To many members of the Haberdashers’ Company, it is a little-known fact that the Company is patron of eight Church of England churches, spread across England from Cheshire to Surrey.
These churches became associated with the Company through various means, including the bequests of past Haberdashers.
St Peter’s, Chertsey, was one of three church patronages purchased in the 1600s following a bequest made by Dame Mary Weld (whose husband was the President of Christ’s Hospital in the early 1600s).
For four hundred years, the Company has supported this church, taking an active role in the recruitment process for ministers and providing a modest annual grant.
It is therefore very exciting for both St Peter’s and the Company that not one but two ministers will become the incumbents at the church from September.
Husband and wife duo Anne and Phil Richardson will take on the role as a job share, bringing their different gifts to their ministry.
They join a church that is at the heart of the town, central to the life and fabric of Chertsey. The doors of the church are open daily to welcome people in to pray or to find a haven from the busyness of their day.
Numerous activities – from parent and toddler groups to seniors’ get-togethers – are held in the recently reordered church, where the flexible interior accommodates a variety of events.
Both Anne and Phil are excited about the road ahead and the opportunities for growth that exist at St Peter’s. They will build on the faithful ministry of the Revd Tim Hiller (a member of the Freedom), who was vicar there for over twenty years.
They said:
“We are delighted to be the new joint vicars of St Peter’s, Chertsey, and we are looking forward to getting to know the friendly and faithful congregation, as well as helping the church to continue reaching out to the community of Chertsey with God’s love.
St Peter’s has an incredible history, and it is a real blessing to be part of this. Another great blessing is to be joining a Habs church, and we are excited to be playing our part in the Habs vision of empowering young people from every background to fulfil their potential.”
The Company thanks Tim for his exceptional work as vicar at St Peter’s and looks forward to all that Anne and Phil will bring to the church and the wider community.
