The Life Story of
Colin E Curtis
September 4th 2001
Adelaide, Australia
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
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RICHARD CURTIS
My great grandfather was born in Black Torrington, Devon, England and he died at Torrens Island, Port Adelaide, South Australia on 28th October, 1850. He was drowned. He married Mary Veal of same address born in 1816.
JOHN CURTIS
His son, John, my grandfather, was born at Black Torrington on 12th April 1839. He died at Semaphore in South Australia on 24th February 1922. His first marriage was to Marcia Coope on 6th December 1862. He later married Emma Rogers (born 3rd July 1853) on 12th August 1872 who died in Balaklava on 26th April 1937.
JOHN WILLIAM CURTIS
My father John William Curtis was the first child of this second marriage. He was born 22nd May 1873 at Auburn, S.A. He died in Balaklava 26th April 1956. He married Edith Alice Southwell born 1875 at Hoyleton, S.A. and married October 22nd 1901. Mother died 28th September 1922. She was the daughter of John Southwell born in Cambridgeshire U.K. 1842 who died 1899. Maria Hall on 6th April 1861.
Children of the marriage:
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COLIN EDGAR CURTIS
I (Colin Edgar) married Vida Maud Roberts, daughter of Henry Roberts of Balaklava on 5th December 1936. Vida was born 22nd February 1907 and died 22nd September 1993.
We have three children:
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CHILDHOOD
I was born in my grandparents' house at 22 Francis Street in Balaklava, S.A. a town approximately 75 kilometres north of Adelaide. Henry and Audrey Carslake now live in their retirement house on the property.
We lived on a small farm in sandy mallee country ten kilometres northwest of Balaklava. Rainfall was low and my parents found it difficult to provide for the family dependent on mixed farming; growing grain and keeping fowls and pigs. We had a four- roomed stone house with a gable roof over two front rooms and a flat iron roof over the other rooms without ceilings. When it rained heavily, which was not often, we couldn't hear each other speak, however we were so joyful. It was good fun to get wet through if the weather was not cold.
As children we became a part of the farm workforce at an early age. We learned to milk cows and that meant milking morning and night and also doing some general farm work. We had instruction not to run the cows when bringing them in to milk. However, one day I took hold of a cow's tail and she took off with me. I was still holding on when the cow went through a gate where a loose piece of barbed wire wrapped itself around my leg, leaving me with a nasty cut! Milking and feeding the animals on cold frosty mornings were the most trying times.
We depended on rainwater for all domestic purposes. Gardening was almost impossible with reservoir water that was suitable only for the animals to drink.
My mother wasn't very well, she had asthma. Later in my schooling days, I stayed home on Mondays to turn the washing machine, and hang out the clothes and do all sorts of jobs. We had an old washing machine, which was a large bowl (and was, in a way, just like a cow's teats), with a handle that I'd turn and the teats would go 'whish, whish, whish'. That's about the best way I can describe them. Often I'd find that Monday was the morning at school when they'd do new work and I'd have to try and pick up my knowledge about what
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My first thoughts of my mother were of me (I must have been a bit sick, I think) cuddling up to a lovely, soft warm body. I remember that very, very well. Then another day, in the front room, my mother must have had visitors and I remember very distinctly looking up at the table and seeing a shiny teapot and I attempted to have a drink from it. I don't know how badly burnt I was (or not) but I can still feel the heat from it.
We had a ring-necked parrot at home. When we started school, the job of the youngest going to school was to get sticks to light the fire in the morning. We always had to have some light kindling wood and we'd call that "get the sticks". Ron was very slack at getting them and mum would say, "Ron, go and get the sticks, go and get the sticks". If anyone came near our place, the old parrot would run up and down its perch, yelling "Ronny, go and get the sticks, Ronny, go and get the sticks". He'd say that for a long time. Another thing he'd say was "where's the baby?" I think when people came visiting, Mum might say, "where's the baby", and so the parrot copied that.
One day, mother asked Ron and me to go and get a rooster because she had run out of meat. We ran a rooster down, tied its legs, locked its wings and put its head on the block. Before this though we had a bit of discussion about who was going to use the axe, and as I was the older, I suppose I wanted the axe. Just as the axe came down, Ron pointed his finger and said, "chop there Col," (he thought I didn't know where to chop!) I took his finger off at the joint, right in the middle! He picked the piece of finger up and walked casually inside the house to mum and said, "look what Col did." Dad had to harness the horses, drive seven miles into Balaklava to the doctor who trimmed the bone up a bit, and threw the other part of the finger in the wastebasket. Dad had originally put it back on Ron and tied a bit of cardboard around it, but there was no saving it. When I knew they were somewhere near home, I climbed into the shed and hid because I thought I might get a bit of a belting. However, I heard
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We were good hunters, us kids. On our property we had rabbits (underground mutton). Quite often mum might say we need a couple of rabbits and we'd go out with the rifle and shoot some. We also had iron spring traps, which were cruel in a way, but it's how we did it. Then we made wire netting traps. We'd wind the netting around a big pipe and get a piece of wire for the lid and hang the lid down so it would open towards the trap. Then we'd put it in the burrow and after a couple of days we'd have three or four rabbits caught in there.
Our water supply for the house was from an underground tank and an iron tank. There was no tap on the tank; we'd have to step up on the bench and lower a bucket on a rope into the tank and then lift it up full of water. For some reason the tank was only half above the ground. The other water came from Bundaleer Reservoir and it was so salty we couldn't drink it, only the animals, so it wasn't much good for the garden, and apart from natural trees the only bushes I remember were called wormwood. Mother grew some flowers when water was available.
Running water stopped at the shed, and only in later days, Dad got some pipes and put it right out the back door. We had some big gum trees in the house yard and a line of them down to the road.
My parents were members of the Balaklava Church of Christ. Most Sunday mornings we would go to the Church. This meant us having a bath on Saturday night (our one bath for the week), cleaning our boots, and mum getting all of our clothes ready for the morning. The service began at 11 am, so we would get up early on Sunday, feed the pigs, milk the cows and feed them, and do all the odd jobs around the place. Then we would harness up Ruby and Nell, the two special buggy horses. Buggy horses in those days were something like motor
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I enjoyed going to the Church and listening to the service--when I could keep awake!
One day I was coming in from my cousin's place across the paddock. Instead of coming through the gate, I jumped the fence. My Grandma Southwell, who was sitting out in the front garden, crooked her finger at me, and when I went over she said, "Colin, only thieves and robbers come in like that. Gentlemen come in through the gate!"
My mother died when I was thirteen. She went regularly to a local doctor, but she didn't get any better. Dad became very concerned and I remember harnessing the horses and taking her further north, maybe Blythe or Clare, to a doctor. Dad waited while the doctor took tests. I don't know how long that took, but when the doctor came out, he said, "Mr Curtis, why ever didn't you take your wife to a doctor before this." She had sugar diabetes and it was
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Just before she died, I can remember Dad bringing the buggy up to the house and my mother coming out of the house and getting up into the buggy. I had to stand behind her in the buggy, and make sure she didn't fall, as it was seven miles of rough roads to Balaklava. My mother said to me, "Colin, please don't hold me too tight". Then she said, "Look after the little girls". She died in the hospital.
I stayed at the Minister's house (Will Ewers) the night of the funeral. He had a son about my age, and for some reason I can remember having a boiled egg for breakfast.
My brother Ron and I got scarlet fever. He went into hospital first and then I followed after a while. Two things that I remember were the electric lights. We never even knew that pressing a button on a wall could bring the lights on. That was fascinating. At home we had oil lamps and candles and I'm amazed that we never had a fire. In the hospital the nurse kept coming and kneading up the pillows which was lovely. Ron had been in there a few days before me, and one day I was sitting on the side of the bed when he said, "I'll race you to switch the light on". I went to race him and fell flop on the floor. My legs had gone! Scarlet fever gave me headaches and red blotches. We were supposed to be in the hospital for about six weeks. After about a fortnight though we were running around all over the place. Dad had brought us in a cricket bat.
One day we heard that the Wakefield river was running. This didn't happen very often, so we sneaked out (we were quite a way from the hospital in Isolation Ward), got over the fence, across the road and down to the river. It was good fun throwing things into this running water, and when we felt it was time to get back, we saw our buggy with the horses tied up outside the hospital. Dad had come to visit. There was trouble in the hospital as they were hunting
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After Mum died, we stayed on the farm for about ten months and that was very hard for us children. It was also very difficult for a grieving father, keeping up the farm work and caring for us children. I pay tribute to my Dad who loved us and cared for us in a wonderful way. The little girls went to live with our Aunty. Harley (he was 16 when Mum died) would be out working most of the time. Ron and I would get up, do our work, come in and get our own breakfast, cut our lunch for school and be out all day. I think we must have had lots and lots of bread and jam.
We did have a very large-hearted Aunty who lived even further back into the country, about three or four miles from our place, and one of the great delights of our heart was to see Aunty Mary and her buggy with her horses coming over the big hill. She had loaded her buggy with food of all kinds.
We had a horse trough about 150 yards from the house and one of our chores was to make sure it was filled. One night I was coming back from there and I remember just lying on the ground and crying. It was very, very tough. Dad got us together one day and asked what we thought about leaving the farm. We decided "yes, we must leave".
So he let the place and he took a job as a worker along the railways, using a pick and shovel, and living in a tent. Ron went to board in Balaklava. I went down to live with my grandma in Semaphore and if heaven is like that, it will be beautiful.
I have memories of my mother as a lovely gentle lady who worked hard for all of us under primitive conditions. My father was a very close friend who did all he could for the family.
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SCHOOL
We had to go to a school called Cavanagh Ville, which was later named Watchman School. It was three and a half miles from our house and most of the time we walked across the paddocks. When we were older we drove to school in the dray, which was a cart with boards across for us to sit on. It was a very bumpy old ride. For a while I rode a horse carrying a sheaf of hay across the saddle.
When driving home one night, we saw a long brown snake crossing the road. As was our custom, we got out of the cart and killed what we considered a deadly animal and hung it on a fence. The next night, almost in the same place, we saw another snake, which we also hung on the fence. I believe we were fortunate not to be bitten when killing snakes. Our old dog killed many of his enemies until he was finally bitten by a snake and was never the same again.
Someone asked, "How did you kill the snakes?" We were told to keep on the side of the snake and hit it with a suitable weapon about 12 to 18 inches behind the head to break its back. We found a piece of heavy wire (bull wire) was a suitable weapon to have on hand.
Coming home from school one day, I was silly enough to grab a snake's tail as it went down a hole. The fact that the skin came off in my hand could have saved my life.
I don't think we children were ever bored, as we were always busy and mostly interested. I remember a school project. I set a broody hen, knowing to the day when to expect some lovely fluffy little chickens. When that day arrived, I ran most of the way home from school in expectation to see some cracked eggshells and the beginning of a new brood of chickens as part of my education.
One time a neighbour wanted to introduce some new blood into his fowl population and asked us to provide them with one of our roosters. Ron and I
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Dad was keen for us to play sport. He gave us a pick handle, which we used for cricket at home and at school. I can remember arranging a cricket match when Watchman and Whitwarta schools combined to play Balaklava in Balaklava. I don't remember who won the match, however I do know that Whitwarta had a demon fast bowler named Charles Clark. That day, when we were driving in our buggy to Balaklava, we saw a purse on the road and money nearby. We first decided to keep the money and say nothing about it, however our proper upbringing won the day and after buying lemonade and a few extras with money from the purse, we handed the rest of the cash to our parents. The owner of the purse came to our home, thanked us honest children and gave us three pence each. We were well pleased although we had already taken our reward.
We used to get up early in the morning (when we were not much older than seven and had started school) and perhaps milk a couple of cows and feed them. We might do some separating of the milk, then walk to school, three and a half miles across the paddocks. Then when we got to school the elderly lady schoolteacher, Miss Steinwedel, would blow her whistle and line us up to do our exercises. This was not necessary when we'd already done a heap of physical things before school had started and then had kicked the footy around. This was part of life for us. We were strong and healthy children, loved and cared for.
We had thee different teachers during my time at primary school. Dear old Miss Steinwedel loved us and did her best to start us off in our education Then came a younger woman who treated some of us very badly. The man who followed was well liked in the school and popular in the community.
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He encouraged us in sport and helped in the closing part of primary school education.
I can remember saluting the Flag and pledging our loyalty to the British Empire and King George the Fifth.
A concert at the school was a very special event when Doris Vietch sang "When it's Cherry Blossom Time in Old Japan", and Brownie Kent made us laugh with his song about not knowing if the lady was bound for a ball or a bath. I don't know why those events are so clear in my mind after seventy-five years. They were hard times in many ways, however there was a wonderful community spirit and we children were taught to care for the best things in life.
WOODVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
When we left the farm, I went to live with my Grandmother in Semaphore and was able to attend Woodville High School for the last part of 1923 and for the full year of 1924. Life was quite different as I had time to study, to swim and play sport. I enjoyed study and passed eight subjects out of eight. I remember doing best in book-keeping. Our very generous and loving Grandmother was also caring for my cousin, Mabel Smith, whose father had died.
Coming to a larger school from one of about thirty children was a great change. However, I was soon a very happy part of the community of boys, some of whom found the country boy with strong hands (from milking cows and walking many miles) was no pushover. The sport we played at Watchman school must also have helped prepare me, as I was the only first year student to be selected in both A-Grade football and cricket teams. That gave me the friendship of the big boys and some sort of respect from others. Some of my class envied me when one of the football team would knock on the door and say, "Please Sir, can Curtis come to football practice?" It may not have been to my advantage in learning though. I did become captain of my class football and cricket teams.
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I believe Woodville was a very good high school. I don't remember any student being ill-treated in the school grounds. Drugs were unknown as far as I was concerned and all the teachers I related to were friendly and encouraging. Even the Principal when I had to visit him in his office.
Some years later, in 1986 I had the privilege of speaking to a very large audience at the Speech Day Programme of Woodville High School. Principal Ruth Povey wrote to thank me sincerely for my involvement in the programme. I was also invited to present some of the awards.
My father, who was keeping us four children, offered me another year at school, however I decided to accept the job offered at Verco Brothers Flour Mills. I'm not sure if it was because of Dad's financial position or my desire to leave school that I decided that way. Maybe a bit of both.
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WORK
I began work as an office boy at Verco Bros. Flour Mill for fifteen shillings per week, enough to pay my board with a few shillings spare.
After six months I received a more responsible position dealing with customers and receiving grain from farmers. Each bag of wheat was weighed separately and marked with its weight. Then when the stack was high a chain was put over the bag and with a rope over a pulley was pulled up by a horse. Later we bought an elevator. It was the time of the Depression when many farmers were in financial difficulties. We had a list of customers who were not to be given any more credit. One of those men came in for a fifty pound bag of flour, asking for credit. It was a sad story--no cash and no bread at home. I took the risk and paid for the flour, later to receive the money with many thanks and a new friend.
After I had paid the men's wages one day, I found that I had two hundred pounds spare. My friend, the teller at the bank, had given me the money by mistake. I decided to keep it until I could get to the bank and save him trouble. I was very fortunate no-one at the bank had contacted the office before I could return the cash and help the teller to balance his books.
I enjoyed meeting customers very much and spending time with the men in the mill and the engine room. One day I was told not to get too friendly with the men because I might eventually be their boss.
My brother, Ron was with me for a little while, but then he left for a job in the railways. The interesting thing when Ron started at the railways was that he wasn't very tall (he was younger than I was). The old station master would say, "Ronnie, get up in the morning and stretch your arms up high. You've got to get taller!" When he finally grew up, Ron was nearly six foot tall.
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This time before College, I spent many precious hours with my father who was living in a railway tent at Port Wakefield. He would book a room at a boarding house and I would travel by rail to spend the weekend with him, or sometimes he would come to Balaklava.
One day he asked me to borrow a horse and sulky from my uncle (who was a town butcher) and go for a drive. After we had driven for a while, I learned this was a special occasion as he asked me what I thought about him marrying again. I was able to give my full approval knowing Winnie was like a mother to the girls and a selfless helper to all of our family.
I enjoyed the freedom of a young man boarding in Balaklava with sport as No. l priority. I was captain of the Balaklava cricket team for a few years and played in the district and association teams.
One week of holidays was given to Country Carnival Cricket in Adelaide. My cousin gave me a cricket bat which I kept in my room where I was boarding with an old lady. One day the bat was missing. When I asked where it was, she said, "Oh, that old piece of wood. I used it under the copper". (That was for the fire to boil the water to wash the clothes).
I remember playing with Vida in a mixed doubles tennis tournament semi-finals on a Saturday morning when the cricketers were waiting to know if we were needed to play the final during the afternoon. Vida and I were beaten and I played cricket.
Football claimed my interest during winter months. I played for Watchman Football Club the first year from school and then for a Balaklava team until leaving for college. My Uncle Herb was a keen supporter of the Centrals Club. He promised me a new hat if I kicked six goals during one match. Later I was able to got to Eudunda Farmers store and book to Uncle's account the best hat which I wore for many years.
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Money was very scarce and some of us travelled to athletic meetings to collect a few pounds running. If there was a high jump, I had a chance until handicapping made it too difficult.
I became a member of the Druids Lodge, learned all the ritual and went "through the chairs" to receive a wonderful colourful collar to become Past Arch Druid. I have forgotten the details, however I know the experience helped my begin my public speaking.
About that time I became a student of an attractive young lady who was teaching elocution. I don't think I was a very good student, however I found courage to begin a play on stage in the Balaklava Town Hall. Maybe for the sake of my teacher, Miss Newham, I remember concluding a play by standing on the stage and saying, "Now for Home and Eleanor".
I joined the Church of Christ boys' gymnasium club, which operated in the Church hall with excellent instructors and very good equipment. For a number of years we gave popular demonstrations in the Balaklava Institute under the leadership of Jack Sinclair or Bruce Marriott.
FOX HUNTING
During the first two or three years after returning from school, I spent a number of weekends on my uncle's farm with my cousin, Hartley Vietch, who had hunting dogs and two good horses trained to jump fences. After wheat harvest was the best time to find foxes in the stubble where they had been undisturbed for a long time. It took me a while to have courage to ride a horse straight at a fence, however when I did, Dolly took me over until it was all so easy.
We would get up at about four o'clock in the morning and ride around to a likely place to find foxes. When we saw a fox, we would ride full gallop after it until the dogs took sight and then there was little hope for the fox. Sometimes we would follow the fox over two or three fences. Four or five foxes a morning
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Coming home one morning, a dog collapsed. We tried to revive him, we thought, without success. After covering him with bushes and having a little service, we left the body under a tree. To our surprise, he was at the door next morning, welcoming us.
Another morning on our way home, we came to a farmer's dam near the road. We stripped off and with the dogs had a refreshing time. Fortunately no-one came along.
On our last ride, we were approximately three miles from home when we set a straight line across the paddocks and over the fences without any trouble. We were fortunate not to have had accidents.
Years later, while at Bordertown, I shot and wounded a hare that made such a pitiful cry, I sold my rifle which I had bought to shoot rabbits for food. Looking back, I realise fox hunting was also a cruel sport.
DECIDING TO BE A MINISTER
While at Semaphore, I was baptised by Mr Graham McKie and became a member of the Church. However, for a few years after returning to Balaklava, I didn't take my Church membership seriously. I know now my sporting life with social contact and leadership experience helped prepare me for what followed.
About 1930 I became friendly with Miss Vida Roberts, who was an active Church member and came under the influence of Mr Les McCallum, our Church Minister. I decided to renew my Church activity and serve Christ in any way I could. I joined the Christian Endeavour Society, where, as a very nervous young man, gave my first talk. My next opportunity was to read Scripture in a Church service. Those simple exercises were some of the most difficult things I had done.
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Mr McCallum became my teacher and invited me to preach the sermon in a Church service. He gave me a text, 2nd Peter 3:18; "Continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory now and forever", and gave me some reading for preparation. I can remember that while I was preaching my first sermon, it seemed that someone was standing by me in support. With that encouragement, I occasionally took services at Lochiel, Avon and Owen. After one service at Owen, an Elder said "Thank you Colin for your effort". He knew I tried hard.
Vida and I became engaged and looked forward to marriage, not knowing I would apply to enter the Ministry or that Verco Bros. would close their business.
It was during this time, while working for Verco Bros. that I decided I wanted to be a Minister. Mr McCallum, our Minister, was speaker in the Balaklava Methodist Church at a Sunday School anniversary on November 8th, 1931. While in the congregation, I thought to myself 'I'm going to be a preacher if I can and preach in this church'. I went home and wrote in shorthand what I had in mind, sealed the envelope and in shorthand wrote, 'Open on November 9th, 1939' and put it away. It seems I wanted to keep my thoughts secret.
I went to Theological College in 1934. When I was home on leave during 1935, Rev. Davidson of the Balaklava Methodist Church invited me to preach the sermon in his Church on a Sunday morning, which I was able to do.
At that time I had never thought about what I hand written in shorthand. However, many years later, I found this crumpled old envelope in a book. The little I knew about shorthand had vanished and I had to borrow a Pittman's Shorthand book to decipher my writing.
Looking back, this experience gives me another of the many assurances I have that I made the right choice. This story would have remained my secret had I not told Lois, my daughter, who urged me to write about it.
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I had a strong feeling that I should apply to the College for admission to study for ministry. Our College required students to have at least four Intermediate subjects before commencing theological studies and, at least, Leaving English before graduating. That meant finding out what to do, settling down to study, and leaving the local billiard room at night. Mr Parsons, the High School Principal, helped me with Leaving English. I managed five Intermediate subjects before going to Glen Iris and added Leaving English with theological subjects during my first year. I remember reading a history book at work when my boss walked into my office. He was surprised at what I was reading and said, "That's all right Colin, if your work is done".
Words fail me to describe the character of Vida, who in her devotion to Christ, continued to work for the family and serve in the Church, where she was very much loved, encouraging me and waiting until I graduated. I applied to College and was accepted as a suitable candidate for ministry to begin early in 1934.
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COLLEGE AND FIRST MINISTRY
I went to Glen Iris Churches of Christ Theological College hoping the little money I had would see me through the first year of study. Merv Lawrie, a student of Glen Iris, met me at the Gardener Railway Station from which we walked to the College. He made me very welcome as we had a cup of tea, a rest, and then he had me running around the tennis court.
Faculty and students made all newcomers very welcome and soon we were part of a happy family. I was not one of the top students, however I managed to pass all of my subjects. I lived in a room with two other students, Jim Lewis and Duncan Butler. We cleaned our dormitory, did our own washing and used the room for most of our study. There was no air-conditioning allowed at that time and it was hard to keep cool. Winter was the most difficult, however we rugged up to keep warm. I did quite a lot of gardening to pay for board during the first part of the year at the going price of one shilling and sixpence per hour.
Community living, in itself was an important part of our education and difficult for the very few who needed to comply. Three of us were a little crowded in Room No. 2 when Dr Main visited during the second year to tell us there was space for one of us to move to another room. Who would go? The usual thing was for one to pack up and move, however, we decided we wanted to stay together. After further discussion, Dr Main gave his consent and commended us for our friendship.
There was a history of happy rivalry between two sporting teams. The Glens and the Iris's. Merv Lawrie was Captain of Glens and I became his opposing Captain until he graduated. Sports Day was always an important event. I managed to win the sports and the tennis championships and created a high jump record during my last year. This must be understood with reference to the competition available. Merv and I had a very happy visit to Bill Woodfull, a former Australian Cricket Captain, who kept the College in cricket bats. We went home after an interesting chat and two good bats.
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PASTORAL CARE AND SPORT
Later I was considered to be able to accept my first Church appointment at Bentleigh Church of Christ. This not only helped my financial position but also gave me a wonderful, happy experience of being a minister to such people. We formed a tennis club and had lots of social activity in addition to the preaching and visiting. When it came to the end of the first year, it was customary for a second year student to go to a Church which was larger and paid a higher salary. The officers arranged with the College to keep me there and so it was again for the third year they retained my services and paid me he higher salary. How could I leave such friends?
We had a great experience during my first year at Bentleigh Church. I played football for a local team in the Victorian A-Grade Amateur League. Our coach told me the boys wanted to show their appreciation by attending an evening Church service on a Sunday. The building was more than crowded with players and supporters.
The event was written up in the Amateur Column of the Herald. The following match, one of the University team said to me, "I see you have a young parson playing for you. I must know who he is because I don't want him to hear me swear". We shook hands, had a laugh, and then on with the game. One of my regrets was that when asked if I would be available for the team to play the Interstate match against South Australia in Adelaide, I was too timid to ask for leave from my Church and the College. It would have been difficult in the following years. For the record, Victoria won very well.
I remember two important lessons from my Bentleigh Ministry. James Webb, Minister at Brighton, a neighbour Church, accompanied me on my first afternoon visiting church members. He met me at Bentleigh Station and gave me a lesson in what was an important part of his successful ministries, visiting the homes of his people. On two afternoons we visited about ten homes. Where appropriate, he read Scripture and offered a prayer of blessing on the homes. After a few visits, we shared this ministry.
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That was a very good beginning for what has been a successful pastoral ministry and which led to riding a bicycle hundreds of kilometres during my first three ministries. Now at Parkrose Village, most of my flock live in units side by side.
I formed a tennis team and entered the winter competition to play with our young people at Bentleigh. That, with the fact that I played football and brought a black eye and a skinned nose etc. to the pulpit, helped in the wonderful way they received me. The fact that the footballers visited the Church impressed the young people.
A non-Church going gentleman of the home I stayed in during some weekends, was telling me of his successful life, his sport of shooting and playing billiards etc. at the Club. He said to me, "I don't suppose you play billiards?" He arranged for me to visit his Club and we had a very happy time together. That was an important entry into his life; a Minister playing billiards.
Sport has played a large part in all my ministries. Now at 90 years, I can enjoy indoor bowls on a wide mat.
HOLIDAY WORK
My former boss gave me a wheat agency in the Halbury railway yards. That meant working there until College commenced and, as soon as exams finished, returning to Halbury the next day to receive grain.
A few days before College recommenced, I received an order to forward all grain to Port Adelaide. I became quite efficient at carrying bags of grain up a plank into railway trucks. That went on each holiday, including the year I graduated, only having time to get married on December 5th, 1936 and return to work until we left for our appointment to Yarrawonga. Why did I work like that? Simply because there was no other way to pay expenses for College.
Vida had worked all her life on the family farm for her keep, so no pay.
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I had applied to the Northern Districts Conference for assistance and received the answer that there were no funds available. I did receive four pounds which I suspect came from our Minister at Balaklava. This was the time of very deep economic depression.
The sacrifice and devotion of our teachers at the College was inspiring. They had small salaries and some relied on other ministries. I believe two of them had refused University appointments. To be with such men and the student company with our Lord in the Chapel, for morning devotions was always a special beginning to the day. This is perhaps a good place to finish my College story, of which there is so much more, as it is the heart of my ministry that followed.
As mentioned earlier, I had time to work my Grain Agency and get married before commencing ministry at Yarrawonga. Both our families were well known in the district and we had many personal friends assuring us of a crowded church building for the occasion.
After work, on the day we waited so long for, I caught a train in Halbury and as it slowed down approaching Balaklava I jumped off near the Roberts home without injury or detection. Vida looked lovely in her wedding dress and I appeared at my best in a borrowed suit and white bow tie. There is no need for me to write about the lovely wedding service conducted by Pastor A. J. Ingham.
After the reception Vida's father drove us to Adelaide where we stayed for one or two nights at the W.C.T.U. Boarding House in Wakefield Street.
We returned to Halbury together to live with two other families in a farmhouse while I went to work. Our bed was on a verandah of the house. One night after we settled down in bed we heard a terrific row as many of our neighbours came to Tin Kettle us as was the custom of that day. We dressed and moved with the crowd to a larger house where everything was prepared for a lovely party.
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It was quite a contrast to leave my friends at the College and relate to labourers and farmers at the wheat stacks in the Halbury Railway yards. This wasn't new, however it helped me to understand how some of these people lived.
One of the men was a keen student of the Racing Industry. He knew the parentage and performances of many racehorses and worked very hard lumping bags of grain to help pay for his gambling addiction. Another worker spent much of his wages to satisfy an addiction to alcohol. These men were friends of mine. They respected my beliefs and when I needed help to move grain quickly they were always there to assist me.
I am grateful for the example and teaching my parents gave me concerning gambling and alcohol.
It is now time for me to close my Wheat Agency, to say good bye to our families and friends in Balaklava, and with my lovely bride and our few belongings to venture out for our first full time ministry in Yarrawonga.
We did not know it would be nine years before we could see them again. We were pleased to come home and share our three beautiful children with relatives they had never met. This holiday in Balaklava was after our ministry in Castlemaine and before going to Hamilton.
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YARRAWONGA February 1937-1940.
So, I finished college, closed my wheat agency at Halbury, said goodbye to Balaklava and set out with my lovely wife for our first full-time ministry. On our way to Yarrawonga, we purchased most of our furnishings and household goods on time-payment at Myers in Melbourne. This was a rather bold transaction as our salary was nine dollars a week with two dollars rent per week. Someone said to me, "Colin, you must have had faith," (that I could pay it all off). But I said, "No, it's Myers that have faith".
Things went wrong for a start in that we were told to leave the train at St James, a small station before Yarrawonga. After waiting on the lonely platform for a long time, I walked to a farmhouse to be told to proceed to Yarrawonga on a later train. Being at St James Railway Station, Vida in her inimitable manner took her small New Testament out of her bag to read the Letter of St James and exhort me from Chapter 5 v 7. "Be patient then my brothers, until the Lord comes." v 8. "Keep your hopes high."
We were warmly received and cared for and had to live in a member's house while our Manse was being renovated. We shifted in amongst ladders, paint etc. while the job was being finished. The postie said to me, "Mr Curtis, you look as if you have painted all the houses to the Post Office". I think this experience turned out to be very much to our advantage for the way we handled it. Bicycle was the only means of transport. I often rode to farms around the district, sometimes up to eight or ten miles. We had services in the home of the Rudd family in Katamatite and also with Daisy Davenport in Cobram. Mr Cowper or Mr Smith drove us there.
We had eighty members in our Congregation with some lovely young people. Sunday was always a busy day. Sunday School classes were held before Church service at 11 o'clock. A number of country people would bring their lunch and stay for the Senior Endeavour Meeting during the afternoon. Most of them would go home and leave us for the night service. Vida was often asked to sing during the services.
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I had never heard of a Minister being asked to preach longer sermons until two Elders called me aside and asked me to lengthen mine. I don't remember the duration of my talks, however, I suspect I could have run out of material.
One of our shopkeeper members must have noticed the state of my Sunday suit and invited me to work in this shop until my pay was sufficient to afford a new suit. After moving things around for a few weeks, killing any number of silver fish, I duly received my suit with the words, "You are always telling us to take time to be holy, I'm telling you to take time to look after your clothes". I'm sure I didn't need that advice.
We commenced a Junior Christian Endeavour Society and held our meetings after school. This proved very popular with many children until the Presbyterian Minister began his own meetings at the same time. We lost only his flock. I enjoyed visiting the local schools for Religious Education.
The weir was built on the River Murray while we were in Yarrawonga. That meant a large influx of itinerant workers who lived mainly in tents along the banks of the river. We set out to minister these people as best we could. That meant supplying food and other things, as alcohol used up most of the wages.
I baptised a number of these people, including a family who responded in a wonderful manner. The children came to Sunday School where they met Mr Chappel and his three children who invited them to their farm and provided farm produce for the family. This built up a warm friendship resulting in the whole family coming to church with the parents becoming members. This friendship was used by the Grace of God to dramatically change the lives of these tent dwellers, new people and a new tent.
One lady of the group came to church on Sunday night, making a fuss, saying she couldn't go into worship without a hat. Vida obliged and loaned her a good hat, never to see it again.
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The temperature reached 117 degrees during our ministry. Two small children died from the heat. It was difficult for us to resist such temperature in our little old cement sheeted and galvanised iron house, however, we kept our little baby, Kingsley, cool enough to survive. One day when it had cooled off a little, I rode my bike across the river to visit old Mrs. Drayton. When she seemed a bit distressed, I looked at a thermometer on the wall, which recorded 100 degrees; time for me to leave!
Vida was a very efficient leader amongst the women. She formed them into a Mission Band. I remember seeing them at a meeting where Vida, President and the Secretary at the table, each had a baby in a pram. Vida was often commended for the way she dressed our children. One of the joys of Yarrawonga was the birth of our two lovely healthy children, Kingsley and Douglas.
A Hendrickson and Morris Tent Mission stirred the town and especially the young Methodist Minister. We did not know each other very well and it looked as if we could become enemies, however, after reading his sermon on baptism as a reply to our missioner and looking at our local situation, we decided to meet each week for prayer and study at each other's church. That developed into a rich and rewarding friendship. Frank Hartley, the Methodist Minister, and I also played tennis together, where he was too good for me and maybe in other things, too. I was sad to learn that in later life Frank had died.
I enjoyed playing district cricket for Yarrawonga. We had a nice group of young people who needed some direction. First we decided to build a tennis court next to the church. It was good fun going out with a Council contractor and with pick and shovel, helping to load his truck with gravel. Another Council worker, Bill Northrop, offered to help and the job was soon done.
We exchanged tennis matches with the young people from Wangaratta Church and played locally. Our cricket team went to Wanga also. Wangaratta Church came over for a combined picnic with Yarrawonga when we met on Mulwala
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I encouraged a young man who won the high jump event at our Sunday School picnic to enter in the high jump during the district athletic sports. Lou Jackson entered and somehow they talked me into joining them. The interesting thing was that Lou and I were the last two in the contest. Our local butcher, who dared me to enter, thereafter called me the 'jumping parson'.
We had a Yarrawonga spiritually-minded devoted group of young people and it has been a great joy to meet some of them and communicate over the years.
District conferences provided good fellowship and lifted some of the isolation of such a country ministry, especially as we were unable to afford to get home to Balaklava for about eight years.
Like Bentleigh, it was difficult to say goodbye to people with whom we had shared life and had grown to love. I am sure God blessed our ministry at Yarrawonga, where we left a larger, very happy fellowship. Just before we left for Castlemaine, we heard the sad news that war had been declared.
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CASTLEMAINE 1941-1945
We loved Yarrawonga people, however we knew we had to leave them and move to Castlemaine. This was during the wartime when many of our people were in the forces. The number, though, was almost made up by workers coming to the local armaments factory in Castlemaine.
I was pleased to be able to join a friendly group of ministers who welcomed me warmly to their fraternal. This was important, as we were able to support each other in our ministries during the war. Regular combined prayer meetings were held. During a few air raid warnings, the large congregational church was crowded. It was difficult for ministers to inform any relatives of bad news.
Castlemaine Church received us in a very happy responsive mood and soon we were on the way to a fruitful spiritual journey. The Church grew and I believe we had five years of successful ministry. Vida was popular with everyone. She was very busy caring for our children and being involved in Church work.
I enjoyed cricket on turf wickets and grassed ovals. The old neglected tennis court was brought to life and youth work generally flourished as Harcourt young people joined with us.
One of the Harcourt young men, an Orchardist, took ill during apple picking time. We arranged a group of about thirty young people to do the job for him. Each was given an apron bag with a rope over the neck and it became a competition who could fill it most times. I worked very hard but was far behind until I realised that I had been given a much larger bag. The joke was on me!
We had a very successful Christian Endeavour Society with spiritually minded youth encouraging other young people. I had the responsibility of being President of the local C.E. Endeavour Union for a period.
Harcourt School and four others in the district, in range of my bike, were included in the Religious Education programme.
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I set out to visit my congregation as much as possible and also assumed some pastoral responsibility for Harcourt Church and rode many kilometres over the hills on the Church cycle.
For my first visit I took my lunch and enjoyed having a picnic with the birds. When a dear elderly lady heard this she invited me to lunch with her for future visits. I enjoyed her company and a good meal for three or four times until one day there was no sign of lunch being prepared. We talked until time to go. I read scripture, said a blessing, as usual, and rode on to the home of Horace and Millie Rice. As I came to the gate Millie said "Hi Mr Curtis, how are you?" I replied "hungry!" She told me I was lucky because there was a dinner in the oven. I had meals at a number of places on future visits. As far as I can remember nothing was said between the elderly lady and me about 'no lunch'.
Meal times have been important in my life and ministry.
As children we all sat together at the table. I remember having to sit next to my father for a period and that was not as a benefit for being well behaved. Our evening meal was a great time of sharing the day's experiences, school, college, university etc with a view to the best things in life.
Vida and I often enjoyed meals with church families and sometimes stayed for the evening as a part of ministry. Families who don't continue having meals together miss something good.
August 15th, 1941, was an important and wonderful time for us. Our daughter, Lois, was born that day. It was then, I felt we must make an important decision concerning ministry. With three children, I believed we faced a losing battle trying to live on our present salary (not sure how much). Some of our ministers had left ministry because of financial difficulties and our Brotherhood leaders were concerned.
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While at Castlemaine I decide to study Geology to learn something about rock formation and add the subject to complete my full Intermediate Certificate started ten years earlier. I obtained the necessary books, the rocks etc were my teacher and I had the satisfaction of adding number six.
I did well with book-keeping at school and I had office experience. Municipal work appealed and I set out and qualified as Municipal Clerk. That seemed easy enough so I kept going to complete accountancy and Chartered Institute of Secretaries. Soon after my final results were known, I was visited, and invited, as my duty to join the staff at the A factory. About the same time, the Church received an urgent letter from Brotherhood leaders concerning Ministers' salaries. Our Church accepted the advice and raised my salary accordingly.
Because of shortage of accommodation in our city, we let rooms in our large house as our income. It would have been a very sad and reluctant move from ministry, however I am very pleased I was able to continue my chosen vocation. This was to me a confirmation of my earlier decision to be a minister. Maybe the story reveals my lack of faith in the first place.
I often wished I had directed my studies along lines more related to ministry, however, I have been able to help some people with accounts etc. and for a few years, assisted the Brotherhood with their Gawler Place bookroom.
One time during a wedding breakfast, we had a good laugh. The compere announced the Royal toast and began singing "For he's a jolly good fellow", instead of "God save the King". He hurriedly changed when he realised his mistake.
The atmosphere of war hung over our city and I believe that could have been a factor in the growth of the Church at that time. Coming home from pre-school centre with Lois and her small boy friend, she said something about me, her Dad, when the little boy, with a plaintive look replied, "My Daddy isn't coming
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home". The man was one of our cricketing friends and we had just heard of his death.
When peace was imminent the churches got together and we planned a big thanksgiving service in the city square. I'll never forget that, as there were crowds of people dancing up and down the street and yelling. On the way home I stopped off at the butcher and asked for a leg of lamb. "I haven't got any coupons," I told the butcher. He said, "Damn the coupons," and tossed a leg of lamb to me.
While conducting a mission at Castlemaine, Gordon Andrews induced me to accept an invitation to minister at the Church he was leaving in Surrey Hills in Melbourne. I had had a previous invitation, which I took to a Mr Peeler, an Elder, who asked me to tear it up. That was his strong message not to go. When I received the second invitation, without consulting anyone, I announced my resignation by placing a letter on the table at an Officer's meeting. When the secretary read the letter, my very dear friend and Elder, Harold Peeler, said, "Brethren, there are bombs on Castlemaine tonight". I realised it was an unkind act to treat my close friends in that manner.
The irony was we never went to Surrey Hills. The army took over the Manse to which Gordon Andrews was to go and he could not leave the house in Surrey Hills. It was impossible to rent or build because of restrictions. Castlemaine had gone too far in negotiations for us to stay.
Therefore, our next move was to Hamilton in the western districts. We didn't mind. A Church member, Mrs. Taylor, left me with an encouraging parting word when she held my hand and said, "Mr Curtis, if you had done nothing in Castlemaine other than what you did for me, it was worth while you coming". We left Castlemaine Church united and happy, pleased the war was over and members coming home.
God bless Castlemaine and thanks for having us.
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HAMILTON, Victoria. November 1945 to March 1949
After being away from Balaklava and relatives for approximately eight years, we returned for an extended holiday before beginning our ministry in Hamilton, where we had a first class welcome.
We arrived by train, then were driven down the main street to our Manse. Some of our members, who were working in shops along the street, were on the footpath waving us a friendly welcome. When we arrived at the house, the welcome was almost too good to be true. Mr and Mrs. Pratt were at the front gate to receive us, and it being meal-time, invited us to share a lovely roast dinner.
Our furniture arrived at Hamilton during our holiday and Mr Pratt, one of our ministers, and Mrs. Pratt, had received it and set it up in the Manse just as they believed we would want it. They also had vegetables planted in almost every section of the back garden. Mr and Mrs. Pratt ministered at Castlemaine during 1934-1937.
I thought I did well riding my bike over the hills in that district, however I give way to Mr Pratt when I read this paragraph in Castlemaine history: "Many will remember Mr Pratt's ministry here, when he reported having made 1193 visits to members and non- members, all on foot, also walking to the Barkers Creek School each week for Religious Education classes." Walking or bicycle, were still my means of transport.
This ministry followed much the same pattern as in other places with preparing and preaching two sermons each week and also conducting Bible study and prayer groups during the week. Christian Endeavour meetings were most helpful for young people. As was the practice in those days, I set out to visit members in their homes. Members expected such visits.
I have always been nervous about preaching and that extended to being almost over- awed at facing my first radio broadcast of a service at the Hamilton
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The Hamilton Ministers' Fraternal operated in a friendly manner and I soon found myself one of the group. We met almost weekly as we visited schools for Religious Education and shared the preaching when we had meetings on special occasions. A combined mission conducted by Christian students from Universities brought us together in an effective Evangelistic effort.
The neglected tennis court soon became a centre for fun and activity. We enjoyed a few hikes.
Our Boys' Club became very popular. One little boy, from a large family we were trying to help, came to me one night as we were leaving the club. He held my hand and said, "Can I come home with you?"
We played the Salvation Army young people when boys played football and the girls played basketball. I umpired the first half of the football match and when the S.A. captain went out to take charge of the second half, one boy called out, "Hurrah our Umpire". While we were getting our team together for this match, one small boy asked if his older brother could play. He played and came to Church for the first time, became a member and later an officer.
I gave up playing cricket and played more tennis with Vida. Lois commenced school at Hamilton. We were beginning to see the potential of our children and were very pleased.
Vida was proving to be an ideal partner for me; a minister's good wife. She became a leader amongst the women of the Church and a popular soloist as well as a top tennis player.
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Hamilton members soon made us feel at home. We were guests a number of times, in the home of Mr and Mrs. Kennett and family, who were managing a sheep station near Hamilton. While the McPherson family was on holidays, we cared for their small farm, milking cows etc. Our son, Douglas, was fascinated with the milk separator and wanted to put it together for the next separating. When he finished the job, he had a rubber ring to spare, which he decided to hide. When we began to separate, milk flowed all over the floor and made a great mess. The next time Doug did a perfect job, having learnt his lesson.
I believe ministers are fortunate having to associate with and minister to sincere Christian people whose family ideals are similar to theirs. Christian families made a great contribution to the lives of our children. Now, with St Paul, I can say to Hamilton and all other Churches to whom we ministered, " I thank my God for you every time I think of you, and also because of the part you have taken in the work of the Gospel".
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BORDERTOWN April 1949 to December 1956
We arrived in Bordertown early in 1949 to a wonderful welcome by the circuit Churches, Bordertown, Wolseley, Mundalla and Wampoony. For the first time we had the use of a motor car, provided by the Church. Visiting farms, preaching appointments and attending Religious Instruction in schools kept the car and me very busy. It might be interesting for me to list schools on my Religious Instruction programme, Bordertown, Wolseley, Pine Hill, Nalang, Custom, Pooginagoric, Buckinham, Mundalla, Padthaway and Keith during the absence of the Congregational minister. Some of the teaching was shared with other ministers. Most of these schools are closed now and the children travel by bus to Border-town.
We spent eight happy years in the Tatiara in an environment which was good for our family. Soon after we arrived, Mr J. E. McDonald loaned us a cow and Mr E. P. Verco provided chaff and oats and also wheat for our fowls. We had enough produce for ourselves, with some to give away and some to sell. However there was quite a bit of work attached to this benefit which made for a reasonable salary.
There were two tennis courts adjacent to the Manse where our boys soon became very good tennis players. The Church had two tennis teams in a district competition. Douglas and Vida played for the Blues leaving Kingsley and me to oppose them. This competition brought us into very happy relationships with our circuit members and people of the district in opposing teams. Vida encouraged our boys by offering them five shillings when they could beat her at tennis. Mother was challenged until she had to pay up. Lois set out to match the boys at tennis until a serious knee injury cut short a promising career. Vida, and a bank manager's wife, did very well to win the Ladies Doubles Championship in our district tennis tournament. We related our tennis activity to pastoral ministry, getting to know our wide-spread membership.
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Pastoral visitation over such a large area claimed much of our time, mainly amongst the farming community. Members were always pleased when Vida accompanied me. It was good for me also, as she was an easy to meet, open, friendly lady, loved by all. Many of our farmers came to Bordertown on sale days when sheep and cattle were sold. It was a good place to sit on the rails and have a chat with our farmers. Our boys spent most of their holidays with friends on farms. The rabbits I shot along the roads made very good meals.
If necessary, men of the Church had wood days when they filled a corner of our yard with fire wood and also supplied a number of needy people of the town. On one occasion, they loaded three large railway trucks with mallee roots for city members and some of our ministers were warmed by the generosity of their country brethren.
We were able to form a Christian Women's Fellowship and a Christian Men's group. Vida was the first President of the C.W.F. Both operated very successfully. C.E. & Boys' Club were also helpful.
The chapel in Bordertown was crowded for the morning service and it was difficult to extend the building because of post-war restrictions. At this time, E. C. Henricksen conducted a six weeks mission in the town. Following the mission, meetings were held in the town hall supper room until we were able to build a hall near the old chapel, which has now given way to a lovely worship centre. These were exciting days, with long, tiring hours looking after the Churches with increasing numbers.
Vida and the children were a part of my team in a wonderful way. Our children were doing well at school where we had a few dedicated teachers. I did some teaching for almost a year when the book-keeping teacher left. The principal heard I was helping one of the Church girls with book-keeping and invited me to teach the class of girls. They were lovely young people and we had good results. I enjoyed teaching so much, I asked the question, "If I don't get another preaching appointment, could I become a teacher?" I was told 'yes' if I had a
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We had a very happy productive Ministers' fraternal helping our congregations work together for the good of the community. All ministers, except the Roman Catholic priest, were members. We had a Christian Farmers' Conference, which was a big event. Farmers were prepared to donate truckloads of grain for needy countries, however the Government did not approve of our plan. We worked together to build two houses for local aborigines.
Ed Fisher, who came home from successful ministries to work on the farm, had a part with us in forming a local branch of the World Council of Churches. Ed Fisher, now a farmer, continued his ministry amongst the Churches and community mainly in Mundalla. We had lots of fun and good jokes together. This one might be new to someone:
John: "When I get to heaven, I will ask St. Paul the meaning of some of his difficult writings in the New Testament".
Charles: "What if he's not there?"
John: "Then you ask him."
We had some great Youth camps with approximately fifty or more young people; combining with Kaniva, alternating between Longwood and Hall's Gap campsites. Naracoorte joined us on one occasion. Although we had lots of fun, these camps were for serious study and preparation for Christian service.
District conferences between Bordertown, Kaniva district and Naracoorte were times of inspiration. On one occasion, Brotherhood Executive leaders from Adelaide; Mr Chivell, Secretary, Mr Hollard, Home Mission Director and Mr Whiting, Youth Director, prepared the programme, gave the addresses and led discussion. All agreed it was good for country and city leaders to meet in this way.
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After approximately four years on my own, the Church decided to appoint another minister to the circuit. Roland Pritchard became my helper and with his wife, Alma, lived in a new Manse built next to Mundalla chapel. He drove a new Austin A40 belonging to the Church. This was Roland's first Church since Glen Iris College. He and Alma worked very hard touring the country and mainly caring for people his end of the circuit. Rolly left us after three years and we received Ben and May Crowden direct from Glen Iris. They also gave of their best in ministry. The dedication and the friendship of these young people meant a lot to Vida and me in this country setting.
I had the privilege of baptising Lois as the first person to be baptised in the new chapel, built at Wampoony during our ministry. The circuit also extended to Padthaway where we built a neat chapel with our own hands. Smith and Lawson and Reg Hudd Builders were prominent in this enterprise.
While each Church had a small group of officers, the main business was carried out by the Circuit Board who led in a very effective and generous manner. I have in my possession a circuit preaching plan for January, February and March 1950. Apart from the minister's name, there are seventeen others listed for preaching appointments throughout the circuit. Other local preachers may not be on this plan. This was, of course, before a second minister was appointed.
After eight years, our boys had outgrown this country education system and it was necessary to move to the city where Kingsley had already spent two year.
We will leave Bordertown with a short quote from the Circuit Messenger of January 1957:
"Now as we say farewell, we realise that the Churches of Bordertown circuit are very dear to us. However, our mutual love and esteem make this parting less difficult. Thank you again for your kindness and cooperation. Though serving in different localities, we will still have fellowship in Christ. Grace and Peace".
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GLENELG February 1957 to November 27th 1966
In considering how to present the Glenelg story, I decided to begin with a short statement I wrote some years ago and then quote from the History of Glenelg Church, 'The First Hundred Years", with some comments and a few additions.
"The coming of Colin Curtis, his wife Vida, with their three teenage children ushered in an eras of significant progress in the life of the Church. The whole family was involved in many areas of the Church life, and Kingsley, Douglas and Lois gave excellent leadership among the young people. So many things happened during this Ministry, it is only possible to give a brief summary".
My own intrusion here--One evening as we commenced our ministry, I drove to the bridge on Tapleys Hill Road to look back over the city of Glenelg and spent a long time with my Lord in prayer and meditation, concerning the picture before me.
"The number of young people attending services increased rapidly. The Rechabite Hall was hired for use by the Sunday school. After a decision training course, thirteen young people made decisions for Christ at an evening service. A Youth Activities Co-ordinating Committee to promote and guide youth was formed. The yearly Home and Family Week covered three meetings. Father and Son, Mother and Daughter, and Parents, with specialist speakers.
"In 1957 a printing press was purchased and printed several hundred thousands of leaflets with a Christian Message in Indonesian, Marthi and Pidgin languages. Ray Aird was business manager. Young people spent many happy hours folding and packing literature."
"Christian Women's Fellowship clothing an Aboriginal girl at Carnarvon; Men's Fellowship raised money for Radio Transceiver for New Guinea. The Church combined with Bordertown to provide a Land Rover for India and much more. A new entrance tower and foyer were built to improve the appearance of the Church and provide much needed seating."
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"197 Church members responded on Roll Call Sunday morning. Pulpit readings to be taken from Revised Standard Version. In 1962 Colin Curtis, (I), joined a Migrant ship in Fremantle as Chaplain to sail to Sydney and return by air. "
We were warmly received by the Glenelg Church in February 1957 to begin ten years of busy, fruitful ministry. These were the days of "Visitation Evangelism" and everything seemed set for church growth. Bruce Burn had prepared well during a short interim ministry; our family fitted into the life of the Church and membership doubled in the first five years. A Billy Graham Crusade in Adelaide was also a contributing factor. I became involved in Brotherhood activity soon after arriving in Adelaide, serving on S.A. College Committee for fifteen years, as Treasurer for twelve years, State Overseas Committee for ten years, Advisory Board for ten years, and Finance Committee for eleven years.
As State Conference President, I was involved with most departments for three years. During 1961/62 as Conference President, I had the pleasure of visiting every Church in S.A.
5 Dyson Street
East Glenelg
28/10/60Pastor C. E. Curtis, 31 Osmond Street North Glenelg.
Dear Sir,
At its last meeting, the Glenelg Methodist Circuit expressed its pleasure on hearing that you had been chosen as the President-elect of the Churches of Christ in S.A. and asked that their best wishes be conveyed to you.
Yours sincerely, B. Moyses
(Circuit Steward and
Secretary of the Meeting)
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I was able to lecture for State Bible College for four years and manage the accountancy work for the bookroom, which operated in Gawler Place also for four years. Religious Instruction took me into four schools each week. Glenelg Church was generous in allowing my brotherhood activity.
Vida was also very much involved in Church work and did a wonderful job looking after the family during my busy time. She regularly helped the Social Service Department in Gawler Place sorting clothes etc. and assisted Lois for a few years in cleaning the Glenelg Church as a contribution towards Lois' school expenses.
As in Bordertown, I took the initiative with a Methodist Minister in forming a Glenelg Council of Churches and was President for some time. This proved very successful and has continued to do good work.
Youth activities flourished during this period. We had a large and well organised group with three grades of C.E. Boy's brigade, Girl's brigade, Life Boys, netball, basketball and three tennis teams. The two boys, Vida and I played in our A Grade team in the Churches Association. Youth camps were popular. At this period we had a good group of able dedicated leaders who, with most of our youth, attended services regularly.
"Records show that during this ministry there were 155 people who made decisions for Christ, and 125 received by transfer. Through many avenues of teaching, training and activities, the lives of many young people became committed to Christ".
As I follow the careers of some of these young people I feel proud to find them as leaders in our churches and community with goods jobs and Christian families.
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Our family situation changed when Kingsley, Douglas and Lois married during this ministry. I had baptised them and also had the pleasure of conducting their marriage services. They have given us much pleasure and we are very proud of them in their profession as teachers and service to the community.
There was a census carried out in Glenelg seeking Church of Christ people, who were not attending any Church, followed by home visitation. This was a profitable exercise.
We had broadcast services from 5AD every six weeks for one year. I think our choir was a feature in this Ministry, which made extra work in preparations. I believe I needed this encouragement we received from a dear old couple who could not attend services.
Glenelg
Sunday 8th March 1959Dear Mr Curtis,
I just had to write and tell you how much we enjoyed the Broadcast. Every word was so plain, the singing was excellent. We always listen to the morning service, but somehow, today, we were proud of our Church of Christ and hope and pray many more received the joy that we did. For in our little room we know Christ was with us too. I think you should know how well the service was received and trust it won't be the last one. May God bless you and yours for many years to come.
Yours very sincerely Mr and Mrs. Holden.
We had a warm relationship with other Churches especially the Congregational Church. When their Minister died, I did some visiting for them and when Michael Sawyer became their Minister, we worked together with combined
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1st December 1966
Dear Mr Curtis,
At our Church meeting Wednesday last I was instructed to write to you to express on behalf of the Glenelg Church, Christian greetings and best wishes in whatever sphere your activities may be engaged in the future. The Glenelg Fellowship deeply appreciates the close fellowship which has existed between our sister Churches whilst you and Mrs. Curtis have been in Glenelg largely due, we believe, to your influence and instrumentality. May God continue to bless your efforts as, we believe He has done whilst you have been at Glenelg.
Yours sincerely, W. B. Clark Secretary.
During 1964 at the invitation of the Principal of Parkin College, I attended some lectures at both Congregational and Baptist Colleges with Dr Trudinger and Principal Burleigh as lecturers. I was treated with the utmost respect and kindness and became close friends with some students and Principal Ken Leaver. A senior Congregational student came to a Baptismal service at Glenelg and preached the sermon while I baptised some young people.
The friendship continued. I was given free access to libraries and invited to join a special theological study group. I credit myself with some sense in not revealing my lack of knowledge in joining this special group. Because they would not charge me, I made a donation. I received new insights and understanding from the lectures and the association with members of other denominations.
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The Superintendent of Glenelg Methodist Church Sunday School asked if I would baptise him. I agreed but told him I wished to speak to his Minister first. He said he had already discussed the matter with him and he had no objection. Likewise an Elder of the Congregational Church and a relative came to our Church for baptism. There was no thought of them becoming our Church members. Relationships were better than when I began ministry and even much improved! now the Roman Catholic and the Lutheran Churches are members with us in the National Council of Churches of Australia.
A lapsed Church of Christ member, the wife of a wood merchant and mother of three girls, gave me no hope of her coming back to Church. We heard her husband was sick in bed worrying because demurrage (charge payable when goods are not collected in time allowed) was mounting up on a truckload of wood in Brighton Railway Yards. Some children at our place that Saturday afternoon were very willing to come with me to throw the wood off the truck. A small, enjoyable outing like that paid dividends for our Lord. Mother and daughters came into the Church and when I visited Glenelg years later, Mrs. Altus was often there to greet me and thank me again. She died after many years of happy fellowship in Glenelg Church. This story was written up in the Advertiser as "The Parson Lays on the Wood".
After the Billy Graham Crusade, a bus driver and his wife came to our services. He told me they hadn't been for a holiday for years because his mother lived with them and she couldn't be left alone at night. We went and slept at their place to enjoy the novelty of television and be with Mother, our children liked being home on their own while the bus driver and his wife enjoyed their holiday.
Our family was involved, with us, in a number of such activities and I am pleased to know they are now doing the same. This kind of activity is common to most ministers who are alert to take the opportunity to serve in this way as a supplement to lots of sermons.
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During 1965 I had my first real illness. After being in bed at home for a while, I was rushed to Adelaide Hospital with a clot on my lung. I was very ill and remained there for two or three weeks under the care of a lung specialist. I was still not well and dragged myself around at work with recurring trouble. I was beginning to wonder if my ministry days were over. Some Church leaders were thinking the same and planning that way. I presented my resignation, as I believed, in the interest of the Church, to finish ministry after ten years. Following a few more tests, I went to see Dr Hetzel, a heart specialist at Adelaide Hospital. He advised an anti-coagulant and iron tablets as medication. I recovered rapidly and was able to finish my last year there in good health and to leave the Glenelg Church ministry ready to receive my good friend, Eric Hollard, who had just completed a period as Home Mission Organiser, to minister to his home Church.
EDWARDSTOWN February 1967 to December 1970
Speaking at a meeting celebrating my fifty years of ministry, Jim Gibson, an Elder in Edwardstown Church, told the congregation that when they were looking for a minister with a wife, the first requirement was that they be good gardeners. He was thinking of us coming to a new Manse with a large truckload of soil at the front and back of the house. Our children came with tools and bags of lawn pieces and in a few weeks, lawns were growing and we were on our way to a nice garden. Apart from our garden reputation, we might never have been at Edwardstown.
Ministry followed the same pattern as at previous Churches, however we had more week night meetings in the homes of members, with regular prayer meetings and other social gatherings which enriched our fellowship and helped members to know each other as never before. When having our evening meal at three different places, we arrived at the second home just after their pressure cooker had blown up. That was awkward for the first time, however, it became a talking point and I believe helped our understanding of each other.
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Thirtieth Church Anniversary
Feeling the need to do something different, I suggested we make our 30th Church Anniversary into a big event. I didn't get much support, however when I promised to take responsibility and get things going and they saw the response from former members and ministers and also our brotherhood leaders, things were different. We soon had a team of happy workers providing our Church and Brotherhood with a very successful 30th Anniversary celebration.
This was well timed during our last year at Edwardstown leaving happy memories of the event.
This was a very happy period of four years amongst a most appreciative group of people. Brotherhood activity continued, as did ministers' fraternal involvement. Religious Instruction was also on the list at two schools. Vida was a regular choir member and still a leader of C.W.F. Youth activity was good and I enjoyed leading a senior group in Bible School. Dawn Gibson gave effective leadership of a happy Junior Endeavour group.
I don't remember any details of a Church farewell, but I do recall this incident which is not about me but about the kind of people who shared my ministry. At our last Officers' meeting, I was sitting at the end of the vestry away from the exit door. When I began walking to the door to go home after the meeting, the men stood and clapped until I left. I interpreted that to be their appreciation of our efforts, however simple or unprofessional they might be. Maybe it was a clap of joy because I was going!
I will always have happy memories of the people of Edwardstown Church of Christ.
Not long after, a faithful elderly Church member died. Her non-member husband, for whom she had prayed constantly, asked me if the floor of the baptistry was slippery. When I assured him it was safe, he was baptised and became a member of the Church, and to die happily in the assurance he would be with his beloved wife. That was his unusual way of introducing the subject concerning the Christian life. His, I believe, was a genuine faith.
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Letter from Edwardstown (Missing)
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BRIGHTON February 1st 1971 to January 1976
As in other places, we found it difficult to leave our friends at Edwardstown at the end of 1970 and begin a team ministry at Brighton with Kevin Harvey on the 1st February 1971. After staying in a flat for a short period, we moved into the house at 63 Sturt Road, next to the church. The church purchased this property and we lived in the manse during our time at Brighton.
With reduced brotherhood activity, the end of Religious Instruction in schools and having a partner in ministry, we began a different but very rewarding experience. Brighton was our largest church in South Australia and the membership accepted our team ministry in a very helpful manner.
When I came to Brighton there was a feeling of excitement and expectancy concerning our team ministry. Kevin was a considerate colleague and he made my entry into this ministry as easy and significant as it could be. He was already well established in leadership and continued in this role while I gave more attention to pastoral affairs. We were able to support each other and build up a strong friendship.
For this my story I will mention a few things where I was especially involved. A Minister met with deaconesses each month to receive reports and consider needs. We formed a Senior Citizens Club, the Sparetimers, which met each month. There was a very good response and I believe we met needs of church and community.
Weekends when twenty or more members visited the Retreat House at Belair were very special times.
The love of the dear Church of England sisters for us oldies, love returned and the love for each other was beautiful. Worship in their Chapel was a highlight. Hedley and Alice Thomas were valuable helpers in these visits.
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Each year we held a Sunday Night Service for Seniors. Some of our preachers were Dr Alan Faar, Rev Keith Seaman, Principal Ken Leaver, and Albert Jones. Because of overcrowding we held two church services for a period. There was much more going on in our church all the time.
With Kevin's friendship and leadership for five years in a great church we finished our full time paid ministry. We received a warm farewell only to stay with our friends in retirement.
The following 1975 newspaper report records the events.
After five years in a team ministry with Kevin Harvey, Colin Curtis is to retire. After serving churches in Victoria for 12 years; 8 years at Bordertown; 10 years at Glenelg; 4 years at Edwardstown; and five years at Brighton, Col and Vi will remain in fellowship at Brighton.
The Annual Meeting of the Brighton Church of Christ unanimously passed the following motion:
"That the church accept with regret the decision of C.E. Curtis to retire from full-time ministry in January, 1976, and in recognition of his valued services in this community and a lifetime devoted to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and services to the Churches of Christ in South Australia, use offer the manse at 63 Sturt Road, rent free, and without any obligation or duties within the church community for a mutually agreeable period."
Col and Vi have accepted this offer and will continue in fellowship and to find fulfilment in retirement through a continuing role of caring and loving people.
The Curtis/Harvey combination has been a great blessing to ministers, church and local community over the past five years.
During the past five years, Col and Vida Curtis have pioneered an extremely valuable ministry among older people in the community. Their love for people has created a warmth of fellowship in which many have grown in their spiritual pilgrimage. As one elderly couple remarked, "we have been born again" since coming to the Sparetimer Club.
Thanks Col and Vi for your ministry of love and grace.
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RETIREMENT FROM FULL-TIME MINISTRY
On the 1st February, 1976 after a very happy and fruitful period, I retired and finished full-time ministry at Brighton.
This was also my retirement from full-time ministry after forty years from graduation. Ministries were continuous and I never had to wait for an appointment to a church. Like many ministers before us, we retired without a house or the means to purchase one. The Brighton Church generously invited us to continue living at 63 Sturt Road without paying rent and without any obligation to the church. This meant I was able to continue ministry in an honorary capacity and in rather a relaxed manner.
I continued caring for Sparetimers, attending Officers' meetings and operating in a general manner as a minister. I trust our contribution was worthy of their friendship and generosity.
I was able to act as honorary Chaplain for the Brotherhood at Flinders Medical Centre for six years during this time. I joined the Brighton Senior Citizen's Club during March 1977. This gave me an opportunity to minister to a number of people who had given up church attendance and yet were pleased to discuss spiritual things. I married an elderly couple and conducted a number of funerals. Some of the group joined the Brighton Church.
At this time the Government Department of Recreation and Sport was about recruiting leaders to conduct Keep Fit classes for the elderly. Brighton Senior Citizen's Club offered to pay my training fees if I would conduct classes there. I accepted and subjected myself to weeks of fairly strenuous exercise and gaining general knowledge to qualify and conduct classes there for about two years; then I went to Parkrose Retirement village Services to run classes for eight years. Vida accompanied me and became a class member each Wednesday morning. I believe we were able to make the classes a light-hearted time for fun.
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About this time Vida was admitted to Flinders Medical Centre, however, she recovered sufficiently to go with me to join a group of Brighton Church members for three weeks holiday in New Zealand, commencing early in January 1980.
Vida and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary on the 5th December 1986. She had supported me in all of my ministry and had a wonderful ministry of her own.
VIDA MAUD CURTIS (nee Roberts)
Vida was born, in the family house at Halbury, S.A. on February 22nd 1907 as a daughter of Henry and Alice Maud Roberts (Videon). She was the sixth child in a family of three girls and four boys. Having to walk three miles to school she did not begin school experience until seven years of age. There being no high school in the district she left school at the age of fourteen years and began what became a long period of service to the family. Milking cows, feeding pigs and caring for the fowls as well as general house work was her lot for ten years until she moved into Balaklava to keep house for her parents.
Her experience was different from that of most people today in that she worked for her keep on the family farm and then in Balaklava for nearly sixteen years. She jokingly says, and without any sign of resentment, that she has worked all her life without pay.
Vida was baptised by Mr W. Beiler in the Balaklava Church of Christ at the age of eleven years and thus began a long period of faithful and efficient service for Christ and the Church. She took singing lessons and became a valuable choir member and also filled many singing appointments. As a Sunday School teacher and leader in the C.E. Society she was well prepared for her role as a minister's wife. Being a very good tennis player was also a help in ministry within the Church and also in the Community.
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Vida and I were married by Mr. Ingham in Balaklava Church of Christ on December 5th, 1936 and began our first full time ministry at Yarrawonga, Victoria, in February 1937, where Kingsley and Douglas were born.
Leadership qualities were evident and Vida became president of the C.W.F. In addition to church work, and because of financial difficulties, she also cared for two boarders in our small house while we slept in an enclosed verandah at the back of the manse. The wash- house was an open fronted area in the back yard and the toilet was further down the track. We were young and quick enough to manage.
At Castlemaine where Lois was born, Vida became a leader with the National Fitness Association in running a physical education course for young women. This was a special war time activity. She was also a member of the Church choir and a popular soloist.
I was very busy with extra studies at Castlemaine and left Vida with additional responsibilities in caring for three young children and our large manse. She earned much praise for the way she dressed and cared for the children and fulfilled her role as a minister's wife. We should all thank God for the devotion and service of many gracious ladies of the manse.
Life was much the same at Hamilton where Lois began Primary school and mother continued her expected function as a minister's wife. She was president of C.W.F. and shared in the work amongst Youth of the church. People were always pleased if she accompanied me when visiting.
Vida commenced a C.W.F. group at Bordertown and became its first president. Some of the ladies responded to her suggestion and attended floral art classes with a view to decorating the church more effectively. Our wife and mother was still a good tennis player and was one of the top ladies in a district competition. It was at Bordertown that she offered our sons five
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After thirteen years of bicycle transport we had the luxury of a church motor car for the first time. Vida became a welcome visitor at homes of country folk of our four churches. She could also open most of the gates.
The district choral society welcomed her as a popular member.
Leadership in C.W.F. and a place in the church choir continued at Glenelg. Service at the Brotherhood Centre began when Vida helped at the Social Service Centre and continued for approximately six years.
Our lady of the manse also helped Lois clean the Glenelg Church for two years. This was an effort to raise funds for schooling.
As a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union Vida has represented our Church during each ministry. She has acted as treasurer on a number of occasions and is now a member of the Brighton branch.
Age now qualified Vida to be the first president of our Sparetimers Club, a senior adults group at Brighton. This office was filled for five years. Our singing lady joined the choir and was a regular member until sickness forced retirement. In spite of serious illness and three eye operations, Vida made a good recovery and continued church activities especially supervising a knitting group. These ladies of the Sparetimers made over one hundred rugs, most of which were donated to institutions and needy people. Vida knitted many of the rugs and joined together knitted strips completing most of the others.
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She has now resumed normal activities caring for me and her extended families. Her thoughts and actions are mostly for others.
In concluding this statement I wish to record that Vida is one of the most conscientious, selfless, cheerful Christian persons I have known and she has done it all in love and with good will.
I also pay tribute to many other wonderful Christian women, of the manse, it has been my privilege to know.
It is appropriate to finish this statement at the time of our fiftieth Wedding Anniversary with a quotation from Proverbs in the Old Testament. Chapter 31:17-31.
"She is always busy and looks after her family's needs. Her children show their appreciation and her husband praises her. He says 'Many women are good wives but you are the best of them all. Give her credit for all she does, she deserves the respect of everyone'".
| Thanks be to God. | |
| Colin E. Curtis 5.12.86
on 50th Wedding Anniversary. | |
THIS IS YOUR LIFE
On February 15th, 1987, the Brighton Church arranged an exciting celebration; "This is Your Life" when we had completed 50 years in the full-time ministry. People came from interstate while we received messages from churches we had served. After lunch we continued in a crowded church for a very happy time together. We lived on as Honorary Associate Minister in our Manse for thirteen years after retiring from full-time ministry at Brighton where we spent eighteen years among some of God's choice people whom we grew to love very much.
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VISITING CHURCHES WHERE WE HAVE MINISTERED
On Friday 19th June 1987 we arrived by car to share in a study conference at Bordertown. Churches of the district were represented and this gave us an opportunity to meet many of the people we ministered to from 1949 to 1956.
Gordon and Ruth Brown who were our hosts, drove us around the district and enabled us to meet people who were not at the meetings. We left Bordertown on Tuesday 23rd to visit Douglas at Mount Gambier.
We set out with Kingsley and Phyllis to visit other churches from Sunday 27th September to Sunday October 3rd.
Ben and Joan Kennett who were holidaying in Queensland made their Hamilton house available to us for two nights--27th and 28th September. We visited Tim Bannam and his wife also Sid Witham who was in a nursing home.
Mrs. McPherson entertained us to morning tea and provided news of people who were active in Church life during our Ministry 1945-1949. Kingsley drove us to many well known areas of the city.
Castlemaine Harcourt people greeted us on 29th 30th September. Kingsley and Phyllis stayed with Horrace and Millie Rice while Charley and Lottie Rice were our hosts. Both families live at Harcourt and were there during our Ministry 1941-1945. They cared for us in a very lovely manner and were obviously pleased to do so. We will remember the bowls night in Harcourt Community Hall. Rosa Sainsbury (nee Lacy) arranged a meeting with people we knew well during our Ministry. Louie (nee Frye), Mavis and Jim Jones, Colleen and Cliff Hall. I married three of the couples and it was good to talk of former days in the home of Rosa Sainsbury.
Loaded with apples and pears we set off on Thursday 1st October for Yarrawonga where we stayed with Bill and Winnie Northrop. They were young people in the Church during our Ministry and met often in our home. This was
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Although we didn't have a Ministry at Swan Hill we stayed the night at a Motel and took the opportunity to meet a number of relatives with whom we had tea at the home of Ern and Evelyn Rogers. Irene Rogers and her cousin Mrs. Joyce Blake were also present, as were Bob and Marj Rogers. Some of their children also arrived to meet us. We spent a number of holidays at Swan Hill during our days at Castlemaine.
We arrived home early afternoon on Sunday 4th October, 1987. We pay tribute to Kingsley and Phyllis who looked after us very well during the trip. Kingsley did all the driving and most of the shopping for morning and afternoon teas etc.
After we had been home a few days our friends from Victoria rang to say they were in Adelaide for a few days and would like to see us. Henry and Jessie Lee Archer were members of my College Church at Bentleigh 1934-1936. This was a significant meeting as it completed contact with members of all the Churches where we had ministered.
PARKROSE VILLAGE
We moved to Churches of Christ Retirement Services, 34 Norman Terrace, Everard Park, on 26th February 1989. It took me some time to come to terms with the new situation, however, by the grace of God I adapted and became a member of the local Church Committee in April 1991.
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When Fred Combridge the president and Emily Simpson secretary died soon after, I became minister for the Church with a congregation of between forty and fifty in attendance each Sunday morning. I continue my ministry as I have done for over sixty years except that I don't do much preaching now. We have a number of retired ministers who enjoy leading our worship services. I don't need my old bicycle or a Church motor car to do my visiting at our friendly village. Some of the new residents are pleased they can continue to worship at Parkrose in much the same manner as they have done most of their lives. I heard of one lady who preferred our village because of the Church.
We have a lot of social activity. I am a member of the Christian Fellowship, meeting each month. There is a luncheon group visiting motels and hotels once a month and lots of other activities suitable for residents of varied abilities. Our team has done very well in the Churches of Christ Bowls competition. I can still keep most of the bowls on the mat.
One of the great changes of my life came when Vida my wife and partner in ministry and friend for fifty-seven years died on September 22nd 1993. As a memorial we paid for stained glass in the doors of our Nursing Home. A plaque to her memory is in the foyer of our dining room. I wrote an article about the life of Vida for our 50th Wedding Anniversary. This can be found in the 'Retirement from Full-time Ministry' section of our life story.
On the 28th of March 1995 Lois and I took an early morning flight to Melbourne to officially open the Colin Curtis Tennis Court. We met Douglas and Jennifer at the Air Port where Henry Le Archer, secretary of my College Church in 1935 also arrived to take me to his home for a cup of coffee and to have a rest. Douglas and Jennifer were at the College when we arrived for lunch. To my surprise and pleasure a number of my minister friends and others were there to greet me and have lunch. After an introduction I responded then went to officially open the Court, built by a generous donation, to the College, by John and Lois Marshall.
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We flew home after the ceremony tired but happy to have had such a good time with so many friends. I understand the College sold some of the land to clear their debt. That means the Court is gone and the plaque has found a place in one of the rooms of the college.
Before closing my story to the present I must refer to the 90th birthday celebrations for which our family spent time, money and effort to make them special not only for me but for themselves, for our Lord and many friends. I have a lovely photo of nine of my twelve great grand children sitting around me, each receiving two dollars. It was well worth any expense to see them together and receive their love.
My children give much pleasure as I follow their careers. They have been very successful in their professions, in raising lovely families, in Community, Church and social activities. It is pleasing to feel that something of our ideals live on in their lives.
APRIL 2001
I need to fill in a time gap of fifteen months since I left off writing in 2000 until now, April 2001. This will be a brief account of my activities because life at Parkrose Village remains much the same for me. I continue to care for the Church as before.
I had a wonderful 91st birthday party, at Feathers Hotel, with my family, including ten great grand children.
Douglas, who had suggested a number of times that I should get a computer, called one day in March and said, "Dad I have bought you a computer". He set it up in my unit with a printer, then I was ready for a challenge.
That reminded me of a few words I had read in Oswald Sanders book "Enjoy Growing Old". "Let us remove our slippers, put on our mountain boots, and ask God to give us a new mountain to conquer". After completing two courses
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While typing my story on a computer I remember printing our first church sheet 67 years ago. I typed the text on a stencil sheet and used a silk screen, with an inked roller, to produce my 60 foolscap copies of news. This method was an improvement on the way we copied letters, in the office, ten years earlier.
CONCLUDING MY LIFE STORY
After reading my long story I know it is time to conclude with a benediction.
I will do that with a brief statement of my experience here at Parkrose Village.
For about twelve years I have lived amongst people whose life expectancy is short. On a number of occasions I have visited to welcome residents to their independent living and been with them through Hostel and Nursing Home.
While visiting a lady, who had a stroke, her daughters also called. I was able to visit her in Hostel, and later when Mother was dying in the Nursing Home, her family requested me to sit with them by the bedside.
Fred and Gladys Combridge did a great job in caring for the Church here at Parkrose Village. During the early days of Fred's illness he asked me if I would take over the Church. I declined while he could still take part.
I was with Fred many times in the Nursing Home, until just before he died, when he held my hand, with a firm grip, and said, "Will you take over now?" When I said that I would, "if they want me", he let go and relaxed. Fred ministered to me, as he thought not of himself, but of the Church.
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Walter Bartlett and I were close friends, in the ministry, for many years. We continued our friendship here, and when he was moved in to the Nursing Home, I was with him during his last hours of life. Before leaving I said the following benediction from the writings of C.S. Lewis after which Wally made an effort to whisper "That is beautiful".
A benediction--"The holidays have begun"
| Now to God Almighty, whose plans for us do not end in death,
To our Lord Jesus Christ, Who entered our world so that we might enter his, And to the Holy Spirit, who works in our hearts Constantly preparing us for that great day, Be all praise and love Until we meet him face to face. |
| Amen. |
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APPENDIX
PERSONAL PROFILE--MINISTRY
Fifty years ago, a young man from Balaklava SA. Entered the College of the Bible to train for the ministry. Through times rough and smooth, he has been faithful to that calling.
Colin Curtis was born in Balaklava and lived there until his mother died when he was thirteen, then he went to live with his grandmother in Semaphore for a period of time.
One cannot write about Col's ministries without including Vida, who has shared his life for forty- eight years. He pays loving tribute to her constant support and companionship.
Following Col's student ministry at Bentleigh (1934-36), there were appointments to Yarrawonga (1937-40), Castlemaine (1941-45), Hamilton (1946-49), Bordertown (1950-56), Glenelg (1957-67), Edwardstown (1968-71) and Brighton (1972+).
Pastoral care, concern and friendship has been the emphasis of the Curtis ministries and many lives have been deeply affected and many people pointed to Christ. Sport played a large part in Col's ability to relate to people. He played A Grade football for East Malvern in the Amateur League, cricket in district teams at both Yarrawonga and Castlemaine. After Col retired from full time ministry, he qualified with the Dept. of Recreation and Sport as an instructor in "Fitness for the Elderly". He still conducts a fitness class at Everard Park Rest Home.
With many other ministers in the early days when salaries were inadequate, Col had to think of other ways to supplement their income. He took up Accountancy and Secretarial Studies and carries the qualifications A.A.S.A. and A.C.I.S. In 1942, he also qualified as a Municipal Clerk. A few accounting jobs helped along the way.
Col's accountancy skills have been useful as he served on State Conference Committees over the years. He was State Conference President in 1962. Col has given valuable ministry to the patients at F.M.C. where he has been part-time Chaplain for six years.
Col and Vida's three children, Kingsley (Brighton), Doug (Mt Gambier) and Lois (Stirling), are all very gifted people in their own ways and of whom their parents are rightly proud. It is typical of Col's modesty to sum himself up in this way: "I have considered myself an ordinary, low key kind of minister." Those who know and love him realize that Col's humility is the key to his greatness--a person everyone is glad to know.
Thanks Col and Vida for being here and a part of our lives.
Joan Moore. 26-10-1984
(Wife of Neville Moore, our Minister.)
(I CONTINUED AT BRIGHTON AS AN ASSOCIATE,HONORARY, MINISTER UNTIL WE ENTERED PARKROSE VILLAGE 26-2-1989. C.E.C.)
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