Hillcrest priest retires after finding deep fulfilment in ministering
Reverend Gary Thompson of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Hillcrest retires.
AS he has reached retirement, Hillcrest Holy Trinity Anglican Church reverend Gary Thompson is grateful to have served his purpose as a priest. Thompson had a vision of becoming a priest from as young as 15 and says that the priesthood brought great joy and fulfilment for him.
Rev Thompson said he started as a young member at church in Sunday School. “I started being involved from Sunday School and became involved in the youth until I went to theological school. I spent about 10 years working for the Council of South African Churches; I also worked in the diocese of Johannesburg and then came back here,” he explained.
Also read: Major roads closed for M13 bridge demolition
Thompson has been at the Hillcrest Holy Trinity Anglican Church for 15 years. He said that throughout his time of serving, there has been a great sense of fulfilment as this is something he has always had a vision for.
“My journey to the ministry truly began with a vision I had as a 15-year-old where I had a dream of being ordained. I have had the privilege of ministering to various members of the community – members who were in need of help and members who were involved in rendering help,” he said.
Thompson said what kept him inspired through his journey was making a difference in people’s lives.
“It wasn’t just in terms of spirituality but also about helping people in all areas of life, from people needing food to guidance in relationships, or whatever was needed. The premise from which I operated was through my belief in Jesus Christ,” he said.
Thompson said his greatest role models are his colleagues who were a good example of serving people without expecting recognition. “These were people who were behind the scenes, working tirelessly and making things work just because they wanted to,” he said.
He further highlighted his pleasure in working with organisations in the Hillcrest area such as the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust. “We have been up and down, attending funerals and praying for people to be well, and I have met great people who are the pioneers of the community,” he said.
In his plans for retirement, Thompson said he is looking forward to spending time on his hobbies, like fishing.
For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
