John has recently retired as Diocesan Representative on the Governance Board of Vaughan Park. The Rev. John Fairbrother, former Director (2003 – 2013) offers an appreciation of John’s significant contribution to secure Vaughan Park’s meaning and continuity for Church Tand society.
The deck at Vaughan Park on a brilliantly fine spring afternoon can be an idyllic spot. None better for the initial meeting, between John Alexander and the about-to- become new Director of the Centre in 2002. It became an immediate meeting of minds, ministry and unquenchable humour. Along with the many who have contributed to the Centre’s story so far, John stands out as one who has, for many years, striven to secure its meaning and continuity for both Church and society.
John has given freely of his time, energy and commercial knowledge serving as Diocesan Representative on the Governance Board. From day to day he has made himself easily accessible to the Director and members of staff. His advice, encouragement, entrepreneurial flair and enquiring mind has long served to support governance and management with all the hallmarks of a creative prophet disturbing the security of the status quo.
John and Dianne are people of Faith. The Anglican Church stands at the centre of their lives as their means to find and share meaning about the sacred depths of relationships and worth of building community. Their discipleship of the Way is clear to see in their contributions to St Mary’s Anglican Parish, Vaughan Park, various roles in the Auckland Diocese and the Selwyn Village. John and Dianne are a remarkable team.
While stories abound about John, there is one, for the writer at least, that holds almost symbolic significance.
In 2003 it became apparent the role of Director required a stand-alone office as part of the day-to-day management. Additional space was not readily apparent. The current solution was far from adequate. The problem remained.
On another of those lovely Long Beach days John and the Director were standing midway along the shell path. John, almost casually, observed the Chapel had never been built. The present Chapel had been intended as a library. John quietly asked/observed: “Why don’t we build a Chapel and convert the current space to the Director’s office?” John and Director looked at the hillside above the path, looked at one another and concluded the idea, funds notwithstanding, seemed perfect. There and then, the decision was made to approach the Governance Board.
The rest, as the saying goes, has become history. A building of architectural note, worthy of its purpose and name became a defining reality for the Centre and the three Tikanga Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia.
John is an integral part of Vaughan Park’s history. His enterprise and hard work will live on in the ministry and continuing hospitality, conversation and theological encounter that identifies the purpose and Christian ministry of the Centre.
May John and Dianne long continue to enjoy the views of beautiful Long Bay.
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