On October 29 1993 Glad Bartlett's funeral was conducted at Florey Chapel.

      Wally's twin brother Stephen died in October, six years ago.

      A sister at Parkrose was caring for Wally recently and he said, "You're here too?" Puzzled she said, "Where are you Mr Bartlett?" His reply was, "I must be in heaven." So close was he to his Lord that his response does not surprise me.

      Marlene read this passage to Wally recently:

      (Rom 8:31 NRSV) What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
      32 He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else?
      33 Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
      34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
      35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
      36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered."
      37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
      38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
      39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

PRAYER:

      ETERNAL GOD, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, WHO LOVEST US WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE, AND CANST TURN THE SHADOW OF DEATH INTO THE MORNING, IN THE SILENCE OF THIS HOUR SPEAK TO US OF ETERNAL THINGS, THAT THROUGH PATIENCE AND COMFORT OF THE SCRIPTURES WE MAY HAVE HOPE, AND BE LIFTED ABOVE OUR DARKNESS AND DISTRESS INTO THE LIGHT AND PEACE OF THY PRESENCE; THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN.

      JESUS . . .

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE, SAITH THE LORD, HE THAT BELIEVETH IN ME, THOUGH HE WERE DEAD, YET SHALL HE LIVE; AND WHOSOEVER LIVETH AND BELIEVETH IN ME SHALL NEVER DIE.

      Wally gave me a page or two at the time of Glad's death: These, then are mainly his words.

      "The following information may be of use to the Minister who conducts the Service that will mark my removal from this world to the inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that will never pass away."

      WALTER NATHANIEL BARTLETT, born Strathalbyn, July 5,1902.

      Educated Strathalbyn Primary & High Schools. Attended Church of England Sunday school in early boyhood but through the influence of neighbours (the Binneys) the Bartlett family linked up with the Church of Christ at Strathalbyn.

      Began work in local Post Office as Telegraph Messenger. Remained in the P.M.G. (now Telecom's) employ for 8 years then transferred to the Home & Territories Dept as Clerk in the Weather Bureau. Resigned that position to enter the College of the Bible at Glen Iris in 1928.

      I made my decision for Christ at 11 years of age when a Mr George Wilson, who had been trained at the College of the Bible, was the visiting preacher at Strathalbyn.

      Transferred to Glenelg by the P.M.G. I was welcomed into the fellowship of the church at Glenelg by the preacher, H. R. Taylor. Later I was transferred to Magill and received into the fellowship of the Church at St Morris, (Kensington Park.)

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      Still later, transferred to the G.P.O. in Adelaide I found a church home at Grote Street during 1922-3. While there my elder brother, who had been in membership with the church at Unley died, and the church there was so kind and helpful to me I transferred my membership from Grote Street to Park Street, Unley.

      By 1926 my experience as a Christian and the prompting of the Holy Spirit moved me to apply for entrance into the College of the Bible to be trained as a Minister. I entered College in 1928 and graduated 1930. [Harold Norris told me that his nickname at the College was "Buddha", but he did not know why. Also that in the last year at COB he kept a running total of the days left before he could marry Glad, and would walk around proclaiming that it was 255 days (or whatever) until his wedding.]

      In 1931 I married Gladys Cutts who was in membership with the Church at Unley. H.R. Taylor was the officiating Minister. (Pamphlet Club 110.)

      That same year we proceeded to Berri where I began the Ministry for which I had been trained and remained there for 7 years. Leita & Jim were born there.

      Second Ministry at Balaklava (of four years) where Marlene was born.

      Third Ministry in the Gawler-Williamstown circuit (for five years) during World War II.

      My fourth Ministry tested the loyalty of the members of the Church at Croydon for 21 years. While at Croydon I served for a number of years as a member of the conference Social Service committee and in 1956 was invited to preach the Conference sermon.

      In 1968 a call came to Minister with the Church at Kensington Park. During my 6 year Ministry there I was honoured by the Churches in South Australia who accepted my appointment by Conference as State President 1972-3.

      Upon retirement in 1974, with my wife, entered the Christian Rest Home at Everard Park, now known as Parkrose Village. We renewed membership with the church at Unley where we were married in 1931.

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      I was able to assist the Church at Clovelly Park as a Pastoral Visitor throughout 1974, conduct an interim Ministry at the Dulwich--Rose Park Parish for two years between 1976-8 & share in a 5 year ministry with Col Smith and Jack Chivell at Unley, 1979-82.

      From 1975 to 1988 I conducted a morning service of worship once a month at Parkrose Village, at the request of the Church at Black Forest who arranged speakers for the Services at the Village.

      When the Church at Unley closed in 1982 Gladys and I renewed fellowship with the Church at Croydon. I was overwhelmed by the honour paid me by this Church when they linked my name with the gift they made to the College of the Bible with which to pay for a room at the new Theological College at Mulgrave.

      This gesture increased my desire and prayer that Churches of Christ would give increasing support to the College, that the service it renders in the training of Ministers might result in the speedier achievement of the purpose for which we were set apart by the Holy Spirit. Not so much to evangelise, as so many suppose--a great many others beside us are doing that--but to make a particular contribution to the Church for which Christ died--a contribution that would hasten the perceptible, even visible, union of all believers for Christ prayed, and thus ensure, to the greatest possible extent, the carrying out of the commission of Christ to evangelise the world."

      From Parkrose there was this word (some time ago):

      "During his years in ministry Wally Bartlett showed the love of Christ through his preaching, leading and pastoral work, and led scores of people to know and love the Lord to whom he gave his life so many years ago. Those who know him well speak of him as a kind and gracious gentleman--a man who, through his example, has been an inspiration to so many."

      In a service of recognition at Kensington Park, when they were officially retiring, the order of service had the following paragraph:

      "It would be impossible to assess the value of the life of our brother and his wife and the influence they have exercised for Jesus Christ. This can only be revealed by the hundreds who have been won to Christ, the lives that have been changed and the countless people who have been comforted in time of sorrow, given courage when they have been in despair and advised when they have been perplexed. The example

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of Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett as they have faithfully served the Lord they love has indeed been an inspiration to all who have come to know them."

      "During my early teenage years, I remember being asked at school who I considered to be the person I most admired and would wish to grow up to be like. My thoughts raced: Some one romantic, rich and famous such as the Queen or her Princess daughters? Or one of the film star celebrities, perhaps someone in authority such as the Prime Minister. Maybe a successful Olympic athlete or a favourite school teacher. This list grew with missionaries, Sunday School teachers, friends of the family and then, yes, there was my father.

      After quite a bit of pondering and reflecting I came to the conclusion that it had to be DAD. Even at the early age I could see in him the qualities that I would want to embrace in life as I grew up. He was gentle and kind, compassionate, patient thoughtful and unselfish. Always putting the needs of his family and other before his own. I also sensed in him an inner strength and courage, and I saw him as hard working and loyal. He was, to my mind, full of wisdom and learning which was useful to me to me throughout my high school years, especially when it came to helping with my Latin and algebra, homework. Dad always maintained that he was no gardener, but I recall that on his day off he spent time in the yard and as a result we always had a variety of vegies growing, and our front garden boasted a neat lawn and an array of flowers. Dad always lent a hand with the washing, done by a hand pump machine in those days and at times when Mum was busy or not well, he made most interesting and tasty sandwiches for our school lunches!

      I noted also that he was diligent in his ministerial duties, spending much time in the preparation of the messages to be delivered on Sunday, and also in his pastoral role. He loved to visit and talk personally to each member of his congregation in their home. So much so that it was not unusual for us to have finished our evening meal before Dad arrived home, quite often already fed.

      Such was the regard in which he was held by those whom he was visiting.

      He was keenly interested in the young people of the church and lent his support to the clubs and sporting groups. He especially enjoyed being with the boys of the K.S.P. at their Easter camps. Dad was a devoted father and we knew that he loved us dearly. He had a great sense of fun,

and when we were young would play games with us; recite poems and teach us little ditties, which amused us. He taught us early to say an evening prayer and tucked us into bed on most nights while we were youngsters. Dad never spanked us when we were naughty. He told me in later years that although he dearly loved and respected his own father he felt that he had been a rather harsh disciplinarian and he had determined to deal with his own children in a more lenient manner, and so he did. One of my earliest memories, when I was about six years of age, was an occasion Mum insisted that I wear an apron over my frock to school. I was most indignant, but to no avail. Mum was adamant and sent me on my way. I set out, but doubled back around the block to the church hall which was across the road from the manse, and where I intended to play hooky for the day. During the morning Dad caught sight of me darting in and out of the hall and came to see what I was doing. He neither scolded or punished me when I told him my tale of woe, saying he understood how I felt, but also in a kindly manner made me understand my folly. He made me promise to keep the apron on and promptly set me some school work to do at the hall while he went to put matters right with my teacher. Dad was also an old "softie". I recall the time, also at Balaklava, a year or so later that I must have been rather naughty and incurred my Mother's displeasure, whereupon I was sent to bed with only a slice of bread as my meal for the night. Mum later went out to a meeting while I sobbed myself to sleep. I awoke sometime later feeling hungry. Dad, feeling sorry for me, kindly but firmly pointed out the error of my ways, then promptly set about making a party of fairy bread and cordial which Jim and I and he shared before the return of Mum. Such was his way of pulling me into line--and I never forgot it.

      During my late teenage years he was supportive as I made my choice of vocation, and later again my partner in marriage, and he made Les a welcome member of the family. He was there again lending practical support as we built our first home. When the grandchildren came along he was delighted and would make time to pop in and play with them. As they reached school age he would often drive them to school and collect them in the afternoon.

      In later years he taught me to drive in his car--a feat once accomplished--which proved to be of great benefit to me. What a wealth of memories which endeared him to me come flooding back, but I think what was most special was the fact that he was ALWAYS there for ME. I could go to him and he would delight in my joyful experiences and share with me in my times of frustration, disappointment, worry or hurt. Whenever

I had a problem, be it large or small, I could confide in him and he would listen patiently and then discuss the issue with me until I felt that I could deal with the situation. He was always a tower of strength and a source of comfort. Now more than fifty years have passed since I was first posed that question. I can say with surety that the person I most admired and would aspire to be like is the one I know as (MY) DAD.

      MARLENE AND I WISH TO EXPRESS THESE THOUGHTS WHICH WE BELIEVE ARE SHARED BY THE OTHER MEMBERS OF OUR FAMILY AND BY ALL YOU WHO ARE SHARING WITH US TODAY.

      IN THE WORDS OF EMILY MATTHEWS:--

From Jim:

      When asked if I would like to say a few words today I realised that any thing I could say would be superfluous. Nobody here needs to be reminded of the quality of his time with us, or of his amazing capacity to love others. He had this simple, pure love for all he came in contact with. We are all here today because we have been greatly affected in some way by his humility and his love.

      He has always amazed me, the way he could relate equally well with the very young, the middle aged and the elderly. I couldn't help but notice over the past few weeks, the love and respect shown to him by the staff at the home, a sure sign of the wonderful way he had treated them, and how much he enjoyed his family being with him, from the oldest, right down to his youngest great-grand daughter Amelia when she visited him last week and shared her sultanas with him. His remark: "She is a little bit of heaven."

      I have also enjoyed his humour. My sisters and I spent some time Tuesday evening recalling and laughing at some of the songs and poems he taught us as children, some sheer nonsense, others not so.

      You may have noticed the flowers on the front of the hymn sheet. His favourite colour was yellow and he would often say,

      "Of all the colours God has made, I love the pretty yellow shade, the colour of canary wings, of baby ducks and fluffy things, I think he must have spilt the sun upon the darlings everyone."

      His children, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren all loved him dearly and I know I'm speaking for all the family, and his many friends when I say: He has been the best Dad, grandpa, little papa, pastor, and friend , that any of us could ever wish for, and while we will miss seeing his smiling face, he has left us with so much love and so many fond memories that we know he will never be really gone from us, he will always simply be there.

      My own comments would be:

• Here was a man of exceptional insight and ability who gave it all to Jesus Christ. He read many books from my library over the years--and profited greatly from them.
• I loved to hear him preach. The clarity of his presentation, and organisation of his material was first class.
• Such a disciple of Christ makes me know that God is at work still in His world and among us all.

      If I Corinthians 13 was Paul's portrait of Jesus, then it is reflected by His good servants, like Wally.

      (1 Cor 13:1 NRSV) If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
      2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
      3 If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
      4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant
      5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
      6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.
      7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

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      8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end.
      9 For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part;
      10 but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end.
      11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways.
      12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.
      13 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

HYMN. 156 (C.o.C Hymn Book)

      "Jesus said, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. I am the way, the truth, and the life:

      "No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14)

COMMITTAL:

      God has taken to Himself the soul of Walter Bartlett.

      We therefore commit his body to be dissolved, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

TE DEUM (opening)

      Thou art the King of Glory O Christ;
      Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
      When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, Thou didst open the Kingdom of heaven to all believers.
      Thou sittest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.
      We believe that Thou shalt come to be our Judge.
      We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood.
      Make them to be numbered with Thy saints in glory everlasting. AMEN.

CONCLUDING PRAYER--C.L.S.