BY DIANE GRANT
Hundreds of faithful worshippers from across the country towns of the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta from Kilmore, to Albury, to Shepparton to Corryong came to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Shepherd, Bishop John Parkes, AM, GCSJ, on Saturday, 15 December, at Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Bishop John was installed on 13 December 2008 on a wet day, and his 10th anniversary was on 13 December this year and it poured that day also.
But to allow the parish folk from right across the Anglican country Diocese it was held on 15 December. The weather was a little kinder for the celebratory service and lunch outdoors.
The celebration included hymns of praise, led by the Cathedral choir, prayers of thanks, speeches or appreciation, and a gift from the Diocese.
Special guests on the day were Archbishop Philip Freier, Primate of the Australian Anglican church and Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, The Reverend Doctor Graeme Garrett friend for 30 years of Bishop john and preacher on the day and the Anglican Bishop of Bendigo, Bishop Matt Brain.
Clergy from across the Diocese and Bishop John’s family and friends joined with the congregation in the celebration Eucharist to commemorate Bishop’s John’s 10 years of valued contribution to the Diocese and his community.