Residents of Horsforth were rather sad when popular clergyman Rev Nigel Sinclair left the parish last August for pastures new, having been a much valued member of the community.
But now a new vicar has been found to take the role at St Margaret’s. And he and his family are looking forward to the challenge and being part of the community.
The Reverend Chris Clayton is moving to the area from his previous role as Associate Vicar at St Peters in Harrogate, but is a native of Bradford, and will take over as Priest in Charge of the Abbeylands Benefice.
Chris told us about his background and how he came to be moving to Horsforth.
“I’m from Bradford originally, born and bred. BD3; the best postcode for all the worst things,” he said. “Grew up there, worked in hotels, worked in IT, got the calling, went to church all my life..”
“Looking for a job, Horsforth came up, and just really felt called. The people, meeting people, walking round the area, the sense of community.”
“It’s a big building, it’s a big job, a good predecessor, so big shoes to fill. But I feel like I can do that. I feel called to do it. It’s all about what God calls us to. But I’m really excited…and I’m really happy to be here.”
Chris is in the middle of decorating at the minute but the family will move into the Vicarage early to mid February.
“I’ve got about two weeks then to settle in, get to know the area, for my family to get to know the area, and the people. The 25th is when I get the keys to the kingdom and that is when I officially start. So at the moment I’m just decorating and it’s a long job.”
“My wife Samantha is training to be a vicar as well, so hopefully June/July this year she will become a curate. We’re hoping somewhere local.”
“I’ve got two teenagers, …sorry, two men! 18 and 21. The 18 year old is hopefully going to join West Yorkshire Police. And my eldest is trying to get an apprenticeship to be an electrician.”
“Just the four of us. Mum and dad still live in Bradford and in-laws still live in Bradford so we’re about 15 minutes away so that’s really nice.”
The Rev Chris is already a big fan of his new office.
“St Margaret’s is a beautiful building and it’s really well used. One of the things I really liked about it was the connection to the community. So many different groups going on. I’m leaving a church that has five services on a Sunday. I’m coming from a church where I’m busy, busy, busy. To me St Margarets is quiet which is quite nice actually!
“One of the things that I’ve noticed more than anywhere else at the moment is that loneliness and isolation is massive. So anywhere where the community can get together for a knitting group or whatever, just to spend some time with somebody and chat. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? And if the church can help do that, and I’m not saying we should ram religion down their throats, but if we can use the space.”
So what does the future hold?
“My priority this year is get to know the people, get to know the patterns, don’t ruffle any feathers. Whatever we currently do try and do it to the best it can be. Then at some point this year do a bit of a vision exercise with the church. When I say church I don’t mean the building, I mean the people. What is it they think we should be doing. What is it they see God calling us to.”
Revd Chris Clayton’s licensing ceremony, welcoming Chris and his family to the community and led by the Bishop of Kirkstall Arun Arora, takes place on Wednesday, 25 February at 7pm at St Margarets. All are welcome and refreshments will be provided.
Please note that parking is limited.
This is a summarised version of an article by Jill Stocks of West Leeds Dispatch (used with permission)- see the full article on the link below:
