William "Fighting Mac" McKenzie became the most famous Anzac by the end of the war even though he stood for "almost everything the typical digger loved to hate," said Daniel Reynaud, author of The Man the Anzacs Revered, and associate professor of history at Avondale College of Higher Education in Cooranbong.

"He railed against booze, brothels, betting and bad language, and he ran frequent evangelistic campaigns for the Anzacs where he forcefully appealed to them to become Christians. But the soldiers just about worshipped him," Reynaud said.

The Scottish-born Salvationist began developing his community building skills in Newcastle, his first posting.

He established a Salvation Army outpost in Tighes Hill before his appointment to the Australian Imperial Force's 4th Battalion.

"McKenzie's tireless energy on the soldiers' behalf earned their respect, while his charismatic personality and integrity of character won their love," Reynaud said.

While stationed in Cairo before the Gallipoli landings, McKenzie not only preached against the brothels but also went to the red-light district and dragged men out, putting them on a tram back to camp.

At Gallipoli, McKenzie conducted burial services, often under shell fire. But he went further, cutting steps into a steep part of a track at night.

At the Battle of Lone Pine, McKenzie should have been in the rear trenches, but he followed the charge, carrying just a spade. He needed it: over the next few weeks he buried 450 men.

For his actions, McKenzie received the Military Cross.

Reynaud's research debunks the soldiers-had-no-time-for-religion myth.

"Yes, the majority were secular, but Christians were strongly represented and many chaplains engaged the Anzacs in spiritual things," he said.

Historian, author and broadcaster Dr Michael McKernan, in the foreword of The Man the Anzacs Revered, describes McKenzie as a "beacon of hope".

His life of practical Christianity "told soldiers that even in the midst of war, all men had an obligation to be doing good to others, of caring for others, and of maintaining - insofar as was possible - the values and standards each soldier had learnt at home."

By the end of the war, McKenzie had led between 2000 and 3000 men to Christ. He became one of Australia's most popular and enduring celebrities.

But McKenzie is now almost completely unknown.

"If we care about the Anzacs, then we ought to be interested in about what and who they cared for. McKenzie stood at the pinnacle of their respect, admiration and love. He mattered to them; he ought to matter to us."

■ Daniel Reynaud will tell William “Fighting Mac” McKenzie’s story at an Evensong concert presented by Avondale Conservatorium in Avondale College Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Cooranbong, next Saturday, May 2, from 6 pm. Visit avondale.edu.au/events for more information.