Five brothers having graduated from Vincent Hill School, India, served the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Frank and Robert held responsible positions in the church while serving in India. Eric, and Brian were ordained gospel workers. Eric leading out in the Educational work, and Brian loveable Pastor/Evangelist in many parts of Sri Lanka. Ralph joined the Kottawa and later served in the Lakpahana schools. Not forgetting the youngest of brothers Allan who emigrated to Australia, completed his studies and served as a missionary doctor in the Far East. Two sisters Christobel and Claribel taught in the schools in Nugegoda and Kottawa. The eldest sister Marjorie along with her husband J C McHeyzer (big made highly respected football referee) with their large family brought stability to the ‘The Tabernacle’ and later Shiloh church. McHeyzer joined the Literature Ministry and later led out in the Industrial work at Lakpahana School. Add to this the two Corteling sisters (Daphne and Joyce) taught in our schools, married two brothers Eric and Brian Juriansz.
We salute these torch bearers of the early Adventist movement that threw in such massive weight and enormous stability, whose fruits we enjoy now.
Pastor Brian Juriansz was the founder of the ‘Lakpahana Seminary’ in the early 1950’s. His first set of graduates consisted of Tudor Perera, Alagappan, Leo Fernando and two girls (Mary’s). Tudor and Alagappan married the two female graduates and served the church as ordained gospel workers till their retirement. That speaks volumes on the foundation laid by Pastor Brian Juriansz.
I pay my tribute to Daphne Corteling (Mrs Brian Juriansz) who taught me English at the Kottawa school. My memories of Pastor Eric Juriansz lingers still. Specially with my mother’s death (she was buried in the Kottawa premises). Pastor and Mrs Eric Juriansz extended their hospitality to our family at the time of my mother’s demise and when my father became a victim of an heart attack. Mr Ralph Juriansz attempted to sharpen my mathematical skills.
When I join the gospel ministry it was Pastor Brian Juriansz, my mentor who guided me. I had the opportunity of working in the areas that he had worked as a evangelist. Places like Matara, Kandy, Matale, Kurunegala.
Facing difficulties and hardships in the ministry it was comforting to hear the language of love from Pastor Brian Juriansz. He had a way of putting others at ease. He spoke straight from the heart. His display of courage in very trying circumstances while he faced many challenges was something I did admire. He brought gentleness in his looks and rarely raised his voice in anger. His relationship with God the creator was displayed with a sense of honesty.
He was one of the most honest men one could ever have had the privilege of meeting. He embedded in us the sense of loyalty to the church and commitment to the church. Precious are the memories that linger in our hearts. Our prayers for his children.
