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the truths of the Lord’s second coming with others who could be blessed as he
had been. Throughout his postings he initiated radio programs and countless
events focused on newcomers. And as the first director, Doug laid out the
doctrinal underpinnings for outreach and worked with the clergy and laity on
practical ways to convey the truths of the New Church to others. His love for
the Heavenly Doctrines and for people was evident in everything he did.
“Doug will be missed here, but it is wonderful to think of his renewal
of life. Everything he loved and stood for coming into being again, with a
vigorous body and spirit! May the Lord send a blessing on him, his family, and
the many friends he has throughout the world. Well done, good and faithful
servant.”
reflections from down
under
The April issue of The New Church
Newsletter of the Hurstville Society
included the following tribute to the
Rev. Douglas M. Taylor. (See the
Memorial Address for him on page
243.)
For the Hurstville Society the Rev. Doug Taylor represents a significant
part of their history. He shares the distinction of longest serving pastor with
the inaugural minister, the Rev. Richard Morse – 17 years – the only difference
being that Doug’s pastorate was broken up into several years at different times.
He just kept coming back to the little church he loved.
Born an Australian and marrying an Australian (Christine Brock), he
studied overseas both as a teacher then a minister. He first served the Hurstville
New Church from 1963 to 1974, returning from January 1989 to July 1993.
When our society was without a pastor he helped out along with other retired
ministers – not just once but three times: 1998, 1999 and 2006-7.
One particularly notable aspect of Doug’s ministry was the popular radio
talks he gave on Sunday evenings from 1968 to 1974. Doug did not shy away
from any opportunity to promote and defend the church. In 1969 when the
Apollo spacecraft landed on the moon he handled a TV interview deftly when
the interviewer said: ‘Doug, the astronauts have landed on the moon and
didn’t find any moon men. What do you say about that?’ Doug replied goodnaturedly, ‘Well, they had better go back and have another look!’
Many may not know that Doug was accomplished in many areas of life,
some of which are touched on in his Memorial Address. His daughter Ros
writes that in a History of Marist Brother’s College in Mt. Gambier, South
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