In December last year, a luncheon was held at the Elsternwick RSL to farewell Rev Dr Ian Breward (pictured) who retired after13 years as the archivist of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.
In a previous role, Dr Breward was Professor of Church History at the Theological Hall and the United Faculty of Theology. He commenced in this role in 1982.
In addition to a number of invited guests, Dr Breward was joined by his faithful group of volunteers, who assist him each Thursday, to keep the records of the Church well documented and stored.
The volunteers included Alison Head, Janet Secomb, Anne Don, Geoff and Beth Kirkham (OAM), Norma Ward, Phyllis Gorfine, Peter Aumann, Bill Gillard, Gillian Pavlovski, Helen Jackson, Lorraine Sage and Lyn Greenall.
Sebert Ruddock, executive director Administration and Finance, represented the synod office at the luncheon and presented Dr Breward with a farewell gift and the volunteers with certificates of appreciation for their dedicated service to the archives.
“Dr Breward’s extensive knowledge of the Church, expertise and good humour will be sorely missed and we wish him all the very best for his well-earned retirement,” Mr Ruddock said.
You probably don’t remember me, Ian. We met at a SCU(?)conference in Wellington while I was a student at Dunedin Teacher’s College in 1959. You were at Knox College. My sister Rosalie was studying nursing at Dunedin Hospital at the same time. I’ve been reading about your work and writings. What an amazing career you’ve had! Congratulations on all your successes and Very Best Wishes for a long and enjoyable retirement.
Lorraine