"I write this letter to you on Saturday 31st October, the same day when I arrived at St. Peter’s 12 years ago. So today would have been my anniversary had I still been with you. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be; Bishop John decided that I was required elsewhere. I will have a little glass of bubbly this evening to toast your good health and wellbeing and to offer a short prayer to say, ‘THANK YOU, LORD,’ for the wonderful long, happy and memorable years I spent in Glenburn. I have many memories to cherish and exceptional experiences to recall, all of which I am eternally grateful for. I am pleased to say that my bags are unpacked and the boxes are emptied, all my worldly goods are in place. Now I can look to the future and embrace the new challenges ahead when COVID-19 permits. Meantime, I will take the time to familiarise myself with my new surroundings and slowly get to meet and greet my new flock in Newton Mearns where I am beginning to feel at home. Your kind wishes and hopes for my stay here are becoming a reality; your prayers are being answered and I am the fortunate beneficiary of so many blessings. I want to thank you sincerely for the generous gift I received on Friday and for the card you sent with such lovely words and heartfelt best wishes. Let me share them with you.
'Canon Eddie, Thank you for everything you did for the parishioners of St Peter’s both spiritually and personally. You touched our lives in so many ways. You always gave full commitment and did your very best for the parish in so many ways – perfection at all times. You are sorely missed and we look forward to getting together with you to mark your time in St. Peter’s when the world returns to normal. Your beloved people of St. Peter’s.'
It was my pleasure and delight to have served at St Peter’s these past twelve years and to have worked with so many wonderful people to build a strong, vibrant and welcoming parish community where God is very much alive and His kingdom thrives – long may that continue to be the case for many years to come. I am proud and honoured to have been part of the success story that is St. Peter’s.
God bless you and your families and may He bring you safely through this awful pandemic.
With my sincere and heartfelt thanks for your support, your prayers and the wonderful memories." Canon Eddie