Acknowledging Russell Andersen MSC, 85
Today Russell Andersen turns 85. Russell is a Queenslander who made his first profession on February 26th, 1955. After studies at Croydon, he was ordained on June 29th 1961.
After brief parish work, he was appointed to Eastern Papua which has been his home and ministry base for almost 60 years, especially in islands out from Sideia.
Russell spent some time in Africa at the Lumko Institute, a Mission Institute for Southern Africa with developing missionary perspectives and methods which have had extended influence to Asia and the Pacific.
Russell’s sister, Mary, is a Little Company of Mary Sister and lives in Melbourne, as does his brother, Frank MSC, part of the Melbourne Community.
Here is a story Russell sent for the site in 2015.
PNG, Ecumenical Memorial Chapel
“Towards the end of World War II thousands of soldiers were killed and injured in the battles fought around Milne Bay on the eastern tip of PNG. To commemorate these battles, memorials on the northern side of Milne Bay recognise the valiant efforts of Australian soldiers who fought and died, as well as some Papua New Guineans.
On the south side of Milne Bay, within my parish of Ealeba, is the site of the American supply base. This was used from 1943 until the end of the war and became a major supply and infantry base for the bloody fighting right up the coast to Buna etc, where hundreds of young Americans lost their lives. After some metal dogtags identifying American soldiers were handed to me, I began to recall that there is no memorial for these generous soldiers.
An American war-widow back in 2007 sent a modest donation towards the building of a memorial and this strengthened my resolve to do something. More donations came our way, and eventually we agreed to construct an ecumenical chapel. This idea was accepted by the local community and their contributions of material and labour have been a great expression of appreciation for the sacrificing-love of our allies during the war.
The Memorial Chapel was opened with a congregation of over 2,000 people present on 20th November 2015.”
Congratulations and best wishes.
