The Archdeacon Emeritus of Bermuda, the Ven. Dr. Arnold Hollis, was roundly toasted and at times mildly roasted at a formal banquet, highlighted by wit and humour, good music and great food at Fairmont Southampton Resort honouring his 30 years a rector of St. James Church., and service to God and the community of Sandys Parish.

Also honoured at the same time was the rector's wife Janice for her three decades as church organist and choir director.

Dr. Hollis was hailed variously by a succession of fellow clergy and community leaders, including Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Paula Cox, as an active and progressive individual; as a remarkable man of God; one who had shown bold and unprecedented leadership

The Anglican Bishop of Bermuda, Rt. Rev. Ewen Ratteray, said: "Thirty years in one place is a remarkable achievement, especially in God's Country ¿ Somerset."

Bishop Ratteray, who was born in Somerset and spent his early years there, said he did not know if Dr. Hollis had intentions of trying to emulate Canon Thomas Dyson's record of 38 years as rector of St. Mary's Church, Warwick.

Bishop Ratteray went on to describe Dr. Hollis as "an intensely human person who tends to stir up intense feelings one way or another. We know of his infamous temper. We all have been on the receiving end. Thank God that in these days there tends to be less of that. However, he has a caring, loving yet vulnerable side. That's human."

Parishioners outside of the immediate church family who perhaps assumed or had taken for granted the normal pastoral care of the Sandys Parish were given deeper insight into the wide and varied responsibilities of Dr. Hollis as an officer of the diocese and parish rector.

The master of ceremonies, former Commissioner of Police Penny Bean, drew attention to his various chaplaincies, including being Hon. Chaplain to the Royal Navy; chaplain of the Westgate Correctional Facility; TS Venture sea cadets; Mission to Seamen; International Prison Chaplains Association and Prison Fellowship International.

The academic degrees Dr. Hollis holds include D.Min; S.T.M.; M.Min. and B.A. He is a member of the Anglican Diocesan Synod; Bermuda Church Society and the Diocesan Funds Committee. Routinely, he conducts baptismal interviews with parents and god-parents in preparation for baptism; preparation with a minimum of two interviews and rehearsals for marriage; and of course there are the funerals.

The Archdeacon seemed to be in fine fettle as he responded to fast-moving events of the evening. He gave thanks to his "wonderful natural family, extended and church family". He would liked to have said thanks for 30 years of joy, during which he has learned the meaning of the words "take up thy cross and follow".

"I have had a wonderful time at St. James. It is part of the 48 years I have had in the ministry. God is good; He is there when we need him and when we don't think we need Him. Maybe sometimes I come on like a heavy-handed father. But once I have spoken it is done. I thank God for that attribute."

Continuing, Dr. Hollis said: "Sometimes if it weren't for my wife Janice, Bishop Ratteray wouldn't have been able to say that once it is over, it is over. This has been a wonderful night. It has given me time to reflect, and to see and smell the flowers while I am above ground."

Ex-Commissioner Bean, in a glowing tribute to the Archdeacon, spoke of how the two of them, along with another former Police Commissioner, Lennie Edwards, were the team that spearheaded the fundraising for the 2001 , $750,000 renovation of St. James Church. Fr. Arnold was a moving and motivating factor.

"We both at one time or the other belonged to a submerged group subjected to denials and embarrassed by indignities.

"My deputy fundraising chairman, the late Lennett Edwards, and I pounded the pavements of the City of Hamilton soliciting donations towards the restoration appeal fund in keeping with the strategy engineered with Father Arnold.

"By overcoming many obstacles and despite insults, resentment expressed and implied by some within the corporate business sector we did not despair, we kept the faith and over a period of time $750,000, the cost of the restoration work, was realised. We now have an edifice of which we can be proud.

"The challenge was by no means over yet, as Father Arnold had serious health problems, developments which necessitated confinement at KEMH followed by surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. During his recuperation period in Baltimore, a hurricane passed through Bermuda, severely damaging the roof at the rectory along with that of St. Michael's Chapel. Along with others repairs were effected, making the premises habitable for the Hollises on their return."

Photos, top left, senior church warden Junius Burrow (left) presents the parish plaque and a cheque for $1,000.from St. Michael's Chapel at Somerset Bridge. Looking on, seated, are the master of ceremonies, Penny Bean and his wife. Not seen is Mrs. Lois Simmons who presented gifts on behalf of the entire church family. Middle:Mrs. Dorothy Tatem makes a presentation, on behalf of the choir, to Mrs. Janice Hollis. Looking on is Geoffrey Durrant. Top right: The children and grands of the Archdeacon are, from left, youngest daughter Joanna, next is Allison, oldest daughter; second daughter Catherine and her husband Brian Smith grandson Elijah, who is in front, manfully extended the welcome to guests at the banquet. Next grand is Christina, Catherine's daughter. Below left: The Archdeacon's only surviving siblings are, from the left, sister Eugenia 'Granny' Pitcher; her brother Robert 'Robbie' Hollis with his wife Constance, niece Evelyn Gardiner; niece Milicent Lambert and Gerald (Bernie) Lambert.