By Emily-Rose Toohey
Stanthorpe Anglican Church has welcomed a new priest and deacon in the form of duo John and Lorna Pattison, and the pair have a long history of working in the regional sector.
John, who officially started on 7 August, said he had been previously stationed as a priest for Allora, Goomburra, Leyburn and Clifton, alongside being police chaplain for the Warwick district.
But when reflecting upon his time on the job, he said he first started in ‘95 after deciding to pursue a three-year degree – it all took off from there.
“I just had a calling to work with people and to work through weddings, baptisms, funerals, and had a real sense of community,” he said.
“The people in Stanthorpe are great, we love the country.”
However, John was not born in Australia but Cardiff in Wales and before becoming a priest, he had a myriad of other roles.
“I served in the Royal Australian Navy for 10 years, then worked in the workshop on trucks,” John said.
These positions are just to name a few professions John has undertaken, including studying for a Bachelor of Theology.
Last Friday, John led a major ceremony in Stanthorpe to honour the late Queen Elizabeth II’s life and just one day later, his wife Lorna arrived to undertake her new position (they also have a legacy of three daughters and 12 grandchildren).
“The Queen was the head of the Anglican Church, the Church of England and it was a great celebration of her leadership, the Commonwealth, and the church,” he said.
“I think she was a role model to people.”
Furthermore, John said the service was open to everyone.
“We sang a few songs, the pipers played Amazing Grace and we’ve got a wonderful organist who played throughout the service,” he said.
“We extend a welcome to all people to visit the church.
“That could be weddings, baptisms and funerals – we celebrate people’s lives with great dignity.”
