St Mark’s sanctifies John Oliver footbridge in District 6
THE PEDESTRIAN bridge over Nelson Mandela Boulevard that was recently named after the priest who founded the Interfaith Initiative, was sanctified in a service attended by St Mark’s congregants yesterday.
Father John Oliver, originally from England, was a priest at St Mark’s Anglican Church for 18 years before he died.
He died in his sleep at his Zeekoevlei home, two years ago.
On Wednesday he was honoured, with seven other patriots, by the City of Cape Town when one of the N2 footbridges was named after him.
The John Oliver Bridge is the last footbridge motorists drive under before entering Cape Town, from Hospital Bend.
Reverend Rachel Mash said it was fitting that the bridge was named after Oliver.
“It is very fitting because many years ago the road where this footbridge lies was once called ‘Shepherd Street’ and Father John was our shepherd.”
Before proceeding with the ceremony, just a few minutes before their Sunday service, Mash asked the congregants to gather on the bridge.
She stood in the middle of the bridge, above the highway, as the congregation sang How great Thou Art.
After the short ceremony, the group returned to the church where Mash explained that the sermon would be based on honouring “spiritual ancestors”.
Denise Lowton, who worked closely with Oliver before his passing, said he left a legacy. “He taught us tolerance, respect and and understanding of other religions.”