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news archive		The Anglican Parish of the City of Devonport Centenary Celebrations of St John's Devonport On the bright, brisk morning of Sunday 19th February the Rector of the Anglican Parish of the City of Devonport, the Reverend Brian Gibbs, escorted the Bishop, the Right Reverend John Harrower to St Paul's East Devonport for a 7am breakfast with parishioners, thus beginning a very significant day in the life of the faith community. More than fifty parishioners arrived to greet the Bishop, share in breakfast and then Morning Prayer, before farewelling the Bishop as he crossed the Mersey River on his way to St John's for the Centenary Celebrations. In 1906 the then Bishop of Tasmania, the Right Reverend Edward Mercer, crossed the river by boat, however this time, 2006, the Bishop travelled in a 1906 Darracq Tourer chaufferred by Mr Ritson. They drove around the waterfront at East Devonport, thence a majestic tour to St John's, where they robed (in Convocation robes,linen surplices and scarf), collected Archdeacon Emeritus the Venerable Ian Booth (former Rector of St John's) and arrived at the western end of the church to an enthusiastic welcome by parishioners old and new, young and venerable! The choir replicated the events of one hundred years ago by processing from the hall around the church singing “ The Church's One Foundation”. The Bishop then re-dedicated the Foundation Stone with mallet and prayer, and unveiled the 2006 bronze plaque commemorating the event. Mrs Rose Swain, Rector's Warden, presented a silver trowel to Bishop John as had been done by the Rector to Bishop Mercer in 1906. Morning tea in the grounds was a relaxing interlude for the excited crowd. At 10.30 am the Bishop donned his cope and mitre, and then everyone entered St John's for the Family Service, a celebration of 100 years of ministry and mission in West Devonport. At the service, the ordained ministers were inducted into the new PARISH OF THE CITY OF DEVONPORT, the Parish Councillors were presented and commissioned, other lay leaders were commissioned, and certificates presented to the most recently accredited in the Safe Ministry training. Over two hundred and fifty people joined in this service of thanksgiving, including representatives from the Devonport City Council and Devonport RSL, parishioners from all four parish centres and visitors. At the conclusion of the service, the Bishop presided at the official opening of the Historical Exhibition in the Parish Hall, a display of photographs and memorabilia organised by parishioner Bob Vellacott. Bishop John then cut the special Centenary cake, decorated as a replica of the Foundation stone. A Parish barbeque organised by the St John's Servant Ministry group followed in the grounds, providing a great opportunity for friends to reminisce, and later enjoy the exhibition. The Clergy, Parish Council and Parishioners were grateful that the Bishop could participate in these wonderful celebrations. On Wednesday 22nd February the Rector celebrated the 1662 Service of Holy Communion at 10 am in St John's. Transport was provided for elderly parishioners. More than one hundred folk attended the choral service, and enjoyed morning tea afterwards. The historical exhibition was open to the public during the week and many visitors availed themselves of the opportunity to examine the display. Sunday 26th featured a Service of Holy Communion in St John's at 9.30 am celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the laying of the Foundation Stone of the eastern end extensions of the church on 26th February 1956 by the Right Reverend G. F. Cranswick, under the guidance of the Rector, the Reverend Henry Jerrim. Again, a silver trowel was presented to the Bishop in 1956! Later a cake replicating this second foundation stone was cut by parishioners Mr and Mrs Ken Titmus – Ken was the master builder who undertook the completion of these extensions of St John's 50 years ago! Throughout this week of joy and praise Devonport weather remained gloriously sunny and welcoming! The intentions of the organising committee who worked so hard to produce an appropriate and reverent record of this wonderful milestone were affirmed by the magnificent support of so many faithful christians in this parish and beyond. Margaret Gibbs