Minister bids his parish farewell
Father Allen Smith gave his last service at St Andrew’s Church, Suideroord on Easter Sunday April 20.
SUIDEROORD – Retiring after 10 years as minister at St Andrew’s, Father Allen looks back on how it all began.
Allen and his wife, Susan came to South Africa from England in 1981. “I came out on a three year contract with Iscor as a mechanical engineer and when the three years were up we decided to stay,” said Father Allen. They had two children, Shelley and Richard.
In 1987 Father Allen went to a college in Grahamstown to study theology and gained a diploma. From there he ministered in various churches before joining St Andrew’s Church in October 2000.
“St Andrew’s first service, given by priest Claus Khun, was held in the hall at Mondeor Primary School on January 15 1995 for 30 members and six Sunday school members. Services were held there until the church purchased land in Burger Street, Suideroord in 2003. We held services in the hall in the grounds until St Andrew’s (new) Church was dedicated on September 6 2003. We began with about 35 members,” reminisced Father Allen.
St Andrew’s Church, part of the Traditional Anglican Church, now has about 100 members and an active Sunday school and youth group. When asked about special memories he has of his time as minister of St Andrew’s, Father Allen said, “There have been some wonderful memories but my last service I gave on Easter Sunday will be one I’ll remember forever. We had a congregation of 140 and it was marvellous. I’m also thrilled we have an active youth group which meet here every Friday evening. The youth is tomorrow’s congregation.
“Confirmation services have also been memorable, as have our Christmas Carol services,” he added.
St Andrew’s also reaches out into the community and it supports Hotel Hope in Melville with regular visits by members and the youth group.
“Thanks to God and to all the church members and friends who have made St Andrew’s what it is today. I’d also like to take this opportunity in thanking the Comaro CHRONICLE and Southern COURIER for assisting us with media coverage for our fundraisers,” concluded Father Allen.
