Commitment to Christian ministry went beyond classroom
IAN Breward had strong links with Dunedin, as a theological student, Knox Church’s assistant minister, professor at the Presbyterian Theological Hall and lecturer in the theology faculty.
Born in Tauranga on March
31, 1934, Prof Breward grew up in Whakatane and Howick.
His father Alfred was a high school teacher and Presbyterian elder, and his mother Muriel was also active in the church.
After leaving school, Prof Breward worked on a dairy farm before going to Massey Agricultural College where he completed a diploma of agriculture with distinction. At Massey, his faith was strengthened through participation in the Evangelical Union. The Presbyterian ministry rather than farming became his calling.
Despite loathing history at school, his passion for history was kindled at Auckland University where he gained a firstclass master’s degree. Studying Greek under Prof E. M. Blaiklock, Bruce Harris and H. R. Minn, all Evangelicals, he experienced scholarship combined with positive Christian witness, something he also modelled.
At the Presbyterian Theological Hall, Prof Helmut Rex, a refugee from Hitler’s
Germany, was a profound influence. Prof Rex brought philosophy and theology together, while providing a thorough grounding in Christian history.
Prof Breward completed the Otago bachelor of divinity and was awarded a prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship.
Married to Judith (Judy)
Marie Griffiths on November 19, 1960, they sailed to England four days later.
Under Prof Gordon Rupp, a noted Luther scholar at Manchester University, Prof Breward completed a doctorate on William Perkins, a leading 16th century English Puritan theologian. This led to Prof Breward’s groundbreaking publication, The Work of William Perkins (1970), which made Perkins’ theology accessible to a new age. Perkins’ view, that the principal end of our living is to perform service to men [sic] and in this service to do homage to God, influenced Prof Breward’s disciplined outworking of his vocation.
The Brewards returned to Dunedin in 1963 with their first child Jan, who was later joined by Alun and Shona. Prof Breward became assistant minister to the Rev Douglas Storkey at Knox Church, providing him with significant pastoral help.
Prof Rex’s ill health and early retirement led to Prof
Breward’s appointment as professor of church history in 1965; aged 30, some muttered about his youthfulness.
An exacting teacher, Prof Breward is remembered for his impressive intellect, wide reading and encyclopedic knowledge.
A bibliophile, Prof Breward had a great ability to read quickly and retain what he read. Despite many demands, he and Judy extended hospitality to groups of students and spouses. Over the years many others experienced their generous welcome.
Prof Breward’s commitment to ministry went beyond the classroom. During the stormy theological disputes surrounding Lloyd Geering in the later 1960s, while conservative himself, Prof Breward spoke to many who were upset, acting as a mediating influence.
His own expansive understanding of Christianity enabled him to appreciate its rich diversity. He took on the role as doctor to the church, seen for example in his Authority and Freedom (1969). Prof Breward gained the trust of many and was elected in
1975 as the youngest moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly.
On the divisive issue of church union in the 1970s, Prof Breward privately published three pamphlets reflecting his own strong support, measured with critical insights and positive reflections.
His ecumenical commitment was seen in his extensive network, close collegiality with Catholics in theological education and contributions to national Roman Catholic/ Protestant working groups in both New Zealand and Australia.
Prof Breward served on numerous boards, councils and societies including the board of Radio New Zealand in the mid1970s. Through his long involvement and travel through World Vision Australia and its international board he was exposed to the challenges of global poverty and refugees. While Prof Breward could be both conservative and radical on some issues, such as sexuality and inclusiveness, his compassion and concern for social justice were strong qualities he embraced.
Through his writing and teaching Prof Breward took seriously the interaction of place, people and history. In New Zealand this was seen in his Godless Schools? (1967) on Protestant reactions to secular education, and seminal journal articles.
He moved to Ormond
College, Melbourne, in 1982, teaching church history in the ecumenical United Faculty of Theology, Melbourne College of Divinity. In Melbourne, he immersed himself in
Australian history. His last major work, A History of Churches in Australasia (2001), was pioneering, bringing together New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.
Prof Breward’s considerable achievements resulted from a punishing disciplined regime of reading, research, writing, teaching, travel, accessibility and encouragement of others and contributions to church and academic leadership. The priority he gave to his vocation placed heavy demands on family life. His avocations were gardening, squash, tramping and walking.
Two of he and Judy’s children, Jan and Shona, became doctors in Dunedin and Alun a researcher in economic and social policy in Melbourne. Jan was killed in a road accident in Dunedin in 1998, a shattering tragedy met with fortitude and faith.
Prof Breward and Judy’s children gave them five grandchildren.
After their separation and divorce in 1993, he married Eva Anna Greig in 1994.
The last years, as his memory faded and body weakened, were not kind to Prof Breward, for whom the life of the mind was a major defining attribute.
He will be remembered for many things, including his contributions to the church, scholarship, his friendship and generous support of others.
Prof Breward died in Melbourne on December 30 2022, aged 88.
— Rev Dr Allan Davidson