A Service of thanksgiving for the life of Canon Alfred James (“Jim”) Glennon AM, was held in St Andrew’s Anglican Cathedral, Sydney, on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 10.30am. The Cathedral was already packed at 10.00am as the bell began to peal in the belfry, such was the popularity of Canon Glennon who passed away on June 11.

Cannon Glennon was on the Cathedral staff for 33 years and had served as Precentor at St Andrew’s from 1957-1962. He founded the Cathedral’s Healing Ministry in 1960 and later helped in the formation of a Healing Ministry at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Waverley, where he served on the staff for 10 years.

The Funeral Service was led by the Senior Assistant Minister, Rev. Chris Moroney with the Cathedral Choir, conducted by choir master Michael Keith Deasey OAM who was Director of Music, in St Andrew’s Cathedral School, 1981-1995, during the period in which Canon Glennon served in the Cathedral.

Tributes for the Life and Witness of Canon Jim Glennon were printed on an insert in the Order of Service. Many had been received from overseas, indicating something of the high esteem in which he was held in the U.S.A. as well as from many states of Australia.

Tributes were presented by Canon Glennon’s cousin, Paul Glennon and the current Minister of the Healing Ministry, Canon Jim Holbeck.

Mr Glennon shared something of the family background and mentioned how encouraged Canon Glennon was when he found that some of his ancestors were actually involved in the Church of England in the United Kingdom. Together they had discussed the lack of married members of the current family, referring to it as “the curse of the Glennons”. It was often the lead topic in any phone conversation and Mr Glennon commented that, if the usual question “Have you a girl friend yet?” had been asked last week, at last he could have replied, “Yes”.

Mr Glennon commented that although Canon Glennon had never married, he was certainly married to his church and his God. In conclusion, he quoted the same words that Canon Glennon often said to friends, “God bless you. Goodbye.”

Canon Holbeck presented something of a biographical background to the man who “had a deep theological love for the Word - a man of prayer, who often invited others to come and join him in a time of prayer during lunch time.

He also described him as a “man of faith”, who may have been misunderstood by many but who showed his love for others and his Lord.

The Bible Reading, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, was read by Rev. Terence Dicks of St Mary’s Church, Waverley, who had served with Canon Glennon in forming the Healing Ministry in that church.

Mrs Janet Ozer read the second Bible Reading, Revelation 21:1-8 prior to the Address presented by the Dean of Sydney, the Very Rev Phillip Jensen.

Dean Jensen referred to it being a “sad day - we have lost a good friend” and then encouraged those present with the statement, “The Lord is at hand. Do not be anxious.” He spoke of Canon Glennon pointing people to the Bible, which in turn points people to Jesus Christ. The emphasis was on the need for a personal relationship with Christ, similar to the one that Canon Glennon enjoyed himself.

In acknowledgement of Canon Glennon’s love for prayer, a special time of prayer was led by Bishop John Reid, with the Hymn, “How Great Thou Art” drawing proceedings to a close.

The last two lines of the final stanza seemed rather fitting: “Then shall I bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim: My God, how great thou art!”