There wasn’t a dry eye in St Andrews Presbyterian Church at Tewantin on the last Sunday of 2018 as Minister the Reverend Keith Mayers took the pulpit for the last time.
The occasional fisherman had been St Andrew’s full time Minister for the past 33 years.
The congregation packed the church to hear tributes, both in song and in verse and of course to hear his final message.
Keith spoke of the importance of the Christmas gift through the infant Jesus and the eternal rewards through living a full and happy life by simply opening our hearts.
Session Clerk Colin Brown said this was what Keith had done in his ministry for the past 33 years.
“He has been a living example of putting faith into practice by helping the needy, offering words of everyday encouragement and just being there when needed” he said.
Over 130 people were on hand to hear his final sermon and wish a fond farewell to Keith and wife Nell at a lunch held in their honour after the service.
As for retirement, Keith and Nell are looking forward to a few sleep ins and spending more time with their grandchildren. While Keith would like to re-acquaint himself with fishing.
St Andrews have cast another line looking for a new Minister to fill this fisherman’s shoes.
Keith’s Ministry has taken in a number of spiritual homes including Tewantin state school, CWA Hall, the Anglican Church before moving into its current building St Andrews at the corner of Beckmens Road and St Andrews Drive Tewantin about 12 years ago.