St Andrew’s Cathedral to host Memorial Service for former Australian PM, Sir John Gorton
A state memorial service for the Rt Honourable Sir John Gorton, GCMG AC CH, former Prime Minister of Australia, will be held at St Andrew’s Cathedral tomorrow, Friday, May 31, 2002, commencing at 11.30am.
The Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen, will preach the sermon. The service will be led by Acting Dean of the Cathedral, Archdeacon Trevor Edwards.
The memorial service will feature three Bible readings, to be delivered by Prime Minister John Howard and members of the Gorton family, Mr Michael Gorton and Mr Robin Gorton, QC. Lisa Gorton will read a poem entitled When I am dead, my dearest during the service.
The Honourable Tom Hughes AO QC will deliver the eulogy. The Rev Grant Bell, rector of St Michael’s Vaucluse, will lead prayers.
A number of other dignitaries, including former Prime Ministers of Australia and the Governor-General, Dr Peter Hollingworth are expected to attend.
The Service will conclude at 12.45pm with a flypast of Airforce F/A-18 aircraft in ‘missing man’ formation from Sir John’s old squadron, No. 77 Squadron.
It is expected that a limited number of seats at the service will be made available to members of the public.
Media are welcome to film, photograph or record the Service from the Cathedral Gallery.
CONTACT:
Geoff Robson, Anglican Media Sydney
(w) 02 9265 1508 (m) 0403 195 841
