23/08/2026
On Sunday, 23 August 2026, the St. John's Academy community gathered for a memorial prayer service in loving remembrance of Mitchell Ryan Innes, marking ten years since his passing on 23 August 2016. Family, friends, students, and staff came together in prayer, hymn, and reflection to honour his memory and the legacy he left behind.
The service opened with a welcome address from school director Mr. C. V. Innes, followed by the Lord's Prayer and a hymn led by the St. John's Academy choir, joined in song by the whole congregation. Scripture readings were shared through the service — the first, from the Gospel of St. John, read by Rhythm Singh, and the second, from the Book of Revelation, read by school director Mrs. D. Innes — with further hymns from the choir and congregation, and a candle-lighting ceremony in which three candles were lit in honour of the Trinity of Love.
The service was conducted by Rev. Pervez Sethna, who led the congregation in prayer petitions for Mitchell, his family, St. John's Academy, and the wider community, and who offered words of comfort and faith to those gathered, drawing on familiar and reassuring passages of scripture to speak of hope, resurrection, and peace amid loss.
In his tribute, Mr. C. V. Innes spoke warmly of his son's life, recalling him as someone who was always ready to step forward for the people and the community around him. A slideshow of photographs, "Remembering Mitchell," was shared with those present, offering a visual journey through his life.
The service closed with a final hymn from the choir and congregation, prayers for the family, a closing prayer, and the benediction. Mitchell Ryan Innes, who helped establish St. John's Academy, continues to be remembered for the guidance, discipline, and care he brought to the institution — values the school carries forward in his honour.
