ON December 19 in 1965, Bishop Gordon Tindall ordained six priests and a number of deacons in Grahamstown Cathedral in South Africa.

One who has just celebrated the 60th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) of his ordination is Canon Michael Hall who served the Diocese of Grahamstown for 35 years before returning to his country of birth, England.

Rev Michael Hall and his daughter, Rev Janet May following the anniversary service. AQ 4628
Rev Michael Hall and his daughter, Rev Janet May following the anniversary service. AQ 4628 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Rev Michael served in parishes in East London, Port Elizabeth, Queenstown and Barkly East and for 20 years as Archdeacon of Aliwal North.

He is extremely thankful to the wonderful people and colleagues with whom he worked in the Grahamstown Diocese for those 35 years.

He served as a priest in the Crediton benefice for many years and is now retired in the Diocese of Exeter - with his wife Sandy and daughter Janet (now a parish priest in the Exeter Diocese in the Crediton benefice), son Andrew and their families.

Michael, now 85, and Rev Janet May presided for a special Eucharist Service in Crediton Parish Church by way of thanksgiving on Sunday, February 15 (delayed until this time due to Janet’s recent illness and Michael’s broken hip).

Rev Michael Hall and his daughter, Rev Janet May during the anniversary service. AQ 4593
Rev Michael Hall and his daughter, Rev Janet May during the anniversary service. AQ 4593 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The church was full with members of Michael’s family plus members of the local congregation and from churches across the Crediton benefice, most of which in which Michael and Janet have both served or continue to serve.

Michael served at Bow, Clannaborough, Coldridge, Colebrooke, Down St Mary, Knowle, Lapford, Nymet Rowland and Zeal Monachorum from 2001 to 2010, ad hoc across the benefice since that time.

There was a large congregation for the anniversary service in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 4579
There was a large congregation for the anniversary service in Crediton Parish Church. AQ 4579 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Janet said: “Dad has been an excellent priest. He taught me so much as I grew up about God's love and justice.

“Before Desmond Tutu became Archbishop of Cape Town, we hosted him and others at our home, which will always hold special memories for me and I know for Dad. Those of you who know Dad, will know that he often quotes Archbishop Desmond.

“Dad has always been gentle, kind and passionate about Jesus Christ and he has demonstrated the love of God always.

Rev Janet May preaching during the service. AQ 4573
Rev Janet May preaching during the service. AQ 4573 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“Congratulations Dad! What a good and faithful servant you have been and continue to be. I couldn't be prouder to be your daughter.”

Rev Matthew Tregenza, Rector of the Crediton benefice, said: “What an absolute joy it is to celebrate 60 years of priestly ministry of the Rev Canon Michael Hall.

“How wonderful that his daughter Janet was able to share in the service by preaching.

“Michael’s ministry in South Africa and in Devon reminds us of the universality of the church.”