St Andrew's Cathedral was decorated with lights in preparation for Christmas services, but the packed congregation and audience watching via the Internet was not celebrating the season but the life of the 'great preacher of our generation'.

Led by Archbishop Peter Jensen, the crowd heard of the  'massive and permanent influence' of John Chapman, who died in hospital on November 16th at the age of 82.

The crowd packing the cathedral was asked to spend time sharing their personal remembrances of Chappo.

Photo: The crowd informally sharing 'Chappo stories' (Ramon Williams)

Although Dr Jensen had described Canon Chapman as the "very essence of what our diocese has always stood for" he said he "transcended both Sydney and Anglicanism and he became the beloved preacher and teacher in many other parts of the world".

"I have consulted two of the books published in the last decade which profess to tell people all about our Diocese" Dr Jensen told the congregation. "Neither contains an entry in the index under the name of John Charles Chapman. You may as well throw both of them in the bin for all that you could understand our story without what God has done through John" he said.

In a stirring introduction in which he at times struggled to contain his emotions, Dr Jensen said "He gave us confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit used him to increase our faith".

"Whether as the Youth Director in Armidale, the chief of the Department of Evangelism in Sydney, or as a lecturer in Moore and in SMBC, or as an active member of Synod and Standing Committee, or as preacher on the platforms all over the world, or as an author, he changed lives, shaped institutions,  multiplied ministries,  moved mountains of doubt and despair" the Archbishop said.

There were thanksgiving prayers from Mrs Shirley Smith, the director of AFES, Richard Chin, the Bishop of Armidale, Rick Lewers and the Chairman of the board of Evangelism and New Churches, Archie Poulos.

Photo: Richard Chin leads in prayer

The Archbishop's brother Dean Phillip Jensen preached at the service at the request of the late evangelist. He had been Chapman's assistant at the Department of Evangelism in the 1970's.

Dean Jensen said when he visited Chappo on his last day "the ravages of death had changed him' and he was unable to speak. "The great preacher of our generation was silenced" Mr Jensen said.

The Dean spoke from 2 cor 4 "For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake." (ESV)

"If from a sermon you remember chappo's jokes, his warmth and his personality, then you missed his point entirely" the Dean said.

"Paul didn't proclaim himself nor did Chappo" he said. "His message was Jesus Christ is Lord."

Photo: Dean Jensen gives the address

Viewers from as far away as Europe and Mexico watch the service through Internet live streaming and the recorded service is still available here (courtesy audio advice)

More than 12 thousand dollars was collected for the John Chapman Foundation, established to recruit and train evangelists. People wishing to honour the memory of John Chapman are being urged to make a donation here.

Photos: Ramon Williams, Worldwide Photos