Giving Thanks for 48 Years of Faithful Service in Swan Hill

Words offered by Ian Newland at Christ Church, Swan Hill on the 29th of December 2024.

For the past 48 years this Parish has been blessed with the presence of a quiet achiever; our very own Denis Gell. Denis came to Swan Hill and to this church as a young man in 1976. He wooed and won a lovely young schoolteacher, Helen, who has been beside him throughout his life journey. They married and raised a family.

Denis officiating his first wedding on the riverbank at Nyah in 2021

Over the years Denis involved himself in many aspects of church and diocesan life; Parish Councillor, Warden, Treasurer, Cursillo team member and Lay Co-ordinator. And then Denis changed ranks and joined the Clergy! Denis fulfilled a dream when he was ordained Deacon in 2011 and Priest in 2014. This enabled Denis to use his considerable people skills more effectively in counselling, comforting, consoling, mediating, and generally seeing to the spiritual needs of this parish. He became our ‘go to’ man whenever we needed advice or a shoulder to lean on. He has also taken his faith out into the world as Chaplain of the local RSL, participating in ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services.

Denis has stepped up the last three times we have been without an incumbent rector, taking on the burden of responsibility for the wellbeing of the parish, even when he was suffering from major back problems. During the Covid years Denis worked hard to keep our parish together and functioning. I am sure our past Rectors have appreciated Denis’ quiet strength and great faith, as we all do, but it is time now to allow him to take a step back and take things a little easier.

Denis is retiring from his official role as Assistant Priest, although I am sure he will be happy to help out if needed. So, this is by no means goodbye Denis, but an opportunity to acknowledge and thank you for your years of faithful service. and true witness to Christ, and to wish you well for your future.