Norman Gladstone PARDEY

PARDEY, NORMAN GLADSTONE (b. Randwick, NSW, 30 Oct 1898; d. Sydney, NSW, 22 Dec 1984). Methodist minister.

Norman Pardey was converted at age nine in a Chapman-Alexander mission in Sydney and remained faithful to his decision thereafter. A sound scholar, good cricketer and footballer, and an accomplished pianist, he became a teacher, working successively at Mowbray House School and Shore. In 1924, he entered Leigh College to train for the Methodist ministry and immediately on the completion of his training was appointed tutor (1927-30). Ordained in 1929 he married May Gilsenan 20 April that year. He was acting principal of the College in 1930, then served a term at Murwillumbah (1931-32) before being asked to go to Western Samoa as principal of Piula Methodist Theological College(1933-40). An AIF chaplain during World War Two, he also served successively in the Dubbo, Orange, Manly and Lindfield-Roseville circuits.

His most important work was done as National and NSW director of the Crusade for Christ (1949-52) when he was known for the excellence of his organisational work and his able evangelism. The Queensland Methodist Times wrote of him, 'Those who heard him were impressed by his intensity and earnestness. He spoke like a man with a passion, he preached as a man with a purpose, and he appealed for decisions for Christ with a moving tenderness.' He won many converts during this period.

At Manly, he pursued personal evangelism and encouraged the circuit to enter visitation evangelism. He also built up Bible study to an unusually high level in the circuit. He was secretary of Conference, 1961-62, and president, 1963-64, was appointed OBE in 1966 and retired in 1967. After his second marriage to Gwenda Powys in 1977, he moved to the Mowll Village, Castle Hill, where he established a Christian Teaching Fellowship and continued to preach until a few months before his death. Norman Pardey never sought prominent office, but when he was called responded with faith, zeal and high ability.

Family papers and cuttings

DON WRIGHT