It is with sadness that I inform the Connexion of the passing of Rev. Russell Marshall, who died peacefully on the morning of January 18. Russell had distinguished careers in the Church, politics, and civic affairs.

He served in two parishes: Spreydon, Christchurch (1960–1967), where he oversaw the Lincoln Road and Hallswell congregations, and Masterton (1967–1971). In 1972, he moved to Whanganui to contest the parliamentary seat for the Labour Party, successfully winning it. He represented the electorate until his retirement in 1990.

Russell served as a Cabinet Minister in the Fourth Labour Government, holding several portfolios, including Minister of Education and later Minister of Foreign Affairs. After his parliamentary career, he chaired the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO from 1990 to 1999 and, in 1994, led the Commonwealth Observer Mission to South Africa. From 2000 to 2002, he was Chancellor of Victoria University and subsequently served as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2002-2005.

Russell received the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977, the New Zealand Commemoration Medal in 1990, and was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2001 New Year Honours for public services.

Upon retiring from ministry at the beginning of 1972, it was agreed that Russell would remain a Methodist minister, reflecting his enduring connection with the Church. In February 1991, he served as an advisor at the 7th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Canberra, Australia.

The family held a private cremation service on January 21.

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary

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It was with much sadness that we heard of the death of Mary Rose, one of our long serving Lay Preachers. We extend our deepest sympathy to Mary’s family and the congregation at St Paul’s Co-operating Parish, Putaruru.

New Zealand Lay Preachers’ Association (NZLPA) records suggest that Mary first started as a Lay Preacher in 1980, and a Methodist Lay Preachers Certificate was issued to her in 1992. Her upbringing in British Methodism was reflected in her approach to worship and fitted well with her Anglican-Methodist congregation. Mary is remembered for her sincerity, her commitment and practical approach to life and ministry.

Mary served as President of the NZLPA when the Executive Committee was based in the Waikato-Waiariki from 2004 – 7. As Putaruru was a central location for the Committee, the Executive met there regularly and appreciated the hospitality which Mary and the Parish offered for these meetings. They always concluded with Chinese takeaways and wide-ranging conversations over meals together. During her time in office, the NZLPA committee offered a few Lay Preacher training days each year and again the hospitality at St Paul’s and its convenient location were appreciated. Mary and then NZLPA Secretary Viv Whimster attended the final meeting of the Conference of Churches in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2005 in Porirua, as representatives of one of the few parachurch groups to work inter-denominationally. Mary travelled to Christchurch to represent the Executive and hand over the reins to the Canterbury Lay Preachers in early 2008.

Mary continued to be active for as long as she was able, and we acknowledge with gratitude her many years of faithful ministry as a Lay Preacher.

Ngā manaakitanga

Rev Tara Tautari | General Secretary

In this issue

The South Island Synod is again holding it’s School of Theology, Kete Aroha o Waipounamu, this year in March