OAKES, Barry Richard , Rev (1957-2024)
Assembly memorial minute, 2024
Note the passing of Rev Barry Richard Oakes (31 January 1957 – 12 January 2024) and insert into the Assembly record this memorial minute of the General Assembly’s sincere gratitude for faithful gospel service to the church.
Barry Oakes began his studies as a private student at the Presbyterian Theological College (PTC) in 1995 and was accepted as a candidate for the Ministry of Word and Sacraments in 1997. He graduated from the PTC receiving his Exit Certificate and two prizes, in Practical Theology and Hebrew, in November 1998. As there were no exit parishes available at the start of 1999, Barry did not move to his exit appointment at Noorat until the June of 1999.
Barry was ordained and inducted into the pastoral charge of Noorat on 3 December 1999. Barry was subsequently called to the pastoral charge of Swan Hill where he was inducted on 16 January 2006. Barry demitted on 9 May 2010, discouraged and burnt out, concerned for the for the sake of his own health and that of his family.
After a two year sabbatical, Barry returned to pastoral ministry at Ashburton on 18 March 2012 on a part time basis, moving to full time on 1 July 2014.
Barry was committed in his involvement in the work of the presbyteries of South West Victoria (formerly Kilnoorat), North Western Victoria (formerly Bendigo) and most recently Melbourne East, and over the years served as Presbytery Moderator on several occasions.
Barry was in continuous service in Assembly Committees from 2002 including: Church and Nation Committee (2002-2006); Theological Education Committee (2006-2015); Board of Investment and Finance (2014 until his death, serving as Chairman from 2019 until his death).
Barry fulfilled his ordination and induction vow promising to “give conscientious attendance upon courts of the church, and to direct (his) best attention to the business thereof, doing all in the spirit of faithfulness, brotherly, kindness and charity.”
Gender
- Male