A SOLEMN atmosphere enveloped the Saint Barnabas Cathedral on Friday afternoon as family, friends and representatives of all walks of life gathered to honor the late Sir Father John Ini Lapli, the fourth Governor-General of the Solomon Islands, who passed on in Honiara on Saturday 18 January, for his dedicated service.
The State Funeral Service for Late Sir Father John commenced at 3:00pm, marking an emotional moment for Solomon Islands and friends of Solomon Islands as they paid tribute to the ordained Anglican priest who later served as Premier of his home province of Temotu, prior to his election and appointment as Governor-General.
The State Funeral Service was preceded by the public viewing of the body of the Late Sir Father John in the Parliament Chamber.
Members of the public were also invited to pay their respect to Late Sir Father John as he lied-in-state.
Upon arrival at the Saint Barnabas Cathedral, a touching silence fell over the congregation as the casket, draped in the national flag, was processed through the aisle and laid before the pulpit.
The Dean of the Cathedral, Father Wilfred Kekea welcomed all attendees of the solemn service and initiated the prayers that set the tone for the heartfelt tributes that followed.
The programme included with the presentation of condolence messages from the Government House, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, as well as reflections on the life of Sir Father John by family representatives.
The Cathedral Dean delivered a moving tribute to Father Sir John for the profound impact he had on the nation through his tireless dedication to the various roles he served in.
Following the reflections, dignitaries participated in the solemn laying of wreaths.
BY JIMMY NOLAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
