George Arthur PEARSON

PEARSON, GEORGE ARTHUR (b. Richmond, Vic, 23 Aug 1916; d. Burwood, Vic, 3 Jan 1990). Anglican clergyman and CMS missionary.

George Pearson was born at Richmond, growing up there and at the Broadmeadows Boys' Home, Essendon. He was educated at Essendon High School where he was the head boy. He was resident at Ridley College from 1934 to 1939 and carried throughout the remainder of his life a deep affection for the College. While there he gained his BA in 1937 at the University of Melbourne, and then undertook his theological studies, gaining his ThL in 1939. He was ordained deacon in 1940 and priest in 1941.

After serving as a curate of St Augustine's, Moreland from 1940-43, he became a CMS missionary, working in Tanzania (then Tanganyika) from 1943 until 1961, where he displayed outstanding ability in administration in addition to being deeply committed to the gospel. He was headmaster of Dodoma School from 1943-47, Kongwa in 1948, home secretary of CMS Victoria while on leave in 1949, diocesan secretary of Central Tanganyika from 1956-61, at the same time being archdeacon of Mpwapwa from 1958-60 and of Western Tanganyika, 1960-61.

Pearson resigned from active CMS missionary service in 1961 when he became part of the home administration of the Society, being CMS regional secretary for Aborigines. In order to accelerate the decentralisation of the work among Aborigines in the NT he arranged for the appointment of a resident field superintendent in Darwin, accepting at the same time the position of vicar of St Stephen's, Richmond. He remained at Richmond until 1972, followed by the charge of St James', Dandenong from 1972-75, before becoming deputy principal of Ridley College, 1975-80. He was appeal director of St Andrew's Cathedral, 1980-81, assistant at St James' Old Cathedral, 1981-84, in charge of St Theodore's Wattle Park, 1984-89. During his time back in Australia from 1961 he maintained a continuing interest in Ridley College, being the Council Secretary for many years, and also a member of many CMS Committees.

Pearson was a man of prayer, vision and deeds; a man of action, full of practical plans, and ever concerned for the progress of the gospel. On his return to Vic after missionary work in Tanzania, he greatly advanced the evangelical cause in the diocese of Melbourne being a fearless speaker at Synod, and in defending the policies and activities of Ridley College. He was also a member of the Evangelical Fellowship of Victoria and of the BCA.

In all his work he was greatly assisted by his wife June (née Widdows) who was very active in parish affairs, and on Ridley and CMS committees.

Keith Cole, A History of the Church Missionary Society of Australia, 1971; Keith Cole, From Mission to Church: the CMS mission to the Aborigines of Arnhem Land, 1908-1985 (1985); Information from Mr Geoff Pearson

KEITH COLE