STEVENS, Alex, Rev (1919-2012)
Assembly memorial minute, 2013
Rev Alexander Thomas Stevens (1919 – 2012)
Alex was born on September 20th 1919. His mother had a daughter already and had made a Hannah-type promise, that if the Lord gave her a son, she would give him up to the Lord's service and encourage him into ministry.
His parents sent him to Scotch College to complete his VCE, especially so that he could learn Greek (his mother seeing it as part of his preparation for ministry), and at 17 years of age, and through a few key events in his life, including Isaiah 53, the Lord brought Alex to faith in Jesus and to salvation. At Ascot Vale West Presbyterian Church he taught Sunday School and was elected to the Session.
From 1941 – 1943 Alex studied at Ormond College. He was appointed to the Woodville congregation in Adelaide S.A. in 1944.
In 1950 Alex accepted a call to Wangaratta, and then to Balaclava in 1959. During this time he had many opportunities to teach at Melbourne Bible Institute, Presbyterian Deaconess College and Ormond College. Eventually he took up a full-time teaching position at MBI teaching Greek and New Testament, which he did for about ten years. During this time he preached at various Presbyterian Churches.
In 1979 Alex accepted a call to Canterbury, and was there until his retirement in 1985. Alex and Malcia moved to Doncaster East, and continued preaching and lecturing part-time. He served as the clerk of the Presbytery of Melbourne North and then the first clerk of the Presbytery of Maroondah.
He is remembered by all as a learned scholar, yet a humble and gracious
man. Alex loved the gospel and the Word of God. He was a man of humility
and patience. He was a gentleman – a selfless man of sincere faith,
gentleness and godliness.
Gender
- Male