Special service at All Saints Church

A SPECIAL service was held at All Saints Church, Westbury, this month to welcome a new member to the White Horse Team.

Sharon Jones of All Saints Church said, “Around 175 people gathered to wish Rev Caroline Husband well as she was installed and licensed as team vicar to the White Horse Team.

“This service took place  on Thursday 15th March at All Saints church.   Rev Pauline Reid the rural dean of Heytesbury gave an amusing potted history of Caroline’s life and made sure we knew that Caroline‘s favourite food is Black Forest gateaux for future reference!

“The Bishop of Ramsbury, the Right Reverend Dr Edward Condry, led the service. He thanked everyone who had prepared the church and the refreshments before beginning the service. This took place in different parts of the church and used the symbolism of different objects relevant to the Christian faith. This started at the font with those from the parishes responsible for pastoral care; moving to the chancel steps where those involved in teaching and preaching join the Bishop and Caroline; and finally to the sanctuary where they were joined by other ministers of the sacrament.

“After a reading that had been chosen by Caroline (St Luke 24 v 13 – 35),  Caroline affirmed and took oaths. She affirmed and declared her belief in the Holy Scriptures, swore allegiance to the Queen and her successors and swore that she would ‘pay true and canonical obedience to the Lord Bishop of Salisbury and his successors in all things honest and true’.

“Once this part of the service was complete, the Bishop stated, ‘Having made these declarations, Caroline may now receive the Cure of Souls here’.

“Caroline then had to give out the notices. Prayers and welcomes from representatives from the church and the community were followed  by the final hymn, the commissioning and dismissal.

“Thank you to everyone who helped prepare for the service and to those who took part. Everyone across the White Horse Team wishes Caroline and Cliff and their family welcome, and every blessing for their new life here.”