Purpose
Resource, promote and encourage leaders in the Anglican Church in Brisbane and the Province of Queensland to exercise ministry shaped by a clear understanding of biblical teaching.
Strategic Drivers
Focus areas
Supporting theological Students through to Anglican Ordination in Anglican Church Southern Queensland (ACSQ) and in the Province of QLD.
Supporting Clergy in ACSQ and in the Province of Queensland
Acting as a public voice in the Diocese to promote biblical teaching
Expanding & re-energizing our Donor Base focused on purpose of ministry
Building Ministry Capacity (Balance Capacity & Resources for the new Strategy)
About Mathew Hale
Mathew Hale (1811-1895) was second bishop of Brisbane. Influenced by the evangelical movement at Cambridge University in the 1830s, Hale developed a keen interest in the church overseas. Going to Adelaide in 1847 he established one of the first “successful” Christian missions to Aboriginal people at Pooindie near Port Lincoln. Consecrated first bishop of Perth in 1857 he had a difficult time struggling to administer an isolated and under-resourced diocese.
At the age of 64 he reluctantly accepted the unanimous call of the Australian bishops to the diocese of Brisbane, which was also in financial difficulties with struggling remote parishes and independent city churches that would not help them.
Nevertheless, Mathew Hale’s personal discipleship and commitment were recognised by those who knew him. He was a man of prayer with a fervent evangelical zeal for people’s spiritual welfare, a faithful pastor to his clergy, and was committed to missionary outreach to Aboriginal people. Generous with his own resources and able to relate to a wide range of people, he was known as “the good bishop”.
The Simeon Association intends that the Mathew Hale Public Library will honour this largely forgotten Christian leader and hopes that Anglicans today will be encouraged by his personal example in difficult circumstances.
Download our Accessions Policy (Adopted 21 September 2010).
You can learn more about Bishop Hale by reading the book The Good Bishop: the story of Mathew Hale (1811 - 1895). You can order a copy by downloading this order form.
“The trustee behind Mathew Hale Public Library is called The Simeon Association Ltd. If you ever wondered why his name was used, listen to the attached podcast from the ‘cultural project’ you can find on iTunes. Charles Simeon started his ministry in a godless and violent time but had a profound influence on the growth of Gospel centred churches in the United Kingdom and beyond. This is worth a listen. To do so follow the link below, scroll down to the topic on Charles Simeon was a dandy (or any other), press open in iTunes, select the podcast on Charles Simeon and press the start button to listen.”
https://thisculturalmoment.podbean.com/e/charles-simeon-was-a-dandy-or-unlikely-people-change-the-world/