CRANSTOUN, Margaret Ann, Deaconess (1901-1972)
Memorial Minute 1972 Presbytery of Melb. West
The unexpected death of DEACONESS MARGARET ANN CRANSTOUN on 9th July 1972 brought to a sudden end a lifetime of dedicated service for Christ and His Kingdom which influenced more than one generation of men and women, not only in Australia, but in China and the New Hebrides also.
For many years as Secretary to the Rev. J.C. Jamieson, Youth Director,she made an invaluable contribution in fellowship at camps and conferences, and in the training of the Church’s youth leaders; but felt that God was calling her for missionary service; and she entered Rolland House for training in 1944.
In 1946 she left for Yunnan, in South-west China, as one of the first Australian workers for the Church of Christ (Uniting) in China, willingly fitting into any position where her practical and personal gifts could be of Christian witness. Her special ministry and
work amongst women was of great value and influence. She gave up her work there only when the Communist regime made her return to Australia inevitable.
After a brief furlough she was appointed with one other deaconess/teacher to the isolated mission station on Aulua, New Hebrides, and for 15 years she worked with cheerfulness and charm, and such Christian charity that she was loved dearly by all in the villages, from little children to the elders of the Church. She herself became one of the first woman elders of the Presbyterian Church of the New Hebrides.
When she returned to Australia in 1967 she was appointed as Assistant to the Principal of Rolland House, a position that drew heavily upon her patience and wise understanding, and made use, also, of her interest and concern for deaconess training and promotion. In 1971, at her own wish, she coupled this Assistantship with a part-time appointment as decconess of St.John’s parish, Essendon, and particularly endeared herself to the
elderly and sick whom she visited regularly to the time of her death.
She assisted regularly in the services of worship and led study groups in the parish. She was active in inter church and community areas and contributed in building up relations between Essendon churches. At her death she was Secretary of the Essendon District Ministers’ Fraternal and President of the Essendon Womens World Day of Prayer Committee.
In this Presbytery she was a regular and interested member always willing
to help in any way possible.
We give thanks to God for Meg Cranstoun: she was a loyal and generous colleague, a true and happy friend, and a devoted servant of Jesus Christ.
Gender
- Female