He and his family can be found at the local IGA, the electrical store and the hardware shop. And now Mr Dale is about to become a reverend at the St Barnabas Anglican Church in the town where he is so well known.

The ordination ceremony will be held on January 25 at 6pm and he will be in the company of members of the community, the congregation, and his parents Les and Mary Dale. 

Mr Dale is already a familiar face at the St Barnabas Church and carries out many duties.

However, the ordination as a reverend allows him to “prepare for a wedding” and perform baptisms and help people prepare for confirmation. 

The ceremony will be led by the Bishop of the Riverina Rob Gillion.

Mr Dale said it was an honour and he was looking forward to it. And the fact the ordination was taking place in the church that he attended as a child held additional sentimental value. 

“It means I have a title,” he laughed.

“But I will still be known as ‘Ken’ at the electrical store and hardware store,” he said. 

Preparation hasn’t been without its challenges and the last study he completed, which was through Trinity College which is linked to the University of Melbourne, took 10 years. 

“It took so long because I am still trying to run a business as well,” he said.

The next plan is to study through Ridley Theological College by correspondence online. It is estimated this course will take four years.