In a warm and welcoming service, that embraced the local community, Reverend Lou Oakes was inducted as Rector of the Sapphire Coast Anglican Parish.
Parish members and those from other churches were at the service on Saturday afternoon to see Mrs Oakes presented by parish wardens to Bishop Trevor Edwards, Vicar General and Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn.
The bishop said he was “personally delighted” and that he had watched Mrs Oakes, who has served in the parish for over 12 years, grow as a Christian leader.
Father James Antony from the Catholic Parish of St Peters said Mrs Oakes “connects with people”.
Without doubt she was a popular choice; when it was announced at Easter that Mrs Oakes would be the new rector, there was loud applause, the bishop recalled.
Deputy mayor, Liz Seckold congratulated Mrs Oakes on behalf of council and said it had been “an uplifting service”.
Mrs Oakes said thanked her congregations. “You have walked alongside me, loved me and helped me as I have grown in my ministry.”
