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Kalulu, Birks Harry (1925–1962)

By Godfrey K. Sang

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Godfrey K. Sang is a historical researcher and writer with an interest in Adventist history. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of Eastern Africa Baraton and a number of qualifications from other universities. He is a published author. He is the co-author of the book On the Wings of a Sparrow: How the Seventh-day Adventist Church Came to Western Kenya. 

First Published: May 2, 2024

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Birks Harry Kalulu was an Adventist teacher, an evangelist, and church leader in Africa.

Early Life and Education

Birks Harry Kalulu was born in 1925 near the Matandani Mission located 130km northeast of Blantyre, Malawi. He was raised in a Christian family with both his parents being devout Seventh-day Adventists.1 His father was a teacher and preceptor within the Adventist school system, teaching at Luwazi and at Matandani.

After completing Std. 4 at Matandani, Birks enrolled at Malamulo for Std. 5 and 6. After successfully completing those levels, he pursued a teacher training course. In 1947, he began his career as a qualified teacher, quickly earning the admiration of his students. In 1954, he underwent the Higher Grade Course at the Government Teacher Training College at Domasi in Nyasaland.2 This equipped him for leadership roles.

Career

In 1955, he served as headmaster at the Matandani Primary School.3 The Matandani Mission director at that time was K. G. Webster. In 1958, he was called to head the Thekerani Primary School.4

In September 1959, he was appointed the Education secretary for the South Nyasa Field. He was also the MV (Missionary Volunteer) secretary in the same field.5 In 1961, Birks attended Solusi College’s Leadership Course, preparing him for greater responsibility in the church. He also received his ministerial license that year6 and became a minister. In 1962, he was appointed the departmental secretary for Education with the South Nyasaland Field.7 In that position, he became a member of the board for Malamulo College.

In October 1962, he conducted a successful evangelistic campaign in the city of Blantyre at the 600-seat Colby Community Center auditorium, which was filled to capacity. At one meeting, about 180 people made a decision to be baptized.8 In November 1962, he was at the Camp Khogolo in the Matandani hills where he led 140 campers during the Nyasaland Union Mission Camporee.9 Also in attendance with him was the Field MV Secretary F. K. Nyasulu and a number of volunteer counsellors and assistants.10

Death

Tragically, on December 1, 1962, Kalulu met an untimely end as a result of a motorcycle accident while returning from a visit to Malamulo on his way to Zomba. Earlier that day, he had been visiting teachers at Malamulo, then in the afternoon, he and a teacher, F. Nseula, left for Zomba. A car that was driving on the wrong side of the road around a bend collided with them, resulting in his immediate death. Nseula was hospitalized with multiple fractures. The funeral service, conducted by Pastor O. I. Fields, took place in his home village near the Matandani Mission, where he was laid to rest alongside his parents. He was survived by his wife Esme Kalulu and their seven daughters.11

Legacy

Kalulu was known for his positive impact on people and for his cheerful and friendly nature. His educational and evangelism work brought many to the faith, and his exemplary leadership left a mark on the nascent church in what is today Malawi. His sudden departure left a void in the hearts of many and greatly impacted the ministry for which he had excelled. His aspirations for evangelism and ministry were curtailed by the unfortunate accident. His wife later became the preceptress at the Malamulo College.

Sources

Bristow A. Southern Africa Division Outlook, March 15, 1963.

Dawkins, M. B. Southern Africa Division Outlook, November 15, 1962 and December 15, 1962.

Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook. Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association. Various years. https://www.adventistyearbook.org/.

Notes

  1. A. Bristow, Southern Africa Division Outlook, March 15, 1963, 11.↩

  2. Ibid.↩

  3. “Matandani Mission Station,” Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook (Washington, D.C.: Review & Herald Publishing Association, 1956), 166.↩

  4. “Tekerani Mission Station,” Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook (Washington, D.C.: Review & Herald Publishing Association, 1958), 168.↩

  5. M. B. Dawkins, Southern Africa Division Outlook, November 15, 1962, 9.↩

  6. “South Nyasaland Field,” Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook (Washington, D.C.: Review & Herald Publishing Association, 1961), 179.↩

  7. “South Nyasaland Field,” Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook (Washington, D.C.: Review & Herald Publishing Association, 1962), 184.↩

  8. Ibid.↩

  9. M. B. Dawkins, Southern Africa Division Outlook, December 15, 1962, 8.↩

  10. Ibid.↩

  11. Bristow, 11.↩

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Sang, Godfrey K. "Kalulu, Birks Harry (1925–1962)." Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists. May 02, 2024. Accessed April 17, 2025. https://encyclopedia.adventist.org/article?id=HJNV.

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Sang, Godfrey K. "Kalulu, Birks Harry (1925–1962)." Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists. May 02, 2024. Date of access April 17, 2025, https://encyclopedia.adventist.org/article?id=HJNV.

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Sang, Godfrey K. (2024, May 02). Kalulu, Birks Harry (1925–1962). Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists. Retrieved April 17, 2025, https://encyclopedia.adventist.org/article?id=HJNV.

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