The death of Principal T. H. Scambler, B. A., Dip. Ed., on Tuesday, October 31, was a severe blow to brethren in Australian churches of Christ. We have gathered into the following article the outstanding incidents of a full and fruitful life.

      THOMAS HENRY SCAMBLER had taken a leading part for many years in the life and history of the Restoration Movement in Australia. His influence also reached out and touched many who served Christ in various church communions in Victoria. The broad sweep of his sympathies awakened In him a passion for the unity of the Christian church. During recent years much of what he said and wrote was inspired by this desire to see the church united.

      He was a kind and gracious man, and revealed the characteristics of a Christian gentleman. It is little wonder, then, that he won respect wherever he went.

Student

      Born near Newstead, Victoria, in 1879, he was brought into the church there. As a lad on the farm, he sought to improve his educational qualification so that he might preach the gospel. Going to Melbourne to study, he served as student preacher at Ascot Vale. Eventually he was invited to serve under the Victorian H.M. Committee in the Echuca circuit. In 1903, he proceeded to Perth, West Australia, and for a period preached for the brethren in that State.

Preacher

      Feeling the need of better training, he proceeded to America and gained his Bachelor of Arts degree at Drake University. Returning to W. A., he served at Maylands. The church at Hawthorn, Victoria, then invited him to labor in that centre. Mr. Scambler for fourteen years served Hawthorn with remarkable success. Large congregations filled the building Sunday after Sunday, and many souls were brought to the Lord. During that ministry he studied at the Melbourne University and secured the Diploma of Education.

Lecturer

      When N. E. Knott went to America in 1921, Mr. Scambler was Invited to lecture at the College of the Bible. Students appreciated his discussion method of teaching. He aimed at encouraging them to think out problems, and did not believe in providing formal statements for students to accept uncritically.

Debater

      In response to a challenge, Mr. Scambler debated with a representative of the Victorian Rationalists' Association. Much public interest was aroused by his defence of the truths of divine revelation. He also discussed doctrinal problems in public debate with Seventh Day Adventists.

Principal

      While lecturing, Mr. Scambler;continued pastoral work. Leaving Hawthorn in 1929 he went to Box Hill for a period of four years. Then he served, at Swanston St., Melbourne, for five years. During Principal A. R. Main's tour abroad in 1935, he served as principal. Upon Mr. Main's retirement from that position in 1938, Principal Scambler was then chosen to lead the work of the Glen Iris College. Throughout his years of service, he maintained the high standard of the institution, and also had the joy of seeing the day when the college debt was almost wiped out.

      The responsibility of leading such an institution as the College of the Bible is heavy, and the brotherhood is indebted to Mr. Scambler for his unselfish devotion to the important task it gave him to fulfil. Throughout the years Mr, Scambler also served the churches on various committees. During the conference year of 1918-1919, he was president of the Victorian conference. He preached conference sermons in Victoria, West Australia, South Australia and Queensland. In recent years he was chairman of the Advisory Board and of the Christian Union Committee.

Author

      Principal Scambler was not only, a preacher and teacher; he was also a ready writer. Articles, short stories and hymns from his pen have been much appreciated. Readers of "The Australian Christian" have been stimulated and helped by his many contributions. Amongst his best literary efforts, we place his recently published text-book, "The Art of Sermon Construction," which we reviewed in last issue.

      Always willing to undertake his share of service amongst churches, he was, up to within a week or so of his death, preaching. Although he had been troubled by an attack of influenza a few days before his death, the condition of his health had not been alarming. He was on his way to a service on Tuesday evening, Oct. 31, in the Swanston St. chapel, when he collapsed on the Gardiner railway station (which is near the College) and died within a few minutes. His home-call was so sudden and unexpected that the Australian brotherhood has received a severe shock.

      However, being in a position in which he was able to help mould the outlook of young men and women training for service, his work has not ended, for it will be carried into the future through the ministry of many men.

      He never allowed difference of opinion to interfere with personal friendship. Always on the vital claims of the Christian faith in which he was in full agreement with all the servants and saints of the Lord. It was a delight for him to so-operate with all in the advancement of the kingdom.

      A good man has been called home, a faithful soldier has finished a good fight.

      To Mrs. Scambler, Miss Edna. Lieut. Don Scambler and Mr. H. McK. Scambler, brethren throughout Australia; who are full of appreciation for the services of one to whom they are indebted, express sincere sympathy.

      To express sympathy to the bereaved and to show appreciation for the life and work of our late brother, T. H. Scambler, students, preachers, representatives of various church communions, and other Christian friends, from far and near, crowded into the Chown Memorial Chapel of the College of the Bible on Thursday afternoon, November 2. Brethren of N. S. W. were represented by Messrs. A. and E. C. Hinrichsen, A. R. Main, Principal H. J. Patterson, who travelled late into the night to be present. Thos. Hagger led the service. Principal Northey, representing various religious organisations of Melbourne and E. L. Williams, conference president, representing the Victorian brotherhood spoke. C. B. Nance-Kivell read the scriptures, and R. T. Pittman led in prayer. At the Springvale Crematorium W. H. Clay conducted the service. Dr. W. A. Kemp; chairman of college board, and A. R. Main, on behalf of brethren in N. S. W., eulogised the life and work of Mr. Scambler. R. L. Williams read portions of scripture. Expressions of sympathy have been received from representatives of many churches churches. Such kindnesses are much appreciated, for they show the increasing spirit of unity amongst churches. They indicate the extent of the influence of the late Principal T. H. Scambler upon the religious life of Victoria.

The Australian Christian, November 8, 1944.