Many tributes were paid over the weekend to the late Dean of Belfast, Dr Jack Shearer, 74, who died on Friday night following a heart attack on New Year's Eve.
The dean, who was known throughout the North for his tireless charity work, in particular his annual pre-Christmas sit-outs in front of the city's St Anne's Cathedral as "Black Santa", had been planning to retire in May.
The Northern Secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson, described Dean Shearer as "a beacon of selfless generosity and care for the marginalised, throughout some of Northern Ireland's most difficult times," adding: "He stood for all that is best in Northern Ireland."
The North's First Minister, Mr David Trimble, said Dr Shearer had brought out the best in people each Christmas.
"How fitting it was that his last wintry vigil should be his finest. The tradition of Black Santa is here to stay and I know that Jack's successor will be supported with equal enthusiasm by everyone in Northern Ireland."
The Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, said the dean's dedication to the church and the "tremendous contribution" he had made would be sadly missed.
"Jack was a considerate and generous man. He will be remembered by many people for the selfless effort he made as the Black Santa, raising a substantial amount of money for charities throughout the North of Ireland."
A Belfast Sinn Fein councillor, Mr Tom Hartley, said "countless needy citizens" had benefited from the dean's work.
The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, said Dr Shearer "inspired us all by the way in which he dealt with so many problems, the way in which he inspired the whole community each Christmas and they way in which he encouraged the partnership between St Anne's Cathedral and St Patrick's Catholic Cathedral in Belfast in very difficult times."
He had regarded the Dean as a close friend whom he very much admired and would greatly miss.
The Presbyterian Church's general secretary, Dr Sam Hutchinson, said he would remember Dr Shearer not just for his charity work but a churchman who had played a vital role in organising many national, civic and inter-church services.
"His practical faith and desire to serve all to the best of his ability marked him out as a devoted follower of Christ," he added.