THE church of St David at Thelbridge was beautifully decorated for a Harvest Service and celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Ordination of Rev Steven Smith.

Family members travelled from Birmingham to attend the Service of Celebration for Rev Steven Smith, pictured with his wife of 52 years, Gill. AQ 3007
Family members travelled from Birmingham to attend the Service of Celebration for Rev Steven Smith, pictured with his wife of 52 years, Gill. AQ 3007 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Steven was the vicar at Cheriton Fitzpaine and surrounding churches for more than 25 years before retiring with his wife Gill to Witheridge.

He takes regular services at Thelbridge, even though now in a wheelchair.

One of the displays to mark Harvest in Thelbridge Parish Church. AQ 3003
One of the displays to mark Harvest in Thelbridge Parish Church. AQ 3003 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The display on the font for Harvest in Thelbridge Parish Church. AQ 3001
The display on the font for Harvest in Thelbridge Parish Church. AQ 3001 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Steven was Ordained as a priest in Peterborough Cathedral in 1985.

He served at King’s Heath, Northampton and at Towcester and was an engineer in Nuclear Power Stations for 17 years.

St David’s Church at Thelbridge. AQ 2959
St David’s Church at Thelbridge. AQ 2959 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

During the singing of one of the hymns at Thelbridge Parish Church, Gill Smith playing the organ. AQ 2968
During the singing of one of the hymns at Thelbridge Parish Church, Gill Smith playing the organ. AQ 2968 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

For some time in Devon he was Team Rector for 18 churches and chaplain to Air Cadets, Police and Forces.

Before gifts were presented, a Thelbridge church spokesperson said: "We are blessed to have Steven".