The Anglican churches of Saltash and the surrounding area - forming the proposed Kernow Gateway Benefice - were delighted to welcome the new Bishop of Truro, just six weeks after his installation.
The six churches across five parishes gathered in the morning at St Nicholas & St Faith, Saltash, for Holy Communion, where Bishop David preached on unity, building on the churches’ current sermon series from the book of Ephesians. Afterwards, Bishop David and his wife, Helen, joined the congregation for a bring-and-share lunch. The tables were laden with generous contributions, and everyone was encouraged to enjoy second helpings.
In the afternoon, Bishop David met with the clergy serving these parishes for an informal conversation about the joys and challenges of ministry in the area - spanning two town churches and four rural ones.
That evening, Bishop David and Helen attended Evensong at St Mary’s, Botus Fleming. The choir—conceived by organist and churchwarden Eric Distin - brought together singers from all the parishes and had been rehearsing for eight weeks. At the last moment, a solo by Faye Penwill was added as a touching tribute to much-loved Botus Fleming churchwarden, Gill Mingo, who had died earlier that week.
Eric said on the evening: “For a small country church to have an early visit from the head of the Anglican Community in Cornwall was a great honour. A choir of all talents has come together from the churches to welcome David & his wife Helen to our service and to lead the Sung Praise to Our Lord.”
The Evensong service was filled to capacity, and the choir performed beautifully. The occasion was especially meaningful as it marked the 50th anniversary of Eric Distin’s service as organist at St Mary’s. The Priest-in-Charge, Revd Laura Bushell Hawke, presented Eric with a bottle of port in recognition of his Golden Jubilee, and Bishop David led the congregation in a standing ovation.
After the service, Bishop David and Helen joined the community for homemade soup prepared from local ingredients. The parishes thoroughly enjoyed their day with Bishop David and Helen and look forward to welcoming them again soon.
