News, 2006 to 2011, from St Mary's and St Joseph's churches, include their priests and special services.

News Archive 2006 - 2011

Tristan Remembers
Remembrance Sunday Service and Ceremony - Sunday 13th November 2011

Report from Tina Glass

On Sunday 13th November an annual Remembrance Service was held at St Joseph’s Church. The joint Service for both churches St Mary’s and St Joseph’s was conducted by Anne Green and assisted by Dereck Rogers.

During the service the Administrator Sean Burns read a message that was sent to the congregation on behalf of Ian Lavarello, Chief Islander who is at present overseas. After this a 2-minute silence was observed.

When the service ended the procession made its way to the flagpole in front of the Prince Philip Hall to lay the wreaths.

Acting Chief Islander James Glass carried a wreath that was made by Doreen Swain on behalf of the Tristan community and Government. James Glass laid his wreath at the flag pole then read his eulogy.

The Admin laid another wreath on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government and then read the poem, ‘Do not stand by my grave and weep’….

Photos from Iris Green show:

Above: Scenes in St Joseph's Catholic Church with Anne Green at the Altar and Sean Burns reading a message from Chief Islander Ian Lavarello

Right and Left: The congregation make their way to the flagpole for the laying of wreaths ceremony.

At the island flagpole:

Above Anne Green and Dereck Rogers
conduct the Remembrance Ceremony with James Glass and Sean Burns

Centre Right :

Acting Chief Islander James Glass
with the Tristan Community Wreath
made by Doreen Swain.

Above:

Anne Green and Dereck Rogers

Above Centre:

The Tristan Community Wreath
and the wreath from HM Government
laid by Administrator Sean Burns
at the base of the flagpole.

Tristan's annual Remembrance Service alternates between St Mary's Anglican Church
and St Joseph's Catholic Church on an annual basis.

Visit of Rev Monsignor Michael McPartland Apostolic Prefect of the Falkland Islands
to Tristan da Cunha 18th March - 21st April 2011

Images
of Monsignor Michael's visit
from James Glass

Monsignor Michael McPartland
is a regular and welcome visitor
to Tristan da Cunha
and to the Roman Catholic community
in particular.
His 2011 visit was an eventful one.
He arrived aboard the cruise ship
Prince Albert II from the Falklands
via South Georgia
and the ship's crew
were involved on 17th March
in the rescue of the crew
from the stricken ship MS Oliva,
before then arriving the following day
on Tristan da Cunha.

Mothering Sunday Service
on 3rd April

Michael has written an account of his visit which we hope to publish
in the August Newsletter.

He includes in his report that the
Catholic community immediately made
a collection of clothes for the Filipino crew members and gave a cash donation to them, as all their personal possessions went down with the ship.

 
Celebrating Harvest Festival
on 4th April
Confirmation of Rachel Green on 14th April

Rachel being confirmed by Monsignor Michael with Godmother Emma Swain (Muddish) at her side

Rachel receiving her confirmation certificate from Monsignor Michael

Rachel with sister Sasha and Monsignor Michael outside St Joseph's Catholic Church

Left:
Monsignor Michael
with Eucharistic Ministers
Dereck Rogers on the left
and Anne Green on the right
after Palm Sunday Service on 17th April.
James Glass who took the photo is also Eucharistic Minister of St Joseph's Church.

Unfortunately Monsignor Michael had to leave before celebrating Easter and left to board MV Edinburgh two hours before Maundy Thursday Mass was due to start on 21st April as the ship left early due to the MS Oliva Disaster cancelling further fishing.
Nevertheless Monsignor Michael is pictured above leading an ecumenical Easter Sunday Service aboard MV Edinburgh on 24th April and there was standing room only.

Farewell to Father Chris
Father Chris Brown served as Anglican Priest on the island for three years from July 2007 - July 2010.
Dawn Repetto Reports :
Father Chris held a farewell party at the Post Office and Tourism Centre on
19th July 2010. 
Guests included the St Mary's Church
Council and Lay Ministers with their spouses and a few of Father Chris'
very close friends. 
A buffet was served which included crayfish tarts with a variety of drinks.
  It was a lovely occasion when Father Chris had the opportunity to thank
everyone for his stay here
and present each of the Lay Ministers with a small gift to remember him by.  Fr Chris was then presented with a gift on behalf on St Mary's Church and was thanked for his service to the community as priest. 

Father Chris left the island on 22nd July and at present there is no island priest.

Photos from Robin Repetto show above Father Chris saying thanks and goodbye.
Three pictures below show Father Chris with Lay Readers :
Left shaking hands with Lars Repetto; Centre with Eddie Rogers; Right with Carlene Glass-Green.

Tristan Remembers

The annual Remembrance Service
was a united Eucharist
(when both Anglicans and Roman Catholics came together)
held at St Joseph's Catholic Church
on Sunday 8th November 2009.

The service was conducted
by Dereck Rogers and supported
by his fellow Lay Ministers
Anne Green and James Glass.

Dereck Rogers, centre flanked by Lay Ministers Anne Green and James Glass
Dereck Rogers at the altar with the two wreaths
Very wet weather prevented an outdoor wreath laying ceremony by the island flagpole (see below for 2008 ceremony). Wreaths were instead laid at the altar by Administrator David Morley, on behalf of the UK Government and by the Deputy Chief Islander on behalf of the Tristan island community. The wreaths were later laid in the sanctuary at St Mary's Anglican Church to enable each place of worship to take part in what is becoming an important annual ceremony.
Photos from James Glass

First Communion Celebrated

Nathan Swain, Chloe Glass, Julie Green & Randall Repetto
took their first communion on Sunday 27th September 2009 in St Mary's Church.

Photograph from Robin Repetto show the new communicants with their families ~
Left to Right ~ Callum Green, Wendy Green, Julie Green, Simon & Natasha Glass, Chloe Glass, Fr Michael, Nathan Swain, Mark & Paula Swain, Randall Repetto, Miranda & Darren Repetto

St Mary’s Church Nativity Play
A Nativity Play was held in St Mary’s Church on 12th December 2008, organised by Father Chris Brown and by Emeline Dumouilla who masterminded the popular production.

The photo left shows left to right :

Father Chris Brown, Kimberley Green, Riaan Repetto, Linda Green, Dean Repetto, Natalie Swain, Caryn Green, Lynette Green, Emeline Dumouilla and Kelly Swain

Front Row: Leo Glass, Kaitlyn Hagan, Janice Green, Randall Repetto, Nathan Swain, Jade Repetto and Rhyanna Swain.

More pictures on the Christmas Page

Tristan Remembers

The annual Remembrance Service
was a united Eucharist
(when both Anglicans and Roman Catholics came together)
held at St Mary’s Anglican Church on Sunday 9th November at 0800.
The service was conducted
by Father Chris Brown.

Although there has been little
or no direct involvement
by islanders in past conflicts,
over the years the South Atlantic has seen a great deal of
military action involving
British and Commonwealth Forces
and the island possesses
great strategic importance.

So the Church Council agreed
to commemorate
the event with a modest ceremony following the Service which honoured
the memory of all those of
our servicemen and women who have perished in previous conflicts and
show support and commitment
for current and future efforts
by all those who work
to maintain peace and security
around the world.

So following the service
for the first time on the island
a procession made its way
to the flag pole
in front of Prince Philip Hall
for a wreath laying ceremony
which was followed by eulogies
read by Lorraine and David

 

The procession making its way from St Mary's Church to the flagpole passing the corner of the Prince Philip Hall
Lay Reader Edward Rogers
followed by Lorraine Repetto
and David Morley with their wreaths,
proceed to the flagpole.
Lorraine Repetto lays a wreath
on behalf of the Tristan Community and Government
David Morley
lays a wreath on behalf
of Her Majesty's Government

Father Chris Brown, Edward Rogers
with the Processional Cross
and in front of the flag pole and wreaths
Lorraine Repetto gives her eulogy

David Morley gives his eulogy in another view of the Remembrance Ceremony
from Robin Repetto.
The other five photos. are from Andy Repetto


A special Remembrance
Tristan da Cunha Stamps Issue
is now available from the
Tristan Post Office
to commemorate the 90th Anniversary
of the Armistice on 11/11/1918

Church News from Father Chris Brown reporting on the Church's role as Islanders come to terms with the devastating factory fire and the friendly invasion to re-build Calshot Harbour
  
Following the factory fire on Wednesday 13 th February we had prayers for the children at the school and a Eucharist at the church at 10-00am on that day. On Sunday 17 th February our service opened with prayer and a reflection about the fire. Lay minister Lars Repetto led prayers for the island community.

The conflagration was so devastating and our escape from greater danger so remarkable, that the feelings of everyone on the island was one of relief. Throughout the hours of the fire a very cold and powerful wind arose which blew the pall of black, toxic smoke out to sea and away from the Settlement. The same strong wind also drove the flames which, at the height of the fire were leaping forty or fifty feet into the air, away from  the huge containers of diesel which were so close to the factory . Everyone thanked God that those did not explode. Within hours, because there was fuel available, the islanders had managed to restore a limited supply of electricity.

The Mothering Sunday Service with Harvest Festival on 2 nd March was a joyful occasion attended by a very large congregation. Huge quantities of food and produce were brought into church. The older children participated in the inter-active sermon on the theme of Harvest and the younger ones led the prayers for Mothering Sunday. The Sunday also provided a suitable opportunity for a Church Gift Day the proceeds of which will help support the Diocese of Cape Town which  funds the cost of ministry on the island.
 
Since the beginning of March we have enjoyed the support of Royal Navy Captain Patrick Mc Alpine and  other leading officers from the Lyme Bay who have attended the services. One of the officer's is an Anglican Benedictine oblate in training for the priesthood and he is taking a leading part in the services in Holy Week. They have enjoyed excellent weather conditions since being on the island and their work is moving ahead as  planned. The support of the church by senior officers has been warmly welcomed and deeply appreciated.  

Father Chris Brown 11th March 2008   

Thanks from Chief Islander : Conrad Glass pays his tribute to Bishop Christopher's work - see Chief Islander's Page

Dedication of Allan Crawford Memorial Plaque
A fine memorial plaque was dedicated to the memory of Allan Crawford on Tuesday, 2 nd October 2007 at St. Mary’s Church. Present were the new Administrator David Morley, and Conrad Glass, the Chief Islander. Following the reading of the lesson by Fr. Christopher Brown, Bishop Christopher Gregorowski, a close friend of Allan Crawford for many years, gave a fascinating account of Allan’s life which included many personal recollections and insights into a life blessed with extraordinary gifts and practical wisdom. Mr. Harold Green was invited by the Bishop to unveil the plaque and afterwards many attended a farewell reception for Bishop Christopher at the Rectory.

Photographs from Carlene Glass-Green shows above Harold and Bishop Christopher by the Plaque, and below the Allan Bryant Crawford Memorial Plaque

Farewell to Bishop Christopher
Among gifts received by the Bishop were a bag of penguin eggs (!), and the Church Council presented Bishop Christopher with a large Island flag. In his closing remarks he expressed the view that he would like to return to the island again for a holiday, perhaps in 2010 when once again several young people will be old enough to consider confirmation. Fr. Christopher thanked the Bishop for his time on the island; for bringing so much fun to the young through his sense of humour and story telling and comfort to the elderly with whom he prayed in their homes. Everyone on the island enjoyed his visit and send to him and to Margaret their warmest regards and prayers for their continued good health and happiness in retirement.
Young People Confirmed by Bishop Christopher

On Sunday 30th September, following preparation by Fr. Christopher Brown and Lay-Minister Lars Repetto during the previous three months, ten young people were confirmed by Bishop Christopher in a packed service at St Mary's Church

The photograph from Carlene Glass-Green shows from left to right :

Back row : - Julian Repetto, Michelle Green, Bishop Christopher Gregorowski, Stephanie Glass, Danny Swain

Front row : - Dean Repetto, Megan Elsmore, Patrick Green, Caryn Green, Riaan Repetto, Lynette Green

First Communion Celebrated
Over 100 people attended the service held in St Mary's Church on Sunday 23rd September 2007 when Bishop Christopher Gregorowski presided at the Eucharist to admit four young people for their first communion.

The photograph taken by Lay Minister Carlene Glass-Green left shows :

Back Row (L to R) - Bishop Christopher Gregorowski & Father Christopher Brown

Front Row (L to R) - Rhyanna Swain, Kaitlyn Hagan, Janice Green & Jade Repetto
The Old Testament lesson was read with clarity and confidence by six year old Rhyanna Swain and the New Testament lesson by Lay Minister Lars Repetto who also led the prayers. The sermon was preached by Fr. Christopher Brown who was appointed rector of St Mary's Parish in May this year. Servers were Dean Repetto and Julian Repetto, both of whom are members of this year's Confirmation group.The Bishop and Fr. Christopher Brown then visited the homes of the children where the families were celebrating this happy day. Particular thanks is extended to Kirsty Green who selected and played the music for the service and to Bishop Christopher who wrote the poem entitled 'First Communion' to honour the occasion.
Edited report from Fr Christopher Brown 27th September 2007

Introducing Father Chris
Father Chris is a retired school master who came to the island in June of this year. He will be on the island initially for two years and hopes that that might be extended.
Born in Wales in 1949, Chris was a cathedral chorister at Brecon in Wales where he was brought up and attended Brecon Boys' Grammar School. On leaving school he read for a degree in Theology and spent a number of years in teaching. In 1991, he left Churcher's College in Petersfield where he was a Housemaster and Head of Religious Studies and set off for India to work for
the Dalai Lama of Tibet. This was during a one year sabbatical after which he trained for the ordained ministry at St. Michael's College Llandaff. After completing post-graduate studies in practical theology in the University of Wales, he was subsequently ordained in 1994.
After just over four years in Swansea, he was invited by Bishop John Ruston to take up a parish on the Island of St.Helena this was the parish of St. Matthew's with St.Mark at Longwood. Following a very happy and successful ministry there, Chris briefly returned to teaching in the U. K. until age fifty-five. In the past two years he has travelled extensively in China and the Far East and returned to the UK in late february of this year only to receive an invitation from Bishop Garth Counsell to set off again to take up the appointment of Rector of St.Mary the Virgin on Tristan da Cunha.
Father Chris reports that he has found the congregation of God's people there in very good heart and very welcoming. He has started a Wednesday night fellowship at the vicarage and hopes to get an island choir started in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

tristandc.com's manager apologies to readers and to Chris for the late publication of this piece received in July 2007

Interment of Ashes
The ashes of Vivien Baker (nee Repetto) were laid to rest in the island cemetery in the grave of her brother Michael on Sunday 9th September following the Eucharist. In attendance was Vivien's brother Ernest Repetto and a large number of family and friends.It will be remembered that Vivien was among those members of the island community who remained in England following the volcanic eruption of 1961. It was always her wish that her ashes be returned to the land of her birth; her wish was fulfilled through the kindness of her close friends Paul and Geraldine Repetto who travelled to Tristan aboard the MV Edinburgh in August.
See also Vivien's Obituary on the Family News Page
From Fr. Christopher Brown 27th September 2007
The Reverend Patrick Helyer
The island community send their warmest regards to father Patrick. We were deeply distressed to learn of his fall and subsequent period of hospitalisation. He has been very much in our thoughts and prayers and we are glad to learn from his son Christopher that he is making a good recovery. We were very moved indeed to receive his kind donation towards the maintenance of St Mary's Church; it will be put to very good use. He will be heartened to know that the congregation at St Mary's is in good heart and all remember him here with great affection and respect. May Our Blessed Lord speed your recovery to good health.
From Fr. Christopher Brown 27th September 2007
Roman Catholic Priest arrives from Falklands for a welcome visit
Tristan's Roman Catholic congregation welcomed Monsignor Michael McPartland, Prefect Apostolic of the South Atlantic on Monday 19th March 2007. He joined the cruise ship National Geographic Endeavour during her call at the Falklands in order to visit the community on Tristan where he is now staying until the end of April. We expect to publish more news and photographs of his visit soon.

Remembrance Day Service 2006

Photographs from Dr Joerg Jaschinski of the congregation at the Remembrance Day Service held at St Mary 's Church on Sunday 12 November. 

Collections at both St Mary's and St Joseph's services on that day are being sent to Rev Don Wittich in Cape Town in aid of the Earl Haig Fund (Scotland). 

Poppies worn by members of the congregations were made by disabled Scottish ex-servicemen at Lady Haig's Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Tristan da Cunha experienced its most isolated phase during the 1914-18 war, with no incoming mail for 10 years, but no resident islanders involved in hostilities.

The 1939-45 war saw a top secret British Naval Station, code named Job 9 or HMS Atlantic Isle, monitoring German South Atlantic U Boat movements by radar. The island saw no hostilities but now joins the world community in remembrance for those who gave their lives in conflict world-wide.
Admission to Communion Service at St Mary's Church

Pictures received from Anne Green and Joerg Jaschinski were taken in St Mary's Church during a special 'admission to Communion' service that took place on Sunday 4th June 2006.

Leanne, Kelly, Natalie, Kathryn, Caron, Kimberly and Linda prepare for their part in the service.

Father Don Wittich with left to right: Leanne, Kimberly, Kelly, Linda, Jenine, Caron, , Natalie, Kathryn, Dean, Leo, and Reon.

See also our Churches Page