DOUG SWINCER TRANSLATED TO GLORY. TRIBUTE TO A CHRIST-CENTRED LIFE

A blend of mature and younger generation filed the victor harbor Newland memorial Congregational church (UC ) to honor the memory of Douglas W .Swincer, father of six children, 21 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.  

Joyce, Doug’s beloved wife was supported by Jan, all their children, partners and grandchildren.

David Joy, pastor for 10 years of Waitpinga Congregational Church spoke of Doug’s faithfulness to his Lord, his love for his family, and home church. He was a foundation member for 70 years,   pastor for many   years and elder for the greater portion . Doug majored on the unique Christian Endeavour movement as training ground for young believers, both for missionary and church life. Doug’s early accountancy training and   MBI ( now BCV- Bible College Victoria ) gave a sound bible foundation for a unique life.

Gwenda/I met Doug/Joyce at Nunyarra, 58 years ago at a   Keswick convention, . Missionaries warmed   their   hearts and broadened their interest in God‘s work. .   Speakers were TC Hammond, an Irish scholar,   founder of Moore Theological College Sydney, highly regarded in Anglicanism:   John Searle   from BCV, where Doug had studied.    (later our daughter Ruth studied   there ): and little-known Lionel Fletcher, fiery   Empire evangelist.    We slept in tents on sloping hill.   Lasting friendships formed, for  each couple had 3 little children.

Graeme, oldest son,. spoke so highly of father. He was deeply privileged to have such home support. .   Missionaries, who stayed in their home, impacted each child.    OCF   (Overseas Christian Fellowship ) students .visited their farm in droves. Doug provided many a sheep on the spit for their meal. When they return to SA they insist on visiting Doug/Joyce, to express their deep gratitude.

Geoffrey, youngest son spoke of the impact of Doug’s life on him.

He told of their visits to PNG and Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, where Graeme/Sue served Christ for years;   for the sole purpose-of   encouraging the saints of God, formerly from OCF..

Doug had chosen great hymns, re affirming them in his frailty. The Pipe organ appropriately supported the joyful singing. of ; 1 To God Be the Glory;  2   Be Still My Soul, the Lord is on Your Side;    3   The King of Love My Shepherd Is.

A Grand daughter psychologist,   read the 103 rd   psalm   ‘Bless the Lord oh my soul.’   She was deeply moved even to tears knowing it was chosen by her Grandfather.   I sensed the impact of Doug/Joyce’ home life, where Joyce had led her to trust her   Saviour. The psalm reinforced Doug’s deep love for his dear Lord.

A grand son movingly read   1 Corinthians 13 ‘Greatest of these is love‘- which he choked out. .  

David, their second son presided over the occasion, reinforcing what David Joy,   Graeme, Geoffrey had contributed.  

He gave an excellent study on the name of the Lord, revealing   the character of our God. Those who knew Doug Swincer knew him as a man of integrity: while Doug aimed that they should know the Name of the Lord, our Saviour   and Director.  

Met many of Doug’s former associates.: an Olympic shearer ,   warm-hearted man of God.:   a banker from Savings Bank who recalled a visit to their study group, where Ted Lang ( Burnside ) and Evan Laslett, were former friends.    Men honored the memory of God’s faithful servant of the Lamb.

I have recorded the service on MP3 . It exceeds 1 MB, which may be excessive.   Please request it.

Doug and Joyce have influenced and enriched our family, especially the older ones.

I have had searching discussions with Doug., on the word of God, including family relationships - his discussions on financial matters showed balance and quiet command.   His accountancy foreground shaped his vast interests. Doug’s good spiritual and general judgment was perfectly balanced.

In latter years, after penetrating discussions, Doug would suggest a little siesta, and we slept in the sitting room, followed by tea and home-made cakes.   Whenever we left for the drive home, Doug commended us to the Lord with   incisive prayer, so characteristic of him.   Heavenly insight and true fellowship   enriched   our walk with and   our deep friendship in Christ.

Compounding this, Joyce and my dear one were often together at Christian Women’s conventions, where they were presumed to be biological sisters.   They dearly loved each other, and enjoyed a closeness of   friendship, quietly   laughing at this confusion.

Doug is enthroned with his beloved Lord, praising him for his great salvation: looking for the rapture of the saints, which he preached faithfully, and the bodily resurrection, as Christ was raised from the dead.     ‘He being dead, yet speaks.’          Harrold   Steward