On Sunday, May 6, 2012, 212 people packed the special worship service at St. Mark’s, Ocean Park to celebrate 61 years of Eric Lowe’s ordained ministry. The celebrant was Rev. John Mash. The sermon delivered by Rev. Craig Tanksley on the theme of “I am the vine and you are the branches” from the Gospel of John, concluded with Craig mentioning that Eric and his wife Margy’s ministry is an example of this passage in action. The Venerable Ronald Harrison, Executive Archdeacon brought greetings from the Diocese. He said that “retired clergy” (of which a number were in attendance) were still “bearing fruit” as clergy never really retire.
In the Archdeacon’s address he quoted the Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Sydney who in a 1970 letter wrote, “Eric rendered valuable work and was greatly loved by all . . . His wise administrative gifts and pastoral oversight have been of the greatest value.” And of Margy in the same letter: “His wife has been a constant source of help and encouragement to him and has carried considerable responsibility herself.”Archdeacon Harrison then went on to say, “I have known Eric for 35 years and can attest that he is honest, humble, courageous, deeply committed in faith and practice, with a cheerful countenance and passion for his vocation in Christ. What is remarkable further to this is his consistency over all the years; it has not been a job or work for him and for Margy; it has been a calling, a vocation. Following worship there was a sandwich luncheon in the hall, where Eric & Margy’s son, Peter and grandson Blaize, (from Florida), and son David and his wife Ruby (from Vancouver) thanked everyone for coming and paid tribute to Eric and Margy.
Rev. Craig Tanksley read out emails and messages and Michael Weller told the luncheon guests Eric’s life story beginning with his humble beginnings in Ireland.
Eric was given the final word. He began by saying that he had tried to talk everyone out of putting on this event, but that no one would listen. He mentioned that he has always been aware of the wonderful support he has received from clergy and laity. He mentioned the generous love of his wife of 57 years, his two sons and their families and the blessings which are his grandsons, Blaize and Zack. He expressed gratitude for the wonderful family at St. Mark’s and all the other communities where he has experienced “God’s richest blessings for all of life’s journey.”
Images: (PHOTOS by June Gauntley): Top, The Lowe Family: Ruby, David, Blaize, Peter, Margy and Eric. Middle right, The Cake. Below, Eric cuts the cake while Margy looks on.
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