Roy Thomas EDWARDS

EDWARDS, ROY THOMAS (b. Raceview, Qld, 1910; d. Ipswich, Qld, 9 June 1989). Congregational minister, Christian leadership enhancer, alderman, businessman, philanthropist.

Edwards was converted at an early age and went to work in the railways as an electrician. He had intended to pursue his studies up to the level of engineer but the 1930s depression interrupted that and he lost his job. In 1931 he borrowed £5 to start his own business. This grew into R T Edwards & Sons Electrical Contractors, the largest such business in Queensland. By that time furniture had been added to the sales list. He and Agnes Llewellyn were married in October 1934 and had four children. In 1958 he became a lay preacher at Raceview Congregational Church and in 1961, at age 50, gave up all other activities to enter Cromwell College at the University of Queensland to train for the ministry. He was ordained in 1965 as minister of Raceview, West Ipswich and Goodna Congregational Churches. Following his 'retirement' he continued as part of the ministry at the Blackstone Welsh Uniting Church until his death.

He was a member of Rotary, Ipswich Abattoir Board, Festival of Light, Ipswich Show Society, the Electrical Contractors Assoc and Ipswich Cemetery Trust. He was also a trustee of the World Christian Endeavour Union. At times he was an influential member of Ipswich TPI, Pregnancy Help Committee, Marsden Home for Boys, Ipswich City Council (1949 to 1960-61), Christian Businessmen's Committee, Queensland Bible Institute (now College), Youth for Christ, Wesley Hospital World Evangelical (sic) Crusade Mission Council. During his association with CE he wrote several booklets on leadership development, introduced CE to the Solomon Islands, and held the offices of state president, national president, state field officer, and national field officer. Beside such activity he was known far beyond his own congregation for his availability for personal counselling and hospital visitation.

His leadership qualities are encapsulated in the seeming contradiction of being appreciated and esteemed by all and at the same time being known for speaking his mind, standing by his convictions, and ignoring the rules in the interests of getting the job done. For ignoring the rules he cited the example of the Lord himself as his standard.

He was Ipswich citizen of the year in 1980 and numbered the Governor-General Bill Hayden among those from whom praise came at his passing. His two sons-in-law are aldermen and one son Tom, continues the business while the other, Llew (Sir) is well known as the past leader of the Queensland Liberal Party and the Manager of 'Expo 88'.

The Queensland Times 22 May, 10 June, 13 June 1989; The Queensland Endeavourer Oct 1989

P GODMAN