St Peter's Church, Port Sorell
Celebrating 50 years at St Peter's Church, Port Sorell
Looking back and looking forward
St Peter’s Church at Port Sorell was filled to capacity as 75 parishioners, past clergy and visitors gathered on 30 November 2008 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone in 1958.
It was a great pleasure for the small congregation to welcome Bishop Ross Nicholson and his wife Jenny. As the parish is presently without a minister, the service was led by Lay Reader, Dr John Gale, and Bishop Ross preached and celebrated Holy Communion.
Also present were Mrs Joan Gardam and Mrs Margaret Ford who attended the service 50 years ago, and Sally and Paul Griffin who were the first couple to be married at St Peter’s.
Other long serving and hard working members acknowledged were Dawn and Larrie Dunn, Mrs Glad Baggot, Mrs Dolly Poate and Mrs Doris Sankey.
The family of the late Archdeacon W. Walters, who officiated at the laying of the foundation stone, was represented by Robert and Elaine Walters and Margaret Ford. Geoff Haward gave a short talk about the people associated with the building of St Peter’s Church.
The theme of Looking Back, Looking Forward was used by Bp Ross in his preaching from Ezra 3 as he challenged us to ponder: do we look back at the former glory, or do we look forward with anticipation and hope of what might be? Bp Ross suggested that both views are equally valid on such an occasion.
A luncheon was enjoyed in the Church House after the service as people renewed acquaintances and fellowshipped together.