Reginald John St Swithen BURROW

BURROW, REGINALD JOHN ST SWITHEN (b. Norwich, England, 15 July 1882; d. Adelaide, SA, 12 May 1975). Medical missionary in Bolivia, and pastor.

Reginald Burrow was born in England, but at the age of 8 the whole family migrated to New Zealand. Here he learnt watch making and also became a qualified marine engineer. His life was completely changed in his early twenties when he accepted Christ as his Saviour.

About that time George Allan, founder of the Bolivian Indian Mission, was seeking recruits since Bolivia had just opened its doors to missionaries. The need gripped him and he began preparation in a pharmacy, learning about medicines and also helping in medical work in Hamilton. At the same time he became a Home Missioner. Preaching became a passion. In 1909 he entered the Missionary Training Home in Belair, SA (later Angas College). When an accepted candidate, he received dental instruction and medical training in hospital wards.

Having married Annetta Slape, they set sail for Bolivia in 1911. They were stationed in San Pedro, which had no medical help, so with his knowledge of medicine and experience he soon was made the medical officer of that whole rural area. This meant that he had to travel extensively to vaccinate and to treat the sick. This gave him opportunities to proclaim the gospel, which lead to church planting. Three boys were born in San Pedro (q.v. Alan Burrow). After serving nine years the family returned to Adelaide, where more medical studies and experience took place. Once again they served in Bolivia until 1927 when education for their children forced them to leave the work.

Burrow then took up pastorates, first in Goodwood Presbyterian Church, later in the Burnside Christian Church. At Burnside the congregation grew; a larger church was dedicated in 1939. Pastor Burrow became a regular lecturer at the Adelaide Bible Institute's night classes, until out of this involvement, and the vision of his son Allan, a full time residential Bible Institute was opened in 1948, where he lectured regularly. Ill health made him retire, but he recovered and for 13 years he ministered in the Hindmarsh Baptist Church.

Being an avid reader with a good memory greatly helped his medical service, preaching and teaching. He was always strongly evangelical.

ROCKIE BURROW