Gallery – Past Events

Commissioning Fr William Deng was commissioned as Priest in charge of the Parish of St Mary’s on Tuesday 7th June at a service attended by over 100 people, some from the Lockley’s parish, Fr William’s previous parish, some from the Sudanese community along with many St Mary’s parishioners. Mayor of Mitcham Glenn Spear and his wife Tracey were also present to represent the local Mitcham community. Archbishop Jeffrey Driver commissioned Fr William and a number of people from the St Mary’s parish presented William with the symbols of ministry – bible, prayer book, baptismal ewer, the holy sacraments, the stole and the holy oil. Bishop Chris McLeod, National Aboriginal Bishop and acting Area Archdeacon, welcomed Fr William to his new position.   Speeches of welcome were made by a number of people including Glenn Spear, Mayor of Mitcham, Mabok Deng Mabok, Sudanese leader in Adelaide, the Rev’d Peter Sandeman, CEO Anglicare SA, the Rev’d Sonya Patterson, Area Dean, Fr Gary Priest and Tom Parker from the St Mary’s parish. Celebrations concluded with supper and the cutting of a celebratory cake. commissioning 6 commissioning 5 commissioining 4 commissioning 7 commissioning 3commissioning 8 commissioning 2 commissioning 1

      175 1   The weekend’s celebrations began on Saturday morning in the church when a choir from St Luke’s Whitmore Square provided some entertainment and then joined in worship led by FrWilliam and Fr Gary.   175 2   A guided tour of the historic cemetery with Carmen Bester was interesting for those taking part.   175 17   Devonshire teas and a sausage sizzle in the Picket Fence was a popular site and tours and sales in the Community garden went well. A visit from the Mayor of Mitcham, Glenn Spear was appreciated.  Fr Gary took pleasure in showing him some of the old items of church silver on display.   175 4 175 3   On Sunday visiting Bishop of Bathurst, Ian Palmer preached at a well attended service presided over by Assistant Bishop Tim Harris, and assisted by Fr William and Fr Gary.   175 6 175 7 175 10 175 11 175 8 175 12   It was great to have a number of members of the Daw family in attendance.  John Wickham Daw was the original benefactor and donor of the land on which the church is built. Morning tea followed worship and the oldest member of the parish family, Barbara Nelson cut a celebratory cake that was blessed by Bishop Tim.   175 13 175 14 Finally a three course lunch and address by Bishop Ian Palmer, attended by 67 people ended our celebrations. 175 15 A ‘Parish Award’ was presented to Fr Gary in appreciation and love for the time he has spent leading the parish.   175 16