The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Hc> Ra Wen Nen Ha Wi means 'He carries the word' to Mohawks By Jack Evans The Intelligencer TRENTON -- The Rev. Sid Home has officially retired at least twice after more than 40 years in the ministry. But he's still going strong with pastoral and clergy duties. Those years include ministry postings to a rural parish in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, chap- lain duties with both the militia and regular forces for 32 years, including service with the Cana- dian Contingent in Egypt, Mont- real, Chilliwack, Shilo, and finally CFB Trenton, where he spent 14 years. Now anticipating a new chap- ter in his life, specifically some intense studies on Biblical history for his own fulfillment, he reflects on the seven years he completed recently as chaplain to the Mo- hawks of the Bay of Quinte as "the epitome of my ministry." He reinforces that by referring to a farewell plaque presented at the close of his official ministry June 26 which gives him an In- dian name, and thus marks him as part of the band. "This is only the third time in the band's 210 year history that a non-native has been made a member of the band with an Indian name," said Home. The name given is Ra Wen Nen Ha Wi (pronounced rah won non hah wee) meaning: He carries the word. Along with that honor was the award of "honorary chaplain" which he retains for life, said Home. He went on: "In 43 years as an ordained minister, I have never worshipped, served, shared, laughed, cried and argued with a more caring, loving people." He described the native con- gregation as two churches: the well-known Christ Church, just west of Deseronto, designated a Royal Chapel, where the Queen Anne silver is kept and used regu- larly for the Eucharist, and All Saints, behind the Mohawk School. Anglicans on the reserve total about 180, he said, with about 75 regular worshipers split between the two churches on a normal Sunday. And to reinforce the bond Home developed, a letter in the official program for his retire- ment from Chief R. Donald Ma- racle, to support his Indian name and honorary title, states: "You have made many friends. You have earned the respect of our people. This community will be in your debt forever." Home also remembers two highlights of his career during his seven year association with Ty- endinaga. One was a service of i dedication for a memorial to those who served in the First World War. Home had expected a turn- out of a few dozen, but by surprise to him, because of his involve- ment as a Legion padre, branch members around the Quinte area turned out several hundred strong complete with two pipe bands, and filled the church to overflowing for the service. (Home continues to serve as Branch 110 Legion, Trenton, chaplain, also for Zone F2 and District F, which spans Port Perry to near, Kingston.) The other was the service marking his 40th anniversary of ordination at Christ Church, on ^ reserve. lie also recalls with enthusi- asm the building of a parish hall onto All Saints for Sunday School and community activities during his tenure, opened in 1988. One aspect of his happy years with the Mohawks is that his original appointment was meant to be temporary, for 10 months, he recalls, "When I went to the bishop (then the Rt. Rev. Allan Read) to ask what was happening about my appointment, he told me I was too late. The church war- dens got to him first and said they wanted me to stay." Home also continues to assist at St. George's parish in Trenton, and other clergy duties, including padre for the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment Association and the Quinte Veterans Associa- tion.