Memorial Service for Archbishop Jabez Bryce

The sound of conch shells and a silent procession of priests from the Diocese of Polynesia and bishops from across New Zealand indicated the sadness but there was also joy in the recollections of his life.

St Mary’s in Holy Trinity Cathedral was full to hear recollections of how Archbishop Jabez had led the Diocese of Polynesia for almost 35 years.

The service heard of a man who taught children and mentored bishops, and who also believed in the importance of table manners.

Bishop Winston Halapua (Diocese of Polynesia in New Zealand) told the congregation that Archbishop Jabez's death last Thursday was a shock even though he had been sick for some time.

Many of the congregation had not been born when Archbishop Bryce began leading Polynesia.

They heard of a deacon, priest, bishop and man of God and were told it was his family’s wish for the service to celebrate his life.

A niece of Archbishop Bryce, Robyn Bryce-Ng Chok, recalled that her uncle taught her humility and respect, and also how to behave at the table. There were no exceptions to his meticulous standards, which also applied to his dress.

Bishop Kito Pikaahu (Te Taitokerau) described Archbishop Bryce as a friend and a mentor. In 2001 when Bishop Kito was elected bishop, he remembers Archbishop Bryce saying that he needed ‘to prepare himself.’

Bishop Kito said he had always appreciated the ongoing wisdom from Archbishop Bryce.

The ecumenical leadership of Archbishop Bryce within the Pacific Conference of Churches and the World Council of Churches was recalled by Bishop John Paterson (Auckland).

In 1983, at the World Council of Churches, the then Bishop Bryce stood his ground in forcing the Council to appreciate the importance of the Pacific and to treat it in the same way as larger Council member states.

The service prayed for the family of Archbishop Bryce, remembering his wife Tilisi and their two children.

The funeral takes place on Thursday, February 18, in Suva's Holy Trinity Cathedral.