The Parish of St Luke's, Enmore NSW pays tribute to the extraordinary and lasting contribution that Brother John Green made to the new life and continuing existence of St Luke's Church and the Parish of Enmore/Stanmore.

In 1963 the Parish of Christ Church, Enmore was at a low ebb and could not support itself. The Diocese decided that the Parish would come under the care of the Rector of Petersham (the neighbouring parish), who would have the assistance of a new Curate. The arrangement allowed Enmore to retain its identity as a Parish. Petersham Parish would pay part of the Curate's stipend and travelling allowance.

The man appointed was Brother John Baines Green of the Brotherhood of the Good Shepherd. The Parish of Enmore warmly welcomed the forty-two year old Brother John in February 1963.

The name 'John Green' became synonymous with change. In his first week Brother John introduced a daily early morning Eucharist. On the first occasion of this innovation "quite a few people came to see the new bloke". Brother John had the gift of imparting to the worship at the Eucharist a sense of awe and wonder. To his delight a few people came to the week-day Masses. One or two parishioners made their rule to be present each morning. The Church building was left open for daily prayer and it was proposed to create a Chapel for week-day services.

The Church building was in need of extensive repair. So when repairs to the church were made the opportunity was taken to alter the interior layout of the Church amd open up the sanctuary space.
Gifts to the Church furnishings were received during this period. A new altar cross to match the candlestick was designed by Brother John and Arthur Thomas and made by W.J. Saunders.
(Four new Altar frontals were made by Brother John's mother. Also Mrs Green made stoles and a burse and veil. The new Altar was made by Gordon Green Bro. John's brother.)

Regarding the candlestick, the Archbishop told Brother John Green that a Diocesan Ordinance did not permit the use of candlesticks in a Church. However the decision as to whether they stayed in the Parish Church was left to Brother John. They remained. They had been placed on the altar for the first Easter celebration taken by Brother John. (As the Parish was not very financial second-hand candlesticks had been purchased for six pounds.)

Father John Green held a strong Anglican catholic view. He believed that the church services should reflect the glory of God. He challenged the people to be outgoing and mission orientated. He was a firm and courageous priest, who did not hesitate to present his point of view to the highest ecclestical authority. In some cases it earned him the wrath of authority. When Fr John introduced liturgical changes in the parish he received a rebuke from the Archbishop Gough of Sydney, who wrote. "Putting it bluntly, you are changing what used to be regarded as a moderately high church to one which is rapidly becoming Anglo-catholic."

Brother John Green's term at St Luke's, Enmore was only three years. At the end of that time his licence was not renewed. However the work and changes that he brought about in that time allowed the Parish to survive. Over the past 40 years there have been many ups and downs and many further changes in the life of this Parish. Today it claims to be a progressive anglo-catholic parish with a multi-cultural congregation that states: "At St Luke's we seek to share God's unconditional love and acceptance of all people, regardless of age, gender, race, marital or family status, sexual orientation, disability or wealth". This sums up Brother John Green's legacy to the Parish.

Father John Green was a priest with a sense of mission; a great love for his Lord and for the people to whom he ministered. He had a great wit and fine sense of humour, particularly needed in difficult circumstances.

Today the Parish of St. Luke's Enmore/Stanmore is a living tribute to the vision, determination and dedication of Brother John Green. There is now only a couple of parishioners who remember his time in the parish. One, Grace Johnsen, kept in regular touch with him.
Nevertheless the legend of Brother John Green, priest, pastor and innovator, will go down in the history of St Luke's, Enmore.

This tribute has been compiled thanks to Mrs Moya Holle.