Tribute to Barbara Evans

Martinborough Community and First Church in particular has been saddened by the recent death of a faithful member, well loved  Barbara Evans. A moving service was held on Monday 28th July, the Rev. Dr Jim Veitch officiating. Over 200 people gathered from far and wide to celebrate her life and share her story with her family.”

On behalf of the Parish Council and congregation of First Church, I would like to try to give some account of all that Barbara contributed both to the community and to the life and activities of First Church, which she has served so faithfully.

Many of us here have known Barbara in many different contexts: as she grew up in Martinborough, her school days, her working life, bringing up her family, her love of music and singing in choirs, her enjoyment of line dancing, Tai Chi, Mah Jong, her service to Probus South Wairarapa.

Barbara was one of many in Martinborough who made our family welcome when we came to Martinborough in the mid-eighties, working then as a pharmacist in various places in the Wairarapa.

She was a Parish Councillor then, and continued in this role most conscientiously until earlier this year. She had an enormous amount of experience in church matters which she always used with wisdom and tact, and was always ready to deal with planning and practical matters. It was often Barbara who would quietly achieve what needed to be done, – often with Rowan’s help. We begin to realise what a lot she did in the background.

Barbara was our church treasurer here for a considerable time.

She served as an Elder for over 30 years, fulfilling its duties with thoughtfulness.

For many years she was a representative to the Wairarapa Presbytery, the Court of the church above the parish, entailing monthly meetings and more paperwork.

And she took on the even more taxing role of treasurer there for some years.

The Association of Presbyterian Women which fosters devotions, service and missions, both in New Zealand and overseas was very dear to her heart.

As Rowan and her family well know, for over 30 years Barbara was always ready to attend any meeting and to be involved with every ongoing project – church services, celebrations and fund-raising events Lending a leading and inspiring voice, being a source of useful suggestions based on long experience. Her diary must have been very full of meeting times!

Often it was Barbara who would float an idea – she really thought about what this church both locally and nationally could be doing. E.g. it was Barbara’s suggestion that First Church might knit slippers for Martinborough School as reported in last month’s Star.

Some years ago when we needed an organist, Barbara stepped in, – taking on yet another commitment. She was thoughtful about playing appropriate music and fresh words for these changing times.

Barbara was a natural leader and organiser in the best sense, inspiring us all to contribute. As we begin to plan our next event in the Community – The Traditional Kirk Fair which will be held on Saturday 11 October, we will all be conscious of Barbara’s huge contribution to such events over many years to our church and its outreach into the community.

What an understatement it is to say “she will be missed”, but evidence of her is around us: proud of her family heritage, and the pioneering origins of the Campbell family in this district. An account of her family’s place in the history of the community can be read on a wall in this church.

Everyone who knew Barbara will often be reminded of her as her name is brought up in conversation in all the places we used to see her.

A sweet smelling bunch of sweet peas, a jar of home-made raspberry jam- these will remind me of Barbara, and her sweetness and generosity.

Yes we will miss you, but our memories of you and gratitude for all you stood for will endure.
How glad we are to have known you as we celebrate your life.

Well done thou good and faithful servant.
Anne Dodd