*This interview is a part of a series to commemorate 175 years of St. Mark’s Anglican Church.*
You have a very in-depth connection with St. Mark’s going back a number of years!
My first beautiful memories of St. Mark’s was as a small child visiting the resting places of my great-grandparents, who had arrived in Picton (from Ireland) after a long sea voyage as young children in 1848, and began farming in a wonderful valley North of Picton. The church was built in 1850, so they were here at the very beginning of the opening of the church and formed the foundation, along with other pioneer families, for St. Marks.
The cemetery on the grounds of St. Mark’s is also a local historic landmark and has a special connection to your family. Can you tell us about that?
I recall listening quietly to my Grandmother and mother lovingly talking about these special people who I had never met – as incredibly strong, loving, and devout Christians who helped begin the early settlement of Picton. I adored bringing fresh flowers to their headstones and saying a special prayer of thanks for being part of a strong, caring and safe community under the special care of our loving God.
What are some important moments throughout your life that were spent at St. Mark’s?
In 1939, I was Christened by Rev. Fred Shaw at the church’s font that still remains today for our babies, and later in my high school years was confirmed by Rev. Barry Schofield. We had Sunday School here when we were children. In 1962, my husband, Garry Brown and I were married here with organist Mrs. Ingleton’s daughter, Joan playing for us, and in 1967 our dear baby Michael was also christened here.
In your view, what impact has the church had on the lives of its congregation members?
The friendships and wonderfully kind community here has always been a caring atmosphere to visit; with family, friends and visitors always welcome with warmth and open arms. The people who have come to church here have become very, very close friends, which has been that way since my family first came here. Our congregation has been blessed to have our present Senior Minister, Ben, and assistant Greg, as well as an engaging team who are dedicated to PWAC. I never wake in the mornings without giving thanks to God for this outstandingly safe and friendly place, in the best country on Earth to grow up and rear a beautiful family.
Interviewed by Rachel Winn.
