Christchurch Dean to lead Erebus service in Antarctica | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

The Dean of Christchurch, the Very Reverend Peter Beck, will lead a commemoration service for the Erebus disaster in Antarctica on Sunday.

Beck, along with Sir Edmund Hillary and Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff, left for Antarctica yesterday morning and providing the weather was suitable, were to gather at the crash site for a memorial service and prayers.

Beck said it was an honour to take part in the commemorations, which were of huge significance to every New Zealander.

"I'm very conscious of the enormous sense of emotion involved. I carry that with me there.

"It's a way of remembering and showing respect and acknowledging the grief we all share," he said.

As part of the service, Sir Edmund will read a poem and a poignant piece of music, written by Chris Cree Brown of Canterbury University, will be played. Messages from family and friends will also be read.

Back in Christchurch the muffled bells of the Cathedral will toll at 12.48pm on Sunday, the time of the fateful accident.