| Notes |
- V. C. STAFFORD
Graduated from College of the Bible, Glen Iris, 1928. Had Ministries at Taree, N.SW.; Invercargill and Wellington, New Zealand; Cheltenham, Victoria. Served from 1946 as director of Federal Board of Christian Education, and editor of Austral Graded Lessons.
Quote from Thomson, Wilkie J., ed. The Digest of the Australian Churches of Christ Historical
Society. No. 22. March 1968.
VIVIAN CHARLES STAFFORD, 1903-1968
The sudden, decease of the Federal Director of Christian Education not only removes one from our midst who was accomplished in his work, but a most gracious Christian.
Always a believer, he made his open confession of Christ as Saviour at Cottesloe, W.A. His was the first decision made at the recommencement of the church there in 1922. In his home, were such books as Zollar's "The Great Foundation", so that he knew something of what Churches of Christ, stood for when he joined the church. His close association with the Jeffery family, of Cottesloe, was a great help to him. When he left for the College of the Bible at Glen Iris, Victoria, he was given a Moffatt's translation of The New Testament and referred to him was Rom. 12:11--"Never let your zeal flag, maintain the spiritual glow." This could be said to be his life's text for it appeared on his church papers but was more evident in his life.
He graduated from the College in 1928 and at Easter, 1929, was married to Muriel, Jeffery, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ern. Jeffery, of Cottesloe, W.A,. Muriel had been a teacher in the Education Department of W.A. and has been, a capable and loyal helpmate throughout the years. Viv fulfilled ministries at Taree, N.S.W. (1929-1935), Invercargill, NZ. (1935-1940), and Wellington:, NZ. (1940-1942), Cheltenham, Vie. (1942-1947). On taking up, the full-time editorship of The Christian Education Department, he retained his membership at Cheltenham where he was; elder, class leader and choirmaster.
Mr. Stafford was twice chosen to attend conferences of The World Council of Christian Education, at Tokyo and Belfast. In, a tribute, the Minister of the church at Cheltenham., Cordon Moyes, B.A., wrote, "He was an unassuming man, and one who did not accept honours, easily. He declined, on more than one occasion, the nomination to the office of President of Conference. But for years he served in less noticeable positions. He, was a foundation President of our Churches of Christ Choral Society for many years, and a member of the Federal Literature and the Federal Hymn Book Committee for twenty years. He was one of a visionary group of men who brought into being our church camps, at Monbulk and Hall's Gap."
(From the Christian Sentinel, the Cheltenham church paper, 23/2/68.)
Perhaps the one man who influenced Viv throughout the years was W. R. Hibburt. These two were associated in youth work in W.A., N.Z., and Vic. It was Will Hibburt who gave him the vision of the larger work of Christian Education and it was he who encouraged him in the work. (W. R. Hibburt was, and is, always a great encourager and wise counsellor and influenced so many young people, the writer included.)
Despite the immensity of the work of producing the lessons for the, Sunday schools and the few who were engaged with him, in the task, his was a very lonely path in the earliest days. By sheer hard work he not only overcame every difficulty but built the road that others could travel thereon. He gave to the Brotherhood his very best and nothing less would do. And that best has influenced the lives of many thousands of young people each year. In return the Brotherhood loved him and his name will always be honoured. He was born at Fremantle 26/12/03 and died when commencing a holiday at Lakes Entrance 23/2/68. To Mrs. Stafford and sons Jeff, Ken, Laurie and Colin, and daughter Marjory (Mrs. Bismire), deepest sympathy is offered.--W.J.T.
(Tributes may be found in "The Australian Christian" of 9/3/68.)
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1903 - 1968 (64 years)
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