Faithful keeper of memory
Christine Gordon celebrates 25 years preserving the Uniting Church’s story, faithfully safeguarding its history and memory for future generations
April 1, 2026
This Friday marks a remarkable milestone for Christine Gordon, who celebrates 25 years as Archivist for the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly, a role she has embraced with passion and unwavering commitment.
“I have loved every minute of this work,” Christine reflects, summing up a role that has quietly but profoundly shaped the Church’s ability to remember, reflect and tell its story.
Since 2001, Christine has supported Assembly agencies – many now part of the Church’s history – as well as Synods, members and researchers from around the world. Her work has extended beyond Australia, offering archival guidance through UnitingWorld to partner churches in Tonga and the Cook Islands, and to Nungalinya College in Darwin.
Her service has spanned the life of the Church on varying levels and occasions. “I have had the privilege of visiting and working with most Synods, attended seven Assemblies, worked with nine Presidents, three General Secretaries and numerous National Directors and staff members,” she recounts.
Along the way, she has ensured that the Church’s story is carefully preserved and made accessible.
At the heart of Christine’s work is a learned understanding of archives as the guardians of corporate memory. Through her stewardship, records – ranging from meeting minutes and reports to photographs and digital files – are preserved not only for legal and administrative purposes, but as vital witnesses to the Church’s life, mission and identity.
These collections, held across institutions such as the State Library of NSW, the National Library of Australia, AIATSIS and the National Film and Sound Archive, form an enduring resource for historians, storytellers, and leaders seeking to share the Uniting Church’s story with integrity and truth.
The Assembly extends its hearty congratulations and sincere gratitude to Christine for her 25 years of service. Her tireless effort stands as a testament to ensuring that the story of the Uniting Church remains not only for us today, but for generations to come.
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From top left clockwise: Geoff Barnes and Christine Gordon (2001); Jeannie, Mark Hillis and Christine (2010); Christine with Geoff Barnes and Daryl Lightfoot (2001); Christine with past President Rev Dr Alistair McCrae, current President Rev Charissa Suli and History Society conference delegates (2025); Auburn Mosque (2013); and Christine with Margaret Somerville and Helen Richmond (2011).
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