At Milson Rotary's meeting on Monday, 16th February, Milson Rotary members were treated to an evocative and entertaining journey through the life of one of our own: Don Hall. With a ministry spanning 54 years, Don’s career has been a remarkable tapestry of parish life, military chaplaincy, and dedicated Rotary service. The "Accidental" Chaplain
Don began his talk in a typically self-deprecating fashion. “Chaplains and clergy come in for a lot of stick and a lot of humour,” he noted with a grin, “and sometimes we deserve it.”
Born in the narrow window between VE and VJ days, Don’s roots trace back to Hastings and Tauranga, eventually leading him south to Dunedin for study, marriage to his wife Janet, and the beginnings of family life. Ordained in 1972, he soon discovered, almost by accident, that his vocation would extend far beyond the pulpit. As Don put it, “the seed was sown” for military chaplaincy long before he fully realised his trajectory.
Compassion in Uniform
Don’s Air Force career began in 1976, quickly immersing him in the raw, "deeply human" side of service. Posted to Whenuapai during its peak years, he became a pillar for those at their most vulnerable, navigating the complexities of broken marriages, alcohol dependency, and the darkness of suicide crises.
Don eventually rose to the senior Tri‑Service role of Principal Defence Chaplain (equivalent to Group Captain) and had the honour of being appointed Queen’s Honorary Chaplain. These roles took him to the Middle East, where he observed peacekeeping forces monitoring the Egypt–Israel peace agreement. Reflecting on the dual nature of his role, Don shared a profound insight:
"I served God while wearing a uniform that spoke of compassion, love, and forgiveness—and at the same time talked about using military force. You can’t reconcile those paradoxes; you have to live with them.”
The "Best Kept Secret" in Manawatū
Back home, Don was instrumental in establishing the Ohakea Chapel. He describes the chapel as the "best-kept secret in Manawatū," a sanctuary rich with stained glass that chronicles the history of the NZ Air Force.
Yet, for Don, the true legacy lies in the people. He spoke candidly about the "hardest moments": standing with grieving families, burying young service personnel, and offering a steady hand to those whose lives had been irrevocably changed by service.
A Call to Rotary: Adapt or Fade
A Rotarian since 1995, Don has served in clubs from Warkworth to Feilding and now Palmerston North. While he celebrated the best of the organisation, he offered a gentle but firm warning against the "gravity of tradition." His message to fellow Rotarians was clear: Adapt, review, and stay relevant.
A Heartbeat Away
Don closed his reflection with the humility of a man who has seen the world at both its best and its most broken. When asked if he had any regrets over his five decades of service, his conclusion was as resolute as it was honest:
“Do I have any regrets about my 54 years of ministry? No. Doubts? Yes, plenty.
Would I do it all again? In a heartbeat.”