The Bishop of Plymouth, the Right Revd. Nick McKinnell installed Revd. Tom Brassil as the first minister for one of Devon’s newest towns in a service on Tuesday, February, 6.

Sherford is being built to the east of Plymouth and is expected to be a community of around 12,000 people once it is completed. The service at St Matthew’s Church, Elburton. welcomed Revd. Brassil as its new minister and recognised the new church community. Andrew Williams was licensed as Reader of Sherford Church of England Community Church and welcomed to the team by Lynne Bernades, one of the trustees.

Right Revd. McKinnell thanked everyone who was involved in “the adventure”, particularly the Right Revd. Rod Thomas, previous vicar at St Matthew’s, who was involved in planning the Sherford church from the start.

Several people also spoke to encourage the new team including Rev. James Croucher vicar of St Matthew’s Church, Rev. Jenny Appleby from St Mary’s and All Saints, Plymstock and Helen Tipping, the new head teacher at the Sherford Primary School who said that she was looking forward to Revd. Brassil’s contribution when the new school opens in September.

Revd. Brassil thanked all concerned and said, “It has been on my heart for almost four years to be part of starting a new church to serve the new community of Sherford.”

Afterwards everyone went into the church hall decorated in Sherford Community Church banners and balloons, co-incidentally the same green and white colours as Argyle. The Bishop of Maidstone, the Right Revd. Rod Thomas proposed a toast to celebrate the new ministry.

Revd. Brassil has exciting plans to serve the community of Sherford. For more information about Sherford Community Church and how to get involved contact [email protected] .