Rev Don Pederick: An extraordinary life and ministry

The Uniting Church in Australia has been shaped and sustained by the quiet, steady faithfulness of people like the Rev Don Pederick. Last Saturday, Don celebrated his 100th birthday – a milestone in itself – but his life offers even more reason for celebration: 69 years of ordained ministry, recognised recently at the Western Australia Synod.

We had the privilege to speak with Don shortly after his centenary to reflect on his life, ministry and the enduring lessons he’s learned. He spoke with clarity and warmth – his voice steady with the same assurance that has guided him for a century.

Raised on a farm 10 miles out of Wagin in WA, Don was the eldest of six children. Life on the land was simple and grounded in faith, thanks to the strong Christian example set by his parents, Will and Win. “My foundations were set firmly by my parents,” he recalls. “Perhaps in an old-fashioned way, but a firm faith in which I was able to develop.”

After his parents sold the farm in 1947, the family moved to Perth. It was there that Don’s journey into ministry began to take shape. “I felt the call of God to ministry. Full stop,” he said simply. “I never thought how long it was going to be or how difficult it was going to be. I just knew if I gave myself into God’s hands, He would do it.”

That sense of surrender carried Don through decades of full-time ministry, including postings in Merredin, Rockingham-Kwinana, Narrogin, Collie, Mosman Park-Cottesloe, South Perth and finally Busselton. Don also served as President of the Methodist Church of WA from 1976 until the formation of the Uniting Church in Australia the following year.

Throughout this journey, Don’s wife Judy was by his side, not just as a spouse but as an active partner in ministry. They married in 1953 and were together until her death six years ago. “She was my helpmate – a wife, a parish assistant, a colleague, an advisor,” he says. “We were a team.” Together they raised four children and built a life anchored in a steadfast faith and shared passion for service.

Don’s pastoral care left a lasting impression on the many communities he served. “The things I’m proud of are things that happened in little ways,” he says. “Even today, I bump into people who say, ‘You helped me through so-and-so,’ and they remind me of a situation I had almost forgotten. Their life was changed by that.” His daughter, Bethwyn Joy, echoed this sentiment: “At Dad’s birthday party, I was amazed by how many people wanted to share the stories of how helpful Dad had been in their particular times of need. He always stepped in, supported them and cared for them.”

The world has changed dramatically during Don’s lifetime – from the way we live, to the way we communicate, to the way we do church. He notes that the shift from minister-centred leadership to a greater emphasis on lay leadership has been significant. “We’re drawing on the lay leadership and being more biblical in our approach to church fellowship,” he says.

Technology, too, has played a surprising role in Don’s ministry. “I.T. has taken over,” he grins. “Unless you are I.T. literate, you're behind.” Fortunately, Don has embraced technology in his later years, learning the basics of computing more than two decades ago. These skills that have helped him stay connected and engaged in ministry, even in retirement.

When reflecting on moments of difficulty, Don’s answer is always the same: trust in God. “My faith was tested on several occasions,” he says, “but the way I got through it was simply trusting Him every day. It might have been a simple trust, but it was a sure trust.”

His favourite Bible verse, Romans 8:28 (“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”), has sustained him through many seasons. It’s a scripture that continues to shape his outlook. “My understanding of God has probably not changed very much,” he says, “but it has taken on more social implications.”

To younger ministers, Don offers straightforward advice: be faithful. “No one expects you to be like your neighbour. You are unique. You have a special ministry to give and what God requires of you is faithfulness.”

That same message echoes in his parting words to the next generation: “If you believe in God and believe in Jesus Christ, you give your life to them and follow their path – whatever anyone else may dictate. There’ll be many side tracks but remember: faithfulness is the thing that’s going to count at the end.”

A century of life. Nearly seven decades of ministry. A faith that’s never wavered. Don Pederick’s story is not just one of longevity, but a legacy of faithfulness, service, humility and love that continues to ripple through the lives of those he’s touched.

Happy 100th birthday, Rev Don. Thank you for showing us what a life of enduring faith in Christ can look like.