The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Molynes Road, was filled to capacity on Sunday, January 22 as members of the Cure demonstrated their appreciation for the 40 years of ministry which they shared with the Rev. Canon Ernle Gordon, who celebrated the Holy Eucharist for the last time before his retirement as Rector.

Parishioners came from far and wide, among them representatives of the Church of the Resurrection, Duhaney Park and St. Paul’s Mission, Tower Hill, which are part of the Cure. Guests included the Rector of the Kingston Parish Church the Rt. Rev. E. Don Taylor, who began his ministry at St. Mary the Virgin, preceding Canon Gordon; Archdeacon Emeritus the Venerable Dr. Alvin Stone and Mrs. Stone and the Very Rev. Franklyn Jackson, Rural Dean of St. Andrew.

In keeping with the tradition which Canon Gordon established, the service was rich with music and dance. His message published in the commemorative programme, reminded the congregation that “we have to develop an attitude to worship where we invite others to experience our liturgy and we see our mission through a truly Biblical understanding of the mind of a God who loves the world”. He called upon the church to “minister to people regardless of their economic status and class alignment.”

The service was followed by a programme of tributes and presentation of gifts from the various organizations within the congregation. From the Sunday school and church committee to the neighbouring communities of Drew’s Land and Maverley, persons applauded “Father Gordon” who stood with them in challenging times, providing material assistance when necessary but, more importantly, by his presence, giving them hope to carry on. Tribute was also paid to his wife Juliet and their son and daughter.

In his reply, Canon Gordon recalled the experiences he shared with the church and the community; and  the satisfaction gained in doing God’s will. He acknowledged the co-operation of members in carrying on the church’s mission, and noted that the outstanding results they achieved had contributed to the church’s growth, spiritually and physically.

A highlight of the function was the blessing and opening of the Ernle Gordon Library, which is stocked with reading material for use by the congregation in order to strengthen their spiritual knowledge and growth.