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Minutes of the General Assembly 2012
years, he and the family often went to Omakau, Central Otago, where he filled in for a
vacant parish and no doubt developed his preaching and pastoral skills.
In 1958, Sam’s first parish was Richmond in Nelson, which was a new charge, as it
was an off shoot of Tahunanui. During his five years in Richmond, Sam built up a
strong Bible class, which often gave a lead in youth activities in the area. The monthly
dances were a local legend.
Sam’s next call was to another new, but very different, parish, Otara-EastTamaki,
Auckland. His family speak of his time at Otara as “Sam’s gift to humanity”. He not only
managed his regular parish duties but also undertook extra community activities,
including giving social support. He was a budget advisor for many families, which
involved the stress of negotiating with businesses owed money, as well as collecting
wages and dividing it up among the creditors, the wife for family needs, and then giving
the man his pocket money each week.
He was also the “man on the spot” for Samaritan Lifeline and often went out on call day
or night. Those who knew him at that time recalls that “he went alone armed only with
his faith” to many a dangerous situation.
The Burley house was seen as a safe haven and they often had people drop in or call
for help when in desperate situations over these six years at Otara.
Sam’s next move was to Taumarunui where he ministered for six years. It was during
this time that he met and married Edna. They then moved to Devonport Parish and
finally retired in 1986 to Forrest Hill on Auckland’s North Shore. Their home became a
drop-in for many a visitors where there was always a cup of tea and a listening ear as
stories and jokes were shared.
Sam was kind and gentle yet strong in his beliefs, and would always stand up for what
was right. He was held in great respect by many and was much more aware of what
was happening around him than his quiet demeanour would suggest.
Sam was a naval officer, a teacher, and a minister; each vocation affected the next,
helping to shape him into being the man he was. But he was also a son, brother,
husband, father and grandfather, who was loved and who gave love.
In recent years, the onset of dementia, failing eyesight, and hardness of hearing tended
to isolate him from those close to him, and affected his interaction with family and
friends. However, his love and commitment to Edna and his family were very real as
was the sincerity of his friendship with those close to him.
Sam died on the North Shore, Auckland on 17 November 2011.
During his 90 years, Sam touched many lives through his ministry and by the man he
was; and so we give thanks to God for his long life, but we mourn his passing.
Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.
Chisholm, Doctor George Shannon M.B., Ch. B (N.Z), D.T.M & H. (Eng)
5 April 1928 – 11 August 2010
George Chisholm was born in Dunedin on 5 April 1928 and grew up as a child of the
manse in Otago. He received his secondary education in Alexandra and at St Andrew’s
College in Christchurch before studying engineering at the University of Canterbury,
where he completed the first year of a professional course. During this time, George
12 Session 2