John S. Hales (1922–2002)

John Stephen Hales (J.S.H.) worked energetically amongst the Brethren in ministering, teaching and preaching for over sixty years. He visited almost every gathering of Brethren globally.

His integrity and committal to righteousness in every sphere of his life were a source of inspiration to those who knew him. His grasp of the truth of Scripture, as well as history, economics, government, and business principles helped many, both inside the Brethren church and in the wider community.

J.S.H. was born on 14 January, 1922, in Thirroul, now a suburb of Wollongong, NSW. He was the second child of William and Grace Hales. His father died in 1931 at the age of 35. His mother and her four children then moved to Croydon Park, Sydney.

After sitting for the Leaving Certificate at Canterbury Boys High School, he worked for an accounting firm in Sydney while studying Accountancy through the Metropolitan Business College. He came first in Australia in the intermediate and final exams. At the same time he studied Economics at night through Sydney University and gained a Bachelor of Economics degree.

J.S.H. was called up for military service in 1942. After basic training in Wagga Wagga, NSW, he was sent to Canungra Jungle Warfare Training Centre near Brisbane. He was then deployed to New Guinea where he joined the 10th Field Ambulance but was later transferred to the 3/14th Field Ambulance. During his four years in the army, he served twice in New Guinea and five months in Darwin.

After the war, while still in New Guinea, he studied History 1 and 2 by correspondence through Sydney University.

On completing his military service, he worked for Commonwealth Industrial Gases (C.I.G. now B.O.C.) in their head office in Alexandria, Sydney, in management positions, both in Finance and Sales.

J.S.H. married Helen Dietrich of Orange, NSW, in August 1949. They lived in Croydon, Sydney, and had four children.

In the 1970s J.S.H. left C.I.G. and bought a small accountancy practice in Campsie, Sydney. He was later joined by his son, Bruce. After selling the accountancy practice they bought an office fit-out business in Ryde, Sydney.

During the early 1990s, J.S.H. was instrumental in starting a school in Sydney for Brethren children.

Mrs Helen Hales died on 18 December, 2001, aged nearly 82 years, and Mr John Hales died 25 days later on Saturday, 12 January, 2002, two days before his 80th birthday.