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In Memoriam:
Dr. Alexander Barkley
Rev. Henk DeWaard.
Prof. Alexander Barkley passed into the presence of His Lord on 28
August 2000 after a lengthy illness, which became acute during the last
few months of his life. I am sure that the readers of T&S will want to
join in giving thanks to God for the life and ministry of this godly
man.
The last public function Prof. Barkley performed was the official
opening of the new premises of the Reformed Theological College in
February 2000. It was a task he greatly desired to do even though his
strength was already failing at the time. On that occasion he was an
encouragement to all when he reminded us that
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we have a wonderful God
-
we have a priceless heritage
-
we have a resplendent hope and the great promise of our Sovereign Lord: And surely I will be with you always to the very end of the age.
He went on to say: These are the words of Christ, our
wonderful God and He never fails!
What a testimony from someone who knew that his days were numbered! Yet
it was characteristic of Prof. Barkley that he always encouraged those
whom he touched.
He may have been physically frail towards the end, but he was strong in faith and hope.
That address, which we have complete on video, will
be another lasting legacy of the ministry of Prof. Barkley
Prof. Barkley was born and raised in Northern Ireland and studied for
the ministry in Belfast and at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological
Seminary in Pittsburgh (USA). He was ordained to the ministry in 1939.
After having served a congregation in Belfast he volunteered to minister
to the Reformed Presbyterian congregation in Geelong. He was pastor to
that congregation from 1947 to 1965.
From 1954 he was involved in the establishment of the
Reformed Theological College. He taught at the RTC from that time until
his retirement in 1980. He was the College’s first Principal, serving in
that capacity from 1958-1978.
I know that students who were taught by Prof. Barkley have been greatly
blessed. We were always encouraged by his example of pastoral concern,
gentleness and faith. To many of us he was a model of ministry,
possessed by love for God and His people.
Therefore we rejoice in the great grace given to this man whose works
follow him in the lives of all he taught and touched.
We extend our love and sympathy to Mrs. Barkley and the whole family at
this time. While there is sadness there is also joy that a loved one has
completed the race and, though no longer with us, continues to point us
to Jesus.
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