At a recent gathering to farewell MCNZ Archivist Jo Smith, former General Secretary Rev David Bush opened his address with a question to the colleagues, volunteers and family gathered for the occasion, “Do archivists retire or are they archived?”

It was a fitting query for the retiring archivist who has spent more than 17 years cataloging and indexing the history of MCNZ. “Without indexing, archives are simply piles of paper. If we were indexing Jo as one of the great archives of MCNZ, she would be under P for being passionate and persistent. E for encouraging and C for being a confidante, friend and colleague,“ David said.

Jo’s meticulous work in taking “piles of paper in cardboard boxes and making them into records that speak to the past, the present and the future” has proven to be especially beneficial for compiling children’s home records for the now-adults seeking information and redress as part of The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry.

Rev Jill van de Geer thanked Jo for her contribution to the Connexional Office and the Church. Jill was General Secretary in 2004 when the decision was made at Conference to employ a dedicated archivist to take over the work that had been managed on a volunteer basis by Fred and Marcia Baker and others for the previous 25 years. Jill, one of three general secretaries past and present at Jo’s farewell, said, “I am proud and glad to have employed Jo. It is one of the best things I have done for the Church.”

The 2004 Conference report regarding Methodist Archives sought to “acquire, preserve and make available for consultation and research, records relating to the archives of the MCNZ. Records pertaining to Te Taha Maori have an essence and use which will be recognised by the archive in its policies and practices.”

Jo was employed to start in September of the following year. During her 17-year tenure she has worked alongside a team of dedicated long-term volunteers to transform both the cataloging and storage facilities for archives. Material formerly stored in the basement of Morley House, and subsequently numerous random boxes of historic records formerly stored in parishes throughout New Zealand, have been sorted, saved and cataloged. MCNZ National Archives are now widely accessible to historians and researchers, online and from a purpose-designed, highly specified dedicated storage facility Kei Muri Mapara adjacent to the Connexional Office in Papanui, Christchurch.

Jill complimented Jo on her courage in taking on what was initially an onerous, complex and challenging task. “Jo was incredibly courageous; she knew the scale of the challenge ahead and she brought a strong, determined and always loving approach to the complex task to create a wonderful, modern archive.”

Beyond her energy, expertise, knowledge and dedication to her archiving role, Jo was recognised by volunteers and colleagues for her tenacious attitude, quick wit, and ever-cheerful, helpful, understanding and supportive personality. Along with a small gift, volunteers gave Jo a framed certificate, describing her as “An exemplary team leader, teacher, colleague and friend who will be much missed”. In closing, Tara Tautari, current General Secretary, extended her gratitude to Jo and wished her well for her retirement ahead.

Bunting around Farewell signage in the staff room - created by Jo from fabric retrieved from chopped-up work clothes - confirmed she has no intention of returning to the Connexional Office in a work capacity although she offered unconditional support and assistance for her two replacements, Jennie Hood and Katherine Doig who will job-share the role. Jo is looking forward to having time to pursue many personal interests including gardening, cycling, walking and freelance writing.

This edition of Touchstone includes a piece on Mary Quaife, researched and written by Jo prior to her departure. It is testimony to her dedication and thoughtfulness that she wanted to ensure the scheduled MCNZ Archives Looking Back contribution did not burden her replacement colleagues as they settle into their new roles. I will certainly miss Jo’s cheerful presence, her publication-ready copy - always on time and on point - and her awesome knowledge of all things archival. She is leaving a highly acclaimed legacy. We wish her well as she embarks on new adventures with her partner Howard and their rescue-dog Tipi. Extended stays at their holiday bach, located at the mouth of the Hurunui River, will no longer need to conclude with a Monday return to work.