Sun sets on preacher’s career

When Reverend Peter Brain delivers his final sermon at Rockingham Anglican Church there may be a lump or two in his throat.

For 40 years the preacher has spent almost every Sunday delivering the lessons of the Bible to congregations all over the country and on April 23, a special ceremony will mark the end of a long journey.

The Rev. Peter Brain was pulled out of early retirement and invited to the Rockingham church five years ago but has now reached the diocese’s retiring age of 70.

While he has become attached to the Rockingham chapter, he said he felt the time was right to move on.

“I’m very conscious of my health which is still good but I certainly tire quicker than I used to,” he said.

“It’s a big community and I felt very welcomed but I’ve still only scratched the surface of getting to know people.

“We’ve had people coming from all over to join the congregation and we’ll miss that.

“But you’ve got to leave so that people can make the connection with their new pastor.”

Originally from New South Wales, the Rev. Brain said he plans to remain in Wellard with his wife despite their four children and 15 grandchildren being spread across the country. After a life spent in the church, the Rev. Brain said he felt blessed to be able to deliver God’s message to the Rockingham congregation.

“There’s nothing in my book like being part of a congregation, there’s no greater privilege to be a preacher or pastor,” he said.

“Somebody once said if you’ve been called to be a preacher, why would you want to stoop to being a king and that’s something I subscribe to. It’s not going to be easy when I get up for the first Sunday after I’m done and not have a regular gig.”

With an emotional farewell set for his last Sunday service, the Rev. Brain said he had no immediate plans for the future but it may involve a round or two of golf.

“There will probably be a lump in the throat in that last service,” he said. “We don’t know what we’ll be doing after this but we’ll give ourselves time to get refreshed and recharge our batteries.”