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Canon Francis Gooch Celebrates Ordination Anniversary
By Pat Lee | January 9, 2008
On Reign of Christ Sunday November 25 2007, family, friends and parishioners gathered at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Smiths Falls to express appreciation for the ministry of The Rev. Canon Francis Gooch. Fr. Francis was ordained deacon on The Feast of St. Matthew 1948 and began his ordained ministry at St. John’s. Smiths Falls. He was ordained priest on Trinity Sunday 1949.
During the service, Fr. Francis chanted the gospel and St. John’s choir sang an anthem in Fr. Francis’ honour. The Rev. Albert Hoppins was the celebrant and The Rev. Jim Roberts presented Fr. Francis with Certificates of Appreciation from The Rt. Rev. John Chapman, Bishop of Ottawa and The Ven. Rob Davis, Archdeacon of Lanark Deanery. Rick Warren, People’s Warden presented a gift on behalf of the parish. The Ven. Sid Irwin (a former rector of St. John’s and long-time friend of Francis) administered the wine during communion.
Following a prolonged standing ovation as one and all expressed their gratit
ude to Fr. Francis for his many years of service there was a luncheon in the parish hall.
At the luncheon St. John’s choir presented the gift of a donation in Fr. Francis’ name to the Smith Fall Hospital Foundation. Until “retiring” from the choir in July 2007, Fr. Francis was a valued chorister at St. John’s and was a volunteer at the hospital for many years. At the luncheon The Ven. Sid Irwin prayed grace and reminded the parish of Francis’ involvement in the Church Army prior to his being ordained Deacon.
Fr. Francis continues his ministry as an honorary assistant at St. John’s.
Topics: History |
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