Public Farewell To Dean Sullivan

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29747, 14 February 1962, Page 15

Public Farewell To Dean Sullivan

With the words, “God be with you till we meet again,” the Very Rev. M. G. Sullivan, Dean of Christchurch for the last 10 years, said goodbye to a hushed audience in the Civic Theatre last evening.

During a public farewell to the Dean and Mrs Sullivan, six speakers paid tribute to the friendliness, co-opera-tion and enthusiasm of the couple.

As Dean Sullivan stood before the microphone to thank the diocese and the city, on behalf of Mrs Sullivan and himself, he was greeted with loud applause from the three-quarters-full theatre. He thanked all those with whom he had been associated independently or in organisations over the years. "Outside the cathedral and the diocese and in the community as a whole I am thankful of playing some part,” he said Dean Sullivan said the Cathedral was unique in New Zealand. There was an atmosphere, a beauty, and a freshness about the building and almost everyone in the city, regardless of religious beliefs, felt it was theirs. Goal Of Ministry “We want that splendid place to open its doors to the wayfaring man so that whosoever enters shall not err therein.” he said. This had been the goal of his ministry.

During his term as. Dean he had been both humbled and enriched by the way so many persons had talked with him about the things in their hearts.

Dean Sullivan said so many opportunities had been given, and explored, in Christchurch that possibly might be gathered up and thought about in another place. "While some may not bear transplanting and wither, others will take substance and grow. "London is a wonderful place, for all its impersonality and vastness—there’s quite a friendliness about the city.” He said that the first time he set foot in a London street he knew a part of his heart would remain there. The things he would take to his new ministry were those he had in Christchurch, said Dean Sullivan. "They

are only simple things—the faith of a simple man; a deep love for the ordinary man; and a host of memories that have crowded on me over the last 10 years that I hope with God’s help, will be of service to my fellow creatures.” .

Opening the ceremony, the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt. Rev. A. K. Warren) said that 18 years ago he met for the first time in Italy a young man about 34 years old. “I can see him now, sunburned and debonair, sitting on a hillside clad in a shirt and a pair of shorts.

“To the accompaniment of the sound of guns—it was during the battle of Florence —we talked for half an hour I was then Dean of Christchurch and that young man was your present Dean,” said Bishop Warren. “Wonderful Experience”

“For 10 years,” said the Bishop, “we have had a wonderful experience, and I think no-one will gainsay the wisdom of the appointment.” The Bishop then thanked the Dean and Mrs Sullivan for their services to the diocese and city. Presentations were made by Mr C. H. Clemens, on behalf of the Friends of the Cathedral: Mr G. W Oliver with Mr J. Collins, and Mr Sedley Wells, on behalf of the business community; and by Bishop Warren for the diocese.

The six speakers were Mr E. C. Champion, for the laity of the diocese and the Cathedral chapter; the Archdeacon of Christchurch (the Ven. H M. Cocks) for the clergy; Mr Clemens; the Rev. A. A. Brash, for the National Council of Churches; the Mayor ’Mr G. Manning) for ♦he City Council and citizens; and Mr Oliver.

After the ceremony those u’ho wished to do so were invited to the Mayor's chambers to say goodbye to the Dean and Mrs Sullivan. Usey wiH leave Christchurch today on the first stage of their journey to Britain.