In order to honour Canon and Mrs James Francis, Christ Anglican Church of Devonshire is planning a full week of events to celebrate their more than 50 years of ministry to the church, beginning Saturday, May 19.“Really, it was something that was a part of my thoughts as I reflected on Canon Francis and Mrs Francis,” explained Rev. Jamaine Tucker, minister at Christ Church, Devonshire, who serves under the supervision of Canon Francis. “I learned that he had never had an appreciation service.”That thought simply amazed Rev. Tucker.“Fifty-plus years have gone by and the Francis’ have never had one. I live by the adage, ‘Give people their flowers while they can appreciate them’.”And so, with a great deal of help from a team within the church, including Wardens Jan Swan and Alan Lugo, Rev. Tucker coordinated The Appreciation Project, in order to bring recognition to the devotion and faithfulness of the Francis’s through the years.The team was then faced with putting plans together without the Canon knowing, until all the details could be coordinated and presented, event by event, by their individual coordinators, to Canon Francis for his blessing.“We presented the idea to Canon Francis last year around March,” Rev Tucker shared. “We had story boards reflecting every single event up around the sanctuary and each chairperson of each event presented them.”According to Rev Tucker, Canon Francis’ good friend, Charles Webbe, told him: “This is what they’re going to do, so just go with it!”Realising the importance of this event for his congregation, and encouraged by his friend, Canon Francis agreed to the week full of events.The first, which will be held today is an Invitational Golf Tournament at the Ocean View Golf Club, which will take up much of the day.“Golf is a passion of Rev Francis,” explained Rev Tucker.And while Canon Francis may not play, due to recent health issues, many expect to see him putting a few balls on the greens.Tomorrow from 1pm to 5pm, following the Sunday morning services, the church will host a Community Day on Elliot School Field, featuring complimentary food and drinks, and lots of fun and games, which will celebrate Canon Francis’ competitative nature.“We’re so thankful for John Barritt, who have come in as major sponsors,” Rev. Tucker said.On Tuesday, May 22, there will be a special concert held in the sanctuary at Christ Church, beginning at 7pm, featuring a number of performaners, including Dennis Fox and Friends, and the CedarBridge Symphonic Ensemble.The highlight for the week will be the Canon-Ball Gala, which will be held at the Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre at the Fairmont Southampton Princess. Anticipated as a night of dinner, dancing and appreciation, cocktails will begin at 6pm, with dinner served at 7pm. Tickets costs $125 per person.Finally, the culmination of the week is a special dedication service, whereby the T.N. Nisbett Church Hall, named for Canon Francis’ predecessor, and the new Christ Anglican Church rectory, JW Francis Court, will be dedicated. The dedication will commence at 10am, followed by the regular church service.Some of the proceeds from the week’s events will go toward establishing a J.W. Francis Scholarship Fund, to support theological training for Bermudian candidates preparing for full-time ministry within the Anglican communion.For more information or to purchase tickets, contact 232-3616 or e-mail canonballgala@gmail.com