Long-serving wardens make local church history

Two men with long and distinguished records of service to churches in the Sedgefield area have made local church history by being honoured with the title of ‘Churchwarden Emeritus’.

Parish wardens John Burton and Brian Mutch are the first church officers in the Parish of the Upper Skerne, which covers Bishop Middleham, Fishburn, Sedgefield and the Trimdons, to be awarded the accolade.

At Sunday morning’s parish service at St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield, the pair were presented with ‘certificates of grateful appreciation’, cards and personal gifts by the Revd. Geoffrey Short, Team Rector, to mark their long and dedicated service.

Although they have relinquished their duties as parish wardens, both John and Brian will continue to serve as deputy wardens.  Brian will have special responsibility for safeguarding the fabric of all church buildings in the parish.

Taking over as parish wardens will be church members John Burrows and Reader Bill Armstrong who have strong links with Saint Michael’s Church in Bishop Middleham but will work throughout the Upper Skerne.

Sunday’s service saw a special presentation to Reader Michael King to mark his hard work and leadership as Lay Chair of both the District Church Council and the Parish Church Council during the years that the Upper Skerne had no Team Rector or Vicar.

Article courtesy of Ron Eyley

Page added 3rd July 2019