• James Ernest Allan by Randall T. Pittman.
• Vivian Charles Stafford, 1903-1968 by Wilkie J. Thomson
• A Cause Is Closed by Wilkie J. Thomson.
• The Call of God (Hymn by T. H. Scambler) by Wilkie J. Thomson.
• Notes by Wilkie J. Thomson.

      "My grandmother believed in looking forward and never looking back. To her what was past was dead and she believed that the past should bury its dead, and believed it with such force that she allowed her past to bury much that was still alive and very valuable."

--From "My Friend My Father", by Jane Duncan.      

      My earliest recollection of J. E. Allan dates from 1906, when he came to see me about our plans to enter the College of the Bible, about to, be established in Melbourne. We enrolled on the first day of the College: in February, 1907, and the first name on the register was that of J. E. Allan. As a lad he had attended Bible School at North Melbourne, and was received into the church there, by J. A. Palmer in 1902, at the same time as the young lady who was later to become his wife. Later he entered the forerunner of the present College--the A.C.B. as it was known--and became active in preaching the gospel.

      During his student days J. E. Allan preached at Shepparton, Hurstville, N.S.W. (during a vacation), and Footscray. After College he served the churches at Doncaster, North Richmond, and Box Hill. For a period he went to, South Australia, where he preached at Moonta and Maylands. Returning to Victoria, he had ministries at Cheltenham (1934-42), Hawthorn (1942-46), Blackburn and South Yarra.

      When the Kellems-Richards mission was held in the: early 1920's, J. E. Allan acted efficiently as Secretary. He became President of the Victorian Conference in 1941.

      Always deeply interested in missions, he served as Secretary to the Overseas Board in Victoria for two periods, (1921-29 and 1943-52). While in South Australia he served on the Federal Board. Upon his retirement from the Victorian Board he was honoured at a function arranged by the: committee. He continued to act as agent for "Goodly Pearls," the F.M. paper, until October, 1956.

      During his latter ministries he suffered considerably, and spent several periods in hospital. In his home at Box Hill on one occasion he was visited by a group of old boys from the College, and was cheered by the visit. He died on August 22, 1957.

      During College days J. E. Allan was admired by his fellow-students for his friendliness, his ready utterance and good memory, and for his obvious sincerity and zeal for the things of the kingdom. In his, various subsequent ministries these characteristics remained, and he proved himself as a fine preacher, capable organiser and enthusiastic advocate of missions at home and abroad. During the long illness of his last days on earth, he kept in touch with the Church at Box Hill. He sent a greeting to the church on the: occasion of its 45th anniversary, May, 1956. It was in the building at Box Hill that the funeral service was held. As W. Gale wrote in a tribute published in the "Australian Christian", "J. E. Allan, died as he lived, full of faith and trust in Him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life."

--Randall T. Pittman, B.A., Dip.Ed.      

      The sudden, decease of the Federal Director of Christian Education not only removes one from our midst who was accomplished in his work, but a most gracious Christian.

      Always a believer, he made his open confession of Christ as Saviour at Cottesloe, W.A. His was the first decision made at the recommencement of the church there in 1922. In his home, were such books as Zollar's "The Great Foundation", so that he knew something of what Churches of Christ, stood for when he joined the church. His close association with the Jeffery family, of Cottesloe, was a great help to him. When he left for the College of the Bible at Glen Iris, Victoria, he was given a Moffatt's translation of The New Testament and referred to him was Rom. 12:11--"Never let your zeal flag, maintain the spiritual glow." This could be said to be his life's text for it appeared on his church papers but was more evident in his life.

      He graduated from the College in 1928 and at Easter, 1929, was married to Muriel, Jeffery, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ern. Jeffery, of Cottesloe, W.A,. Muriel had been a teacher in the Education Department of W.A. and has been, a capable and loyal helpmate throughout the years. Viv fulfilled ministries at Taree, N.S.W. (1929-1935), Invercargill, NZ. (1935-1940), and Wellington:, NZ. (1940-1942), Cheltenham, Vie. (1942-1947). On taking up, the full-time editorship of The Christian Education Department, he retained his membership at Cheltenham where he was; elder, class leader and choirmaster.

      Mr. Stafford was twice chosen to attend conferences of The World Council of Christian Education, at Tokyo and Belfast. In, a tribute, the Minister of the church at Cheltenham., Cordon Moyes, B.A., wrote, "He was an unassuming man, and one who did not accept honours, easily. He declined, on more than one occasion, the nomination to the office of President of Conference. But for years he served in less noticeable positions. He, was a foundation President of our Churches of Christ Choral Society for many years, and a member of the Federal Literature and the Federal Hymn Book Committee for twenty years. He was one of a visionary group of men who brought into being our church camps, at Monbulk and Hall's Gap."

(From the Christian Sentinel, the Cheltenham church paper, 23/2/68.)

      Perhaps the one man who influenced Viv throughout the years was W. R. Hibburt. These two were associated in youth work in W.A., N.Z., and Vic. It was Will Hibburt who gave him the vision of the larger work of Christian Education and it was he who encouraged him in the work. (W. R. Hibburt was, and is, always a great encourager and wise counsellor and influenced so many young people, the writer included.)

      Despite the immensity of the work of producing the lessons for the, Sunday schools and the few who were engaged with him, in the task, his was a very lonely path in the earliest days. By sheer hard work he not only overcame every difficulty but built the road that others could travel thereon. He gave to the Brotherhood his very best and nothing less would do. And that best has influenced the lives of many thousands of young people each year. In return the Brotherhood loved him and his name will always be honoured. He was born at Fremantle 26/12/03 and died when commencing a holiday at Lakes Entrance 23/2/68. To Mrs. Stafford and sons Jeff, Ken, Laurie and Colin, and daughter Marjory (Mrs. Bismire), deepest sympathy is offered.--W.J.T.

(Tributes may be found in "The Australian Christian" of 9/3/68.)

      The above are very sad words, but that is what happened at Minyip, Vic., late in 1965 when the few members that were left united with the church in Warracknabeal. The closing of a cause is one of the sad things that can happen to churches both in the country and city when the membership, is diminished through death and removals from the district. And yet there is a very interesting story behind Minyip.

      In 1852 Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Smith left Nottingham, England, and for a time settled at Warrnambool. They later took up land at Dunmunkle in the early 1870's. They had twelve children in all--six boys and six girls. One of the girls (Mary), later Mrs. Cunningham of the Dunmunkle district, went to live for a time with Mr. and Mrs. Cust, in Murtoa. (Mr. and Mrs. Cust were later members of Hawthorn, Vic.)

      About 88 years ago there was a church with a building in Murtoa. This building was afterwards shifted to Horsham and used by the brethren there for a time. Mr. G. H. Browne, who had a business in Murtoa, served the church as its preacher. He later entered the, full-time ministry. Mary went with the Custs to the church services. She became intensely interested in the gospel message and when she returned home, told the family about it. They

being of the Berean type, studied the scriptures to see if these things were so and having been convinced by what they read and there being no church in Dunmunkle or Minyip, Mary and her brother, William George Smith, then 14 years of age, made the journey of 22 miles: to Murtoa to, request Mr. Browne to baptise them. When they returned they brought with them some of A. B. Maston's tracts. The whole family continued to study the scriptures. Then two sisters, Hannah and Alice, and a brother Tom, went to Murtoa to be baptised. How exciting this must have, been for H. G. Browne, especially when still more of the family came to be baptised!

      There was no meeting place in Dunmunkle and although Mr. and Mrs. Smith were not then members, of the church, they were glad to open their home for services. They later went to Murtoa also, and were baptised.

      This Smith family were all good singers, and being missionary minded, felt the need for outreach, so they opened services at Laen Mechanics' Institute six miles away, where a, good number gathered. Then a woman gave, a, block of land at Dunmunkle. The brethren built a chapel by their own labour; George Smith's organ was placed in it and meetings were resumed at Dunmunkle. But with the scattering of members, the building was removed to Minyip, and enlarged. For my part, I can hear the rousing hymn part-singing from the Smith's, home and in Laen, Minyip and Murtoa, wherever the family joined in worship, and can even now catch some of the enthusiasm, they had for the telling of the good news in Christ.

      Let us look briefly at what eight members of this family did in later years. (The four eldest were evidently working elsewhere when all this had happened.)

      Mrs. Cunningham (Mary) continued in a long life of faithfulness in the district and died at Ballarat in 1948 at the age of 89.

      Mrs. Clissold, (Alice) became a foundation member at Warracknabeal. Services then were held in a hall and if no one was available to conduct them she would herself preside over the Lord's Table. She later moved to Box Hill and was still an active member in her later years. She was in her eighties when she died.

      Two of the girls married preachers, Mrs. Harry Leng (Millie) and Mrs. Hugh Gray (Kezia). These were loved for their works sake. Mrs. Gray's sons and daughter made a great contribution to Christian work. She passed away in W.A. at a ripe age. Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Leng, after serving in various fields in Victoria, went to, N.Z. Kaniva brought them back for some special celebrations.

      Mrs. Sutherland Flett (Hannah). Mr. and Mrs. Flett left Dunmunkle in 1907 and took up virgin land in Chinchilla, Q. They built a special large room in their new home in which to hold services. Here they set up the, Lord's Table and established the work in that area. They later reached out to, Womba Creek and 16 Mile. Both died in their eighties.

      Mrs. Davis (Elizabeth), with her son Bob, and his wife and family, settled on the land in Chinchilla, Q. in 1915, and gave great help to the cause there.

      And George--he lived at Dunmunkle all his life. He was a faithful student of the scriptures and throughout the years continued to, preach, and was instrumental in founding the North Western District Conference. He died in 1934 at the age of 71. Mrs. Harold Newell, wife of the last secretary of the Minyip church, is his daughter.

      Jubilee celebrations were held in, Minyip in April, 1940. The, late G. T. Black was the minister and Jas. Webb conducted a mission.

      A chapter of work has closed. Perhaps it, like others, will come again, but the seeds of the good work of the Smiths of Dunmunkle have been scattered far and wide and their work will never die.

      Writing to the Secretary of Minyip, Mr. H. J. Newell, at the cessation of the church, Mr. W. W. Saunders, the Victoria-Tasmania Conference Secretary, said, "As we rove amongst the churches of the brotherhood, we meet folk who were formerly in membership at Minyip. These folk are now making a valuable contribution to the church with which they are now in fellowship."--W.J.T.

      Hymn 589 in our Churches of Christ Hymn Book is a very popular one. It was written by the late Principal T. H. Scambler. But how many know how it came to be written! The Victorian Temperance Alliance called for hymns for a new Prohibition Songster. Mr. Scambler wrote and submitted The Call of God. The following letter was received by him from Mr. Robert Harkness:

      "Enclosed please find cheque for £3/3/-, being second prize awarded by the adjudicators in the recent Prohibition Hymn Competition . . . there were 285 entries sent in by 151 competitors from all parts of Australia and New Zealand . . . I have set your hymn to music, which will appear in the new Australian Prohibition Songster." This was in June, 1918. The hymn was used by the S.A. representatives in the Triennial W.C.T.U. Convention held in Perth. The original words within the first verse were:--

      The word "drink's" was changed to "sin's" in our hymn book.

      In 1925 he was again successful in an Australian competition suitable for music, under the auspices of the United Temperance Societies of Victoria. His winning published entry was, Raise The Flag of Freedom.

      We have received from Mrs. Goninon, of Smithfield, N.S.W., a note book that belonged to the late William, Uren, J.P. He was, sometimes preacher of Lochiel and Nantawarra, S.A., the Brim-Warracknabeal districts in Vic., and was the first preacher of the church at Inverell, N.S.W. The book was commenced in 1903 and contains names of those baptised and much of his original verse. He died in January, 1963, in his 86th year. He did not forget the Federal Evangelism or Overseas Missions in his Will.

      Mrs. Goninon would be remembered as Margaret Coventry, daughter of the late Roy Coventry and Mrs. Coventry, who fulfilled such splendid years of service in India.

      In our Digest of February, 1967, it was stated in an article on John Thompson that he and his wife were buried in the Ipswich Cemetery. The author, C. R. Burdeu, wrote immediately to correct his mistake. Mr. and Mrs. John Thompson are buried in the Toowong General Cemetery. The. headstone reads in part, "First Missionary of the Churches of Christ to the; New Hebrides." We regret that the, correction did not appear earlier.

      The Centenary Celebrations of the church at Collingwood, Vic., is planned for May 19. Its present building was, patterned on The City Temple, London. The architect was J. Rankin, 3 Collins Street, West, a member of Churches of Christ, and the builder a Mr. Meckiff. It was opened in May, 1889. O. A. Carr was the first Minister, having newly arrived from the U.S.A. The first Secretary was Ferrar Phillips and the present Secretary R. J. Warry. This is the 11th of our Vic. churches to, pass the 100-year mark.

      The archives have been enriched by the inclusion in MS of parts I and II of W. R. Hibburt's autobiography. With 80 years behind one and over 50 years in the ministry, he has had many experiences and associations of great interest.

      James Arthur Wilkie, who, died on 3/3/68, was an early member of our Society. His picture and obituary appears in The Australian Christian, 23/3/68. He was 89 years of age.

      Mrs. Adelaide Saunders, widow of the late A. G. Saunders, died 1/3/68. As Nursing Sister Masters she went out to China with Dr. and Mrs. Killmier and the Watermans. She was then a lovely singer. A. G. Saunders, working under the American brethren in the Philippines, met them at Manila. Twelve months later he went to China and married Sister Masters, at Shanghai. She came from the Vivian St. Church, Wellington, N.Z., and was born in 1891. Their only child is Mrs. W. Oldfield, to whom our sympathy is offered.

      Acknowledgements: North Essendon Church $5, A. W. C. Candy $1, K. Clinton $1, E,. Baxter $1, L. E. Stevens $1, all of Vic. Request for membership from The Oxley Memorial Library of Queensland. A. T. Laney, $2, N.S.W.; D. Manning, $1, W. A. Thank you.

      We regret to report that the Queensland Historian, our Society President C. R. Burdeu, has suffered a slight stroke. We wish him a complete recovery.

      A. W. C. Candy and A. R. Pigdon, of Vic., have accepted seats on the Committee of the Historical Society.