St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Katanning celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee

Katanning might not seem like a place to hold royal celebrations, but that is exactly what happened within a local congregation earlier this month. A service of thanksgiving was held at St Andrew’s Anglican Church on June 5 to honour the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne. Reverend Kevin Toovey opened with a message to parishioners about the significance of the service. “We gather together to worship God and in thanksgiving for 70 years of faithful service of our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth,” he said. “We give thanks for her example of faithfulness to God and to her people, and pray God’s blessing on her that she may continue to fulfil the promises she has made with generosity and joy.” During the service, church secretary Sylvia Spicre read a prayer in thanks for the monarch’s service. “Thank you for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who has carried out her role as Sovereign with flawless professionalism,” she said. “Thank you for her public ministry as her demeanour has been perfect.” The service included the playing of a hymn, which was also played during the Queen’s coronation, and finished with a song titled “Our Queen”. Attendees viewed royal memorabilia brought in by parishioners for display on the windowsills after the service. Two candles were lit during the service which contained oil from the Lily of the Valley, which is the Queen’s favourite plant. Although Her Majesty ascended to the throne on February 3, 1952 after the death of King George VI, her coronation did not occur until June 2, 1953. The Herald marked her coronation with a front-page story on June 5, 1952 and more local coverage inside the newspaper. As the reigning British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II also serves as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. While the Platinum Jubilee was celebrated in the UK with a four-day long weekend, commemorations in Australia have been far more subdued. The key official commemorations in WA have included the illumination of major local landmarks and the dedication of a new rose garden at Government House in Perth.