MEDOWIE this week said goodbye to one of its finest, most influential, community-minded residents.

Born in 1937 in Carlton, Victoria, Arthur Magrath was the doting husband to his beloved Beryl, loving father to eight sons, adored grandfather to nine grandchildren and much loved great-grandfather to three little ones.

Pastor Arthur came to live in Medowie in 1990 and was the Senior Minister of Medowie Assembly of God Church for twenty-five years until his retirement on 12 April 2015.

Whilst in Medowie, Pastor Arthur’s heartfelt desire was to show people that God cares for them and so does the Church. He wanted to practically show that love to a world that needs Jesus and did this by opening an Opportunity Knocks (pre-loved clothing – registered charity) in the year 2000, running Work for the Dole projects and running Computers for Seniors programs.

He also opened a food program, now called Food Way, that provide long life food, bread, fruit and vegetables along with food parcels for emergency relief assistance.

The team at Food Way also cook meals that are given away to those in need, plus provide other welfare assistance to those struggling financially.

In between these endeavours, Arthur was the Chaplain for the Fire Brigade and was on the Police Advisory Committee for some time.
He also helped empty the charity clothing collection bins, ran the Church office, preached, lead Church praise and worship, set up halls and still managed to find time to chat to anyone who wanted to talk.

Arthur was a family man and loved nothing better than to have his family around him or chat on the phone to them.

Some of his happiest days were spent at family gatherings reminiscing about stories of old times.

Many people today are thankful for Pastor Arthur’s spiritual influence, his love and support, which has positively affected their life.

We leave you with Arthur’s own words he spoke to us during a News Of The Area interview in August last year.

“Please allow me just one more liberty. My special thanks go to my family for their support and assistance, as do my thanks to Adam Cook and his wife Lisa who have taken over much of my work.”

“I am gone from this work, but there is still much to be done.”
“Know when to run, when to rest, and when to stop and encourage others instead.”

We thank you Arthur, for giving your all to the people of Medowie.

 

 

By Rachael VAUGHAN