News from St Mary's and St Joseph's churches, include their priests and special services.

Confirmations at St Mary's Church

Report and photos from Kelly Green and Carlene Glass-Green

Lucas Swain with (L-R) Rev Margaret Van den Berg, Bishop Geoff Davies, and Lay Reader Carlene Glass-Green.

Lucas Swain with (L-R) Rev Margaret Van den Berg, Bishop Geoff Davies, and Lay Reader Carlene Glass-Green.

On Sunday 24th September 2023, congregations from both churches attended St Mary's Church at 8.00am for a very special service. Eight members of the community were confirmed by Bishop Geoff Davies, and all who attended enjoyed the lovely service.

The eight candidates were: Tristan Glass, Jamie Glass, Shannon Swain, Lucas Swain, Kailey Swain, Aiden Repetto, Katie Repetto, and Stacey Lee White. After the confirmation was complete, the bishop presented them all with beautiful prayer books with their names inscribed in gold on the cover. These were sent by the Waterfront archdeaconry in the diocese of Cape Town. Reverend Margaret also gave them gorgeous crosses with their names on.

The island is delighted to welcome Bishop Geoff and his wife Kate, who arrived on the SA Agulhlas II, and hope they enjoy their three week stay. They first attempted to come out to the island in 2019 but unfortunately the ship had to turn around due to technical problems.

Personally inscribed prayer books and crosses were given to each candidate.
Right: Personally inscribed prayer books and crosses were given to each candidate.
The Bishop assisted by Rev Margaret conducting the service The candidates taking holy communion
The Bishop assisted by Rev Margaret conducting the service The candidates taking holy communion

Bishop Geoff conducting the Confirmation service.

Above and below: Bishop Geoff conducting the Confirmation service.

Bishop Geoff conducting the Confirmation service.

Stamp issue: 100th Anniversary of St Mary's Church

Stamps celebrating the centenary of the dedication of St Mary's Anglican Church.
4-Jul-2023
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2022 Remembrance Sunday Service

Report and photos from Kelly Green

Acting Administrator / Chief Islander James Glass (right) leading prayers
alongside Deputy Chief Islander Rodney Green.
Both had earlier laid the wreaths at the altar behind, also shown more clearly in the photo below left.

This year, on Remembrance Sunday 13th November, the joint community service was held by St Mary's Church.

Carlene Glass-Green conducted a beautiful service and told the story to the congregation of how the poppy flower became the symbol of remembrance.

There was a two minute silence kept, but above the deadly still inside the church, you could hear the rain lightly beating on the church roof.

As it was so wet the congregation did not process to the flag pole outside the Prince Philip Hall as usual. Instead, Acting Administrator / Chief Islander James Glass and Deputy Chief Islander Rodney Green laid the wreaths at the altar.

Rodney read the poem 'In Flanders Field' and James said the prayers.

General view in St Mary's Church during the 2022 Remembrance Sunday Service.
The Tristan da Cunha community always joins together as one congregation on Remembrance Sunday, with St Mary's Anglican and St Joseph's Catholic Church taking it in turns to host the joint service. In 2022, the Tristan Government wreath was laid by Chief Islander James Glass as he was also Acting Administrator on that date; The Tristan Community wreath, usually laid by the Chief Islander, was laid by Deputy Chief Islander Rodney Green.

Tristan's Commemorative Service for the Late Queen

On the day of her state funeral, the community of Tristan da Cunha held a joint church service in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.
19-Sep-2022
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Mother's Day and Harvest Festivals 2022

Mothers' Day and Harvest Festivals were held both St Mary's and St Joseph's on 27th March 2022.
1-Apr-2022
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Remembrance Sunday 2021 on Tristan

The 2021 Tristan Remembrance Sunday Service was held at St Joseph's Catholic Church and conducted by Eucharistic Minister Anne Green.
15-Nov-2021
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Mother's Day and Harvest Festivals 2021

Mothers' Day and Harvest Festivals were held both St Mary's and St Joseph's on 14th March 2021.
16-Mar-2021
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Lars Repetto and Eddie Rogers Receive British Empire Medals

St Mary's lay ministers Lars Repetto and Eddie Rogers were presented with BEMs by the Administrator on 27th January 2021.
3-Feb-2021
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Christmas Carol Service 2020

Tristan's churches held a joint Christmas carol service on 13th December 2020.
18-Dec-2020
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