St George's Cathedral, Cape Town

Celebrating Ministry of
Dean Rowan Smith
on the Occasion of his Retirement

Word	Sacrament	Common Life	Spirituality

VERY REVEREND RETIREMENT Coped and coping with farewells like autumn leaves falling from the rowan tree ... ... waiting waiting ... to weather a wintering ... a wintering weathering towards a spring - a new lease of life warming and blossoming into a resurrection retirement ... in the fullness of an all-possessing Love. Harry Wiggett Thank you, Father Rowan, for the years you have given to the Cathedral. Thank you for being always open, approachable, and responsive to people and their needs. We hope that you will find ways of continuing to share your gifts of spirituality in a peaceful and fruitful retirement. May God go with you. Cathedral Council I have seen your eyes mist over, Your soul exposed and bare, While sounds of glorious music Sweep down the nave and choir. I have seen your eyes mist over Your soul exposed and bare, When in your prayers you contemplate The suffering of mankind. Barry Smith

This limited collection of tributes and reminiscences is offered as a partial glimpse of Fr Rowan and his impact on the life of the Cathedral community with apologies to all those who would have chosen to contribute to it.

The Cathedral Wardens pay tribute to Fr Rowan and his time as Dean For us Fr Rowan’s greatest accomplishment has been remaining true to who he is: a man of profound faith, deep spirituality and continuous prayer – a true disciple. Fr Rowan has trodden lightly as Dean and led gently through eschewing tight control and opening the way for others to apply their talents. Fr Rowan has always listened with care and responded with patience, hope and grace. On Fr Rowan’s watch St George’s Cathedral has remained an inclusive, open, engaged and compassionate space. The richness of Fr Rowan’s legacy is most aptly symbolized by the labyrinth for the creation of which he was responsible. We bid Fr Rowan farewell with warm appreciation; we hope that his special relationship with the Cathedral will continue; and we pray that this next chapter in his journey of faith will be fruitful and fulfilling.

Karen Alterthum, Franklin James William Matthews, Frank Molteno

From the Retired Archbishop of Cape Town Rowan and I began our acquaintance in 1970 when I was Organising Secretary of the Youth in the Diocese of Cape Town. I needed a venue to host an event for Provincial Synod delegates, to mark the centenary celebrations of our church, and so I approached Rowan, who was then in charge at Bonteheuwel. He welcomed me warmly, as has always been his habit, and our paths continued to cross over the years until we ended up together on Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s staff. There I began really to get to know Rowan and to appreciate his gentle kindness, his approachability, his genuineness, his depth of spirituality and his sense of humour. He has always offered a wonderful example of the great Anglican characteristics of gracious magnanimity and tolerance. He has always had an ability to work with people of different faiths and beliefs and for that reason, he was the perfect choice for Dean of Cape Town, based at a Cathedral which, though Anglican, belongs to all Capetonians. His shoes will be hard to fill and we will miss his contribution and constant presence. But I am happy to know that he will still be with us for a long time yet, and a part of our congregation and our community. I am grateful for all he has brought both me and our Church. As one retiree to another retiree - Rest assured, there is life after retirement! Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane

Father Rowan, our Friend and Pastor, thank you for your spiritual guidance over so many years, your prayers and your leadership. How richly blessed we are to have worked with you, enjoyed conversations about our family lives, “die mense van die Kaap” and God’s love, mercy and graciousness to us all. We will miss the twinkle in your eye, your infectious laughter, love, care, guidance and prayerful presence. Go Well, Father Rowan. May your travel adventures into tomorrow be wild, wonderful and holy, and may the Lord bless you as richly as He has blessed us through you. With much love Eddie and Edwardine Esau

“There are a thousand and one gates leading into the orchard of mystical truth. Every human being has his own gate. We must never make the mistake of wanting to enter the orchard by any gate but our own.” Elie Wiesel This quote for me epitomizes much of Fr Rowan’s spirituality, and explains how he comes across as so sure and certain of his own beliefs and yet he is equally respectful and accepting of those who differ from him. In his own life and ministry he lives out that inclusive acceptance of each individual person that he encounters; this makes him a superb pastor and trusted friend and advisor. I have known Fr Rowan since he was a tall, good looking, gifted, young priest at Good Shepherd, Grassy Park in the mid 1970’s - a regular visitor to the OHP house in Rosebank - and I was delighted when he joined the staff of the Cathedral as Canon Pastor and soon after that became Dean. During much of Rowan’s time at the Cathedral I was privileged to be ‘directed’ by him [and also through him discovered the labyrinth] and can testify to his wisdom and perceptiveness. We wish him well as he starts this next part of his life. We look forward to his return to Cape Town next year and know that for him ‘the best is yet to come’. Patricia Ellis Dean Rowan Smith - A Man for All Seasons Courageous and gracious in all his challenges he has faced during the fourteen years he served as Dean - and many more before. The Easter and Christmas Editorials in the Cape Times speak volumes of his spirituality and his reaching out to the City and its People. His spirituality has rubbed off on me; he shares it so willingly and graciously - his love, prayerfulness and concern. Concern for the well being of others is the rich legacy he leaves behind at St George’s Cathedral and its community. Rowan, may you enjoy your retirement and may God continue to bless you. Thank you, faithful servant of God. Edward George

Father Rowan’s incumbency as Dean of St George’s Cathedral has been a time of growth for parishioners, the Church and for him also as a person. His ministry has grown in depth and excellence over the years. Always a deeply spiritual person, he has guided us by example as well as precept. He has immense empathy for those who are suffering and is able to offer hope and healing in the name of his Risen Lord. His compassion and gentleness are constant as are his deep humility and love. His greatest achievement will be if we continue to grow in spiritual strength. We shall miss him sorely. Isabel Hancock

Before Colin Jones left as Dean he started the practice of a group saying Morning Prayer together after the 07h15 Eucharist when he was on duty as Presider. When Rowan came to the Cathedral at the beginning of 1996 he joined us. He would come to the Cathedral every morning except on his day off. His remark was that he would be saying the Office by himself at home so he felt he would like to join me in saying the Morning Office. Eventually a few others joined us. Those four years of saying the Office together were very special. I have found Rowan to be a very prayerful and spiritual person whose presence at the Cathedral has enhanced our worship. Felicity Harker

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