A TRIBUTE TO REV. W. JOHN JOHNSON
The Rev. John Johnson died on 30th December 2001 at age 91. For many years John was the Director of the Methodist Department of Adult Care. In this role he founded and was responsible for the administration of the Methodist Church’s outstanding ministry to the aged.
His vision, drive and initiative saw the establishment of the following facilities caring for the needs of elderly people:
These facilities provided services, care and accomodation ranging from day care centres through independent living, hostel and nursing home. John worked tirelessly in the interests of elder people in need. He represented this work to the church, to the community and to every level of government seeking their involvement in this work. He travelled widely, visiting facilities where ever there was something he could learn about pastoral care, the delivery of health care, administrative advances and architectural developments in this field. He sought to ensure that each of these facilities was, at the time of establishment, "state of the art" for the needs they were designed to meet. His work received public recognisiton, with the award of an MBE in 1968.
One of John’s great strengths was his ability to enlist staff of high quality and expertise who applied a commitment similar to John’s to the care of the elderly.
When he retired at the end of 1979 his work enjoyed a high reputation within church and community and had become a valued arm of care within the Uniting Church.
It is also of note that, as well as assuming responsibility for care for the aged, John was charged within the Methodist Church with responsibility for Immigration, Chaplaincy and International House. For him, he saw it all as expression of his commitment to Christ.
His funeral was attended by many Moorfields Community people including current staff, ex-staff, residents and friends. It was like a reunion and the noise levels in the room after the service provided an indication of the strength of love for John.
As UnitingCare Victoria moves forward with its strategic plan, a number of the facilities established by John will disappear, as many more will be built, but there is no doubt that the extraordinary contribution made by Rev John Johnson will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Beverley Youren
Coordinator Moorfields Units
Tribute taken from the last edition of the Eldercare publication May/June edition 2002.
