A distinguished career spanning over four decades has been recognised posthumously as Murray Chapman was honoured for his exceptional service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The South Pacific Division (SPD) formally acknowledged his contributions yesterday with a citation presented by SPD president Pastor Glenn Townend to his wife, Muriel, during a meeting of the Division Executive Committee.
Born on October 3, 1959, Mr Chapman dedicated his life to education, leadership and safeguarding within the Church until his passing on February 11, 2025. The citation commended Mr Chapman’s “exceptional and dedicated service” to the Seventh-day Adventist Church over 43 years.
After attending Avondale College from 1978-1981, Mr Chapman’s journey of service began on January 1, 1982, as a teacher in the Greater Sydney Conference. He then moved to Auckland Seventh-day Adventist High School, serving as head teacher from 1984 to 1987.
In 1988, he was appointed deputy principal at Hamilton Adventist High School (NSW), and from 1989 to 1993, he served at the Pakistan Adventist Seminary as a teacher and registrar, “demonstrating adaptability, resilience and a profound commitment to service”.
Upon returning to Australia, Mr Chapman continued his work in Adventist education at Sydney Adventist College (SAC), serving as a teacher and later as deputy principal from 1994 to 2000. He took a break to complete his MBA and worked in the private sector before returning in 2005 as principal of SAC. His leadership was marked by “strategic vision, integrity and genuine care for students and staff”.
From 2010 until January 2017, Mr Chapman served as associate executive director of education for the Greater Sydney Conference. He then transitioned to Adsafe, where he diligently worked as project manager, overseeing significant projects that strengthened the Church’s policies for safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals.
“These policies and procedures are a significant part of his legacy to the Church,” the citation noted.
On behalf of her husband, Mrs Chapman thanked the SPD, sharing, “It was always just his wish to make this Church a better place.”
The presentation concluded with a prayer for the Chapman family led by SPD general secretary Pastor Mike Sikuri.
Adsafe general manager Pastor Michael Worker later shared his reflections on Mr Chapman’s life and impact. “I had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside Murray for the past 19 years in various capacities,” Pastor Worker said.
“The Murray I knew was deeply committed to his God and to serving his Church. He was a man of integrity, dedication, humility and sincerity. Murray was happy to work in the background, never seeking the limelight. However, when called upon, he was willing and able to step up and lead.”
Pastor Worker highlighted Mr Chapman’s role in developing Adsafe’s foundation, ensuring the protection of children and vulnerable adults within the Church. “One of Murray’s greatest desires was to leave a legacy in the work of protecting children and vulnerable adults, and he has achieved this,” he said. “His work will create a legacy that will carry on long into the future. Most of all, Murray will be missed for being a friend and much-loved colleague by the team.”
