New Vicar for All Saints Harrow Weald

Bishop Pete licences James watched by churchwardens Davilia Bleckly (left) and Linda Gathercole

26/09/07

The Revd James Mercer has returned to his London roots and has been licensed the Bishop of Willesden as Vicar of All Saints.

Speaking earlier this month, James said:

“No one could be more surprised than me to find myself Vicar of All Saints. After five years happy exile in Hereford my family and I are pleased to be back home in London and the South East. We are looking forward to finding out what it means what to be 'agents of the kingdom of God' together in this place and at this time”.

Bishop Pete said: "James has done some very innovative work in Hereford in sharing the good news of Christ and I look forward to working with him."
Describing the licensing as a lovely occasion, Churchwarden Linda Gathercole added:

“We are delighted to have James at All Saints'. The service was well supported by local clergy, visitors from James previous parish in Hereford, and members of our congregation.

“The Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Jean Lammiman, was present and offered words of welcome on behalf of the Borough of Harrow, as did the Revd Guy Hewlett, on behalf of Churches Together Wealdstone & Harrow Weald, and Mrs Susan Watts from Peterborough and St Margaret’s School.

“The music was wonderful and uplifting, provided by our in-house band and our choir supplemented by members from local churches. The organ was played by John Barnard. The reception afterwards in the Blackwell Hall was packed and the catering, as usual, was excellent!”