THE LORD’S MAYOR
TATE BAPTISED AT EVANDALE LAKE
MAYOR Tom Tate has hailed a new dawn for himself – and the city – after being baptised at Evandale Lake yesterday just three days before the start of the Commonwealth Games.
“(The baptism was) to let the world know I love Christ and in doing so, that the spirit of awakening for our city also comes through,” Mayor Tate said.
“The timing is perfect with Resurrection Sunday and the Commonwealth Games.”
MAYOR Tom Tate was baptised yesterday at Evandale Lake in a ceremony he said symbolised a “baptism for the city” ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
Mayor Tate, who in the last year has endured a cancer scare and the pain of seeing his wife Ruth suffer a severe heart attack, said the baptism was partly a result of realising his own mortality.
“(The baptism was) to let the world know I love Christ and in doing so, that the spirit of awakening for our city also comes through,” he said.
“The timing is perfect with resurrection Sunday and the Commonwealth Games itself.
“As your civic leader, you’ve got to stick close to your faith because the distraction of different loads are on there and you can’t do it by yourself, no matter how good you think you are.”
Cr Tate said his cancer battle and subsequent recovery was a sign he “had more to do” after getting his second chance.
“It all rolls into one with the health part of it,” he said.
“I mean, I know the Lord was on the same journey (with me) and I had the sense there was more (for me) to do.
“So this is the way of going, ‘well Lord, before I get into round two, you know, give me more energy’ and that’s what this is about.”
Pastor of the City Sue Baynes officiated the baptism and said Resurrection Sunday was “a new day for Tom, a new day for the city and a new day for the church”.
“Tom has come specifically on Resurrection Sunday for water baptism to make a public declaration of his faith in Jesus Christ,” she said, addressing the crowd.
“He has a beautiful swimming pool in his home and it could have been done very privately and he said ‘no, there’s a lake where we are meeting for Easter and that’s where I want to do it’.
“He’s been praying and reading his bible and he is confident this is the step that Jesus wants him to take today.”
Wearing thongs, a blue and grey shirt and navy shorts, Cr Tate removed his shoes to walk on the sand and be submerged in the water at Evandale Lake.
Cr Tate addressed the crowd of about 200 people, thanking friends, family and locals for attending to witness his baptism.
“Thank you so much for coming and sharing today’s major event, it’s part of my life and part of the city’s life as well. God bless,” he said, before hugging wife Ruth and greeting family and friends.