Rev Alec Pederick (1902 - 1972). Trained at Queen's College. Commenced his ministry at Zeehan, Tasmania in 1927. In 1929 he went to Rabaul P.N.G. and to Piniqidu in 1931. Returning to Australia in 1933 was appointed to Beaufort Circuit and then to the Methodist Home Missions Department. Served as a Chaplain in the A.I.F 1942 - 1944. After discharge from the army Rev. Pederick resumed working with Home Missions, becoming General Superintendent and residing at “Otira”, the Home Mission Training College in Kew, at which he was also principal. President of Conference in 1955. Died 19 August 1972. B & W photograph of Rev. Alec Pederick and an unidentified woman. alec pederick, methodist, minister, home missions, overseas missions, chaplain a.i.f., otira, president of conference

John Blakemore (1908 - 2000). Born at Pelsall, Staffordshire. Became a local preacher at the age of 18. Arrived in Australia in 1926. Accepted as a Home Missionary and served at Ultima, Willaura, Piangil and Moulamein. Studied at Otira and at Queen's College. Whilst studying he was sent to St. George's Rd Northcote, where he met his wife. Returned to England for two years, where he served as a probationer. Returned to Australia in 1937 and was ordained into the Methodist Church. He served at Merbein, Shepparton, Newstead, Numurkah, Maffra, East Ivanhoe, Bentleigh, and Oakleigh. Between 1941 and 1944 he was a chaplain in the A.I.F.B & W head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev. John Blakemore.john blakemore, local preacher, home missionary, otira, queen's college, chaplain a.i.f., methodist, minister.

Keith Pither was born at Shepparton in 1914 and grew up on a farm. Attended Otira Methodist Home Mission Training College from 1936 and by 1939 was a probation minister at Burnie (Tas.). Enlisted in the army 1939 and served in the Middle East and Northern Australia. In 1943 he was ordained in the field as a chaplain and later served in New Guinea. Married Allison (Alison?) Brown in 1945 and they had four children, Brian, Rhonda, Andrew and Howard. Completed his studies at Melbourne University 1946. Placements were Red Cliffs, Carlton Methodist Mission, Benalla, Portland, Sandringham and Ivanhoe. Died 19/6/2008.The Pithers are holding a knife about to cut an anniversary cake."Rev. K. M. Pither and Mrs Allison Pither 1967"pither, keith, red cliffs, carlton methodist mission, benalla, portland, sandringham, ivanhoe

Five photographic printing blocks. 1. Ordinances c 1969. 11 individuals. Size: 11.5 x 9 x 2.5 2. Otira Methodist Home Mission Training College: 26 individuals [7 women] including Hilda Fisher, R. Phelp, G Harris, Alec Pederick. Size: 21.5 x 11 x 2.5 3. Local church. 4. Thomas Verrier and unknown man. Size: 4.5 x 4 x 2.5 5. Deaconesses. Size: 14.5 x 11 x 2.5 Numbers 1, 2 & 4 wrapped in brown paper with image on the front.otira methodist home mission training college

Victor Raymond Hicks (11/8/1903–19/11/1995) born at Ballarat. Trained at Otira and accepted as candidate for the ministry in 1927. Ordained 1934. Married Lillian Harvey, 4 children. Appointments to Mitiamo, Matimuk, Woomelang, Wodonga, Kerang, Springvale, Brunswick, North Fitzroy, Geelong West, Kyneton and Brown Hill (Ballarat). Chaplaincy in WW2 and at Box Hill hospital. The article about the Mitiamo church: "Fifty years ago the Rev. Raymond Hicks was minister at Mitiamo as it celebrated its Golden Jubilee. He returned for the centenary this year and powerfully preached on 'Lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes' (Isaiah 54:2). He spoke of the great need of the church today to have a passion to lead men and women to Christ. Also sharing in the service were the Rev. Ray Scholl, a Mitiamo member before entering the ministry, and present minister, the Rev. M. Thalheimer. The centenary weekend began with an old fashioned tea meeting and concert. The Sunday school hall housed a comprehensive display of photos and historical records dating back to the Bible Christian days of 1884. Mrs Thirza Phelan has researched and written the church history. FOOTNOTE: The first minister, Mitiamo's the Rev. Daniel Daley, preached at the Golden Jubilee service—Mr Hicks has followed an ancient tradition."Colour photograph of Rev. V. Raymond Hicks standing outside the front of a wooden church porch.C&N identification.rev raymond hicks, home missionary, methodist ministry, otira