The Christadelphian, July 1987, Michael Ashton

“Fifty Years Ago and Now”

In an article under the same heading which appeared in the September 1937 issue of The Christadelphian (p. 415), Brother C. C. Walker recalled his arrival in Birmingham from Melbourne, Australia, half a century earlier. That same year (1887) was the jubilee of Queen Victoria, but it was not the anniversary of that event which was of significance to readers of this magazine. Brother Walker reminded his readers in contrast of the three “frail human lives” which had spanned a “century of witnessing to the truth”. He was referring, of course, to himself, and Brethren Robert Roberts and John Thomas, all of whom worked upon magazines dedicated to the Hope of Israel and “devoted to the Ancient Gospel and the original constitution of things as proclaimed and appointed by the Apostles”.

From the first, the conduct of the magazine was the responsibility (and on frequent occasions the liability) of one man—the Editor of the day. After the death of Brother Robert Roberts and, some 21 years later, of Sister Roberts, Brother Walker “found himself ‘editor and proprietor of The Christadelphian’, and of the associated publishing enterprise”. Seeing the inevitable exodus which awaited him, as it does all mankind, Brother Walker wished to make proper provision for the continuance of the enterprise after his death.

Though not wholly agreeing with those who “grow restive under what they call ‘one man’ systems, ‘private organs’, and so forth”, he did consider that at that time the “pioneer days (were) past” and acknowledged the truth of the wise man’s words: “In the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Prov. 11:14). He therefore proposed placing the responsibility for the publication of the magazine and associated books and pamphlets in the hands of a small group of brethren, and arranged for the formation of an Association “under the guidance of these and of the present Editor to carry on the work on similar lines to those of the past”.

In accordance with these wishes, and with the regulations then in force in Great Britain, The Christadelphian Magazine and Publishing Association was formally incorporated as a Limited Company on June 26th, 1937. The first task of the newly formed Committee was to appoint a successor to Brother Walker as Editor. Brother John Carter, who was already working as his assistant, was the brother selected to carry on the work. Other than the replacement of brethren as they have retired from the Committee, the only notable change has been in the number of brethren serving, which was increased by three following the satisfactory reunions in 1957 and 1958 in Britain and Australia.

It could hardly have been imagined at the time that another fifty years were to pass and that events in the world would grow even more menacing, and still the Lord’s return would be awaited by his present-day disciples. Nonetheless those disciples should be grateful for the foresight which ensured that the venture, started in such a small way in 1864 by Brother Roberts, should continue in a form more appropriate to the size and extent of the community of believers.

Where three lives had previously spanned a century, events were to result in another three lives spanning only the next half century. The tenure of the Editor’s chair by Brethren Carter, Sargent and Nicholls brings us up to the present day. But behind these names lie the less publicised brethren who serve on the Committee of the Publishing Association, but who by their wise counsel assist in providing the continuity which was seen to be so desirable.

The work of the Association, though primarily concerned with publication, is not restricted only to that, in the same way that the Editor has historically also been associated with other aspects of the work of the Truth. This is particularly the case in questions relating to ecclesial organization, and matters which from time to time disturb the Brotherhood. Although it has no authority, either imposed or sought, brethren world-wide have looked to “the Office” for assistance, guidance, counsel, and information concerning matters which affect the community of believers in a variety of ways.

Though it cannot be expected that another fifty years will elapse, and still the longed-for advent is awaited, the provisions made in 1937 have well stood the test of time. Perhaps Brother Walker’s own hopes have been achieved—“It is confidently hoped that the blessing of God, through ‘the Son of Man who walketh in the midst of the’ ecclesias, may rest upon the enterprise”.

Michael Ashton