Rev Peter John Lee 1980 – 1987

Peter was born and educated in England. He came to South Africa in the mid 1970’s and was appointed the Rector of Christ Church, Addington. In January 1980 he was installed as the Rector of St Luke’s by Bishop Timothy Bavin. Peter’s great gift as a teacher was immediately recognized. Where John, the preacher and evangelist had ploughed the fields, Peter was able to plant the seeds. People responded with enthusiasm, many attending services in the morning and the evening with Bible and notebook ready. The Olive Branch Christian Bookshop was opened in Norwood. It very quickly became a laughter-filled meeting place, as people flocked in to look, to buy and then to read. The house churches started by John Spyker grew in number and flourished.

In 1981 Peter invited Bishop Bruce Evans, the Bishop of Port Elizabeth to lead a mission to St Luke’s. Every home in the parish was visited in preparation, and the plans and events covered in prayer. The mission was another life changing moment in the life of St Luke’s. Many lives were touched by God’s love, people became more aware of the reality and ministry of the Holy Spirit, and people were blessed by the joy of the worship.

The parish became more intentional in looking outward. A soup scheme was started to feed the hundreds of old pensioners in the long queues in Soweto. Most of them had been there all through the freezing winter nights as all too often there was not enough money for everyone. Money and clothes were collected for the resettlement areas in the Lichtenburg area, where Brian Germond was Rector. Vegetable seedlings were grown and transported there. Teams went up regularly to see and to help where they could. Two lay led missions were also sent to chapelries in the area. Peter also actively encouraged the development of the Youth Ministry in the parish. One of the major developments was the Youth Group ‘Freeway’ that met on a Friday evening, It catered for well over 100 teenagers.

During this time Peter was also appointed the Rector of St Michael and All Angels in Alexandra. Curates were appointed, under his ministry and direction, to attend to the every day needs of this parish. This was a time of great unsettlement, and many confrontations between the people of Alexandra and the security forces. He continued and developed the parishes link with the Church of the Good Shepherd in Tladi, Soweto. Combined services and meals were held at both churches.

Recognising the need and desire for teaching and training Peter formed SALTI – the St Luke’s Anglican Lay Training Initiative. Regular courses were offered to the many who wanted to extend and deepen their knowledge, faith and ministry. Peter also started the Anglican Mission Association, and was appointed Canon Missioner of the Diocese. After the decision was taken to multiply the Diocese of Johannesburg into 4 areas, Peter was appointed the Vicar General of what was to become the Diocese of Christ the King, to the south. He attended to the organization and formation of this new Diocese, and in the first elections was appointed the Bishop on 10 June 1990.

Peter is married to Gill, herself a priest in his Diocese. They have 3 daughters – Clover- Anne, Sarah and Rebecca. Peter has recently written a history of the Diocese of Johannesburg entitled ‘Compromise and Courage – Anglicans in Johannesburg 1864 – 1999’.