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Stella Doreen Bowen

9 MARCH 1923 – 6 NOVEMBER 2019

“Stella was a lady who cared deeply about others”

Stella Doreen Bowen was born at Gillingham, Kent in the United Kingdom. In 1943, during WW2, Stella was working in the Baptist Church in Kent serving baked beans on toast to service men and sea farers. Among those lined up for a serve of food was a young Welsh man by the name of David Bowen. He was captivated by her, and asked his friend John Jaques, if he knew who this girl was. He told David that her name was Stella Trenard, from a family well known in their Baptist Church. David told him “I am going to marry her.” So, it was love at first sight!

They were engaged on the 12th October 1946 and were married in 1948. David become the assistant Minister of the Southampton Church and Stella embarked on the role of a Ministers’ wife and supported David throughout his ministry. In 1957 they migrated to Tasmania where David took up ministry at The Launceston Baptist Tabernacle, followed in 1974 to the Ministry at Wolston Park in Brisbane, and they remained there until David retired in 1984.

Stella had firm views on the role a minister’s wife should play. She also had settled views on the content, presentation and particularly the length of sermons. 20 minutes was the maximum length!

A family friend, Mr Max Lockhart, said that Stella was a lady who cared deeply about others. She had been active in the life of Wishart Village, remembered birthdays, was always concerned for the welfare of others, and was a prayer warrior.

Max at her 90th birthday told her in his speech that the name Stella comes from the Latin meaning a star.

She was a star in her Christian life and witness. In caring for others, she was a star, as a special friend she was a star. Stella Bowen was one of our Lord Jesus’s special ladies. She is survived by her sister Marjorie and brother in-law Bill Lehman. Stella was the oldest member at City South Baptist, and was a much-loved member of the church, and was previously at the City Tabernacle.

The Open Door Queensland Baptists’ Retreat Lodge Retreat

Relax Refresh

The Open Door is situated 30km north of Gympie on Mt Kanigan in a rural setting with spectacular 360 degree views. The complex sleeps 27-30 people in seven bedrooms and one dormitory and there are two kitchens, two lounge rooms, four bathrooms, a dining room and fireplace. Other amenities include a children’s play area and games room (pool and ping-pong tables) and a small meeting room/chapel. The Open Door is a relaxed, refreshing environment that provides a unique uninterrupted setting for leadership seminars, prayer retreats, team weekends and missionary holidays.

For further information contact: Queensland Baptists Phone: (07) 3354 5600 Email: enquiries@qb.org.au

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