A WESTBURY church has bid farewell to its long serving minister Graham Warmington, a leading community figure who has led the church for 15 years.
As well as leading the West End Baptist Church, Graham was chair of Westbury Churches Together and served as chairman of the White Horse Day Centre for ten years. Graham was instrumental in producing the informative ‘How to ? Where to?’guide which was delivered free to households around Westbury earlier in the year.
Current Link chairman Phil Jefferson paid homage to Graham as he held his final service at the West End Baptist Church on Saturday 13th of June. He said that Graham was the first chairman of the Westbury Link good neighbour scheme 10 years ago,
Phil said, “It was Graham who had the vision to recognise the benefits there would be in having a Link scheme in the town.
“As an excellent first chairman of our management committee, he showed that he had the leadership skills that were required to translate that vision into practice. By his skilful and sensitive chairing of the committee he guided us through all the steps needed to introduce the scheme.
“More than this, though, Graham was always there to give sound advice and encouragement where there were problems and there is no doubt that he worked very hard and selflessly to get our scheme on the road to success.
“Graham has undoubtedly made his mark on Westbury and the town owes him a huge debt of gratitude. The Link scheme must stand as a major part of Graham’s legacy. Our scheme is in good shape ten years on and much of its success is due to the firm and secure foundations Graham made sure were laid.”
Former Baptist Deacon Jeremy Peters met Graham eight years ago. He said, “Graham has been a great servant of Westbury and has done a lot of work for local organisations, including Westbury Churches Together where he has been chairman.
“He’s humble and has a great sense of humour, very friendly and approachable. He is always willing to help.”
Graham held his final service at the West End Baptist Church on Saturday 13th of June.
He said, “My wife and myself were so grateful to all of the friends from Westbury (as well as elsewhere) who made this such a special occasion for us.
“Our thanks especially to the members of West End Baptist Church who had worked so hard to provide such a brilliant event. Thanks especially to Ivor Shears and Maureen Taylor for organising everything, and also to Rev Geoff Birch (former minister of Westbury Leigh Baptist Church) for compering the event.
“Our thanks also to everyone who has contributed so generously to the gifts and greetings received as we leave the town and community, especially those involved with Westbury Churches Together, the White Horse Day Centre and the Church itself.”
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