BECKETT, Kenneth Charles, Rev (1912-1972)
Assembly memorial minute 1972
Born 17th. April, 1912 at Eaglehawk. Died 16th. June, 1972.
Ordained and set apart for work with the Australian Inland Mission on 17th. December, 1941. Resigned October 1942.
R.A.A.F. Chaplain 1942-1946.
Further service with the A.I.M. 1947-1955.
Inducted Kaniva November 16th. 1955.
Inducted St. Arnaud February 16th. 1961.
Inducted Balmoral October 27th. 1966; resigned May 31st. 1971.
Ken Beckett received his early education at Wesley College. Before entering Ormond Theological College he was at Queen’s College during his studies at the Melbourne University. He was ordained at Box Hill on 17th. December 1941 and commissioned for work with the Australian Inland Mission. He gave two terms in the service of the A.I.M. - December 17th. 1941 to October 1942 and 1947 to 1955.
From 1942 to 1946 he served as Chaplain with the Royal Australian Air Force, after which he was inducted into three parishes - Kaniva, St. Arnaud and Balmoral.
Ken Beckett through is ministry reflected the qualities ideally associated with one who was attracted initially to services in the inland - a wide vision, a deep concern for people and every person, openness, forth-rightness, trustfulness and courage. These qualities which must have made his ministry with the A.I.M. and the R.A.A.F. possible and effective, he also brought to his work in the various parishes in which he served and to his prophetic ministry to the nation as he opposed government policies which he believed were detrimental to the nation and the world, and supported policies and programmes which he believed were for the national good.
The Assembly thanks God for the life and work of Ken Beckett, and for his faithful ministry in the fields in which he served, in the Courts of the Church and for his prophetic ministry to the nation.
Gender
- Male