On Tuesday 30th May, St Margaret’s Church, Chipstead welcomed The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallet, Bishop of Croydon and The Venerable Moira Astin, Archdeacon of Reigate for the Institution and Induction of our new Rector, Revd. Hannah Gordon. Hannah’s previous parish was ‘The Good Shepherd’ in Carshalton, and we were extremely pleased to see some of them joining us on this very special occasion.
The Worshipful the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor Eddy Humphries, and his consort attended, and the Mayor made a short speech welcoming Hannah to her incumbency.
It was a joyous occasion, and the church was at full capacity, with representatives from local parish organisations, clergy from Reigate Deanery, Hannah’s friends, and family and also members of her new parish, Chipstead, Mugswell, Hooley and Netherne.
The congregation stood as the incumbent designate Revd. Hannah Gordon was presented to the bishop by Revd. Martin Colton, Area Dean of Reigate. Hannah held the bible in her right hand and turned to the people and took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Canonical Obedience.
Bishop Rosemarie then presented the mandate for the induction to the Archdeacon who then escorted Hannah to the main church door, where her hand was placed on the handle and with that Hannah was inducted into: “The real, actual, and corporal possession of the parish church of St Margaret’s.
Hannah then tolled the church bell to signify taking possession of the benefice and was conducted to her stall. Intercessions and Holy Communion followed.
Church bells pealed and hymns were sung almost raising the roof and disturbing the bats from their gentle slumber. Refreshments were served afterwards in the Orchard.
We are all very much looking forward to Hannah’s ministry here among us.
Photo Left to Right
Revd. Martin Colton, Revd Hannah Gordon, The Bishop of Croydon, Mayor of Reigate, and his consort
Photo Credit: Richard Lancaster
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