BLACKWELL, Neil Ross, Rev (1929-1966)
Assembly memorial minute, 1967
Born at Caulfield, 31st March 1929.
Ordained at Manangatang, 25th May 1960.
Died in Tanna, New Hebrides, 21st October 1966.
Mr. Blackwell was only thirty-seven years of age at the time of his death in a plane crash in the New Hebrides, the sphere of his ministry.
He studied for the Ministry at the Theological Hall, Ormond. College and was appointed an exit student to Manangatang in 1960 where he was ordained. Having visited the New Hebrides as a member of a work-party he felt the call of Missionary Service and resigned his Charge in 1965 to undertake work in Tanna.His work, that promised so well, was cut short by his untimely death.
The spirit of the man is revealed in his assessment of the situation in Tanna and his flexible and creative mind was grappling with the strategy of evangelical mission to the Island people. What might have been had he been spared to serve we can only conjecture, but this we know, that his devotion and spirit live on and continue to inspire others in the service of the Lord to whom he gave his life’s devotion.
The Church gives thanks to God for his life and service and commends his father and sister to the Grace of God and the continuing fellowship of the Spirit.
Gender
- Male