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.. 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. He was greatly helped by his wife, Annie, who took charge of the domestic arrangements and music. 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. Prescott House, one of the eight Houses within the College, was named after Prescott as was Prescott Hall. Prescott Hall is often used as the venue where the College hosts important school events such as end of Season dinners and award nights.
Community service
Prescott was elected president of the New South WalesMethodist 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, USA. Esteemed by his peers, Prescott became the spokesman for other headmasters in negotiations with governments, the university and Department of Education. He was a founder and several times chairman of the Teachers' Association of New South Wales and the foundation chairman, in 1923, of the Headmasters' Association. 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.
Marriage and family
Prescott married Annie Elizabeth Price on 30 August 1882 at Cardiff, before migrating to Australia. They had five children: William Arnold Prescott ; Annie Constance Prescott ; Theodora Mary Prescott ; Kathleen Margaret Prescott OBE ; and Clarence Gordon Prescott MC. Theodora, Kitty and Clarence were all born at MLC School during Rev. Prescott's time as Principal. Annie Prescott died in 1931 and on his death Prescott was survived by two sons and two daughters.
