Sydney Anglicans are reflecting on the life and legacy of former Archbishop, Sir Marcus Loane after his passing on Tuesday afternoon.
The Loane family has advised that a funeral service will be held next Tuesday April 21 at St James', Turramurra at 2pm.
A Diocesan thanksgiving service will also be held on Wednesday May 13 at St Andrew's Cathedral at 10am.
Several generations have served alongside Sir Marcus, or have been beneficiaries of his writing, ministry and example.
Archbishop Peter Jensen remembered Sir Marcus on Tuesday as "one of the key architects of post-war Anglicanism in Sydney", and a "remarkable leader who served both church and nation".
An additional tribute from Archbishop Jensen, filmed this week in London, appears on the screen below.
Sir Marcus was the first Australian-born Archbishop of Sydney, serving in this role from 1966 to 1982, and was Primate of Australia from 1978 to 1982.
He was also vice-principal of Moore Theological College from 1939 to 1953, and principal from 1954 to 1959.
Below are some other reflections from those who have served alongside Sir Marcus, or benefitted from the continuing legacy of his writing and his years in ministry and leadership in the Sydney Diocese.
Readers are invited to post their own memories and reflections on Sir Marcus Loane’s life and legacy using the comment box below.
Tributes for ‘a great man’
From the Rev Dr Paul Barnett, Bishop of North Sydney (1990-2001)
Marcus Loane had an incredibly powerful influence on my life. His lectures to my class at Moore College (in the early 60s) on the life of St Paul and the Life of Christ showed me the importance of the historical basis of our faith. Loane was an excellent historian with encyclopaedic knowledge and truly remarkable recall " right up to the end of his life. He certainly lit a spark in me, which became a lifelong passion for biblical history.
There is much else that one could say about Marcus " his love for the lost expressed in commitment to world mission, his own power as a conference speaker and preacher, his leadership for the Graham Crusade in 1959, his fearless defence of the Reformation (in declining to attend Mass conducted in Sydney by the then Pope) - yet whilst always remaining on cordial terms with Anglo Catholics (who greatly respected him). But for me personally, above all it was his love of biblical history and for his biographies of great Christian leaders.
I have another special reason to remember Marcus. After my years as a student at Moore I continued as junior lecturer and also a Sunday curate at St Barnabas Broadway. In 1967, when the minister Mr Gook left, the wardens approached Archbishop Loane to ask if he would appoint me. The Archbishop - although a humble man - was ever the stickler for due process, who told them that the parish did not have the right of nomination. I have often wondered if Marcus had that puckish smile on his face as the wardens trooped out of his office, knowing that his letter of invitation to me was already in the mail! Only recently I reminded him of this but he said he did not remember, but he had that same smile when he said it.
When my wife Anita was confined to home a few years ago with serious back problems, Marcus " though quite elderly by now " came to see her and to pray with her. It meant climbing five flights of stairs and it was very hard for him. Hearing Marcus pray was unforgettable.
Dear Marcus, we will never forget you nor cease praising God for you.
From the Rev Dr Michael Stead, rector of St James’ Turramurra
Sir Marcus Loane has been a much loved member of the congregation at St
James’, Turramurra since his retirement as Archbishop in 1982.
For almost two decades he continued to preach on a monthly basis and on other special
occasions. He also gave seminars on church history and other topics. In
more recent years, he continued to preach on special occasions.
The congregation has been greatly enriched by his personal ministry and his
numerous published works over many years, and he will be greatly missed by
us all.
From the Rev Dr Mark Thompson, academic dean, Moore Theological College
Though he didn't ever teach me, and though he wasn't Archbishop even during my time at college, I've personally benefited from his writing. His work on masters of the Reformation is still a compelling account of that time. His clear passionate writing about the gospel enthused and energised generations of readers. But I've rejoiced in much much more that he has done.
The Diocese that we inherit and that we rejoice in is in large measure under God due to Him and that's a great reason to give thanks.
His courageous stand at point after point for the gospel, his willingness to speak for the truth even when it was unpopular, his sense of what was right according to the gospel, all of those are rich contributions that he made.
The last time I met him was at the launch of Donald Howard's book on preaching last year. Still, at the age of 97, he held everyone in the palm of his hand as he spoke about the importance of preaching, the power of the gospel to change people. Here was an elder statesman who had been such a faithful man all throughout his life calling us back to the power of the gospel. It was wonderful.
