Alan Edward Smirnoff BEGBIE

BEGBIE, ALAN EDWARD SMIRNOFF (b. North Melbourne, Vic, 6 Mar 1908; d. Blackheath, NSW, 30 Oct 1979). Anglican clergyman and Army chaplain.

After schooling at Shore, he attended MBI under C H Nash (q.v.) 1927-8 and MTC 192931. Deaconed 1931, priested 1932, in the Anglican diocese of Sydney, Alan Begbie's early ministry lay with children and young people, first at Chatswood under D J Knox (q.v.) then as Sydney diocesan missioner (1934-6), where he deployed song, vigorous preaching and an outgoing manner. Rectorships at Nowra and Lithgow followed, then service as an AIF chaplain in New Guinea (including the desperate and bloody battles of Buna and Gona, 1942-3), and Borneo (1945) with 9 Div.

From Lithgow he went to Manly in 1948, then Sydney's largest and most challenging Anglican parish, followed by Willoughby (195767).

His military service continued with promotions culminating in Chaplain General of the AMF 1957-1974, the last seven effectively full-time. He visited units in Australia and overseas, especially during Confrontation (with Indonesia) and the Vietnam war, which earned him official appreciation for long years of capable service that raised the significance of the post and encouraged the development of cells of Christians in the forces.

Begbie also served as chairman of the Katoomba Convention for 20 years. 'He was versatile and talented in a variety of ways. He had a great love for music, a fine singing voice, and a gift for sharing in the fun and happiness of any social occasion.' (Loane, Mark These Men, 112) He worked in retirement as rector of Blackheath, revivifying the parish in preparation for a new rector.

M Loane, Mark These Men (Sydney, 1985)

BRIAN DICKEY