Family History 1.151

Gaze History

NSG Memoir

Obituaries continued

NZ Baptist obituary continued

 

It was, however, his service for our Baptist Theological College which will be greatly remembered.  He was for 25 years a member of the College Board of which he was chairman for seven years and five years chairman of the Administrative Committee.  This was a period of great development in our College and Mr Gaze played a very active part in the purchase and development of the present site in Victoria Avenue.  Students and staff alike pay tribute to his counsel and help so willingly given.

 

Though widely known in Auckland, it was his service in the Office of President of the Baptist Union of New Zealand in 1962 which revealed his qualities to the wider fellowship of our Denomination.  His visits to churches were most inspiring and both pastors and people were uplifted by his sincerity and quality of life.

 

Despite his busy denominational service, Mr Gaze accepted responsibility and leadership in the local churches (Grange Road, Shackleton Road, Sandringham and Papatoetoe) of which he was a member.  For the past 15 years he has served the Epsom Church as secretary (nine years) and deacon (six years).  He also participated in the wider sphere of Christian activity through the Mission to Lepers, the British and Foreign Bible Society, and the Marriage Guidance Council.

 

Mr Gaze was a man of great courage—courage in personal issues—courage to seek after truth and right, and when his clear mind was satisfied, to show it forth in his actions and speech.  Those who knew him closely will recall his keen sense of humour and jocularity. He had a great love for children which was often displayed in his delight to romp with his grandchildren and others who came to his home.  Hospitality and concern for others was always evident in his family life and his high concept of service is shared by his wife (Mrs Gaze is Dominion President BWMU) and his children, two of whom have served with the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society.

 

Most aptly, Principal J A Clifford in his tribute at the funeral service recalled the title of Mr Gaze’s Presidential Address in 1962: “Life Abundant”.  To this theme his whole life gave testimony.