by Alan Quick

REPRESENTATIVES from all of the Crediton Benefice churches filled the Boniface Centre on Sunday, January 7, to say a fond farewell to Rector for the past 15 years, Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie and his family.

It was announced in October that Rev Guthrie would be leaving the Crediton Benefice to become the new Vicar at St David’s Church, Exeter.

Mr Guthrie has been the well-respected Rector of Crediton Parish Church since 2002.

Speaking at the farewell lunch, Churchwarden Jackie Hayes, said that the community was sad that he and his family would be moving on but said that it had been brightened by not only the family’s incredible musical talents but also his wise sermons, diplomacy and optimism.

She said he was probably the only person who could, when required, take the service and play the organ, adding that she wished all the family well in the future in their new home and in his new role in Exeter.

She presented Rev Guthrie with a substantial cheque from a collection from the congregations.

Fellow churchwardens at Crediton Parish Church, John Musty and Sheila Ralph, carried out and presented the family with an apricot tree for their new garden.

Rev Guthrie thanked those present for their kind wishes and gifts and recounted how prior to leaving Derby 16 years ago he had learned more about the Crediton community after receiving a complimentary copy of the “Crediton Courier” which was then followed by a tour of the church by Robin Langhorne.

During his time at Crediton, he said he had seen, almost, four Bishops of Crediton depart, but added that he was pleased that the current Bishop of Crediton, Dame Sarah Mullally, would be installing him at St David’s on Tuesday, January 16 before her departure to become the next Bishop of London.

He recalled many of the exciting projects which had taken place during his time in Crediton, including the completion of the Under Gallery at Sandford, the “green” loo at Shobrooke, and redecoration and refurbishments at Yeoford, Posbury and St Lawrence.

At Crediton he said the bell project, which saw 10 new bells cast, was a large project for the church, adding that he was honoured that his name was added to one of the bells.

Other projects he mentioned included completion of the altar furniture, completion of the choir stalls and the major re-lighting and re-wiring project.

He spoke about the strong faith in the community and said he was sure that it would continue with energy, along with the pastoral care and worship.

The on-going roof repair appeal was also mentioned and he hoped people would continue to support it.

He thanked all those who had assisted him in his ministry, from readers to officers, parochial church council members, leaders of churches and chapels, friends, fellow clergy and volunteers.

He particularly thanked everyone for working together.

Looking back he recalled memorable occasions such as the summer and Christmas tree festivals, children’s events, ordinations and confirmations, the visit by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2009 and music events including Festival Choruses led by his wife, Tina.

He said that it was fortunate that he would not be moving too far away and was looking forward to invitations to return.

He thanked his wife Tina and children Robbie and George for their understanding and support and said that he hoped that a new rector for the Crediton Benefice would be found soon.

He concluded by saying that it had been an “immense privilege to serve the Crediton community”.

Tina Guthrie added her thanks for being accepted into the community and the support she had received running events such as children’s activities, holiday clubs and musical events.

Mr Guthrie was also Rural Dean of the Cadbury Deanery.

He had previously served as Vicar of Chellaston and Rural Dean of Melbourne in Derby Diocese.

Nigel was ordained deacon in Coventry in 1988 and worked at St John the Baptist, and then Coventry Cathedral until moving to Derby in 1994. He was appointed a Prebendary of Exeter Cathedral in 2010 and is a member of Exeter Chamber Choir.