A Poignant Pilgrimage
After an absence of more than 70 years, our father returned to live in Canterbury last year, where he was born, raised and candidated for ministry. The Greendale circuit was his only Canterbury-based ministry. He served there from 1955 to 1960. During this time, a new church was built and still stands despite the rupturing of the Greendale fault line in 2010. The church has a stunning stained-glass window that our father designed. A framed photo of this window is prominently displayed on the wall in his room at WesleyCare. He was keen to return and see it for one last time.
The minister in the Malvern Cooperating Parish (which includes Greendale), Rev. Lynmaree Sopoaga (Aunty Lyn) caught the spirit and importance of this journey right from the moment I contacted her.
Initially I was requesting access to the building mid-week. Rev Lynmaree said she would like to meet us there to welcome Dad and hear his memories. She then advised us that a couple of local parishioners also wanted to meet us and that we could frame it in a simple service. As the day neared, she advised us that the word had got around and there was significant interest in this pilgrimage and many folks were keen to pay homage to Dad.
On a sunny, still day in late autumn, Lynmaree and eleven lay people from the congregation welcomed us and offered amazing hospitality. Lynmaree led us in prayer acknowledging the significant deaths in our family in 2022. I responded and then Dad spoke. He took with him a copy of his memoirs, titled Loyal’s Story 1927-2012, to frame his thoughts and, sitting on his walker, spoke to the congregation.
He shared his thoughts on why he and mum (June) were so well received in the circuit. His rural background in North Canterbury and early working life experience with a stock and station agent helped. Many years earlier, his mother Hettie, as a young woman, had worked for one of the prominent Greendale families as domestic help. Our mother also came originally from Oxford, not far away.
During his reminiscing, Dad shared the story behind the stained-glass window that he had so much wanted to see again. He had helped the congregation of that day to see the window as a collective memorial for all their honoured predecessors.
He was quite averse to the usual themes of stained-glass windows, with biblical figures and halos. His original sketch which became the basis of what emerged featured the Canterbury plains, wheat and sheep, looking toward the Southern Alps.
Dawn and I also spoke about the importance of Greendale to both of us. I was born in nearby Darfield, during these years, first walked on Greendale soil and was baptized in the wee church. Dawn started school there. It was also where her late husband Rob helped to lead day retreats during the years of his Christchurch-based ministries in the Methodist and Presbyterian churches.
The locals gathered then asked questions and shared their own memories and connections. Finally, we sang a hymn and I ended the service with words of blessing that came to me in the moment. I now call it the Greendale Blessing.
The Greendale Blessing
Like the quiet whenua beneath our feet
may God hold and sustain us along our way.
Like the vibrant tī kōuka growing across the plains
may the Christ guide us along our way.
Like the mighty nor’ wester blowing from the maunga,
may the Spirit empower us along our way.
Before moving to the area at the back of the chapel where an amazing country-style lunch was waiting, Dad could not resist getting into the pulpit for a few minutes to prompt more treasured memories.
It was a beautiful couple of hours. Rich in memory and saturated in gratitude for the past and for the warm connections and reconnections made on the day.
The whole experience reminded us of the importance of pilgrimage to significant places in our faith journeys, the importance of memory and the importance of valuing and honouring our connections in a connexional church. And that while there is breath it is never too late!