After more than four decades in Law and Ministry, Ipswich-based pastor Mark Edwards has begun a new chapter—his PhD through Avondale University. Recently confirmed as a candidate, Edwards’ research will explore how Australian Imperial Force (AIF) chaplains responded to trauma during the First World War.
“I initially trained and practiced as a lawyer then became Senior Minister of Cityhope Church in Ipswich for 33 years,” Edwards says. “I handed the leadership of the church over to a young pastor in November 2023, however, I together with my family still attend the church.”
While Edwards is not an Avondale alumnus, his supervision team led him here. “When thinking about study, I spoke to Professor Peter Stanley, one of Australia’s leading historians, who said to me that if I was going to pursue the topic I was thinking of, there was only one person he would recommend to assist me. That was Daniel [Reynaud]… Avondale was ‘Daniel’s university’ so I was happy. Since then, I know I have made the right choice—the environment entirely suits me.”
His PhD will break new ground, exploring: “How continuous service frontline AIF chaplains responded to traumatic events arising from their proximity to battle in WWI? What consequence did the chaplain’s unique combination of spirituality, clerical training, vocational calling and professional experience have upon the chaplain’s response to trauma?”
For Edwards, the originality of the topic makes it important. “AIF WWI chaplains and their response to trauma has not been researched in any great detail… Considering the vast amount that has been written about WWI, chaplains have not been broadly researched except by a few historians. An increasing awareness of the contribution of chaplains is essential.”
The weight of that task is not lost on him. “It’s actually quite daunting to be honest and I feel the weight of that responsibility quite heavily. My wonderful supervisors have played a huge role in lifting my confidence… Confirmation was a great boost, and I realised I was on the right track but with a long journey ahead.”
His interest in military history began locally. “As Senior Minister of Cityhope Church in Ipswich with the largest RAAF base just outside the city, the Anzac Service was one of the largest services. At these services, I researched and presented an Anzac documentary on a local Ipswich WWI identity. During the research I started to read some of the writings of chaplains, and I became enthralled by these anonymous heroes.”
Edwards believes the relevance extends beyond the past. “The response of chaplains to traumatic events will hopefully contribute to a broader question of how non-combatants in a modern context respond when faced with events which have the potential to induce trauma.”
Outside study, Edwards is an avid runner. “At my age I only run half marathons now, 21.1 kilometres is enough for me—although I have run two marathons, Brisbane and Paris. I usually run three a year. In 2024 and 2025 I ran Canberra, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Auckland, Christchurch and Gold Coast plus a couple of 10 km races as well.” And like in running, Edwards sees research as a test of endurance. “Obviously there are no AIF WWI veterans still alive, yet I hope that through my research, the chaplains’ voices can be heard through time. I want to give these chaplains a clarion voice which demonstrated courage and faith in circumstances that hopefully few of us will ever face again.”