John Chapman, Sydney’s leading evangelist for more than 50 years, passed away in hospital on November 16 2012 at the age of 82.
‘Chappo’, as he was affectionately known, was converted in his teens and was active in youth ministry. Following a stint as a manual arts teacher, he spent a year in Moore College and was ordained in the Diocese of Armidale in 1957. After a challenging curacy in Moree, he was appointed Youth Director for the Diocese in 1960 and then Director of Christian Education (1966-68).
He moved to Sydney and joined the Department of Evangelism, where he was director for more than 25 years. Among his assistants was a young Phillip Jensen, with whom he would later conduct university missions, particularly during the 1970s and 80s.
