Former Archbishop of Sydney, Sir Marcus Loane - hailed a "rock" of the church in Sydney and Australia - has celebrated two amazing anniversaries.
Sir Marcus Loane marked the 50th anniversary of his consecration as bishop on Sunday at a service at St James' Turramurra, of which Sir Marcus and his wife, Lady Patricia have been members for 26 years.
Family, friends, fellow clergy, parishioners, and former Church House staff had gathered to hear tributes to the man who has held the positions of Primate of Australia from 1978 to 1982, Archbishop of Sydney from 1966 to 1982 and principal of Moore College.
As they gathered in the St James' hall afterwards, numerous conversations spanning years of experience and service filled the air, for many had known Archbishop Loane as friend, family, bishop, archbishop, primate, historian, theologian, prolific author and scholar of the word of God.
The Rev Billy Graham had sent his congratulations " read out at the service " recalling the time he had spent with Sir Marcus and Lady Loane when he toured Australia.
"Sir Marcus and Lady Loane are two great servants of God," Mr Graham wrote.
"I give thanks for the privilege of joining hands with you in the proclamation of the gospel throughout Australia," he said.
He added that he spoke also on behalf of his wife Ruth, who "has gone to heaven ahead of us".
Referring to Archbishop Loane's consecration day 50 years ago at St Andrew's Cathedral on St Matthias' Day, Dr Graham reflected: "What mighty things God has done throughout your life since that day."
Sir Marcus' greatest prize
Archbishop Loane's anniversary comes almost two months after he celebrated 70 years of marriage to his wife, Lady Patricia Loane.
Shortly after the December 30 milestone, he had reflected a lifelong love that continues to burn brightly.
"The greatest prize I ever won was the heart of the noblest girl I ever knew," he said in January.
Reflections on a "rock'
Sunday’s thanksgiving service included short speeches given by bishops who had served under Archbishop Loane in the 1970s " Bishops Donald Robinson, John Reid, Ken Short and Donald Cameron " as well as Sydney's current Archbishop, the Most Rev Dr Peter Jensen, and Archbishop Loane himself, while messages were read out from personalities in Sydney and abroad.
Sir Marcus' ministry among university students, theology students and the armed forces in Papua New Guinea during World War II were remembered.
Those who gave speeches spoke of his compassion, strength, encouragement, good use of his gifts, and his dedication to overseas mission work.
"God is the rock of our salvation, Christ is the rock of our salvation, but a man and a woman can be a rock," Bishop John Reid explained in his sermon at the service, referring particularly to Jesus' title for Peter as "the rock” on which Jesus would build his church.
"On this day, we thank God for Marcus and his dear wife Patricia, who have been rocks of our church."
Governor of NSW, Marie Bashir recalled Archbishop Loane as a "sensitive and inspiring principal" of Moore College during her years of study at nearby Sydney University.
Sir Marcus' "old friend", the Right Rev Dr EK Leslie also sent his memories from his years as Bishop of Bathurst. "I don't think you forgot anyone to whom you ministered," he wrote to Sir Marcus.
Former Australian Primate and Archbishop of Brisbane, the Most Rev John Grindrod's message relayed that he was one of the first to be consecrated by Sir Marcus, and referred to him as "an adventurer in God's name".
The world leader and spiritual head of the Salvation Army, General Eva Burrows also sent her greetings, recalling Sir Marcus' role in her own conversion. "It was through your teaching of the letter of Romans that I was convicted of my need for God's forgiveness," she wrote.
Former president of the Evangelical Alliance and prolific hymn-writer, Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith also sent his regards from the United Kingdom, declaring "we believe God honours you, and so do we."
Archbishop Jensen pointed out that 50 years on, Sir Marcus' ministry was still flourishing, especially through his many written works.
"You still exercise a considerable influence on the game that is being played today," Archbishop Jensen said publicly to the man he called “one of the great Christian leaders of this country”.
"The writings of Sir Marcus and his ministry continues on into my generation and the generations after,” Archbishop Jensen added.
"Marcus has used his great episcopal gift of oversight, of recognising and evaluating the ministry of others," Bishop Donald Robinson said, recalling the days when, as a child, he rode on the back of Sir Marcus' motorbike.
"He was always on the lookout, engaging with the situation, and the needs of those committed to his care, faithful above all to the word of God."
Sir Marcus through his own eyes
Sir Marcus expressed warm thanks to all who had "kindly dedicated an afternoon" to join him in celebrating the occasion, especially those who organised the service " Archdeacon Brian Richardson and the Rev Dr Michael Stead and others of St James' Turramurra.
He thanked Archbishop Jensen for taking the afternoon out of a hectic schedule to participate in the service, as well as Bishops Cameron, Reid, Robinson, and Short.
"It is appropriate that these four in particular might be present and share with me this jubilee of my own consecration as Bishop," he says.
Archbishop Loane took the opportunity to reflect on the 50-year time period.
"50 years seems an infinite space of time when one looks forward," he said, asking the gathering to try to imagine 50 years into the future.
"2058 " that's unthinkable, it's past our imagination… It's very difficult now to look back and think what one thought and felt 50 years ago."
Nonetheless, Archbishop Loane's closing comments reflected that his ministry continues 50 years on.
"I trust that the Lord who began a good work in me will continue it until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ," he said with conviction.
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