NARELLE COULTER
REVEREND Elizabeth Alfred was praised as a guiding light for women in the Anglican church at a special celebration Eucharist to mark her 100th birthday.
Family, friends and church colleagues gathered at St James’ Dandenong on Friday 10 January to honour Reverend Alfred, the first woman ordained a priest in the Anglican Church in Victoria.
A spontaneous applaud echoed through the historic church when the Reverend Alfred, who has been unwell, was helped into the church where she ministered for many years.
Prominent Melbourne journalist Murial Porter, who writes about issues affecting the Anglican Church, said she would never forget Reverend Alfred’s ordination.
“It was a grey Melbourne day but a shaft of sunlight fell on your head as you were being ordained. God was with us at that moment,” Ms Porter told the congregation.
“I speak for all women clergy and lay women when I say you have been a great inspiration and source of courage.”
Speaking on behalf of the Diocese of Gippsland, Heather Martin also paid tribute to Reverend Alfred’s pioneering role on behalf of women.
“You were always a few steps ahead of us. Your spirituality and love for the church encouraged us to hang in there.”
Reverend Alfred said it was wonderful to have so many of her friends in the congregation as she celebrated her 100th birthday.
“Thank you for praying for me during the past six weeks which has been a pretty devastating time. I have been held up by your prayers and the knowledge that Jesus was beside me.”
She then added; “At least I’m on my feet and didn’t have to come in in a wheelchair”.
Reverend Alfred was born in Yarrawonga on 10 January 1913.
She has served as deaconess, deacon and priest, a feat Reverend Alan Baker believes is unmatched.
He said Reverend Alfred “first made contact here at St James in 1960” and has been an important influence on the lives of many St James’ parishioners in the decades since.
Reverend Alfred’s historic ordination took place in 1992 when she was 78.
Referring to her 2001 autobiography ‘To Serve’, Reverend Baker said; “here indeed is the Lord’s servant, called to serve”.
“She has offered her ministry in so many places. She has encouraged us with her caring and demonstrated an unfailing love of God.”
Speaking on behalf of Reverend Alfred’s family, Christopher Weight said despite his aunt’s recent illness, he was relieved to hear a “sparky comment” from her when he last contacted her by phone.
“She told me ‘I can’t speak now I’m watching the cricket’.”
“Fair enough too,” interjected Reverend Alfred to the delight of the congregation.
