Peter Albany BELL

BELL, (ALBANY) MASTON (b. Perth WA, 1 Dec 1897; d. Perth, WA, 27 April 1983). Businessman.

Albany Bell's mother Jane Bell was a foundation member of the first Church of Christ in WA and young Albany was among the first new members to commit his life to Christ. He was baptised in the Swan River in March 1891. Shortly before marrying Miss Clark of Adelaide he commenced business in Fremantle as a confectioner. A good businessman he soon had several branches in the city and other towns. He later established a chain of restaurants around Perth.

Albany Bell made money only that he might use it to God's glory. Throughout his life he was most generous. His gifts enabled church buildings to be erected and furnished, combined church activity to he undertaken and other Christian enterprises to be extended.

Mrs Bell was his strong supporter and their hospitality was legendary. Interstate and international visitors were liberally entertained in their home.

Albany Bell was not only successful in business; he was also a highly respected member of the community and served as a JP. He was a foundation member of the YMC A and the Silver Chain Nursing Association in WA and a member of the Perth Hospital Board.

Nevertheless it was written of him that 'he firmly believes that the secular duties of life are incidental; the great and chief responsibility of life is to spread abroad a knowledge of the truth of Christ'.

His faithful allegiance to the local church saw him as secretary, chairman, deacon emeritus and Sunday school superintendent in which capacity his enthusiasm and initiative were an inspiration. He was also active in state and federal conference spheres. From the inception of Conference he was a prominent member of the Home Missionary Committee and was tour times Conference president. A good speaker and an able debater he made valuable contribution to all Conference sessions.

Albany Bell always had the wellbeing of the Aboriginal people at heart and contributed generously towards improving their lot. With Roy Raymond he went to the 1941 Federal Conference of Churches of Christ in Australia determined to 'create a Board to attend to the evangelisation and general uplift of Australian Aborigines'. The Board was duly created with Albany Bell as chairman.

His greatest single contribution to the Aborigines was his gift to the Board of a valuable fertile property at Roelands. On this tract of land a largely self-supporting mission station was established and it now has a large grapefruit orchard which gives financial support to the Board.

Albany Bell had nine children. The eldest, Maston, shared his father's deep interest in all missionary enterprise, especially among the Aborigines. His drive and enthusiasm over many years as Secretary of the Federal Aborigines Mission Board played a large part in the expansion and development of its work throughout Australia. Maston Bell assisted his father in the management of the chain of restaurants and later conducted a small business of his own before commencing a large and successful hatchery at Maylands. In 1921 he married Bessie Gilbert and had five children.

A lifelong member of the Perth Church of Christ, Maston served the church devotedly in many capacities including deacon emeritus, chairman, secretary, organist, Bible School superintendent and youth leader. With A B Povey (q.v.) he conducted tor many years a Young Men's Club with great success, developing the faith of many young men who have gone on to make significant contributions to the community and to the work of the church.

Maston was active as Conference secretary, Conference president, longtime Foreign Mission secretary and member of many Conference committees. He played a leading part in the planning and erection of the Churches of Christ Christian Centre in Perth, a demanding task. Perhaps his greatest achievement was his dedicated service in the cause of the Aboriginal people by whom he is remembered with lasting gratitude, affection and respect.

Gordon A Ewers, A Century of Worship and Witness (Perth, nd)

GORDON A EWERS