St John
Baptist Danbury
News 2010
The 10am service also marked
the church's Patronal Festival, and, following after the successful
Summer Fayre the previous day, was part of a weekend of hard work, fun
and celebration for us all! The preacher at the service was
Revd Canon Hugh Beavan, now retired but until 2009 Vicar of St Mary the
Virgin, Burnham on Crouch, who has known Graham since he moved to the
Diocese of Chelmsford in 1988. Canon Hugh recounted a little of
Graham's life story and call to ordination, and spoke of the demands and
duties - and rewards! - which are part of the life of a parish priest.
GRAHAM'S SILVER JUBILEE
Sunday 27th June 2010 
On
30th June 1985 Graham was ordained priest at Chester Cathedral. On
Sunday 27th June 2010 he and all the congregation at St John's
celebrated the 25th anniversary of that event.
Back to
News 2010
The music for the service was
chosen by Graham, the highlights being a rousing performance of Haydn's Insanae
et Vanae Curae by the St John's Singers directed by Christopher
Kingsley, and organist Paul Hagger's final Voluntary, the Allegro
Maestoso from Mendelssohn's Organ Sonata No 3. Under the guidance
of leader Gill Pardoe, the children of Sunday Experience made their own
contribution, with a moving song and by wearing T-shirts bearing the
slogan 'We love you Graham'!
After the service Graham and Liz provided a buffet
and wine, which were served in the Church Meeting Room. Churchwarden
Rita Telling presented Graham with an icon of St Andrew, patron saint of
Scotland, Graham's country of birth, specially commissioned and painted
by one of the nuns at St John's Orthodox Monastery, Tolleshunt Knights.
There was also a cheque donated
by the congregation for Graham and Liz to use towards a holiday or other
special 'treat', and Liz received a large and beautiful bouquet of
flowers.
Graham thanked everyone for
the wonderful gifts and for making this landmark in his ministry such a
very special occasion.
