By Margaret Crosby

Last updated at 11:45, Thursday, 12 July 2012

POPULAR priest, John Kelly retires this month after 47 years in the Anglican ministry.

Canon John Kelly: Happy memories of years of service

The Rev Canon Kelly, 70, who has spent the last four and a half years as house-for-duty assistant priest to the Parish of Whitehaven, serving alongside the Rector, the Rev John Bannister, says the post has been a “joyful cameo’’ on which to end his ministry.

And he expresses gratitude for the friendship and fellowship of parishioners.

“It has been a privilege to help to lead the worship in what must be one of the finest parish churches in the country,’’ he says.

“The fellowship around the altar at the Eucharist on Sundays is truly uplifting. A vicar’s role can sometimes be a lonely one, so it makes a vast difference to work among such friendly folk.’’

Canon Kelly, and his wife Sheila who live at Bigrigg will remain in the area for their retirement.

His last Sunday at St James Church will be on July 22 when he will preside and preach at the parish Eucharist. In the evening there will be a social event with friends and parishioners.

John was ordained priest in 1966 and retired from stipendiary ministry in 2005 after serving the Carlisle Diocese for almost 40 years. He was made honorary canon in 2000 and served as chaplain to the West Cumberland Hospital between 2003-05. In 2005 he became non-stipendiary priest-in-charge of the parish of Lamplugh with Ennerdale and Kirkland.

Before that he was vicar at St Peter’s Church, Kells, and at St Paul’s at Seaton. He has also previously served at Egremont, Arlecdon, Milnthorpe, Barrow and Carlisle.

Canon Kelly hails from Maryport and has three grown-up children.

First published at 11:09, Thursday, 12 July 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk