Welcome Service for New Chair of District

Revd Dr Dan Haylett

The Welcome Service for our new Chair of District, Rev. Dan Haylett, took place at St Thomas Methodist Church, in Exeter, on the afternoon of the 27th August. The Church was full, the atmosphere wonderful and it was enjoyed by all who attended. Those in attendance included people from Circuits where Dan had served.

The service was introduced by Rev. Kevin Hooke, one of our Deputy Chairs and presided over by Rev. Michaela Youngson, the Assistant Secretary of Conference. Revd Sonia Hicks, the Past President of Conference, preached and others took part, including Jane Bates, Circuit Steward in Enfield, Dan’s last Circuit. Special promises were made by Dan in response to questions asked of him by the Assistant Secretary and Dan was then welcomed into the life of the District.

Greetings from the Diocese of Exeter were brought by the Archdeacon of Barnstaple, the Venerable Verena Breed and the Bishop’s Chaplain, Rev Prebendary Nigel Mason. Rev. Paul Snell County Ecumenical Officer for Devon also brought greetings, as did Rev. Andrew de Ville Chair of the Southampton District on behalf of the Chairs’ Meeting. Rev. Loraine Mellor, the new Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly District was also in attendance. A letter of greeting from the Somerset Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, was also read. Dan then addressed the Congregation.

A lovely tea followed the presentations. Many thanks to all who helped make the service such a wonderful occasion, especially all those at the St. Thomas Church, who were fantastic hosts and Rev. Steve Santry, who facilitated the event.