THE induction of Rev Steven Whitaker to the Pastorate at Atworth Independent Church took place on Saturday 11th October.
Rodney Price, Church Secretary said, “The long-awaited day came – sufficient chairs arranged in the chapel to seat 80 people, the village hall laid out for tea in readiness for the arrival of food lovingly prepared by members of the congregation and other friends from around.
“People began arriving at the Chapel before 2.00pm making sure of a seat. The speaker arrived and by 2.30pm the Chapel was practically full and ready for the Service to begin.
“Rev Stephen West, who had helped the Chapel over the past three years when they were without a Pastor, chaired the meeting and gave everyone a warm welcome. After Derek Fawcett prayed he thanked Stephen for his great help during the period without a Pastor.
“Resident organist Nora Fawcett, accompanied on the piano by Eileen Hinton from Market Lavington, led the congregation in the rousing singing of the hymns commencing with a modern piece “Come, people of the Risen King”.
“Following the Bible Lesson from 1 Corinthians chapter 4 read by Christine Price the chairman read greetings from a number of people who could not be present, including the Pastoral Director of FIEC, Richard Underwood. Then followed greetings from churches and organisations represented that afternoon.
“Rodney Price gave a history of the call of the Pastor to Atworth to which Steve Whitaker gave his response. We were delighted Steve’s Pastor from his previous church, Jonathan Davies and his family, were able to join us from Bradford Yorkshire for the weekend and he gave the Commendation stating how Steve and Mary were of great help during their time there. Our gain was their loss.
“Prior to the Act of Induction the Rev Irving Steggles, a fellow Pastor from South Africa, outlined the duties and responsibilities of a Pastor. He then asked Steve to affirm his belief to certain fundamental biblical doctrines. The members and congregation were also asked to affirm their support for Steve in his new ministry. Following the challenging address by Irving Steggles, the meeting was concluded and folks made their way to the village hall to continue to enjoy fellowship and take tea together.
Our grateful thanks to the many who supported us on this tremendous day in the Chapel’s history and made it so memorable. We pray the work of the Gospel will go forward under the Ministry of the new Pastor.”
• In the last issue of the Melksham News the incorrect caption was put on a photograph of the new pastor Steven Whitaker and his wife Mary. Our apologies for the error.
