On Sunday 19 June 2022 a ceremony to present and dedicate a new White Ensign at St Johns Church in Birchgrove, NSW, was conducted to replace one originally presented to the Church on 18 June 1944. The original Ensign was showing the signs of 78 years age. It had been presented to the Church to recognise the contribution made by the people of the Parish to the Sydney shipbuilding industry and the Royal Australian Navy and, in particular, the service of the Rector, the Reverend Arthur Rix who, between 1927 and 1952 participated in the launching of some 62 ships, most for the RAN —from HMAS Albatross in 1928 to HMAS Voyager in 1952.
This service at St Johns which was attended by about 100 people for the usual Sunday morning service conducted by the Reverend Canon Peter Yeats followed by the laying-up of the old White Ensign and the dedication of the new in a naval ceremony conducted by Royal Australian Navy Chaplain Catherine Wynn-Jones. The Commanding Officer of HMAS Kuttabul, CAPT Viktor Pilicic CSC RAN accepted the old Ensign for safe keeping and the new Ensign was brought forward by a RAN Colour Party for blessing and dedication in a simple but moving service.
Videos produced by the Royal Australian Navy.
Long Version: 15 minutes.
Short Version: 3 minutes.
