Bert Thomas DRAPER

DRAPER, BERT THOMAS (b. Pilliga, NSW, 10 Dec 1897; d. Moree, NSW, 21 July 1976). Railwayman and Aboriginal lay Christian worker.

Bert Draper was the oldest of the 10 children of Tom and Amy Draper (née Doolan). His schooling took place at Come-by-Chance and Pilliga. He left school at 13 and obtained his first job, burr cutting for 25 shillings per week. Late in 1914 Bert carried his swag to Narrabri, and from there on to Bellata, Terry Hie Hie and Gravesend.

He met Sara Cutmore in Gravesend, and they were married at Terry Hie Hie. Bert was converted in Terry Hie Hie under the ministry of AIM missionary Rod Schenk (q.v.). Some time after this the Drapers moved to Moree where they were very active in the Salvation Army. However they fell away and were removed from the Salvation Army roll on 1 Dec 1921. Bert then obtained work in the NSW Railways, at first as a casual laborer, but eventually becoming an assistant paymaster.

Bert re-dedicated his life to Christ in 1954 in the AIM, where he became a tireless worker, active in the open air meetings, Sunday school teaching, visitation and preaching. In Oct 1955 AIM officially appointed him a 'Native Helper'. On many occasions he carried on the work alone in the absence of a pastor or missionary.

In 1967 he was involved for the first time in aerial evangelism with flying evangelist Lloyd Lanyon. In 1973 Lloyd and his wife Lois moved to Moree which they made their base. From this time Bert was involved in numerous evangelistic trips by plane into north-west NSW and south-west Qld. He was active in Christian service right up until the last few months of his life, when he was beset with considerable illness.

G M Higgins, I'll Die at my Post - a Brief Life Story of Bert Draper. An Outstanding Aboriginal Christian (1978)

GEOFF HIGGINS