Pastor John Arthur OBE (Order of the British Empire)

23 November 2006

Buckingham Palace, London and The Stanborough Centre, Watford.

Pictures by Andrew Arthur, Matt Vincent and Victor Hulbert.

Thursday, 23 November will long be remembered by former BUC President, Pastor John Arthur. It was the day he travelled to Buckingham Palace to receive an OBE in recognition of his international charity work for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). Accompanied by his wife, Ruth and two children, Christine and Andrew, Pastor Arthur, handsomely attired in top-hat and tails was presented to Queen Elizabeth II and shared with her ADRA's activities in Albania, Sarajevo and Kosovo. In his own inimitable style he also commended the queen quoting the Bible to her, "may you grow not weary in well doing."

While the visit to Buckingham Palace may have been the highlight of the day there were more surprises to come. More than 130 friends and colleagues from across the British Isles hid inside the Stanborough Centre while Pastor Arthur arrived for what he thought was an interview for BUC News. Instead it was party time with reminiscences and speeches coordinated by long time friend and broadcaster, Bill Hamilton. Enjoy this synpopsis of photos and audio in memory of the day as remember that, as Pastor Arthur pointed out several times during the evening, he did not see the award as a personal reward for him, but as recognition of the positive work of a whole team of people who have supported the work of ADRA.

Listen to an audio report of the event.
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