ST James’ Church and the parish of Rowledge held an uplifting service of celebration as their new vicar, Rev Russ Gant, was installed earlier this month.

With around 20 robed clergy present, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson (Bishop of Guildford), Venerable Stuart Beake, (Archdeacon of Surrey and Patron of the Benefice) and Rev Anne Gell (Area Dean), conducted the service and completed the formalities to install Russ as the new vicar.

Including the St James’ handbell ringers welcoming the congregation into church, and a special anthem, written by Richard Walker, organist at St James’, over 200 family, friends, and members of the congregations from both St James’ and Russ’s previous parish of St Paul’s Camberley, enjoyed the celebrations.

Churchwardens Lesley Voice and Jonathan Doland were delighted with the evening and thanked all those who had worked so hard over the year-long vacancy, culminating in Thursday’s service. Mike Randall, Deputy Churchwarden, organised the evening service, assisted ably by technicians Ian Webb and Nick Makemson, who set up a CCTV facility for the church centre to enable an overflow congregation to also enjoy the service.

In the service Russ was welcomed to his new parish by the children, the had of Rowledge Primary School, a town councillor, uniformed groups, and other representatives from the church and local community.

Russ thanked the congregation for their warm welcome to the parish and, with wife Jenny and children Annabelle and Elizabeth, look forward to the coming months and years serving the Rowledge community.

If anyone is interested in the activities of St James’ Church go to www.stjames

rowledge.org.uk or contact the parish clerk on 01252 792402.