July 23, 2019
Ethel (in white) with a group of her peers on the mission field.
Ethel Maureen Swart passed away peacefully, at Switzer Rest Home in Kaitaia, New Zealand on Tuesday, July 23, 2019. She was 95 years old. Ethel was dearly loved by her late husband, Bob, her children: Heather, Robin, and late son, Terry, her seven grandchildren, and her two great-grandchildren. A service for Ethel was held at St Saviour’s Anglican Church in Kaitaia on Friday, July 26, 2019.
Ethel was appointed as an IPHC missionary in March 1960, with an assignment to South Africa. During her time there, Ethel served in multiple roles, such as secretary to the general supervisor for Africa, Rev. Duncan. She lived in Krugersdorp and, each weekday, worked at the headquarters for the Pentecostal Holiness Church there in South Africa. In addition to her secretarial work for Rev. Duncan, she was the secretary treasurer at Freeman Bible College and assisted other missionaries in the IPHC, as needed.
Mrs. Swart also served as the missionary advisor in the Southwestern Conference. In this role, she assisted the Women’s Auxiliary Board with editing, typing, processing convention reports, and duplicating convention minutes.
Finally, Ethel served as the jurisdictional Women’s Auxiliary vice president. In this role, she would attend board meetings and help plan sessions.
The World Missions Ministries family is celebrating the life of Ethel Swart, along with the legacy she leaves behind. We are thankful to have figures like Ethel who served the IPHC with honor and in the genuine servant heartedness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our prayers are with her grieving friends and family members.
“World Missions Ministries honors the life and missionary legacy of Mrs. Ethel Swart. A very kind and gentle lady who loved to serve others. She was always exceptionally kind and loving to missionary children. Ethel honored the Lord in everything she did. We extend our love and heartfelt condolences to her family.” – Bishop Talmage Gardner
