St Mary’s Church, Hemyock, was the venue for the inauguration of the Rev Vanessa Cole as Rector – a part-time post also serving Culm Davy, Clayhidon and Culmstock.
The service, attended by about 120 people, was taken by the Rt Rev Moira Astin, Bishop of Crediton assisted by the Archdeacon, the Ven Andrew Beane, with organist Nigel Atkinson.
The choir sang the anthem Open to Me the Gates, written by Henrietta Wentworth Stanley specially for the occasion
Representatives from the four churches presented symbols of ministry to the new incumbent – water for baptism, oil for healing, a Bible, the Book of Common Prayer and bread and wine.
After being welcomed by the Cullompton Rural Dean, churchwardens and attending clergy, representatives from the local communities and diocese also went forward to welcome Rev Cole.
Following the service, light refreshments were served and fellowship enjoyed.
Rev Cole took her first service – Morning Prayer at Hemyock – the following morning with a combined Benefice service of Holy Communion at St Andrew’s Clayhidon held on her first Sunday in post.
She said: ‘I’ve had an incredibly warm welcome and look forward to sharing God’s love with the people of Hemyock, Clayhidon, Culmstock and Culm Davy.”
PHOTO: Churchwardens and clergy – Peter Fisher, Archdeacon, Piers Langdon, David Bawler, Bishop Moira, Rev Cole, Howard Johnson. Mark Fitzgerald, Richard Preston.