The Ellen G White/Seventh-day Adventist Research Centre at Avondale University (Cooranbong, NSW) celebrated its 50th anniversary from May 22 to 24, recognising five decades of preserving Adventist history and strengthening research in the South Pacific.
The anniversary celebrations included the Legacy Maker Symposium, which explored the continuing relevance of Ellen White’s ministry and legacy. A special Sabbath service at Avondale University Church was also part of the celebrations, during which all former directors of the centre were recognised. Four of the centre’s five past directors attended in person. The inaugural director, Dr Arthur Patrick, who passed away in 2013, was represented by his grandson.
Ellen G White Estate director Dr Merlin Burt described it as a “precious privilege” to have “all but one of the past directors” present for the anniversary celebrations. Plaques were presented by South Pacific Division president Pastor Glenn Townend and Dr Burt, and Pastor Townend offered a prayer for the former directors.
During the Sabbath message, Australian Union Conference president Dr Brendan Pratt explored the “Legacy Maker” theme, looking at the beginnings of the Church in Australia. He encouraged attendees to continue the mission legacy of the Church’s pioneers and support current evangelistic initiatives, including Australia for Christ in 2028 and OneVoice27.
Officially opened in 1976, the centre has since become a major research resource for the South Pacific Division. Current centre director Pastor Mark Pearce explained that the centre also serves as a custodian of Ellen White’s writings in the South Pacific Division, helping students, pastors and researchers engage with her writings, historical materials and the broader context of Adventist history.
The Avondale-based centre was among the earliest Ellen G White research centres established globally—the fourth of 25 centres and branch offices around the world. According to Dr Burt, the anniversary “represents half a century of the Church in Australia having access to original historical research resources”.
Reflecting on the centre’s role in the life of the church, Pastor Townend noted Ellen White’s strong connection with the South Pacific, where she lived and travelled for more than nine years. “She left a legacy through her writings for our part of the world. Having a centre where we have a lot of the material and can research it just allows us to keep the momentum of the church mission going forward.”
He recalled using the centre both as an Avondale student and later as a church leader seeking support for historical and theological research. “Being at a university means that research can happen with the prime documents; it’s not just secondary materials. It’s good for our students, it’s good for our future,” Pastor Townend added.
Pastor Pearce said the anniversary was a reminder of the importance of understanding the Church’s history and purpose. “If we forget why we’re here and we forget our history, then we’re going to forget our reason for being. It’s important that we remember our roots because that helps drive us for purpose now and in the future,” said Pastor Pearce.
Recordings of the symposium presentations are available on the Ellen G White Research Centre YouTube channel.
