Remembering Joan Gillespie

Norman McDonald, a retired minister of the Uniting Church in Australia and former General Secretary (1988-2000), has recently offered a moving tribute to Joan Gillespie, reflecting on a working relationship and friendship that spanned nearly five decades.

Norman first met Joan in early 1977—just as the Uniting Church in Australia was being formed. At the time, Joan was representing the Canberra Presbytery through her near-monthly visits to the Synod office. Their paths continued to cross through various councils and committees, and over time, their professional relationship deepened.

Before Union in 1977, Joan had served as secretary to the Rev. Frank Butler, then Secretary of the Congregational Union of NSW. When Frank Butler became the General Secretary of the newly formed Synod of NSW, Joan continued in her role, bringing with her not only valuable administrative experience but also a calm, competent presence during a significant period of institutional transition. Little did Norman imagine then that she would later become his own secretary.

Joan’s early responsibilities were immense. She played a central role in building the administrative foundations for the Synod in NSW and the ACT—work that was crucial and painstaking. A great deal of what passed through the office at that time passed through Joan’s desk—and through her typewriter. Her attention to detail, her commitment to quality, and her high professional standards became benchmarks for all who followed.

Joan’s strengths, however, went beyond her technical competence. Norman recalled how much he appreciated her willingness to teach him the protocols of the office and her absolute discretion when dealing with sensitive matters. Joan’s capacity for respectful and confidential handling of complex issues was well recognised, not only by her colleagues but also by officers and members of congregations across the church and wider community.

Reflecting on those years, Norman described it as a great time and himself as fortunate to have had Joan as both assistant and colleague.

But his recollections also carried sorrow. Norman shared that one of the most painful moments in his ministry came during a time of technological change, when computers were being introduced into workplaces, including the Synod office. Joan, deeply competent and still delivering high-quality work, was reluctant to transition to the new systems—and, truthfully, she had little need to. Her performance surpassed that of many computerised processes of the time.

Nevertheless, change was underway. In Norman’s words, “the times, they were a-changing,” and difficult decisions had to be made. He acknowledged the sadness of the day when it became necessary to let Joan go, describing it as one of the most difficult and distressing moments of his professional life—one without precedent, one he continues to reflect on with regret. If he could apologise again, he said, he would.

Joan Gillespie is remembered as a gracious lady. She was an excellent, meticulous, professional, and warm presence in the life of the Uniting Church—someone whose contribution to establishing the administrative infrastructure of the Synod of NSW and ACT was critical and carried out to the highest standard.

She is honoured and remembered alongside the significant servants of the Uniting Church.

Thank you, Joan Gillespie.

Joan’s early responsibilities were immense. She played a central role in building the administrative foundations for the Synod in NSW and the ACT—work that was crucial and painstaking. A great deal of what passed through the office at that time passed through Joan’s desk—and through her typewriter. Her attention to detail, her commitment to quality, and her high professional standards became benchmarks for all who followed.