GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — The Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of George, the Rt Revd Paddy Glover, came to St James’ Anglican Church in Graaff-Reinet the Sunday before last to conduct the Institution and Installation of the new Rector, the Revd Dr Mark Marais OSPB, and to confirm Cowan Swartz, Lilitha Hans and Waylon du Plessis.
The service was attended by many members of the St James family, both from Graaff-Reinet and some of the chapels further afield. The Confirmands were also well supported by family and friends.
In his address during the Sunday service, Bishop Paddy drew attention to the headship of the Anglican Church in South Africa, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the Head. Hence, those elected to hold office are no different to any other parishioner, except that those in the ordained ministry are set aside to help lay members to identify and put into practice their gifting and the ministry to which they are called.
Bishop Paddy also distinguished between ministry in the Church and ministry from the Church.
The hymns chosen for the service were mostly well-known by the congregation and sung with gusto. Accompaniment was provided by the extremely gifted Rev Dr Noel Jean Creill on the organ, whose talent will be greatly missed in Graaff-Reinet. Churchwardens David Dugmore and Graham Harris were also involved in the service.
The Institution of a Rector involves a procession around a Church to distinctive parts such as the font, the Body of the Church, the lectern, the pulpit and the Eucharistic table at which both the Rector Designate and the people of the Parish are charged to be effective in different ministries.
Acts of Allegiance to the Christian faith are made, a licence issue and the Rector installed. During the Confirmation, the Confirmands make a declaration of their faith in what Christians believe, and the Holy Spirit is invited upon them through anointing with Chrism Oil and the Laying on of Hands. The Eucharist or Holy Communion is then celebrated.
After the service, members of the congregation enjoyed tea and snacks in the church hall.
The Rt Revd Paddy Glover, Cowan Swartz, Waylon du Plessis, Lilitha Hans, David Dugmore, Graham Harris, the Revd Dr Mark Marais OSPB (Rector: Parish of St James Graaff-Reinet).
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