IN a first for the area, a new rector for the lower Teesdale Benefice was installed as the Mercury went to press this week.
Revd Canon David Tomlinson was licensed at a service of institution on Monday evening by the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Ripon.
The congregation of about 120 was expected at St Giles Church, Bowes, and a reception at the village hall was held after the ceremony.
Revd Tomlinson has previously held appointments at St John’s, in Shildon, and more recently has been the senior leader for the resourcing church network Durham since 2019.
Peter Nicholls, churchwarden at St Giles, said Revd Tomlinson is supported by his wife Davina.
The couple have two children and will be living at the rectory in Cotherstone.
“David is interested in story, local history, understanding how the work of God has threaded through a place and then building on that,” said Mr Nicholls.
“Davina is a committed bellringer, very competent baker and keen to maintain a thriving and welcoming home environment.
“They both love walking and will be seen around the villages with their two dogs Charlie and Stevie enjoying the beautiful Teesdale countryside.”
Revd Tomlinson will be the first to hold the position of rector of the lower Teesdale Benefice, encompassing the sixcChurches of Laithkirk, Romaldkirk, Cotherstone, Bowes, Startforth and Brignall. “We all wish him well in his new appointment,” said Mr Nicholls.
