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Mr Eternity: The Story of Arthur Stace
Almost every day for 35 years, Arthur Stace spent hours writing a single word – Eternity – on and around the streets of Sydney. Sometimes his mission took him much further afield, to country New South Wales and even to Melbourne. Stace’s identity was a mystery for more than two decades. Then, after his ‘unmasking’ in 1956, he became a reluctant folk hero. By the time he died, in 1967, his was a household name and the word Eternity was ingrained in the soul of Sydney. It still is. In this long-awaited biography, the full story of Arthur Stace’s life is told for the first time in vivid and often surprising detail. Drawing upon many original sources, some never before made public, this book will engross Christians and non-believers alike – anyone who loves a great Australian story.
312 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 26, 2019
Hard hitting...experiencing the poverty and hopelessness of Arthur Stace who went from a drunkard and petty criminal to a God encounter to the author of Eternity written 35,000 times on the pavements of Sydney.
March 21, 2018
As a Sydney-sider I am familiar with Arthur Stace's story, and the way he wrote Eternity on footpaths all over Sydney after his conversion. A one-word sermon. My mother remembered seeing the writing when she visited Sydney, but sadly I never did. To see it emblazoned from the Harbour Bridge on NYE 1999 was brilliant. Reading his story was just great, an example of how God can work in even the most hopeless of individuals; Arthur being pretty much an alcoholic and in the gutter. Grace is a wonderful thing. I would have liked to see more sociological implications for the life and times through the book, rather than the fairly dry historical facts, but the research done here was impressive. A book for everyone.
January 13, 2018
Marvellous religious inspirational story. I first heard of it with the Eternity illuminating the Sydney Harbour Bridge at the fireworks for the turn of the Millennium in the year 2000. Finally, a fuller story has come along. And by coincidence, I had a philosophy teacher in America who assigned us to read W. T. Stace, Arthur’s distant relative. They didn’t know each other but shared an interest in the eternal mysteries behind everyday life.
February 13, 2019
A novel about Arthur Stace and how his belief and faith helped him rise from the gutter to live a fruitful life.
April 22, 2019
I wasn't sure about this book. I wanted to know more about Mr Eternity, I was intrigued enough to read it.
I like to read biography and the way this book is written is so much better than others on similar topics have been.
It gives an insight into part of Australia's history.
I like to read biography and the way this book is written is so much better than others on similar topics have been.
It gives an insight into part of Australia's history.
December 28, 2020
Fantastic! An excellently written biography of an unlikely Australian icon.
January 18, 2024
A Legacy of Eternity
The small task of writing the word “Eternity” in Copperplate lettering, was the most important work of his life. This book chronicles the life and legacy of a man who overcame so many difficulties. Arthur Stace would, most assuredly, shake his head at the thought of his story being shared with such detail. However, his one, humble and beautiful life serves as a testament that God is glorified in weakness. The small things we do in life are often the biggest.
The small task of writing the word “Eternity” in Copperplate lettering, was the most important work of his life. This book chronicles the life and legacy of a man who overcame so many difficulties. Arthur Stace would, most assuredly, shake his head at the thought of his story being shared with such detail. However, his one, humble and beautiful life serves as a testament that God is glorified in weakness. The small things we do in life are often the biggest.
April 26, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Arthur Stace “Mr Eternity”. A wonderful inspiring story about how “God saved him from the guttemost to the uttermost”. That was a quote from the book.
February 28, 2020
This is a wonderfully written, well structured biography.
There's lots of detail and it's apparent from the copious notes that it's very well researched. It shows Stace, warts and all and doesn't at all water down the Christian aspect, which is sadly something that has happened in other attempts to describe his life.
What's also good is the picture it gives of some aspects of Sydney's history you generally never hear about - eg things like Hammondville being named after Rev Hammond.
Disclaimer - my dad, Ridley Smith, is the architect mentioned in the book who put the Eternity plaque in Sydney Square near Town Hall, so I might be more interested in the book than most. As was mentioned in the book, he was named after John Ridley because my dad's father, Fred Smith, used to drive the gospel van around country NSW with John Ridley. And thus my surname - Ridley-Smith.
There's lots of detail and it's apparent from the copious notes that it's very well researched. It shows Stace, warts and all and doesn't at all water down the Christian aspect, which is sadly something that has happened in other attempts to describe his life.
What's also good is the picture it gives of some aspects of Sydney's history you generally never hear about - eg things like Hammondville being named after Rev Hammond.
Disclaimer - my dad, Ridley Smith, is the architect mentioned in the book who put the Eternity plaque in Sydney Square near Town Hall, so I might be more interested in the book than most. As was mentioned in the book, he was named after John Ridley because my dad's father, Fred Smith, used to drive the gospel van around country NSW with John Ridley. And thus my surname - Ridley-Smith.
January 20, 2020
I have just finished reading “Mr Eternity” by Roy Williams with Elizabeth Meyers. “Mr Eternity” tells the untold story of Arthur Stace. Arthur was a transformed, humble man who was more concerned with that the message of Eternity went out than he was about his own accolades. For over 3 decades he didn’t want the general public to know it was he was indeed Mr Eternity. When people discovered who he was he asked them “You won’t tell anyone will you?”
I was at Kirribilli Point on Sydney Harbour on NYE in 1999 when “Eternity” lit up the Harbour Bridge to welcome in the new millennium.
Every time I return to Sydney where I grew up, I make a habit of going to Sydney Square above Town Hall Station to see the Arthur Stacey’s “Eternity” monument written on peddles in front of the water fall just as he would like the infamous word “Eternity” to be remembered.
“The one-word sermon gleams in wrought aluminium. There’s no undue prominence. No garish presentation. Merely the simple “Eternity” on pebbles as Arthur Stace would have wanted it” - John Gotch Smith (Architect Sydney Square)
When I worked for Hope Street in Darlinghurst from 2001 to 2005 I had a bit to do with the Burton Street Baptist Tabernacle where Arthur heard the message of “Eternity”. Arthur Stace was an active member here for many years just prior to the church closing in the 1960’s. I was involved in a church plant here as well as running “The Terrace” around the corner which provided medium-term accommodation for adults who were experiencing homelessness.
The Burton Street Baptist Tabernacle was sold to the Sydney City Council in 2004 which they lovingly restored and converted into the “Eternity Playhouse” in a fitting tribute to Mr Eternity.
50 years on from Arthur Stace’s passing and Colin Buchanan wrote a song “Eternity (Arthur Stace)” aptly fitting for Mr Eternity’s life and legacy.
The word of the chorus are
“Eternity is just in front of you
Eternity is coming into view
Arthur Stace just wait and see
There’s so much more
Your destined for
Eternity”
“Eternity it’s just in front of you
Eternity it’s coming into view
Arthur Stace just wait and see
Arthur Stace like you and me
There’s so much more
We’re destined for
Eternity
Eternity”
I was at Kirribilli Point on Sydney Harbour on NYE in 1999 when “Eternity” lit up the Harbour Bridge to welcome in the new millennium.
Every time I return to Sydney where I grew up, I make a habit of going to Sydney Square above Town Hall Station to see the Arthur Stacey’s “Eternity” monument written on peddles in front of the water fall just as he would like the infamous word “Eternity” to be remembered.
“The one-word sermon gleams in wrought aluminium. There’s no undue prominence. No garish presentation. Merely the simple “Eternity” on pebbles as Arthur Stace would have wanted it” - John Gotch Smith (Architect Sydney Square)
When I worked for Hope Street in Darlinghurst from 2001 to 2005 I had a bit to do with the Burton Street Baptist Tabernacle where Arthur heard the message of “Eternity”. Arthur Stace was an active member here for many years just prior to the church closing in the 1960’s. I was involved in a church plant here as well as running “The Terrace” around the corner which provided medium-term accommodation for adults who were experiencing homelessness.
The Burton Street Baptist Tabernacle was sold to the Sydney City Council in 2004 which they lovingly restored and converted into the “Eternity Playhouse” in a fitting tribute to Mr Eternity.
50 years on from Arthur Stace’s passing and Colin Buchanan wrote a song “Eternity (Arthur Stace)” aptly fitting for Mr Eternity’s life and legacy.
The word of the chorus are
“Eternity is just in front of you
Eternity is coming into view
Arthur Stace just wait and see
There’s so much more
Your destined for
Eternity”
“Eternity it’s just in front of you
Eternity it’s coming into view
Arthur Stace just wait and see
Arthur Stace like you and me
There’s so much more
We’re destined for
Eternity
Eternity”
April 15, 2019
Certainly a story that resonates with anyone with links to Sydney, a snapshot of a very different Sydney as it grew to maturity through awkward adolescence, having begun as a tempestuous child. Like most cities, Sydney is multifaceted, and in Stacie’s time, an underworld of criminal, heartbreaking darkness and disadvantage, conflicted with the respectable family, church centred, civilised face it wanted to show to the world, to prove it had shaken free of its disreputable origins. Stace successfully made the transition from the underbelly to light, through his faith in God, a remarkable transition, and was driven to inspire others to do the same.
This retelling of his life, whilst a little caught up in its own self worth,is an interesting compilation of the facts surrounding his family, his life and motivations, whilst revealing a part of the story of Sydney as well. Whilst I appreciated the story of his conversion, I do not know the figures of the Anglican and Baptist churches that feature heavily within this recount, and found that the awe in which the author felt they should be held was not readily conveyed. But this detracts from the style not the story, and the story was certainly worth hearing.
This retelling of his life, whilst a little caught up in its own self worth,is an interesting compilation of the facts surrounding his family, his life and motivations, whilst revealing a part of the story of Sydney as well. Whilst I appreciated the story of his conversion, I do not know the figures of the Anglican and Baptist churches that feature heavily within this recount, and found that the awe in which the author felt they should be held was not readily conveyed. But this detracts from the style not the story, and the story was certainly worth hearing.
July 29, 2018
I enjoyed this book and the historical significance of it.
I can’t remember hearing about Mr Eternity from my parents. His story is inspiring that people are strong enough to overcome hardship. Arthur Stace early life was sad and could have ended as a drunk in the gutter.
To achieve so much in his life should give hope to all.
I can’t remember hearing about Mr Eternity from my parents. His story is inspiring that people are strong enough to overcome hardship. Arthur Stace early life was sad and could have ended as a drunk in the gutter.
To achieve so much in his life should give hope to all.
October 17, 2020
This caught my attention at Koorong, a Christian book shop, earlier in the year, perhaps because I recognized the author and in part to support my tentative conviction that more Christian books by Australian authors should be written and/or available to supplement the predominantly foreign, American in particular, reading choices consumed by Australian Christians. I didn't start reading the book immediately, waiting until I'd listened to a podcast interview with the author (conversations, abc) before beginning in earnest. It's certainly a remarkable story.
The subject, Arthur Stace had a wretched childhood in the slums of late Victorian Sydney and like many men of his time, joined the army for ww1, an experience that didn't rally improve his situation. Some time after returning he had a dramatic conversion to Christianity, then began a quiet mission around the streets of Sydney which made a stylized scripting of the word 'eternity' iconic to the extent it was replicated on the harbour bridge many years afterwards during the Sydney millennial-Olympic season. Roy Williams does a great job bringing this fundamentally Christian story to the fore, demythologizing some popular elements and ensuring the honest reality of stace's faith motivation is clearly outlined.
I hope, however, that this would not just be seen as a Christian story. It also captures much about the story of Sydney and its people - an impression reinforced for me as i read the biography of Banjo Paterson in parallel and refreshing occasional memories of my time living there. Somehow it felt familiar, and the mention of someone with the same name as my great grandfather, supported a feeling of being connected with this story. While more like to be a coincidence, the story telling establishes a strong sense of place and community, which I think many sydneysiders with longer term family history might also sympathize with.
Ultimately, this is a great example of positive Christianity - changing individuals for the better and influencing society in a way few would find disagreeable. Not all will be in a position to replicate this, nor should all Christian interaction with broader society necessarily be uncontentious, but it does present a challenge for churches to consider. Perhaps eternity is part of the clue: as Arthur stace's ongoing legacy indicates, acting in accord with timeless principles with the long view in mind may be the seedbed for future positive legacies of the same kind. Regardless of my soapboxing, this is a refreshing and hopeful read which many will find enjoyable.
The subject, Arthur Stace had a wretched childhood in the slums of late Victorian Sydney and like many men of his time, joined the army for ww1, an experience that didn't rally improve his situation. Some time after returning he had a dramatic conversion to Christianity, then began a quiet mission around the streets of Sydney which made a stylized scripting of the word 'eternity' iconic to the extent it was replicated on the harbour bridge many years afterwards during the Sydney millennial-Olympic season. Roy Williams does a great job bringing this fundamentally Christian story to the fore, demythologizing some popular elements and ensuring the honest reality of stace's faith motivation is clearly outlined.
I hope, however, that this would not just be seen as a Christian story. It also captures much about the story of Sydney and its people - an impression reinforced for me as i read the biography of Banjo Paterson in parallel and refreshing occasional memories of my time living there. Somehow it felt familiar, and the mention of someone with the same name as my great grandfather, supported a feeling of being connected with this story. While more like to be a coincidence, the story telling establishes a strong sense of place and community, which I think many sydneysiders with longer term family history might also sympathize with.
Ultimately, this is a great example of positive Christianity - changing individuals for the better and influencing society in a way few would find disagreeable. Not all will be in a position to replicate this, nor should all Christian interaction with broader society necessarily be uncontentious, but it does present a challenge for churches to consider. Perhaps eternity is part of the clue: as Arthur stace's ongoing legacy indicates, acting in accord with timeless principles with the long view in mind may be the seedbed for future positive legacies of the same kind. Regardless of my soapboxing, this is a refreshing and hopeful read which many will find enjoyable.
May 22, 2025
Absolutely excellent historical review of an iconic life! Most Australians over the age of 30 would be familiar with the copperplate "Eternity" being lit up over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but few would understand the mission Arthur Stace pursued.
*Spoilers* although it's biography, so you likely know something of his life already.
Arthur grew up in a home of two raging alcoholics. Both parents cared more for drink than caring for their children in an already difficult economic time. Eventually the father left home and mother dropped the children off at an orphanage. Arthur would learn to read and write, but not much beyond that. He became an alcoholic and a vagrant himself. He joined the Anzac army during the war and came home much the same as he left.
Then in order to get free food and tea, he went to a Christian meeting. Here he was introduced to Jesus. Later he would hear a man named Ridley preach on "Echoes of Eternity". He gave his life to Christ and began to follow Jesus.
Shortly after, while working with Hammond to help the poor and disadvantaged, he began his famous work of chalking the word "Eternity" everywhere he went. He would write the word across the greater Sydney area tens of thousands of times. The rest you'll have to read for yourself.
It's truly an amazing story told within the proper context of his faith in Christ. I appreciated the author's consistency and honesty both about the man and his motives. Who knows how many were reached by this simple act of faithful consistency.
*Spoilers* although it's biography, so you likely know something of his life already.
Arthur grew up in a home of two raging alcoholics. Both parents cared more for drink than caring for their children in an already difficult economic time. Eventually the father left home and mother dropped the children off at an orphanage. Arthur would learn to read and write, but not much beyond that. He became an alcoholic and a vagrant himself. He joined the Anzac army during the war and came home much the same as he left.
Then in order to get free food and tea, he went to a Christian meeting. Here he was introduced to Jesus. Later he would hear a man named Ridley preach on "Echoes of Eternity". He gave his life to Christ and began to follow Jesus.
Shortly after, while working with Hammond to help the poor and disadvantaged, he began his famous work of chalking the word "Eternity" everywhere he went. He would write the word across the greater Sydney area tens of thousands of times. The rest you'll have to read for yourself.
It's truly an amazing story told within the proper context of his faith in Christ. I appreciated the author's consistency and honesty both about the man and his motives. Who knows how many were reached by this simple act of faithful consistency.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2020
The story of a dysfunctional childhood, addiction, conviction, conversion, faith and a life changed. A legacy left in lives touched, friends left, and a sermon captured in a single word. The lifespan of God is “eternity”. This word, and the impact of Arthur Stace life has stretched beyond his death to the millennial celebrations and opening of the Sydney Olympic Games. The life of a humble man, transformed and well spent.
December 28, 2020
A well researched, referenced and written book.
The first part paints a bleak view of life in Sydney at the time. Alcohol had a diabolical grip on the community. But the Lord delivered Arthur Stace, any many others, from it all.
The book contains glimpses into other lives in Sydney, ministers and believers, working to bring healing to people would hear them and receive their help.
A good read.
The first part paints a bleak view of life in Sydney at the time. Alcohol had a diabolical grip on the community. But the Lord delivered Arthur Stace, any many others, from it all.
The book contains glimpses into other lives in Sydney, ministers and believers, working to bring healing to people would hear them and receive their help.
A good read.
December 30, 2021
I learned so much reading this book. It is a great resource on Mr Eternity. He left his mark in so many places physically but also on the hearts of those who were touched by his kindness and transformation.
July 7, 2018
An inspiring story of incredible hardship to beautiful fulfillment. Such a powerful testimony on transformational grace.
September 20, 2018
An inspiring story of an ordinary man who God used to do extraordinary things.
March 5, 2021
The ongoing effect of Arthur's story is amazing.
March 25, 2025
Powerful story of a life completely transformed by Christ and the impact that life had on thousands of others.
March 27, 2020
Arthur Stace, broken and world-weary from a lifetime of compound trauma and neglect became interested with the idea of 'Eternity' after hearing Reverend Hammond speaking from the book of Isaiah at Barnabas Church, Sydney. His life changed considerably two years later, upon hearing Reverend John Ridley's lightning bolt address on 'Echoes of Eternity'.
Arthur converted to Christianity, turned his back on a life of excess, and began a life of service to others through the church.
Shortly after his conversion in 1930, Arthur was continually troubled by the notion of 'eternity' and began chalking the word in distinct Copperplate on the footpaths of Sydney; a one-word sermon to the city. It was estimated he wrote this over 500,000 times.
Despite passing away relatively unknown in 1967, Arthur's legacy of 'Eternity' was lit up over 30 years later in the most spectacular way. Sydney Harbour Bridge displayed the word in lights as the nations tuned in to watch Australia usher in the 1999 New Year's Eve celebrations.
There's plenty of historical research that has gone into this work, reminding the reader that the life of a new migrant to the infant nation could go either very well, or very badly for an individual. Set against the heartbreak of Arthur's life is the power of resilience; being placed for adoption, shunted from home to home in foster arrangements, working in coal and serving in the trenches during world conflict, trying (and failing) at family life.
Amongst the despair lies hope that even the most downcast life can be lifted from the gutter, set up again with shoulders squared, and be lived with purpose in serving others.
A relatively unknown national treasure, and a highly recommended read.
Arthur converted to Christianity, turned his back on a life of excess, and began a life of service to others through the church.
Shortly after his conversion in 1930, Arthur was continually troubled by the notion of 'eternity' and began chalking the word in distinct Copperplate on the footpaths of Sydney; a one-word sermon to the city. It was estimated he wrote this over 500,000 times.
Despite passing away relatively unknown in 1967, Arthur's legacy of 'Eternity' was lit up over 30 years later in the most spectacular way. Sydney Harbour Bridge displayed the word in lights as the nations tuned in to watch Australia usher in the 1999 New Year's Eve celebrations.
There's plenty of historical research that has gone into this work, reminding the reader that the life of a new migrant to the infant nation could go either very well, or very badly for an individual. Set against the heartbreak of Arthur's life is the power of resilience; being placed for adoption, shunted from home to home in foster arrangements, working in coal and serving in the trenches during world conflict, trying (and failing) at family life.
Amongst the despair lies hope that even the most downcast life can be lifted from the gutter, set up again with shoulders squared, and be lived with purpose in serving others.
A relatively unknown national treasure, and a highly recommended read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews