7 AL U MNI R E U NI ONS MOOR E M AT T ER S WINTER 2019
A Great Depth of Fellowship Michael Sadler / Alumni Officer
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n early February, we had the great privilege of welcoming back the ordination class of 1959 and the graduation class of 1964 for their 60th and 55th reunion celebrations. The groups were greeted and welcomed by Acting Principal Colin Bale; before taking tours of the College; joining with current students for lunch in the dining hall; and taking afternoon tea; all while reflecting together on their times at College and the lives and ministries they’ve led afterwards. It was a joy to listen to their stories of Moore College in the 1950s and 60s. There were many rich reflections on their time at College. They spoke fondly of the nightly residents’ prayer gatherings at But-Har-Gra, weekly senior students’ meetings with Broughton Knox in his first years as Principal, and being taught by a small group of godly faculty members. Demographically, College was a different place back then, with only male students. The vast majority were from Sydney, although there were exceptions with students from India, Japan and Tanzania even then. The men were pleased to see and hear that College has not changed theologically since their time though. Although they marvelled at the new buildings and the use of modern technology, they probed and questioned to make sure College is still uncompromising in teaching the Bible according to Paul’s instruction in 2 Timonthy 3:16-17: “16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”. It was encouraging to hear about their lives and ministries over the
following decades. Many remained in Sydney to become Assistant Ministers, Rectors and later even Bishops, whilst others served nationally and internationally in Tasmania, South Australia, Northern Territory, Southeast Asia, and beyond. All are now retired, but still serve Jesus in new contexts. The 1959 group shared how they’re involved in ministry through: writing books, prison ministry, parish ministry, leading Bible study groups, leading prayer groups, running seniors’ groups, leading services, preaching, chaplaincy and evangelism at local clubs. Hearing of their combined ongoing active ministry was very encouraging. They joked about arranging the next reunion celebrations in 5 to 10 years time. Although they conceded that this might well be before the throne of God. The depth of fellowship, concern for one another
and confidence in their salvation because of Jesus was inspiring. If you and fellow students from your year group would like to meet together, College is keen to host reunion events for year groups at five-year intervals. We can arrange morning/afternoon tea, lunch in the dining hall, tours of College, room use for story sharing, and more. We’re also always collecting stories of how God has been using Moore College graduates to build his kingdom. We frequently publish these stories on our platforms, so we’d be delighted to hear from you. Let us know if you’d like to share the story of your time at College and your life and ministry afterwards. Please contact the alumni officer on alumni@moore.edu.au.
