Ethel Russel 'Effie' VARLEY

VARLEY, ETHEL RUSSEL 'EFFIE' (b. Melbourne, Vic, 6 July 1900; d. Jos, Nigeria, 15 March 1966). Missionary in Nigeria.

Effie Varley was the grand daughter of Henry Varley (q.v.) a world renowned evangelist. Frank Varley, her father, was a prominent evangelical in Melbourne. Whilst attending the Chapman Alexander Mission in Melbourne, she gave her life to Jesus Christ and was later baptized at the age of 11 or 12. Her church involvement was primarily with the Baptist Church, especially in East Malvern, and the Melbourne Gospel Crusade. She had three sisters and one brother. After completing her schooling at University High School, she, attended the Pharmacy College and became the first woman dispenser at the Melbourne Hospital. She also completed a short nursing course at Bethesda hospital, a Diploma in Sunday School Teaching and night classes at MBI.

Effie explained to a supporters' dinner in 1927 that 'at the age of 8 definitely wanted to be a missionary and as the years went on the desire increased'. Her cousin, Charles Hummel, who served in Nigeria, earlier directed her thoughts to West Africa. She applied in 1922 to Sudan Interior Mission in Toronto because this society was unrepresented in Australia. On arriving in Nigeria in 1923, she took up an appointment at Miango amongst the Iregwe people.

She received no formal language training but a facile tongue and the creation of a bush dispensary facilitated her reception. As a church developed and thrived there, she branched out into the surrounding countryside. She was famous for her trekking, 20 or 30 miles a day in the tropical heat, knitting as she walked, to seek out enquirers, encourage isolated believers, alleviate physical needs and assist local churches. In addition, Varley contributed to the translation of the Scriptures for the Iregwe people. She was also very supportive of attempts to rescue the second twin from being killed after birth, a local custom. Not surprisingly, Effie Varley was beloved by Nigerians and during her last illness an old pastor held her hand as she died.

W S Clack, We Will Go: The history of 70 years training men and women for World Missionary Ministry (Melbourne, 1990)

SELECT WRITINGS: E R Varley, Stories from Miango (London: SIM, nd)

DAVID TURNBULL