Picture: J.L. “FRED” SMITH
A NEW role has been filled in the ranks of a Millicent organisation which is almost 100 years old.
The Millicent sub-branch of the RSL has appointed retired local minister Pastor Paul Hales as its first-ever honorary chaplain.
The branch dates back to the 1920s and the appointment of Pastor Paul comes ahead of important Anzac commemorations this week.
Pastor Paul led the pre-Anzac Day service at the Sheoak Lodge aged care facility at Millicent and District Hospital.
Furthermore, Pastor Paul will lead the dawn service and mid-morning service on Anzac Day today at the Millicent Cross of Sacrifice.
He is no stranger to such ceremonies as he has previously led them during his 32 years as minister in Mount Burr and Millicent.
Millicent RSL sub-branch president Chris Mathias said a small number of RSL’s across Australia had honorary chaplains.
Mr Mathias said the decision to appoint Pastor Paul followed a general discussion and it was strongly supported by the members.
He said Pastor Paul also became an honorary member of the Millicent sub-branch.
“Paul will advise us on the spiritual observance of the purposes of the RSL,” Mr Mathias said.
In association with the RSL and upon invitation, Pastor Paul will provide support to members in times of need.
Pastor Paul came to live in Mount Burr in 1987 as the assistant minister to Pastor Morrie Thompson (now deceased) at the Assemblies of God.
He retired from full-time ministry in 2005.
Born in the English county of Kent in 1939, Pastor Paul has a vivid memory of a chilling wartime aspect of the closing years of World War II.
“I remember hearing and seeing German V-2 rockets flying overhead on their way to bomb London,” Pastor Paul said.
“My mother told me about them.”
Along with his family, he emigrated to South Australia as a 12 year old in 1952.
“I was too young to serve in the Korean War and too old for the Vietnam War.
“I did do National Service training”.
Before entering the ministry, Pastor Paul worked in the building trade as a painter, decorator and signwriter.
Pastor Paul said he was pleased to be involved with the Millicent RSL as its honorary chaplain.
“My wife Margaret and I have always gone along to the Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services.
“I see my main role in leading these services will invoke the presence of God”.
