect and hired him to be the first government architect of the colony. Francis Greenway went on to design many of the notable public buildings in New South Wales.

Francis Greenway’s story came to mind as I reflected on the past year. Despite his failures, Francis started over, using his gift to the best of his ability, even though he was a prisoner. And he was rewarded for his efforts.

Macquarie Lighthouse, photo by Chuck Turk

So how did I do this past year? What did I accomplish? Did I do my best work? Where did I fail or fall short? If I failed, what was my reason (or excuse)?

And looking forward to a New Year, will I do better?

In the book of Matthew in the Bible, Jesus told the story of the ten talents, how three different servants were given various amounts of money called “talents” by their master. The master then went away for a while, but when he returned, he checked to see what the servants had done with their talents. He praised two of the three for putting their talents to good use, but he condemned the one who didn’t do anything with his talent.

His words to those who pleased him was, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23

What this story tells me is that God expects us to develop and use whatever gifts or talents we have been given and not waste them. When this year is over and when my life is over, I hope to hear God tell me, “Well, done, good and faithful servant!”

Will you use your God-given gifts this year?