THE Warrington community has bid a fond farewell to popular Borough Minister the Rev Stephen Kingsnorth.
The former Bold Street Methodist Minister, who became heavily involved in the peace process following the Warrington bombing in March 1993, has retired after 24 years loyal service.
He went on to take on the unique role of the Warrington Borough Ministry and played a key tole in engaging with the various faith communities around the town as well, as well as being faith adviser to the borough council.
Rev Kingsnorth also provide a weekly “Cyberchurch” column during the formative days of warrington-worldwide website
Around 200 members of the community attended his farewell “celebration service” which took place at the Warrington Islamic Association on Lock Lane, Bewsey.
Guests speakers included Lord Lt. of Cheshire David Briggs, Susan Sellers DL, former High Sheriff of Cheshire, his wife, Methodist local preacher Denise Kingsnorth, Unatarian Minister the Rev Bob, Janis-Dillon, Rev Simon Schofield from the Town Centre Clergy Group, Rev Paul Wilson from Warrington Parish Church and Mohamed Abdalla from the Council of Faiths Mosque and former deputy leader of the borough council Mike Hannon.
During the event Methodist District Chair the Rev Dr Sheryl Anderson, praised Stephen for his unique role, which she said would be a hard act to replace. As the role had been unique to Stephen, it would be difficult to replace him, alongside the funding issues for the role.
Following the celebration service there was tea and cakes to round off proceedings.
warrington-worldwide Editor Gary Skentelbery, who attended the event said: “Stephen has been a fantastic servant to the Warrington community and played an important role in the peace process following the the Warrington bombing.
“He will be sadly missed by many people and I only hope the local churches and the local authority can find a way of ensuring his legacy carries on for the benefit of future generations.”
Gary added: “The only thing which surprised me was that the whole event passed by without the mention of the b word – for buffet, something Stephen became renowned for enjoying during his many public services.”
Rev Kingsnorth enjoys a farewell selfie with Gary Skentelbery
1 Comment
Steven has been a great friend since we first met at the filming of scenes for a series of adverts for Warrington Market. He was so jolly and cynical that I thought he was an actor playing a vicar. He wasn’t he was the real thing he was the Methodist Minister for the Town Centre. We were very disappointed to miss his last engagement – my mistake for which I got told off about and rightly so by the former Mayoress because Steve was such a great faith advisor to us both during our Mayoral Year. We had so many occasions when we were either laughing at his stories or being part of them sometimes along with his wife Denise. We will treasure those occasions and think back very fondly. Thanks you Rev Steven Kingsnorth.