The Millicent Anglican Church held a special service on Sunday morning when the Reverend Wayne Landford was commissioned for his new ministry.


In his address, he focussed on the Festival of Christ the King which was instituted by Pope Pius X1 in 1925.


The St Michael’s congregation is part of the Lower Limestone Coast Parish, which includes Penola, Kalangadoo and Beachport.


The incoming priest, his wife Fiona and their children are living in Millicent and he will also have the Parish of Kingston/Robe as part of his ministry.


His previous parishes were in the dioceses of Canberra/Goulburn and Bendigo.


The commissioning service was conducted by the Administrator of the Diocese of The Murray, Archdeacon Simon Waters.


Various roles in the service were taken by parishioners Marian Hawke (Kalangadoo), Jill Fiebiger (Penola), Jill Prescott (Beachport) and “Fred” Smith, Michael Bleby, Trevor Rayson, Doris Bleby, Louise Leake, Pam Packer and Helen Walker (Millicent).


Representatives of other Millicent churches were present and morning tea followed the service.


The floral arrangements were prepared by parishioner Ruth Stratford using native flowers donated by Janice Nitschke of Ford Flowers.


A similar commissioning liturgy was held later in the day at the Holy Trinity church at Kingston and was followed by dinner at the Crown Inn Hotel.


There has not been a resident Anglican priest in Millicent since 2007.