Community & Business
26 October, 2023
Farewell Papa!
Christian minister and women’s football coach “Papa Eddie” Dean is leaving Oakey, after seven years, to take up a call to a Cook Islands Church in Sydney.
After serving seven years in Oakey, Cook Islander Rev. Papa Eddie Dean has been appointed to take up a new position in the western suburbs of Sydney.
Eddie came to Oakey in 2016 and served in the Oakey Presbyterian Church with a good number of local Cook Islanders.
When the Presbyterian Church decided to close the Oakey congregation Papa Eddie and the members decided to stay and established an independent congregation now called “Oakey Community Christian Church” (OCCC).
The church meets in the Oakey Community Centre.
Eddie is no “ordinary” church minister, but actively involved himself in many community activities.
He conducted weekly services at CWA House, supported other Pacific Islander groups in the region, immersed himself in Toowoomba Regional Council community and cultural events and was involved with the Oakey Bears both as an unofficial chaplain and coaching the women’s team, in which two of his daughters play.
Many of you will have experienced his flamboyant character and his talents as a compere, singer and musician around different town events in Oakey, which he called “the heart of Queensland.”
In the church, Eddie was a fiery and spirited preacher, not with brimstone, but always focusing on the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Under his guidance, the church has appointed elders who work together with an existing strong and committed Management Committee.
These will continue to lead the church in Sunday services and ministry in the community after the Deans have moved to Sydney in November.
Eddie’s last service at the Oakey Community Christian Church was last Sunday, 22nd, but he will be present at the combined Churches service this coming Sunday 9.30am at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church.
All are welcome to attend.
A farewell luncheon will be held for Rev. Papa Eddie and Mama Metua (Metz) Dean at the Oakey RSL on Saturday 4th November from noon.
This luncheon is open to all members of the community who wish to come to say farewell to the Dean family.
It will be a B.Y.O. (Buy Your Own), but to ensure enough seating and for catering purposes, please contact and book before noon on Friday 3rd November with the Church Secretary Mrs Machi Rietveld either by phone on 0429 913 460
or email: machirietveld@gmail.com
