New pastorates
The church premises at Thorpe Edge in Bradford were so packed at the induction service for Keith Mitton on 6th March that there was standing room only for some. Mr Mitton was pastor of Pollard Park Evangelical Church near the city centre for many years. Continued prayer is asked for him in his new leadership role, along with the two previous pastors, Douglas Legge and Bernard Umpleby, who continue to serve as elders. On 27th March the induction took place at Bulford in Wiltshire of Barnaby Alsop. The service was led by Pastor Nigel Graham from Warboys, the induction and ordination by Mike Plant (EFCC G e n e r a l Secretary), and Paul Oliver (Pastor of Bradford-onAvon Baptist Nigel Graham with new pastor Barnaby Alsop and his wife, Verity Church) preached powerfully from 2 Cor. 1:3–7. Two former pastors also took part in the service—David Godfrey (1963–73) under whose ministry the church had declined to join the newly-formed Congregational Church of England & Wales and became part of EFCC, and Peter Beale (1980–2003).
With the Lord
On Tuesday 6th April, the day after her 77th birthday, Mrs Brenda Forsyth of Wiveliscombe went to her reward. Brenda, who had been suffering bravely with cancer for some time, was the widow of Rev. Ban Forsyth, and a great stalwart in the work at Wiveliscombe. She will be greatly missed, and our warm sympathy goes to her family and to the church fellowship.
Bicentenary
The church at Lee Mill in Devon (pastor Rev. Cyril Short), which recently came into EFCC, celebrates the 200th anniversary of its foundation in April.
Congregational Concern Spring 2010
1