REVEREND Matthew Tregenza was installed as the Rector of the United Benefice of Crediton, Sandford with Upton Hellions and Shobrooke by The Rt Rev Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter, during a service at Crediton Parish Church on Monday, March 4.

Hundreds of people attended the service during which the new incumbent was introduced to the local church and wider community.

Oaths were made to give assurance that the priest believes, speaks and acts in the way a Christian minister should, and that he is committed to minister in the Church of England.

Representatives from the parish, mission community, deanery, local churches and wider community welcomed Rev Atwell and Rev Matthew Tregenza's wife, Antonia.

The service began with a procession and singing by the impressive Crediton Parish Church Choir and Sandford Choir.

The reading from the Scripture was by Mrs Antonia Tregenza and the reading from the Gospel was by Rev Paul Fillery.

During his Sermon, Bishop Robert explained that Matthew was formerly Rector of the Benefice of Bishops Lydeard and Rural Dean of Tone Deanery in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

He said he was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and had taught in Salisbury, where he was ordained at Salisbury Cathedral, followed by serving in North Dorset and South Wales before his move to Somerset.

He said Matthew was experienced at serving in market towns and rural communities but asked all those present to support him as part of a team to minister Christianity in what he described as “changing times”.

He asked for people to give him some time to settle in and amusingly until he “gets his feet under the altar”.

Bishop Robert appealed for the communities to work together, growing in prayer, and using a boating analogy, rowing together in harmony.

He appealed for people to be joyful, explaining that Christians were not readily known for being joyful, adding that he wanted to rid people’s view that Christians were kill-joys.

“Throw off the negativity”, he said, adding: “Celebrate the wonderful gift of life.”

“Being a Christian is fantastic and I want you all to encourage people in this adventure.”

He spoke of the need to increase congregations and reduce the average age of a congregation, which he said currently was 62!

“There is a need for new disciples and a need to address that challenge urgently to pass on the baton.”

He spoke of the need to reach out to communities and called Matthew’s arrival “a new and exciting chapter for the community in the Crediton area”.

After taking the oaths and the Institution and Installation, the Act of Dedication included presenting the new Incumbent with symbols of ministry.

This included presenting him with a jug of water, which he poured into the font, the presentation of oil for healing, placing a Bible on the pulpit lecturn and receiving a paten and chalice, bread and wine and a blessing at the church door.

Churchwardens and representatives on behalf of the parishes, mission community, clergy from other denominations, local community and diocese and the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch, then extended a welcome to Matthew.

The prayers were led by Rev Tregenza and the blessing was by Bishop Robert.

The choir sang “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” by John Rutter and prior to the service the church bells were rung.

At a reception afterwards a splendid tea was served and a celebration cake made by Valerie Brewer was cut by Rev and Mrs Tregenza. A gift was also presented on behalf of the congregation.