Vicar blesses cross before retiring after 21 years
Father Barry Carter, vicar of St Michael and All Angels in South Street, Lancing, retired last month having been at the church since June 1995.
Two weeks before his retirement, he blessed a new wooden cross which has now been placed on the east end of the church roof.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThis replaced the original cross which had been in place since the church was built in 1924.
Father Barry said: “It is very strange after 21 years serving Lancing. I do miss it already, particularly the people and interacting with people.
“The music will be the thing I will miss most, the arrangements have made a big impression and are very much valued by myself and other people. The performers almost took up half the church!”
“With the cross, I think they wanted me to bless it before I left. A way of saying goodbye to the church.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdChurchwarden Gill Kerney explained: “After over 90 years on the roof of the church the cross had become extremely weathered and our architect advised replacing it during his regular inspection of the church building. The work was carried out by a local firm, Seth Evans Joinery, who did a brilliant job of carving and recreating the design of the cross.
“It was great that father Barry was able to bless the cross at the end of a Sunday Eucharist before our builders, R.J.Steele, placed it on the roof.
“It now stands proudly for all to see and we hope it will last for at least the next 90 years.”
The work was paid for in a legacy fund from former church member Grace Noel.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFor further details on the church, readers can visit www.stmichaelslancing.org.uk
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage
2) Like our Facebook page
3) Follow us on Twitter
4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
Always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.