with files from Lynne Tolton & Karen Mitchell of the Minnedosa Tribune.
Photos by Lynne Tolton
As the congregation gathered before the service at St. Mark’s, Minnedosa on September 25, the bell tolled 55 times to mark each year of the Rev’d Garry MacDowall’s active ministry. This took place before Garry celebrated the Holy Eucharist for the final time at St. Mark’s, Minnedosa.
In attendance at this service were family, friends and parishioners from far and wide, including the Rev’d Canon Joy Ruddock, the Rev’d Gordon Stevenson, the Rev’d David Holmes from Stettler, Alberta, the Rt. Rev’d Jim Njegovan, as well as his grandson, Jamie Gibbons.
During the service, Lynne Tolton read a tribute to Garry’s ministry at St. Mark’s, Minnedosa saying, “what a celebration we are having today” and that the day provided “a great opportunity to reflect on our memories and stories of Garry.”
Garry and his wife Judith first moved to Minnedosa in 2003, following his retirement as the Rector of St. Mary’s in Brandon. Throughout his time at St. Mark’s, Minnedosa, he contributed to many projects within the church, such as collecting pledges to lose weight, with the proceeds going towards a new elevator installed in the church, as well as his work supporting ministries in St. Vincent.
Following the service, John Cullen provided some music entertainment during a lunch where much visiting was had by those in attendance.
In retirement, Garry and Judith have moved back to the Brandon area.
Congratulations on your retirement, Garry!
