A Tribute to John Chivell

On the morning of May 19, 1982, John Chivell died at his home at 70 Clifton St., Malvern (S.A.) For some years his activities had been curtailed by increasing disability, but in his care for people he did not spare himself. He was born in Warracknabeal, Victoria, on September 8, 1908. He grew up on a farm, and on November 12, 1924, was baptised, following his confession of faith on November 2 at a Hinrichson-Pratt mission. He went to the College of the Bible to study for ministry in 1926, and graduated in 1929. While a student he had ministries at Bayswater and Ivanhoe.

In 1930 he married Elva Galvin, also of Warracknabeal, and they went to Charters Towers to begin their first full-time ministry. There were two ministries in Queensland, two in New South Wales, three in Victoria, and two in South Australia, at Park St., Unley and Maylands. He became Secretary of the South Australian Conference in 1955 in a spare time honorary capacity, while continuing full-time ministry. He was appointed full-time to the position in 1960, and continued until his retirement in 1974. During his time as Secretary he conducted seven interim ministries, and after his retirement he conducted four.

Jack became Australian Secretary of the World Convention of Churches of Christ in 1961, and held that position until his retirement. He organised the World Convention in Adelaide in 1970. He was a member of the World Convention Executive, and on their Finance, and Time and Placement Committees. He was sent by the Australian brotherhood to the Seventh Assembly of the World Convention in Puerto Rico in 1965. On the way home he visited England and the Indian mission field. His interest in Overseas Missions was life-long, and he served on the Overseas Missions Board from 1972 to 1980. He remained a Life Member of that Board. It was Jack's vision that saw the Overseas Board located at Park St., Unley.

In 1965 Qantas enabled him to tour the United States for two months promoting the 1970 Adelaide World Convention, and attending an executive meeting at St. Louis. He travelled over most of the United States, conducting 80 meetings, and signing up an extra 500 to attend the Convention. With the help of 26 committees in Adelaide he organised the Convention there. There were a thousand people involved in the preparations, and attendances reached 10,000.

To John and Elva were born five daughters: Joan (Mrs Neville Moore), Gwen (Mrs Temple Sires), Edda (Mrs Thornley Thomas), Dawn, and Noelle (Mrs Noel Stait). Their foster-son was Graham Dunkley. At various times 13 other children were fostered in their home. There are 13 grandchildren. To Elva and her family we offer our love and sympathy. Their memories and hopes will sustain them in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Park St. was packed on Friday, May 21, for the funeral service, conducted by Eric Hollard and Col Smith. We will miss Jack's good will, his good sense, his good humour, and his complete devotion to Christ.

C. L. S.      

A very large congregation gathered to pay tribute to John Chivell as a man who gave himself in a life-time of energetic ministry. Mr. Chivell died at his home on Wednesday, 18th May, 1982. Following ministries in Queensland, N.S.W. Victoria and at Maylands, S.A., John Chivell became Conference Secretary 23 years ago and continued in that office until his retirement at 65 years of age at the end of 1973. The Conference Mr. Chivell served is saddened by his passing and extends to Mrs. Elva Chivell and to her family, which includes two past Presidents and past missionaries, its love, appreciation and christian faith. His successor in office expresses his great respect for and appreciation of the administrative and personal contribution John Chivell made in eighteen years as Conference Secretary.

Ed. Roffey.      

Words are inadequate to express our deep gratitude to so many Christian friends throughout the South Australian Brotherhood whose prayers and love have supported us during the past weeks.

Each personal letter, card, phone call, visit, floral tribute and gift to the National Heart Foundation and to Gideon Bibles has been deeply appreciated and will always be individually cherished.

Please accept this as our personal thanks. Elva Chivell and Family. 'Love never ends". I Cor. 13:8.

Elva Chivell.