Archbishop Peter Jensen made retiring Archdeacons Geoff Huard and Terry Dein "Archdeacons for life' last Friday.

Addressing a small farewell function for staff at St Andrew's House, Archbishop Jensen bestowed the title of Archdeacon Emeritus on both Archdeacon of the Georges River Region Geoff Huard and Archdeacon of the Northern Region Terry Dein.

"The title Archdeacon does not remain once someone has retired," Archbishop Jensen explained to those present.

"But in view of the service these two men have given I am told I am able to confer the title Archdeacon Emeritus and I am happy to do so."

Huard’s legacy

Archdeacon huard says he is very honoured by this appointment.

“I am very honoured, touched and grateful to the Archbishop for it,” he says.

“As far as ordinary ministry goes there will not be much difference. I will continue to share the Lord where I can and build people up in their faith.”

Archdeacon Geoff Huard completed his ministry as the Archdeacon of the Georges River Region (Liverpool) on November 28.

Archdeacon Huard became the Archdeacon of Liverpool in 1993. Prior to that Archdeacon Huard was the Archdeacon of Sydney and Cumberland from 1989.

Archdeacon Huard moved in to the Archdeacon of Liverpool role in 1993 when the new Georges River Region was created.

At the age of 22 Archdeacon Huard entered Clifton Theological College in Bristol, England. He was ordained in 1970 in the Diocese of Chelmsford, England.

Archdeacon Huard moved to Australia in 1976 when he was invited by then Archdeacon of Cumberland and former Bishop of South Sydney John Reid to become the rector of the parish of Redfern and Waterloo.

Current Bishop of the Georges River Region Peter Tasker who has worked closely with Archdeacon Huard since 2002 is particularly thankful for Archdeacon Huard leading and promoting ethnic ministry in Sydney Diocese.

"The extensive multi-ethic ministry being done in the region is mainly a result of Geoff's commitment to it being made a priority," Bishop Tasker says.

"His clear commitment made others happy to follow him and they have shared the vision that he spearheaded."

Although officially retiring, Archdeacon Huard will continue as the part-time rector of St Paul's, Bankstown for the foreseeable future.

Dein’s work celebrated

After almost five years as the Archdeacon of the Northern region Terry Dein will retire on December 31 though his last day in St Andrew's House was last Friday.

Mr Dein says he appreciated being made an Archdeacon Emeritus.

"While I appreciate the goodwill and honour reflected in being made an Archdeacon Emeritus, I’m not one who personally places great store in titles," he says.

"Whatever the past may be, I am far more concerned to run the race before me as a Christian man in such a manner that the one who ‘tests our hearts’ is well pleased. That’s what really matters."

A regional farewell was held for Archdeacon Dein last Saturday at the International College of Management Sydney.

Former St Andrew's, Wahroonga church warden and long-time friend of Barbara Dein, Mrs Anne Roach and wife of Bishop Glenn Davies, Mrs Dianne Davies, made speeches for Mrs Barbara Dein.

Bishop Glenn Davies and former St Andrew's, Wahroonga warden Mr Russell Lander and gave speeches for Archdeacon Dein. 

Archbishop Peter Jensen also addressed those present.

Approximately 200 people from the Northern region, family members and friends from Archdeacon's Dein's former parishes of Yagoona, Wahroonga and Manly attended the celebration.

Archdeacon Dein says he has enjoyed the privilege of being a pastor and teacher of God's people in numerous contexts.

"My role as Archdeacon in particular has given me a wider appreciation of ministry especially in the Northern Region," he says.

"Barbara and I have valued the opportunities of seeing things from a diocesan perspective while being convinced of the priority of parish based ministry while working with parish pastors and their wives."