Hull, Worksop, Scarborough, Cheltenham, Eccles

Bishop Tom Wright (preacher) with Ted; Congregational drinks and canapes; A movable feast, as preparations are made before the service; Photos and press cuttings of Ted and his family’s years of ministry are enjoyed by some of the congregation.

The final chords of Pearsall’s ‘Tu es Petrus’ echoed from the Priory Singers into the huge space of the Priory…

silence

save for the shuffle of feet and the words…’The body of Christ’, ‘The body of Christ’, ‘The body of Christ’, repeated. Over and over… hundreds of times…by one man, as a consecrated wafer was placed into the hands of each communicant.

For, in the year that the Priory rejoiced with curate Adam on his first celebration of Holy Communion, the congregation had gathered again, this time to celebrate Ted Crofton’s 50th anniversary of ordained ministry.

The impact of his ministry was evident as visitors from all Ted’s parishes (they’re in the title) and their diaspora, both lay and ordained, were welcomed to the Priory.

Rousing hymn-singing, including ‘the only one in our hymnbook written by Tom’ (Hymn 222, ‘You shall go out’) and an inspiring and thought-provoking sermon on ordination given by ‘Tom’ - Bishop Tom Wright - lifted hearts and minds.

We also learnt from Bishop Tom that Ted had thrown himself enthusiastically into amateur dramatics, and that a pet service had been a particular highlight in one of his parishes. A display of press cuttings and photographs, enjoyed by many of the congregation, was testament to Ted’s dedication and the support of Jill and their (growing) family over the years.

After the service canapes and drinks were enjoyed by all as stories and memories of ministry were shared.

Thank you, Ted, for responding to God’s call on your life.